Romantic Gift For Romantic Moments

Asian Matchmaking moves to the Digital Age

2012-02-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

Asian Matchmaking

It is clear there has been a shift away from the traditional form of arranged marriage, involving a matchmaker and formal introductions where the couple meet only after they have been chosen for each other. But there is still a particular approach to marriage in Asian culture worldwide. Marriage is important to young Asians: even in the UK they and their family usually hope they will be married or at least engaged by the age of 30, even though the rest of the population is marrying later and later – or not at all.

While the new generation of Asians has adapted to the lifestyle of their country, they also maintain Asian cultures and traditions, as shown by the approach to their search for a life partner. The majority will still want to settle with an Asian Marriage Partner if possible.

Although few marriages in the Asian community are arranged in the traditional meaning of the word, the extended family remains involved in the search for a life partner – even if they have to resist the urge to take over as matchmaker! The difference now is that young people are given the choice to find love, and meet and get to know each other before making formal family introductions. At this stage the family will consider the suitability of the match before any engagement or wedding is announced.

We now have a second and third generation of Asians who have a balance of cultural understanding that covers both East and West with equal ease. Many communities, for example Telugu and Kerala, have migrated widely but would still prefer a spouse from a similar background. They expect more freedom in their marriage choice, while still respecting the wishes of their elders and family traditions.

However, there is a growing contradiction to this tradition. There are a growing number unmarried after the age of 30, showing how the change in marriage trends has affected Asians. Most of these people are now in good positions and stable employment looking for partners, yet often it is difficult to meet a suitable partner.

There a clear reasons for this: young Asians are more likely to go to university, graduate at 22, find a job and enjoy it. Time passes quickly after the first few years of establishing a career and suddenly you are 30 and still single. Clearly someone who is used to this independence is not about to ask the local Matchmaker to take over the search. Instead they are taking the initiative to find a suitable match themselves, often using the power of the Internet.

Through responsible online matrimonial agencies they find confidential and respectable introductions to like-minded prospective partners of an appropriate religious and ethnic background. Online dating and marriage agencies are no longer the last resort – many attractive and articulate couples meet this way, knowing that the fragmented offline social scene would not otherwise bring them together.

The reputable online marriage and dating agencies offer full confidentiality with the opportunity to select or reject potential partners’ profiles and correspond by email to find out more about each other. They can then choose whether to meet, and what form that meeting should take.

An established agency (usually with a paid subscription) will normally ask clients to state their intentions - marriage or dating – so the young person can meet someone who is serious. This online matchmaker trend is fuelling a fundamental change in Asian marriage traditions.

Are You a Jealous Lover?

2012-02-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Jealous Lover

What do you do when that little, green eyed monster, as it's so often called, jealousy bites you? It can happen to the best of couples, no matter what stage your relationship is in. Sometimes, it feels like there is no defense against this ridge building phenomenon. Most people are not jealous by nature but jealousy is usually put into action by some event, situation or another person.

If you are insecure about your relationship and very dependent on your lover you are likely to be jealous. After jealousy creeps in we begin to spy on our lover, worrying about the situation and reviewing the evidence. Suspicion is a strong emotion here.

If we decide there is a threat to our love, we can have a very wide range of responses like clinging dependency, violent rage at the competitor or the partner, self-criticism, and depression with suicidal thoughts. But is there any way to conquer this feeling and overcome jealousy?

Here are some ways you can handle jealousy

1. Isolate the cause of jealousy. You may think that jealousy is caused by your partner looking sexy or by a certain person at work. But that isn't the real cause. That is just a symptom. Try to understand what the real cause is, so that you can then work on finding a solution.

2. Focus on eliminating one jealousy trigger. You also need to realise that jealousy can be overcome easily. So start out by focusing on an activity where you work through one of the main triggers for your jealousy and try to find the cause.

3. Build up your self-esteem. Most of the jealousy situations are caused by the jealous lovers feeling that they are not good enough for their partners. They feel inadequate and they feel that their partner would leave them for someone else, if given half a chance. So one key thing to work on is to build up your self-esteem.

Collecting Vintage Jewelry

2012-02-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

If you want to buy or collect vintage costume jewelry, learn what to look for and where to look. There is something for everyone who is interested in collecting vintage jewelry. Great places to find vintage costume jewelry locally are estate sales, auctions and flea markets. Vintage costume jewelry reflects the trends of the old days, and the designs are more influenced by the type of clothing worn and the material used at the time.

Behind every piece of vintage jewelry, there is a story. While antique costume jewelry dates as far back as the Victorian era (1832-1901), the literature claims that “antique” vintage costume jewelry can be considered any costume jewelry that was made around 1910. Most literature we read tells us costume jewelry made around 1910 and the 1960s is now considered “vintage. Each piece of vintage costume jewelry is an investment in its own right.

Costume jewelry collecting is a hobby. Some women like to wear it and/or display it. I'm fascinated with the beauty, quality and inexpensiveness vintage costume jewelry can offer. As my own collecting tastes continue to change, my knowledge of the history of vintage costume jewelry continues to increase. I hope to add many new pieces to my own collection. We buy vintage costume jewelry for the same reasons now as when it was first made, it’s inexpensive and gorgeous. Many collectors today consider their vintage and antique costume jewelry an investment, and statistics show that it is.

If you have a collection of vintage costume jewelry, know where your interest lies. You may only want to put it on display or your pleasure is to wear the piece, the choice is yours. However, if you are only interested in collecting vintage costume jewelry for re-sale or as an investment, you’ll want to dig much deeper and do your homework before you start buying. Whether you want to wear it, collect it, display it, re-sell it, an enormous vintage costume jewelry smorgasbord awaits you.

How to Pick Out a Great Asscher Cut Engagement Ring ?

2012-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Asscher Cut Engagement Ring

The word Diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas, which means indestructible. A pure diamond can be judged from its shape, color, clarity, cut, carat weight and certification. Types of engagement rings varies, but for unique shapes and cushion cuts..

Here we present you, "Asscher Cut Engagement Rings ". It was first developed by the Asscher Brothers in 1902. The Asscher Brothers had already created a name for themselves as fine diamond cutters, they were jewelers in Amsterdam. It was the Asscher Brothers who cut the famous Star of Africa, the one known found in the royal scepter, for the British Royal Family and developed a diamond with 72 facets cut into a square shape. Asscher Cut Engagement Rings fell from favor with the development of diamond cutting techniques and it was the first signature diamond cut patented in the world.

Since the Asscher Cut Engagement Rings were highlighted on Sex & the City other celebrities such as Vanessa Minnillo, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon, and Kate Beckinsale wearing these rings, however, they are growing in popularity and gradually becoming easier to locate.

Here's how to pick out a great asscher cut engagement ring:

Step 1. Buy from a reputable jeweler! I recommend buying online since prices are so much better on internet retailers. The best online jewelers to get engagement rings from are emmaparkerdiamonds.

Step 2. Cut: Go for the best cut grade you can. "Ideal" and "Signature Ideal" (on emmaparkerdiamonds) are definitely good, "Premium" and "Very Good" are also good cut grades to choose.

Step 3. Clarity: Clarity is a little more important with asscher cut diamonds than other fancy cuts, since inclusions are more visible in this cut. Try to stick with a clarity grade of at least VS1.

Step 4. Color: Color is also a little more important with the asscher cut, because you can see color more easily in this cut. Try to get at least a G or H color diamond.

Step 5. Carat: This one's totally up to you! Get the highest carat weight diamond you can find that falls within your budget and fits the other recommendations above.

Step 6. Stick to a length to width ratio close to 1(0.74 to 1.05 is a good range to stay in).

Step 7. Table %: Try to stay in the 60%-65% range.

Step 8. Depth %: Try to stay in the 60%-70% range.

With deeply angled corners and remarkable depth, Asscher cut rings make stunningly beautiful engagement ring alternatives to more traditional emerald or princess cut rings. From vintage rings to modern stones, an Asscher diamond makes a sophisticated statement about the bride's individuality and personality, and the timeless cut is sure to remain an elegant gem for many years.

Ready to start putting your asscher cut engagement ring together?

Looking For Unique Engagement Rings?

2012-01-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

Unique Engagement Rings

Women, as we know that have great love for jewelry, therefore they like to put on everything that lies in the category of jewelry whether it is a ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings, or chains. Since jewelry pieces are meant to enhance the beauty, elegance and grace of the girls that is why these items are undoubtedly women's favorites. Ring is one of the most commonly used thing among different jewelry articles. Woman around the world use lots of rings in their life. But there is a ring that is totally unique, distinctive and of high importance in the life of a girl and that is the engagement ring of her.

The engagement ring has special meaning for her. It symbolizes the love, warmth and sincerity of her beloved life partner. This is the reason why every boy is looking to find a unique engagement ring for his dear one. You would also be willing to get such a unique engagement ring that may describe your feelings in a very special and mesmerizing way and you don't feel the need to take help of the poetic words and lovely phrases to express your true intimate feelings that you have for your sweetheart. So if you are really curious to find a unique engagement ring for her then you can go for the Antique engagement rings. The classy and sophisticated designs of these engagement rings really make them unique and distinctive and when you present a fantastic and astonishing design of an antique engagement ring to your life partner on the occasion of your engagement then she would surely remember this day throughout her life and will definitely value your beautiful gift.

Asian Wedding Traditions

2011-10-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Asian Wedding Traditions

Incorporating ethnic traditions into your wedding can create a more intimate environment for you and your family.

While we most associate the color white with wedding in this country, the color red is the color of weddings in China. Red is the color of luck and joy, and it makes perfect sense that it is such an important color for weddings. You can incorporate the red color in a variety of ways such as the tablecloth, candles, napkins, and other decorations. You may change into a red dress during the wedding reception. You may choose red wedding flowers, or your bridesmaids may wear a red dress. You can create a Chinese feel without red by dressing in a tradition Chinese dress. White is not a color used in Chinese traditional weddings. White is used at funerals, so avoid white on your invitations, decorations or bridal clothing. Do not use red ink on white paper, because white implies death and is used at funerals. Gold on reddish paper or cream color paper works well.

Chinese couples honor their ancestors with a tea ceremony. It is not only a beautiful ceremony, but it could be very educational and entertaining for your guests.

Another Asian tradition, from India, is having the brides and groom’s hands and feet painted with henna. The tradition is normally performed by a henna professional. The hand and foot henna stains the skin for up to a few weeks.

Japanese weddings include a sake ritual. It is also know as the sake sharing tradition. This ritual represents building a strong bond between the families. The sake ritual can be part of the wedding ceremony or the wedding reception. Sake cups can make great wedding favors for a Japanese wedding ceremony.

There is no law that you have to have an ethnic wedding, but it may add sentiment to your big day.

At-A-Glance Wedding Planner Checklist

2011-10-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Wedding Planner

So you two are getting married? Why not do everything you can to make it a wedding to remember? Here are the items you will want to consider carefully while formulating your wedding plans:

Secular or Non-secular?

Decide whether you want a simple civil ceremony or a church-affiliated wedding.

This should be a straightforward decision, but if you run into a snag on this point, don't worry; you can work it out. It'll just be the first of many compromises!

If you want a church wedding, make an appointment to talk to the church representative that handles such things and go from there.

Money

Weddings cost money. It's one of a handful of life-changing events, and an investment to make it everything you ever wanted it to be is appropriate.

Talk it over. Come up with a dollar figure and start gathering estimates. Once you two have decided how much you want to spend, however, don't go over that amount. This is the first big investment you'll make, and you want it to be a pleasant one.

Get Informed

Make your list of "must-haves," such as wedding gown, invitations, flowers, rings and reception. Then call for estimates on each of those items.

If your estimates total less than your wedding budget, you can go on to items on your second-tier list, your "wanna-haves." This list would include such items as a hairdresser, a photographer, a stag night, a hen party and professional music, both for the wedding ceremony and the reception.

The Moment You've Waited For

Did you forget the honeymoon? Not likely!

You may look at the costs you've racked up on paper so far and despair, thinking you'll only have money left over for a night at the bowling alley! If that's the case, go back over all your lists and prune. Or give yourselves more time to save the money you'll need to create your perfect experience. The honeymoon, after all, is the consummation of the marriage. Make it a time to remember forever.

Bon voyage!

Ask The Right Questions Before You Book Your Wedding Reception

2011-10-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Wedding Reception

Think saying "I do" is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.

Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it's sure to affect how much you spend to
"cover up" its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.

For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:

Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?

Some venues -- high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition -- require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of "approved" vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you're stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides who have "been there, done that" and can give you their honest opinions.

Any restrictions on decorations?

Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.

Can we bring our own liquor, is there a "corkage" fee, and do we need a license?

If the liquor's to flow freely at your wedding, you'll save an immense amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says "yes" to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory "corkage fee" to serve it -- which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You'll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.

As for licensing, many states consider wedding receptions to be an "unlicensed social function," meaning you don't need one as long as you're not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your local regulations before moving ahead -- and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements.

Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don't. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up -- often at $1 per slice!

DIY Detective Work

These, of course, are only a few of the questions you'll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you're checking out the place:

- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?

- Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?

- Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available?

- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?

One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue's cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you'll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you've signed, take some time to sit back and relax ... before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!

Are Titanium and Tungsten wedding rings for life?

2011-10-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tungsten Wedding Rings

When faced with the once-a-life-time decision of choosing a wedding band ring, everyone should do their own research in order to make sure they get the piece that can symbolize the eternality of marriage. For those who are seriously considering of buying the modern metals (titanium or tungsten) as wedding rings, here are some thoughts that are worth considering.

Will they be scratched?

Although titanium wedding bands are very strong and durable, the surface of the rings can actually be scratched. It takes another extremely hard object such as diamond to

cut into the metal; however, it does not get damaged during normal daily use. For titanium rings with gold, silver or platinum inlay, the inlay part of the ring is as vulnerable as a ring that is made of the precious metal itself. In the case of minor a blemish, a titanium ring can be re-polished or refinished to restore the original appearance. On the other hand, tungsten rings are totally resistant to abrasions. Since tungsten carbide, the most common grade of tungsten alloy offered in the market, is extremely hard, it will NEVER get scratched.

Will they be bent out of shape?

Both titanium and tungsten have extremely high ductile strength. However, under extremely circumstances, titanium rings could bend out of round but a tungsten ring could not. If a high pressure is applied on a titanium ring, which could happen when being hit by a car door, the ring would bend when the force is strong enough. On the other hand, a tungsten ring stands a better chance of remaining intact, because tungsten in general is harder than titanium. However, once the force goes beyond the threshold, the tungsten ring will be fractured into several pieces instead of bend out of round. This characteristic, which we refer to as being brittle, is similar to that of diamonds whereas it is extremely hard but not ductile at all.

Will the color turn?

Neither of the metals will turn color. Titanium and tungsten alloy are biological inert and do not turn color with normal usage such as being exposed to the sun, in contact with sea water or cosmetic products.

Can they be resized?

The possibility of getting resized might be important since we gain or lose weight in the future. Due to the extraordinary high melting points of titanium and tungsten alloys, they cannot be cut and welded like traditional precious metals. Hence, resizing is more difficult, if not possible. Titanium wedding rings can be compressed or stretched up to one size, if there are no stones or inlay on the rings, with the help of special equipment. However, tungsten carbide wedding rings can not be resized at all. Therefore, one must measure the ring size carefully, possibility averaging the finger sizes at different times of the day, in order to avoid any sizing problem after the titanium or tungsten wedding band rings

You Can more info About Wedding Rings Here...!

Buying Wholesale Jewelry

2011-09-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to today's technology, youcan easily buy diamond bracelets and wristwatches online. Even those that arepriced $50,000 to $200,000. Because of online jewelry auction sites such aseBay, this is possible.

Pros and Cons of Online WholesaleJewelry Purchasing

If you think about it, this wayof purchasing jewelry is actually a good bargain. You will get a nice deal onthat opal ring or the pearl necklace you have been eyeing. There are tons ofWeb sites out there that specialize in jewelry, which make shopping very fastand easy for you. You don't have to worry about those pushy and rudesalespeople. To add icing on the cake, you can buy wholesale through onlineshopping. The price is so affordable and you can have that jewelry in yourfingertips.

But there's a catch. When you'rebuying your jewelry over the web, you can't touch nor see first-hand what youare purchasing. This is very important because a picture you see on the siteisn't enough to determine the value of the jewelry. You have to see it right infront of you in order to see if there are cracks, chips or scratches.

When buying jewelry in person,you can do the checking by using loupes or a magnifying glass. Online shoppingfor jewelry may be easy and you can do it wholesale but the disadvantage isthat you aren't really sure whether the item you're buying is scratch, crackand chip free.

That's just not the problem

Jewelry experts also claim thatother problems include misrepresentation of quality. Some unethical jewelerssay that the item is of better quality than they really are. The buyer mustalso concern themselves with slightly inflated weights (those small differencesin weight that can slightly change the stones value) and fraudulent repairs andappraisals. The buyer must also check the documentation from the GemologicalInstitute of America or GIA reports before actually buying the jewelry.

To respond to this problem, eBayhas come up with guidelines when it comes to selling jewelry online. However,consumers should still have common sense on how they can protect themselvesfrom these fraudulent practices.

How do you buy jewelry online andat wholesale prices safely?

1. Customers must be informed ofwhat exactly they are buying? There are various sites that don't provide thebuyers the complete and accurate information they need when buying jewelrywholesale. Also, most jewelers aren't experts or gemologists (those whospecialize or have been trained in identifying and rating the condition and qualityof gemstones) so they may not be able to properly describe the stones.

2. The customer must try shoppingat retail jewelers and visit gemologist organization sites in order to bewell-informed about jewelry, stones and how to know the authentic from the fakepurchases. It also helps to check out the FTC guidelines which can be found onthis site: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.pdf.

3. When shopping on eBay, thecustomer must read the terms and conditions. He should also check the fineprint. The sellers that are of power Seller status should still be criticizedlike the rest of the sellers.

4. Before bidding on an onlineitem, the customer must find out as much as he or she can about the item thatthey are bidding for. Also, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that theprocedures regarding complaints should be practiced; even when the transactionis done online.

Sure-fire way for the customer toavoid fraud

In order to avoid online fraud,the customer must see whether the seller is willing to take the necessary stepsof appraisal before actually receiving the money as payment for the purchasedjewelry. Therefore, the payment can be held in tow through a third party for aminimal fee which the jeweler is paid as long as these conditions are met.

It also helps to have agemologist around, better yet a gemologist who is also an appraiser becausethey will be able to confirm the quality, condition and identity of the stonesthat are being bought, plus the true value.

Buying jewelry as a wholesale andonline may sound pleasing but it takes as much work as buying it first-handfrom a store.

Tips for Buying Artisan Jewelry

2011-09-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

Artisan Jewelry

The value of jewelry is so muchmore than just the value of the gemstones and the gold, platinum or silver thatmake up the setting. Often, it is thecraftsmanship that makes the jewelry so much more than just a combination ofstone and metal. This is why artisanjewelry is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry around. If you're buying, here are some tips you canuse:

Artisan jewelry is not alwaysone-of-a-kind.

The best type of artisan jewelryis the handcrafted kind. Although someof these may be produced using a single design, it is unlikely that they willbe exactly the same. In fact, artisanjewelry can be custom-made to fit a person's preferred design.

However, some companies prefer tomass produce their artisan jewelry, with some pieces becoming part of a limitededition. This helps ensure that theirquality is superior. Limited editionjewelry is easier to inspect for defects.

Check artisan jewelry for qualityand craftsmanship.

Every piece of jewelry is made upof several components. The value andquality of any artisan jewelry is determined by how good these pieces are ontheir own and how well they are put together. No material is truly perfect but you should go for artisan jewelry thathas high quality materials.

Check the stones or beads used,along with the design and how good and stable the setting is. Remember that the more flaws you find, thelower the quality of the jewelry.

Buy it in person.

When buying artisan jewelry, it'salways a good idea to see the pieces for yourself. Magazines and computer monitors don't alwaysbring out the true colors of the gems and metals. Plus, you can also inspect the jewelry upclose.

If you're buying online, makesure you check out the retailer's background first. You should also confirm their return policyin case you're unsatisfied.

Check the designer or source ofthe artisan jewelry.

Artisan jewelry can be quiteexpensive, particularly if it is created by a known artist. You might also want to watch out for artisanjewelry created by budding talents.

Some areas and groups of peoplemay also produce their own artisan jewelry. Certain groups of American Indians create unique and stunninglybeautiful artisan jewelry. The Navajos,for example, are known artisans of jewelry made with turquoise. The Saraguros of Ecuador also make intricatebeaded jewelry, with designs that are characteristic to the region.

Don't limit your choices to whatis currently available. Keep youroptions open for other pieces. If you'rebuying artisan jewelry, it should be the kind that will reflect yourpersonality and taste.

Especially for Men - Titanium and Tungsten Jewelry

2011-09-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

Titanium and Tungsten Jewelry

Jewelry has always been associated with beauty, making women the natural focal point for designs. However, jewelers have discovered that titanium and tungsten metals are especially suited for creating jewelry for men, it exemplifies their essence of strength and power. This quality is underscored by their use in industrial, military equipment and aerospace applications. The metals strength is accented by its ability to be polished to a high luster that never fades or scratches, a quality that platinum cannot match.

Perhaps it is the fact that titanium and tungsten metals has been used to reach the stars that lends itself to the sense of adventure which underlies the designs in the mens' jewelry. Both titanium and tungsten speak to the future, titanium is the metal of choice in so many of the products that we use today, that its use in mens' jewelry was eagerly anticipated and its arrival warmly welcomed in the marketplace.

One feature that make titanium and tungsten jewelry such a popular choice for men is the freedom it allows them to express their personality. Because of its incredible durability and light weight, men do not have to be concerned about damage that accompanies jewelry made from other metals. And men do not have to sacrifice their sense of fashion style - titanium and tungsten jewelry are crafted into a wide range of designs; from lean classic metal bands to settings with diamonds, sapphires or other gemstones.

Jewelers turned their attention to the mens' market as they began to demand equal time. Now the mens' titanium and tungsten jewelry market is exploding, supported by celebrity exposure and fashion trends that accentuate jewelry as a prominent way to express their individual style and prowess. Add to these facts the increasing demand for diamonds and the affordability of titanium of tungsten make an unbeatable combination. In the past year, sales to men accounted for a 20 percent increase in jewelry profits, prompting an increasing number of fine jewelry manufacturers to introduce or expand their mens' lines to include titanium and tungsten jewelry.

Titanium and tungsten jewelry has also made its presence known in styles that include a mans significant other. There are incredibly beautiful designs for engagement and wedding rings tailored to enhance the beauty of the love that it represents. Men who choose a titanium diamond engagement ring for their bride, can take pride in their decision - it demonstrates their fashion sense and their financial savvy.

Men who prefer body jewelry will find that titanium is an excellent choice for several reasons. Titanium is an elemental, the most bio-compatible of all metals, and has a total resistance to attack by body fluids. Titanium is also corrosion-resistant and the alloy of titanium that is used for body jewelry is usually the 136 grade, which is titanium combined with 60 parts of aluminum and 40 parts of vanadium. Whatever your style, titanium and tungsten is a great choice for your jewelry.

Essential Watches – A Guide To Buying Fine Timepieces

2011-09-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Essentisial Watches

Sure, a watch tells the time but it also speaks volumes about your personality. Show up for a job interview wearing a stainless steel Rolex Datejust - and you’ll see some raised eyebrows. While just having a watch in the first place is a feat for some, for watch aficionados, a good timepiece is a work of art, an heirloom piece. For guys with an eye for quality metal, their collection is second only to what’s stored in their garage. The ladies? An elegant watch is part of her jewelry collection.

Sound too extravagant for your budget? Essential Watches dosen’t think cost should keep you from owning at least one high-end timepiece. Specializing in discounting only the top Swiss and German fine watches from world-class manufacturers like Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Lange and Sohne, Panerai, Chopard, Frank Muller and Audemars Piguet. Even if you can’t find the exact watch you want on their website (although highly unlikely), just let them know what you are looking for and they’ll get if for you.

Granted, there are a lot of watch peddlers out there but how many of them can you trust? Look for a solid reputation – just check their positive transactions posted on eBay (yes, you really can get everything on eBay). Buying a watch is an investment, so you don’t want to rely on a grainy stock photo. Instead, look for detailed photographs of every watch line so that you know exactly what you’re getting when that little box arrives in the mail.

So how does a watch dealer get their authentic top-of-the-line watches at below market prices? According to Essential Watches, it’s all about their relationships with the “major” players and whom they know. This is the stuff that allows a simple eBay store to grow into one of the leading watch sellers on the Internet.

Enhance your Fashion with Estate Jewelry

2011-09-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Estate Jewelry

When it comes to fashion don’t play safe, have some fun with your style and enjoy your look. Make your fashion statement! And the world will notice! Estate jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to your wardrobe so don’t forget to compliment your look with jewelry!

Even the most conservative dresser can find a beautiful piece of estate jewelry that says loads about them. Show your personality with your jewelry. From the serious corporate executive to the sexy flirt there is an estate jewelry necklace or earrings for you!

Estate jewelry stays in style year after year. It stands you out from the rest of the crowd. While others are busy buying the same modern necklace, earrings, or brooch, you’ll be showing off your unique style and tastes. You’re not likely to find someone wearing exactly the same piece as you.

You can turn estate jewelry from sophisticated, to fun, to trendy. Dress it up or down. Mix and match color, style, shape, and size. And you simply cannot beat the quality of estate costume jewelry from the past.

Estate jewelry can be used to show your individual personality. Think of it as fashion art and personal expression. We tend to think of our fashion statement as our hair style, the clothes we wear, the shoes and hand bag we carry. But your jewelry is an important part of that fashion statement.

Every now and then you change the style or the color of your hair. Each season you add and remove pieces from your wardrobe. But your estate jewelry will take you from season to season, year after year. All you need to do is mix and match it to give it a whole new look.

All types of estate jewelry are very flexible. They can be worn to the office, to that important executive meeting, for a night on the town, to the beach, or for that intimate evening. Bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance. Wear it with your most formal evening gown, your casual sportswear, your office wardrobe, or your favorite pair of jeans. Wear it in the summer, winter, fall, and spring.

Estate jewelry is available with a variety of base metals. Silver, gold, copper, and brass are all popular. There are shiny pieces, matte piece, there are glittering rhinestones, subtle gemstones. Large pieces, dainty pieces. There costume jewelry of the earlier eras was often based on design ideas of fine jewelry and it had an artistic flare that has never been surpassed in the jewelry industry. Truly a time period where jewelry stood out above the rest. And it still does!

Estate jewelry has been popular for many years but just recently it has seen an incredible surge in popularity. Women are tired of looking like everyone else. They want to show off their unique personality and their very own fashion statement. Since this can be difficult to do with clothing that is mass produced and jewelry that is mass produced they have turned to estate jewelry for that gorgeous unique finished touch. They know that they will have the finishing touches that no other woman has. When they walk into the room they know that they will be unique and beautiful and make their fashion statement! No one will forget!

Engagement Rings Buying Guide

2011-09-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

Engagement Rings

When it is time to make that all-important step of proposing to that special woman in your life, you will need to invest in an engagement ring. Before you begin shopping for that perfect ring, you should know exactly what to expect, what to look for, and the various types of rings that are available. The first part of any engagement ring is the band; there are many different kinds of bands of different sizes, colors, and metals. The gems are just as ranged as the bands, they come in a variety of sizes, weights, cuts, and colors.

The first thought that comes to mind in an engagement ring, is a diamond. Of course, this is the traditional engagement ring; however, it could be any gem the couple chooses, it is all the matter of preference.

Selecting a Band

When selecting a band there are a few different types of metals you have to choose from, these include:

• Gold

• Silver

• Platinum

Each person has their own preference, some people prefer the traditional gold ring, others prefer the shine that silver or platinum can provide. Gold is perhaps the most popular of all metals when it comes to engagement rings. The gold within a ring is measured in karats. The most popular karat weight of gold is 14 Karats, though you can find gold rings that are 18 Karats and 24 Karats as well. Gold also comes in two colors, yellow or white gold. The drawbacks of gold are that it can bend very easily when worn and tends to lose its shine after a period of time.

Silver or platinum are extremely hard and does not bend as easily. Neither of these are as popular as gold is and typically costs more than gold as well. Platinum is popular because it generally never loses any of its shine nor does it tarnish in any way and is perfect for those that are allergic or sensitive to other metals.

Selecting the Perfect Ring

Here are a few tips you should consider when you are ready to purchase a ring for that special loved one.

1. If you have already proposed and are ready to purchase the ring, take your loved one with you when selecting a ring. This will allow her to have a choice in the matter and this way you will always have the perfect size and fit.

2. If you are purchasing a ring prior to the proposal, consider retrieving (also known as sneaking) one of the rings she already owns and taking it with you. This will help in making sure the ring will fit on that big day.

3. Furthermore, for surprise rings make sure that you take notice of everything about the love of your life. Take note of the type of rings she wears, small stones, large stones, or none at all. This will help your jeweler make suggestions on the ring you should consider.

Overall, it can seem like a daunting task in picking out that perfect engagement ring. Have fun with it and know that the end results could very well be spending the rest of your life with the one you love.

Finding Antique Engagement Rings

2011-09-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Antique Engagement Rings

Old antique engagement rings are those classic style rings that bring back the charm and history of an era gone by. Many couples enjoy the nostalgic feel of something their grandparents may have worn. Others simply like the idea of old-fashioned quality workmanship and styling. Whatever your reason for choosing vintage diamond engagement rings, finding the best rings at the best price is a concern.

Finding Antique Style Engagement Rings

Online auctions and the Internet in general have brought the world home. You can shop the tiniest Italian countryside village or Antwerp’s mega diamond dealers – all from your home computer.

If you like to shop closer to home where you can touch and feel the rings and try them on for size and style, then there are other great sources for vintage engagement rings. Flea markets or estate sales are two of the top sources for authentic vintage jewellery including diamond or sapphire jewelry in gold or silver.

Authenticating a Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring

Finding a vintage engagement ring is one thing, but making sure it is truly and antique is another. A reputable jewellery appraiser can help. There are telltale signs and markings on jewellery that will tell the trained appraiser when and where and by whom a specific piece of old jewellery was made. Each silversmith or artisan has a symbol that they will engrave in their work to mark it as one of their own. Counterfeiters will try to replicate the marks, but other design features will let the appraiser know if this is the case in a particular antique. The appraiser can then give you a guarantee or certificate of authenticity to go with your vintage diamond engagement ring.

The setting and the diamonds will need to be examined separately. You may find a vintage setting with newer diamonds. This won’t necessarily impact the value to you, but it would perhaps indicate that there were either several owners or that the person selling the rings as an antique may have changed stones. The number one consideration in choosing antique jewellery is to make sure you really love it. There are usually no exchanges for vintage diamond engagement rings.

Estate Jewelry is Ready For Teen Fashions

2011-09-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

Estate Jewelry

If you’ve ever gone shopping with a teenage girl you know that teenagers can be a very picky bunch! Their physical and mental growth has them experimenting with all kinds of fashion items to improve their image and their look. Teenage girls have a fashion statement to make too! And estate jewelry is ready for teen fashions!

A teen’s fashion statement which includes both clothing and jewelry plays a role in their identity, how they fit, how they feel, how they blend. It has a big role on their self esteem during those developmental years. And moms and dads they don’t want your input! This is a time of discovery and you can be guaranteed if you like it they’ll toss the idea out the door in ten seconds or less. But that doesn’t mean you can’t subtly steer them. Estate jewelry and fashion jewelry are affordable choices that can work well for teens. So just gently lead them in the right direction and let them make their own discoveries.

Teen girls are busy picking up clues and tips from their favorite celebrities. The celebrities that teenagers watch in their favorite music videos, movies or television show greatly influence what a teen girl will see as fashion and trendy jewelry. And these days more and more of the celebrities are choosing estate jewelry because it is unique and does make a statement of individuality. So don’t be surprised if you teen finds estate jewelry attractive.

These days we hear allot about hip hop jewelry trends and we see plenty of bling bling replicas on the market. Manufacturers have replaced the real diamonds and gems worn by the celebrities with cheaper stones and metals so that teen girls can have jewelry that looks much like their favorite stars but at a much more affordable price.

Pierced and non pierced body jewelry has also grown in popularity. Teen girls are using it to make their fashion statement. The good news is that there’s a great selection available at an affordable price so mom and dad won’t go broke.

Friendship bracelets hit the streets about 10 years ago and they continue to grow in popularity being one of the hottest jewelry fads for teens. Friends exchange these friendship bracelets and wear them all the time. There style can be of the most basic twist or more elaborate with beads and sparkling faux gems.
Beaded jewelry is also very popular. Teens love the big and bold look of large beads and love to mix them up adding color and flare to their wardrobe. Estate jewelry is perfect for picking up a terrific mix of beaded jewelry for a very low price. And the girls love it because it is different and unique unlike the modern stuff found on the shelves. And because their favorite Celebs are choosing it, it becomes an option for them as well.

Another teen fad between friends is a necklace that’s similar worn by all members of the group. This identifies them as their own little clique. Their necklaces may have pendants or rings attached or just be plain.

Fashion rings are also very big with teens. Good news is you can buy estate jewelry rings and fashion rings for as little as $5.00. Your teenager will love them, wear them, break them, and forget about them and you’ll know they got their moneys worth.

The teen years are a time of growth and becoming independent so let your teen girls wings open and let her experiment with her fashion style. Remember you did it too many years ago. And remember to let your teenager know there are many options when it comes to jewelry. Estate jewelry is one of the most sought after jewelry by celebrities and if your teen is like most teens what the stars wear they want to wear.

Florenza - Vintage Jewelry Designer

2011-09-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

Vintage Jewelry

The Dan Kasoff Company first began to produce jewelry in the 1930's; however, the name Florenza was first used in 1948. The company ceased operation in 1981.

Florenza jewelry has a style and design all his own, easily identifiable. Antique looking settings give the jewelry a Victorian look. Florenza always used the highest quality materials and rhinestones.

He also used the large beautiful stones as the center piece in his designs and rhinestones an inch or larger were also common. More so than just a designer of vintage jewelry, Florenza made picture frames and trinket boxes to jeweled pillboxes and pincushions.

The Florenza mark on back of his jewelry pieces is in script with the copyright symbol or it can be found in print style, with the copyright symbol. His signature look has interesting stones and expert metal work. Antique-looking gold tone, silver tone, or metal. Most pieces are unusual, with creative use of color.

Florenza Made beautiful jeweled dresser accessories. These are also fun to find, and often re-sell well. The Florenza prices on the collectible market today is rising.

For a beginner collector of vintage jewelry, I feel that Florenza is a terrific designer to look for, at least one or two pieces. Prices are only going to climb higher and is a good investment. The best thing to do is buy sets, pieces that move or tremble, and interesting figural pieces. Look for the wide bracelets, these are sought out by many collectors.

The Dan Kasoff Company (Florenza) created a large variety of interesting, well-made pieces that have remained beautiful through the years. A beginning collector can easily find appealing Florenza designs that are also in excellent condition. Future collectors, find a piece or two that you like, that is important. You have to enjoy the piece that you purchase.

You Can See More Information About Makeityourring Diamond Engagement Rings

Engagement Watches: Unique or Common?

2011-09-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

Engagement Watches

June is considered as a perfect month to get married. When you say engagement, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind to give out your love one? Is it a ring, a necklace, bracelet, or an anklet? Have you thought of giving out a watch as your engagement gift? Does it sound weird?

This would probably be the most uncommon engagement gift in the whole world. People don’t give out a watch when they propose to their girlfriends or boyfriends. They give out the common jewelries. But what I encourage you to do is give something that will symbolize your love for each other and at the same time will be helpful for the both of you. Watches are really useful because it keeps you track of the time. But it can also be a symbol of your love. Don’t limit a watch as a necessity or jewelry. It can be both at the same time.

Engagement watches: is it considered unique? For a start, I haven’t encountered someone who gave a watch to his girlfriend as an engagement gift. But being unique is not bad! Sometimes, you will realize that being totally different from others is cool. Soon enough you realize that everyone imitates you.

You are different because you don’t think the same with other people with regards of giving out a watch as an engagement present. A watch is not an uncommon possession, and watches are very useful.

Some people might think that as long as they’re giving out a jewelry as an engagement gift, then that’s fine. But for some women, the type of jewelry you’ll give them still matters. Giving them out an engagement watch will not only be special but also useful. They will be wearing it for all times and they will be proud of it because you’re the one who gave that to her, not just a gift, but as an engagement gift. Isn’t that priceless?

If you’re worried about the cost of the watch, then let me tell you that watches are cheaper than the engagement rings you’re giving. You can also engrave your names on it or buy a custom made.

They say that June is the perfect time to get married. You get to have beautiful weather, nice places, and astonishing views. If you really want everything to be memorable, then start off with your engagement. Make it special and everything will be meaningful.

Finding Great Affordable Engagement Rings

2011-09-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Affordable Engagement Rings

If you want to find affordable engagement rings that don’t look like you compromised on quality they can be found in a variety of places. You just need to know where to look and what to look for. You can put together an engagement ring that will dazzle her and appraise for much more than you paid for it.

Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring

There are many ways to save money on an engagement ring and yet still have it be every bit as special – maybe even more so. One of the simplest and most affordable ways is to pass along a family heirloom.

An engagement ring that once belonged to your great grandmother for instance will help to carry on the tradition of long and happy marriages. If your great grandmother’s ring is too small, you can have it resized to fit the new bride.

Taking a family heirloom and making it your own is also a way to create affordable engagement rings with your own unique touches. The diamond may have been small if it was pre-war era, so you can replace it with a larger carat ring. Antique jewelry is often a custom in both Jewish and Christian traditions. To use a vintage style ring today is more than modern; it is a real trend setter.

Another way to save money on an engagement ring and still have the high quality ring is to choose silver over gold for the setting. Ounce for ounce, sterling silver is much less expensive than gold. Many women also prefer silver jewelry to gold, so choosing ring of silver will match her other jewelry.

One more thing you can do to save money on an engagement ring is to buy the gemstone and setting separately. Often in travelling people will find inexpensive gemstones, even diamonds that are very high quality. Buying the stone, even before you have met the person you intend to give it to is thinking ahead. Then, to make the ring truly intended for your intended, pick the setting out together or surprise her with something you know she will like.

Showing Off Your Affordable Engagement Ring

Who says an engagement ring has to have diamonds in it? There are many other beautiful precious gem stones that can represent your commitment. In fact many celebrity couples don’t choose a traditional white diamond. Think of Princess Diana with her sapphire and it will get you thinking out of the box.

Sometime a large single diamond is much more expensive than smaller ones. You can compromise on size to get higher quality for the same money and vice versa. Also, the three stone diamond engagement ring has become very popular and can be a much more affordable engagement ring. Even alternating diamonds with other stones can cut costs, but not beauty.

Having found the perfect ring, it is time for a celebration! You can have an engagement party for all of your friends to celebrate having given the ring and set the date for the wedding. Make it a night full of music and song and it will be a wedding party to remember.

Finding Antique Engagement Rings And Gifts

2011-09-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

Engagement presents are romantics gifts given to the couple at any time throughout their engagement. It celebrates the next significant and important step in their relationship. Antique engagement rings also help the couple out tremendously with useful items for their new shared home or to help them on their way to a fun and memorable honeymoon and life together.

Customized Engagement Rings

One sure way to make a lasting impression is to give a customized engagement present that is designed solely for the special couple. There are several creative ideas that will be cherished forever. For example, you can have a painting made of their engagement portrait. You can create a shadow box of the flowers from all the bouquets he has given her while they were dating. Jewelers can design a special piece of jewelry for the husband to be to give his fiancé to commemorate the official announcement to family and friends. She can then wear this on her wedding day.

Engagement Parties

Engagement parties are the perfect opportunity to give engagement gifts and let family and friends join in the celebration. Gifts given at engagement parties can include linens for their new home, useful small appliances, luggage or towels for a beach honeymoon destination.

Many couples will register at specific stores to make gift giving easier on friends and family and help them get the presents they really want and need. A gift registry will give a full list of everything the couple indicated they would like. There are presents in every price range, so the gift giver can select something appropriate within their budget.

Once someone has purchased an item from the gift registry, it is no longer on the list. This helps avoid duplicate gifts.

More and more couples are having longer engagements. Some are several years long, while others still prefer to tie the knot as soon as possible after getting engaged. It doesn’t matter how soon after the engagement the couple plans to marry, it is still appropriate to give both engagement and wedding presents. The longer the engagement however, the longer the time frame for giving engagement presents.

Engagement Rings from here to Eternity

2011-09-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Eternity Engagement Rings

The oldest recorded exchange of engagement rings dates back nearly 5000 years ago to ancient Egypt when a never ending band was linked with eternal love. Later for the Romans, a young ladies acceptance of a ring was a legal agreement and meant that the girl was no longer available. These ancient engagement and wedding rings were not gold engagement rings but were often made from simple and crude bands of iron.

Even in these modern times, the gold engagement ring is still regarded as a potent symbol of unity and marriage, which sends out a message about a persons marital status. Traditions have changed over the centuries and not only have the materials which the rings are made out of changed, but men too are now choosing to wear a ring as a symbol of lasting love, fidelity and commitment.

These early tokens which indicated the sealing of a marriage contract, were certainly very different from what we now accept today as an engagement ring and probably wouldn’t have turned too many heads or invoked the green eyed monster because of their beauty and brilliance. In early Roman times rings were simple hoops made out of iron and it wasn’t until much later times that this metal was replaced with precious metals such as gold and silver which do not rust and are more attractive.

Although diamonds were discovered in India at the beginning of the ninth century, it wasn’t until 1500 onwards that brides to be would be wearing something a little bit more special and even then, diamonds would be very much for the wealthy and for royalty.

Since their discovery, diamonds have always been prized for their beauty and brilliance as well as their extreme hardness and the word diamond originated from the Greek word adamas, which means unconquerable. Some even believed diamonds to possess magical powers and along with their other properties, this has made diamonds perfect as a representation of the marriage bond.

When further sources of diamonds were discovered in the nineteenth century, it increased the availability and they became more fashionable, particularly set in engagement rings.

Styles of engagement rings have varied greatly over the years but still some designs have remained popular throughout. The single diamond solitaire is a strong favourite and nobody can resist that big sparkler. The three stone styles have also remained popular and many still believe that this signifies ‘I Love You’.

Although some ladies have chosen other precious gemstones for their engagement rings such as rubies, emeralds, opals and many more, the diamond still is the favourite and as the song says ‘Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend’.

Platinum has also become a popular although a very expensive alternative to gold and silver. Recently there has been a surge in interest in engagement rings made from titanium and zirconium because not only are these metals attractive, lightweight and very hard wearing but they are also hypoallergenic. These metals lend themselves well to more modern styles and the metals can be heat treated to produce wonderful colour effects which make many rings totally unique pieces as no two will ever look the same.

Because of their hardness, Titanium and Zirconium are also used to produce stunning tension set diamond engagement rings, an effect which would be much more difficult to achieve with precious metals which are much softer and more prone to wear over the years increasing the likelihood of the precious stone working loose from the .

Most people wear their engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand although there are a few European countries where the engagement ring is worn on the right hand. The reason for wearing on the third finger of the left hand is thought to date back to ancient Rome and Egypt when it was believed that a vein that ran through that finger ran straight to the heart. Many women also wear their gold wedding ring with a diamond engagement ring and an eternity ring.

10 Golden Rules For Successful Online Dating

2011-09-02T03:32:00.000-07:00

Successful Online Dating

As everyone knows, the favourite method of mating and dating for singletons the world over is to join an online dating site. But what most people don't realise is that only around 10% of dating site members actually meet a long-term partner on their chosen site and a whopping 70% don't even receive one message from another member. If you follow the 10 simple steps outlined below, you too can join the 10% who find love and romance on line.

1. Choose the right site. The boom in online dating has provided a plethora of choice for consumers but you should take a few moments to decide on the type of partner you're looking for, not to mention the town or city where you would prefer him/her to be located. There are niche sites which cater to all sectors (single parents, bikers, gay people etc) and general sites which welcome all comers just as there are city or country specific sites and sites with a global perspective. Choosing the right site for you is probably the most important decision you'll make when looking for a partner on line.

2. Choose a great username. First impressions always last and the on line identity which you give yourself is the first thing that other members will see before they check-out your profile. 'Funny' works, 'cryptic' works and you wont go far wrong even if you decide to use your own christian name; but if you go down the smutty or sexually suggestive route (which a lot of guys seem to do), you'll find that other members will give you a wide berth.

3. Upload a photo. This is crucial as a significant percentage of people only search for members who have bothered to include a pic; you want to see what other members look like so it stands to reason that other people will feel the same way about you. If the only photo you have isn't particularly flattering, you can always mention that in your profile - it's still better than no photo at all.

4. Complete your profile. There's nothing more off-putting than a profile which screams "I can't be bothered to do this properly". If you don't have time to complete all the categories when you are signing-up, then make the time to do so at the earliest opportunity.

5. Be upbeat and positive. If you're feeling a little down or lacking in confidence, now isn't the time to say so when you're writing a description of yourself. If you come across as confident, happy and full of fun, you'll get much more attention than if you come across as mono-syllabic or down in the dumps. And remember, humour is a real ice-breaker and a great aphrodisiac.

6. Widen your search criteria. If you generally go for people who have blonde hair, blue eyes and are between 5'4" and 5'6" and you narrow your search down to just these specifics, then you may be missing out on a great many other members who you'll also find just as attractive. To start with, just search by gender, age and location and that way you'll be giving yourself the widest possible choice.

7. Don't automatically dismiss people. If you receive a message from someone who's profile you like but who hasn't bothered to include a photo, you should still write back and ask them to send a pic to your regular email address. You'll find that many people are more willing to do this than post a pic for all and sundry to look at.

8. Use all the features on offer. Many sites provide a great deal more than just an internal emailing system. Some sites might include voice messaging whilst others enable members to chat and flirt in 'real time' with other members and the more you take advantage of everything that's available to you, the more chance you have of making contact with someone special.

9. Be proactive. Once you've registered and completed your profile, don't wait for others to make contact with you. When you spot someone who you think might be a good fit with yourself, write to them and introduce yourself. And don't just say 'Hi, I like your profile', tell them why you've written to them and point out the things that you believe you have in common. A long opening message will create a much better impression than a short, perfunctory one.

10. Check back with the site. Most popular dating sites have new people joining all the time so remember to log-in at least once every day to view the most recent members and you can then contact anyone you like the look of before others get the chance to do so. Also, you should remember that on most sites, the members who log-in the most appear higher up the search listings than those who don't so your profile will be easier to spot by people with whom you might be compatible.

So there you have it - successful online dating is not rocket science; it just takes a bit of thought and a bit of effort and if you adhere to the 10 rules that I have outlined above, then your personal life will soon receive the kick-start it deserves.

10 Dating Safety Tips For Online And Offline

2011-08-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

Dating Safety

Still looking for a special someone? Just be sure to keep yourself safe. Here are ten ways to find love for your heart but keep your personal protection on your mind.

1. Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely by email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be who or what he says he is. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your safety and protection.

2. Make sure all contact on a member site takes place through a double-blind system, ensuring your true identity is protected until you decide to reveal it. Never include your last name, home address, phone number, place of employment, email address or any other identifying information in your profile or initial messages. When corresponding with someone, turn off your email signature file. Stop communicating with anyone who puts pressure on you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

3. Cautious decisions will result in a better dating experience. Be sure to protect yourself against trusting the untrustworthy; potential boyfriends must earn your trust gradually over time, through consistently honorable, straightforward behavior. Take all the time you need to investigate for a straightforward person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible about romance, your heart will thank you. Don’t become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/ ) provide some of the most current information available about sexually transmitted diseases and preserving your health.

4. Most online dating services do not require members to submit to background checks. So make sure you get as much info as possible by asking questions, utilizing internet search engines and most importantly, using common sense. Nothing is 100% reliable, just remember to use your head…not just your heart.

5. A photo will give you a good idea of the person’s appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it’s best to view several images of someone in various settings: casual, formal, indoor and outdoors. If all you hear are excuses about why you can’t see a photo, consider that he has something to hide.

6. A phone call can reveal much about a person’s communication and social skills. Consider your security and do not reveal your phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing on a Caller ID. Give out your phone number ONLY when you feel completely comfortable.

7. The beauty of meeting someone online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You never are obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level on online intimacy. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. It’s possible that your decision to keep the relationship anonymous is based on a hunch that you can’t logically explain. Trust yourself. Go with your instincts

8. Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation: Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc. Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy. Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions. Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona. Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members.

9. When you choose to meet offline, always tell friends where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date's name and telephone number with a friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around (a familiar restaurant or coffee house is often a good choice), and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. Refrain from drinking excessively, as it could weaken your ability to make good decisions. If at some point you and your date decide to move to another location, take your own car. When the timing is right thank your date for getting together and say goodbye

10. If you plan to fly in from another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not make known the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make arrangements for you. Get a rental car at the airport and drive directly to your hotel. Always call your date from the hotel. You can also check out the location you both agreed to meet at ahead of time to see exactly where it is and to get more familiar with an area . If the location seems inappropriate or unsafe, go back to your hotel. Try to contact your date at that location or leave a message on an answering machine. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your contact information. And carry a cell phone at all times.

Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door and drive away. If you feel you are in danger, call the police; it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior; your safety is much more important than one person’s opinion of you.

While cheaters, liars and frauds certainly can be very convincing on the Web, you’ll also find them in nightclubs and offline dating services, parties or even sitting across from you at your local coffee house. Despite where you meet someone, dating is never risk-free, but a little caution will reduce your risk to your safety when trying to find that certain someone for your heart.

6 Tips For NOT Dating Russian Women

2011-08-29T03:05:00.000-07:00

Russian Women Dating

Look around the (online dating) web and you will notice that the online dating scene is a lot focused on single Russian women and other East European women. The reason that in particular women from these countries are looking for a foreign partner is generally known, but will not be discussed in this article. But I do like to give you some tips when you must NOT dating or contacting Russian women.

Let me give you 6 valuable tips:

Tip 1.
If you are a single man and you don’t want to be single anymore then you probably already are using the Internet as a source to find a new partner. But fun dating, chatting and ‘playing around’ with people from your own culture or country is something different then being determined to find specific a Russian woman with the one and only purpose: to marry her. This means traveling to Russia (to meet her), possible language barrier, learning about the Russian (women) culture, be prepared for unexpected situations, like money expenses, possible scam situations (if you are looking in the wrong places) and many more.
If you are not convinced about yourself that this is all worth for you, then don’t start dating or contacting Russian women. A serious looking Russian woman who is a formal member of a serious established agency has already prepared herself before she decides to register herself as a possible candidate for serious looking single men from all over the world. She is not looking for pen pals or everlasting month’s of email correspondence, no she is looking for a life partner with one main purpose: to build a happy family.

Tip 2.
If you think that register yourself at some dubious free dating site would be enough to present yourself as a serious looking single man, who is looking for a serious marriage minded Russian woman with the expectation that many women will contact you first, then don’t start to find your future Russian wife in these places, because you will not find them here. These kind of sites can be fun of course, but are also hotbeds for possible scammers.
Believe me, I have unfortunately a lot of experience with men who started at the wrong places. Be smart and take a huge head-start by avoiding these places.

Tip 3.
There are people who register themselves in men’s catalogs with photographs as if they are looking like ‘Tarzan’s’ or use photo’s only wearing swimming shorts, just to impress young good looking ladies. And write a biography using 3 lines like “Hello, my name is [name], I am a single man looking for a young beautiful woman who also likes music, going out, having fun and drive fast cars, if you are interested, then please write me back”
If you identify yourself with that kind of persons, then don’t contact or try to impress Russian women in such way. Russian women are not looking for Brad Pitt look-alikes or muscles like Sylvester Stallone. They are not judging ‘looks’ at all, and you will find out why if you take the trouble to do this the right way.

Tip4.
If you think Russian women are looking for any (western) man just because you think they are looking for a new country, a better life, a wealthy man, no matter if he is 20 years older than she is, then please keep on dreaming. They just seek compatible partners for long term-relationships and marriage and want to love and be loved, that’s all no more, no less!

Tip 5.
If you don’t have a regular job or (enough) income or don’t have a house/apartment (rent or owned) big enough to live with a family, or if you have any serious criminal records (I am not talking about non paid parking tickets), then don’t try to bring a Russian woman into your country. You will not succeed. Not because of my personal advise which has nothing to do with this, but because of the strict regulations, procedures and rules that are imposed by the authorities when you have the intention to immigrate a Russian woman into your country. Please advise the official USCIS website by yourself : http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm

Tip 6
If you think, that when she finally joins you in your country, you can start living your ‘normal’ life again and if you think she is capable enough to find her own way in your (for her) strange country, to find at once a job, to teach herself your language and find by herself new friends and if you think she should be ‘thankful’ that you have ‘pulled her out’ her poor mafia controlled and corrupted country, then don’t start even thinking about contacting a Russian woman. At least the first month’s she will need extra support from you to settle herself with you as a ‘just married’ husband-and-wife couple and she has to adjust to your country (customs), your culture, your language, your friends, your colleague’s, your shops, your train and bus schedule, your etc. and that takes time and patience from both of you.

But my (western) husband and I can assure you: It’s all worth it!

Please do not think I am some weird arrogant Russian woman and do understand that I am certainly not trying to discourage you to ‘date’ Russian women, on the contrary, I only want to give you some serious tips about the things that really won’t work and if you want to learn more, please visit my website ‘Are you crazy enough to marry a Russian’ woman and start reading my advise chapters: <a href="http://www.russian-women-info.com/advise.htm">Advice and Information</a>

4 Rules To Transform An Long Distance Love On the Internet Into an Normal Relationship

2011-08-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

Longdistance Love

Let's suppose that you are meeting someone online and that person seem to be the mach of your life, but is living far away from you. Does it worth to spend your time to a long distance relationship with this person? But, what if this person is realy your soulmate?

You may be surprised how much a relationship can grow if you work at it. If you know and aply some simple rules, your relationship can turn out to be one of the most successful and happy relationships that ever existed.

Distance, combined with telephone calls and writing, electronically or through snail-mail, can foster an enviable intimacy which results from learning about another's qualities, values, ways of thinking, sensitivities, dreams, and aspirations. This type of intimacy can make your coming together much more special.
As if relationships weren't complicated enough, having them across a long distance is extremely challenging. Just read the following ruls and try to keep in mind and aply:

1.The quality of the relationship is more likely to increase if both people develop the ability to share feelings openly with each other. Do not feel afraid to tell your partner what you really need and want from him or her, he or she deserves to know the truth and judge whether they can give it to you.
2. Make the relationship a high priority. Avoid canceling reunions or putting off a phone call.
3. Start to keep in touch daily. If large phone bills are a concern, send e-mail, letters, cards and even faxes. And when you do make contact, don't just stick to love talk, but keep each other informed on the day-to-day aspects of your lives. This way you each stay aware of how the other is thinking, feeling and developing. Late-night talks and thoughtful letters can convey a lot of what is most important in the long-term: your goals, values and dreams.
4. Be prepared to be flexible. Tell your partner of how much you think about and love him or her will score high points, making them miss you more with the constant urge to see you. But don't be posesive. Being paranoid and accusing will only grow doubts, insecurity and tension between you and none of those will help the relationship develope successfully.

If your partner truly wants to be with you, then they would not want to wait forever to have you next to her or him. As long as you both trust each other, inform one another of your personal lives, keep in touch, your relationship can turn out into a happy normal relationship.

Ultimately, a normal relationship is the goal, doesn't it.

9 Secrets to Get a Date After One Hour and 15 Minutes of Flirting Online!

2011-08-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

Flirting Online

If you are trying to pick up women online and just can't get at least one date a week you certainly need a little help. Just read this article and start using these online flirting success tips and they will help you to get that first date much faster.

You don't want to spend too much time online because you really can't feel the chemistry until the first “real world” date. However, you can get the women you're talking to to be interested in you and set her “on fire” just to get to know you better.

Keep in mind that women feel attraction for a very different set of reasons than men do. Where men focus more on looks, women focus more on personality, self esteem, power and confidence.

So, what are the secrets to get a date after one hour and 15 minutes of flirting online?

1. Make your replies simple and use easy questions. Concentrate on the conversation, not on getting a date. Remember that flirting is a way of connecting from the heart and acknowledging someone. Most women want to know what kind of person they are going out with.

2. Women always fall for men who are a little bit unreachable. Think of yourself as special and know what you deserve.

3. Be yourself. The underlying key to all flirtation is confidence, the magical charm that makes others want to get to know you.

4. Be funny but in the same time a little bit arrogant. It creates a wonderful, entertaining challenge that women just love to engage in... If you make a naughty, fun comment, something she is NOT expecting, then something magical begins to happen: she feels a spark of attraction, curiosity, intrigue because you're obviously different.

5. People like people who are interested in them. So when you engage someone in conversation make sure you spend at least 62% of the time listening to THEM!

6. When you are talking about you, tell enough just to get her trust but keep a little mystery about you.

7. Never ever make yourself to available. In one hour of online conversation you have to make her believe that you're confident, that you're intelligent and funny. Don't stay any longer or you risk to become boring.

8. Find an excuse and just go, but not before you let her know that you're interested in her. Set another online date but not for the next day. You are a busy guy! Let her heat up a little bit. :)

9. At the second date (online), after 15 minutes of talking, just say “Hey, I have some spare time this evening, can we meet? I just want to... convince myself that you are real.” This way, she will be surprised and won't have to much time to make the decision and you will run less risk of being rejected.

If she is interested in you but she already has something fixed for that evening, she will ask for a date another time. If she don't, just say, next!

Good luck and have fun!

8 Types Of Women To Avoid Dating

2011-08-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Women To Avoid Dating

A recent survey revealed that fifty two percent of men date for intimacy. Men are looking for that “someone” to get romantically involved with and a potential mate for life.

There are women that a man should avoid dating. Here are signs to watch out for:

1. The overly feminist. This type of woman assumes and believes man is the cause of all the pains and suffering of a society. It is her strong belief that women are much more intelligent than men and are capable of doing things “the correct way”.

Men would not want to spend some time with these types of women, anything that a man will do will always be negative to them. They can never be pleased by a man.

2. The material girl. She is just after the money! These types of women are “high maintenance”. They not just expect, but often demand that a man should finance all her luxuries in life. To her, the man has the responsibility to pay for dinners, drinks, trips, jewelry, flowers etc. while she absolutely feels compulsion or guilt to reciprocate.

Simply put, she is a prostitute in disguise. She is a greedy person, having no perception of the feelings of others and her only concern is achieving and obtaining things that she wants. Never be fooled; some appear to be really nice at first, until they know that you would do anything for them. Then the asking for material things starts!

3. The hopeless romantic. These women live inside a perfect world of romance in novels, where love and relationships are perfect and her night and shining armor will always come and they will live happily ever after.

She has always been pampered by her and considered a "princess," thus have no idea that what the real life is. She will expect the man to take care of her constantly and that all her wishes be given; if not, she can turn out to be a screaming nag.

4. The angry girl. Similar to the feminist, she actually hates men. They often look down on men accounting a long list of all the injustice and transgressions of every guy that they shared a relationship with. To her, all men are "creeps", "pigs." and jerks. These women have boiling rage at men that can, at any given moment explode.

5. The insecure Miss. They will seem to be very pleasant, loving and accommodating at first, treating men very well. Later, when all her innermost insecurities go up the surface, she can be annoyingly calling the man she is dating at least ten times a day, asking where are you, or that she just missed your voice.

This woman demands frequent and persistent reassurance that you love her and you find her attractive; because of this insecurity, she worries continuously about her hair, make up, clothes etc. She can be clingy, needing constant attention and insistently torments you with her thoughts that you will leave her soon if you find someone better.

6. The abstract or elusive type. She is romantic but with a mysteriously dark side. She has been hurt in past relationships and has not gone over it. These bad experiences drive her to subconsciously stay way from or damage her new relationship.

She will be very frustrating to deal with, as at first, she will show a lot of interest with the man, however runs away very quickly; she will repeat this cycle again and again. She will date and flirt with the man, but will insist that they both remain as friends.

7. The desperate Miss. She is desperate to get married. She does not even choose to know the man; she just wants to trap him and bring him to the nearest altar!

8. The controlling type. She can be very nasty in a very subtle way, but when given the opportunity, will direct each phase of a man’s life. She will always have a “say” as to what the man wears, where must the man go, who should the man talk to, who can a man have as friends, what a man can and can not eat; as in everything! The man can not insist on his own rights or else, there will be no sex, a lot of crying, screaming, pouting and everything just so the man will give in.

To all men, careful!

Makeityourring Diamond Engagement Rings | 8 Quick Ways To RelaxBefore a Big Date

8 Quick Ways to Relax Before a Big Date

2011-08-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

Relax Before a Big Date

So you haven't been out on a date in awhile and you're nervous that you'll do or say the wrong thing. Or perhaps your last date was such a disaster that it should have had a rating 5 on the weather channel. Getting nervous before a date is understandable. Will they be attracted to you? Are you both on the same wavelength? Will you be able to control your mouth from saying something your brain knows is stupid?

Mistakes usually occur when stress levels are high. And lets face it dating is a stressful endeavour. The best thing you can do before a date is…relax…I know that is easier said than done but here are 8 easy ways to chillout before your dates arrives so that you actually have a good time on your date without any jittery mis-steps.

1. Meditate or if that sounds too mystical just close your eyes and focus on your breathing, feel it as it goes in and feel it go out. Can you feel it flow through your nostrils into your lungs? Does your stomach expand too? If it does then you know your breathing deeply and you'll get the most benefit from the activity. See if you can focus on the pause between breaths and that between an inhale and an exhale. Do it for 5 minutes or do it for 20 - the length is not as important as your focus during this time.

2. Sing. Really loudly. Obviously this isn't going to work in an office but it's great in the car, especially at night if you're worried about other people looking at you oddly.

3. Stretch. Try standing with your feet hip width apart and then take a deep breath, rise up onto your toes and reach up to the ceiling with your fingertips. Hold for as long as you can. And then slowly release your breath, your arms and finally put your heels back on the ground.

4. Go for a walk even if it's just around the office or your living room. Or you could walk to the mailbox or do 6 starjumps or put on some dancing music. Anything to get your body moving and those endorphins flowing.

5. Give yourself a quick massage - your feet or hands are good places to start for a quick treat. Keep some hand cream or body lotion at your desk or in your bedside table and you'll always be ready to treat yourself. And take your time - afterall YOU know the bits you like.

6. Connect with your inner child - Do a handstand or a cartwheel - this isn't going to work indoors but if you're wearing trousers there's no reason why you can't do it in the park on your way to meet your date. And while you're there have a go on the slide too (not a good option if you're wearing white and its probably a good idea to make sure the ramp is clean before you slide).

7. Go somewhere private and be as unbelievably angry as you possibly can and try to stay angry - you'll find that 9 times out of 10 you won't be able to sustain it. The idea is not to get all worked up and then go and spray your anger at your date. It's about getting it all out and then dealing with whatever situation needs addressing. In order to do this you need to make sure that you don't leave your private space until you feel like your anger has all gone. We hear so much about anger management when it's not really about managing it, but rather letting it out. Just remember the golden rule: its OK to get angry but its not OK to take it out on someone or something else.

8. Read fiction - almost everyone agrees that fiction is a wonderful escape from the day to day. There's nothing quite like stepping out of your own life and into the lives of the characters in a good story. And a good short story is just the thing for a 15 minute chillout session. Don't know where to start? Check out www.espressofiction.com for some cool fiction that can be sent to you by email each week.

Hope these tips work for you on your next date. You might even find you enjoy it!

7 Funny Replies That Work Online!

2011-08-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Funny Replies That Work Online!

If you have spend some time talking online, you know there are some question that women ask you all the time. How to answer to these question to make sure that you are getting her attention and interest? Just try using next lines:

1.When she is questioning you about your marital status just say:

“Well, my dog hates the way I do coffee, it hopes I will find someone else that will make him a coffee every morning”

2. What is your age?

“I am a little child... when I am sleeping, a mature man when I am making decisions and an exploring teenager when I have the opportunity to talk with an interesting woman”

3. Do you have children?

It is a simple question to reply but you can say more than yes/no, and earn some points. So..

If you Do Have Kids you can answer “Oh yes, I have...(a 2 years old boy), he is a nice kid, and he is very responsible for my haircut.” :)

If you don't have kids: “No, I don't have kids yet. I'm still looking for the woman willing to take the risk of having good looking kids, like me. :))“

4.What happened with your ex ?

This is a hard question, don't give specific details, be serious and pass quickly over this subject. You can say something like : “I never joke about my love life. We just didn't match with each other/We couldn't pass over some problems together. and decided to go on on separate ways.”

5. What are you doing for living? What is your job?

Now, maybe you are hating your job but don't let her know that. Be enthusiastic and positive: “I am working in (domain) and I really like to wake up every morning with such a job. Sometime I forget putting my socks on in my hurry to reach at work”.

6. What kind of relationship are you after?

“I really want to find someone that can take me as I am, someone that can accept how gorgeous I am. :) “.

7. What are you doing in your spare time?

“I haven't to much spare time but I rely like to... (read GOOD books / watch GOOD TV Shows / listen GOOD music / share GREAT time with my friends).” You have to be selective and a little demanding... make her understand that you are not just wasting your time anyhow and with anybody available. So she will feel good that you are spending YOUR time with her.

The idea is that you have to be funny but serious at the same time. Make her curious, with every question you are answering her you have to make her want to know more about you. Just be different, be original.

Good luck and have fun!

7 Questions You Have to Ask Before Jumping on the Plane to Meet HerMeet

2011-08-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Meet Girl in The Net

You have met your true love online. Is she for real?

The entire world is desperate to find the real love. As the popular songs sounds, 'All You Need is Love'. It is true: to love and to be loved is probably the most important thing in our life. But what to do if you are not sure - is it Love with a capital "L" or just another temporary flirt?

Doubting if the person you are with is the right one for you is a normal thing especially if you have meet that person through online dating sites and you never have meet her face to face.

But there are some things to consider, especially if she is miles away from you that can help you make up your mind if that person is worth to spend your money and time with.

1. For how long do you known her?

If you just met her - forget about that plane ticket for the moment. :)

If there are less than 4-6 months since you two have met, your love can be just an illusion. Wait until you know each other better and talk online or on the phone as much as you can to get some trust and comfort in the relationship.

2. What do you talk about?

I am sure that you like to stick to sweet love talk but how she reacts if you are asking her about her family, her friends? Does she gives you details or didn't want you to know too much about them? You can find out more about her if you know how her friends and family are. You can even talk with her friends online and try to know them this way. But if she don't tell you too much about people around her, this fact have to make you suspicious about this lady. Is she embarrassed to talk about you in front of her friends or does she have something to hide to you?

3. Do you find her attractive?

Does love depends on sex? IÆm sure you already know the answer. Yes it does. How can be love be complete without the mornings you are waking up in your lover's arms after a hot passionate night?

So if you talk about HER to YOUR friends all the time and you are already dreaming about her and you didn't even touched her is a good point, this relationship can have a future, a good one :)

4. Do you think, honestly, that she likes you?

You can ask for an outside opinion to your best friend or test her. Yes I know that is unfair but everything is fair in love and war. Doesn't it? So ask her to do some things for you. But what she can do if she is miles away from you, you'll ask. A lot of things:
- read a book than talk about that book to see how carefully she read it;
- make some photo especially for you... in special places;
- buy a CD with some music you like; etc
When you are asking her these things you have to be careful not to ask something too expensive, or something what she couldn't do even she want to. But be specific about the things you are asking and ask it in a polite way. If you see that she is trying as hard as she can to do what you are asking her then she is yours :)

It means that she appreciates you and is curios about what you like, and she is interested in you.

5. If she would win a large sum of money, what would she do with it?

Just ask her. You have all the chances to be surprised by the answers. :)

It could be: buy new designer clothes, buying everything for herself and/or her purse dog, probably give the money to charity, and quit her job mid-shift. You can discover a lot about a person from the answers to this question. But if somewhere in the answer is your name involved you can smile - she is thinking about you like you are there in here daily life.

6. Do you have a lot in common?

Maybe she is hot and you like her, but a long term relationship involve more than sex. You know that, donÆt you?

So what hobbies do you have in common, where do you both enjoy going in vacations or weekends? What passions you have those are interesting for her too?

These are some important things to consider when you are thinking to spend a little fortune on a plane ticket.

7. Is she the best you can get?

Don't compromise! We compromise in love because we are so desperate to be loved. But compromising does not lead to feeling loved.

Finding real love has nothing to do with chance, looks, location, or timing. Finding your perfect love-mate has to do with your thinking, your qualities, your affirmations, your spirituality, and your commitment to being with a woman who can love you as equally as you will love her.

So if you considered this few issues and you still are eager to meet her face to face, buy that ticket, it could change your life.

3 Situations You HAVE To Lie To Your Woman

2011-08-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

Lie To Your Woman

It's no surprise that both genders rely on lying to some extent. They just do it differently and sometimes for different reasons.

All humans, especially women say they want their partner to be honest. Is this the truth? Can you keep a relationship up and running if you are telling the truth all the time?

Imagine that you just have brought your girlfriend at your home, to spend the night together for the first time. You have made a great effort to arrange and clean your home and especially the bedroom. You are proud about this and ask your partner what she believes about your home.

She responds "It is a little old fashioned... and something smells bad in here". Ups! Ok.

You two pass through this awkward moment, then you start kissing each other, but you make a joke about... the size of your penis, and instead to hear the most used reply: "hey, relax, size really doesn't matter", she tells you that her ex was quite huge.

Ups... Not again. :)

If she were to say just two little lies everything could be great, but now...

The truth is, telling a few lies can be one of the best ways to keep your relationship healthy.

So if you want to keep her happy and keep getting laid, you're going to have to learn how to lie - and lie convincingly. The trick is figuring out what she wants to hear.

1. Never mention your sexual past... especially if it was a good one. If your girlfriend asks you what it was like or how good your ex was, you can tell a lie if you have to. Say it wasn't all that good. Don't ever mention her. Even if what you're saying is uncomplimentary, it will still have a negative effect. You bringing her up hints that she's still on your mind.

2. When it comes about how she looks, if you picked her to be your partner, you have to make her feel that she is a WOMAN. Every woman has something beautiful, something sexy and attractive, and if you make her know that you find her attractive she will be more confident, wilder and more passionate. But when she asks you about something you don't really like at her look, never but never tell her your true opinion. Just say that it is OK and pass over the moment. If you are telling her that you don't like something at her, she will feel frustrated and become more inhibited.

3. Everybody knows that women have more sensibility than men. So pay attention to her sensibility and don't make bad jokes about other people (especially her family) or let her know when you are up to take the cat and throw it out through the window. She will find you insensitive and you will lose points. Use your common sense and try not to hurt your woman’s feelings even if you have to say a little lie from time to time.

Overall, lying is a bad thing to do. But when it comes to women, you really have no choice.

The little white lies don't hurt anyone and are only meant as reassurance every now and then

It's therefore okay to tell a person what they want to hear.

4 Steps to Help Heal a Broken Heart

2011-08-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Broken Heart

Heartbreak is a pain like any other. It is an emotional pain so bottomless that it can feel like a physical blow. When you have a pain like this one, all you want is for the deep ache to go away. As much as I’d like to advise differently, there is no band aid for a broken heart. Though it sounds cliché, time is the remedy needed for you to truly heal from such a deep, wrenching pain. In time, this pain will go away. Between now and then, however, following a few basic tips might be able to make the difference in how you are feeling.

1. Cry: You are going to feel like rubbish for the first few weeks. Depending how emotional of a person you are, you may feel like crying for days. Go ahead. A significant change has occurred in your life; a painful change. There is no way to expect that you will feel a little sadness and be able to shut it off with a switch. It’s just not that simple. Allow yourself to grieve for your loss. But not too long! Staying in the past for too long can only hurt you. See rule number 4.

2. Talk to Someone Close: Use the shoulder of someone who cares about you to get out your feelings. This is a way to purify your soul by letting someone in to share your pain. Let them listen, comfort you, and offer advice. You don’t necessarily have to take that advice, but sharing this comfort can make you feel better. Make sure you only allow yourself to grieve and lean on someone for a time because you need to move forward.

3. Distract Yourself: Bring friends you care about back into your life. Maybe having the relationship was keeping you from spending time with your parents, or siblings. Maybe you hadn’t talked to your best friend in weeks. Surround yourself with this support network. Getting things that need to be done around the house done is a great way to get lost in a project. Go to the gym. Organize your closet. Get out and take a walk. Distracting yourself is a great stepping stone to moving on with your life. This brings us to rule number 4.

4. Look toward the Future; Forget the Past: Once you have allowed yourself the indulgence of grieving for a part of your life that is now past, look forward! There is a definite need to be able to start a new chapter in the book of your life. Now that you are past the sadness and anger, it is time for hope and renewal that will help you to move on. Take time out for yourself; get to know yourself as a single individual instead of as part of a couple. Replenish your soul by becoming you again.

Following these sometimes difficult, but necessary steps, you can begin to heal the broken pieces of your heart. You can not only become whole again, you can become whatever you wish to become. This is a chance to start fresh, and once the pain starts to ease, you will see it as such an opportunity.

5 Great Tips On How To Get Girls

2011-08-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

How To Get Girls

Among the many emotions that man was destined to experience, it seems that love is the best emotions ever created.

No wonder why many people are wishing to find their own true love to be happy and live a life that is full of contentment and satisfactions in spite of the many trials that life has to offer.

According to some surveys, most of the people would want to marry some day, that is why each of them are willing to go out on dates. In the U.S. alone, nearly 53% said that they have dated more than one person at the same time.

However, the concept boils down to the fact that even if dating seems to be the ideal ways to start develop a great relationship founded on true love, still it cannot be directly concluded that the activity is relatively easy.

Take for example the idea of getting a girl. Many boys are having a hard time finding the best strategy to get girls. This is because many boys also have their own fears, especially the fear of rejection.

So for those who want to know how to get a girl and ask her on a date, here are five ways that will surely make you get one and have fun:

1. Create a dazzling personality

According to some statistical reports, almost 30% of the adult population in the U.S. who are engaged into dating activities stated that the most important attribute that they are looking for in a guy is the personality. That is why most girls insist that the looks are not that important, what matters most is the personality of the person.

So if you really want to succeed in getting a girl, try to create an impression first that you have the best personality in the world. This can be projected through your sense of humor, confidence, and the way you carry the conversation with wit.

2. Be cool

The key to getting a girl should not project an air of desperation. Even if you have not dated a girl yet, try to be cool and create an impression that you want to get the girl because you like her and not because you are in desperate need of a partner.

3. Be ready for rejections

The problem with most people, especially guys, is that they have too high expectations when it comes to dating and relationships. In fact, almost 62% of those who are into dating have asserted that the people’s probabilities and expectations are very high these days.

Hence, it is a must that people must learn how to face rejections, especially men, so that getting girls would be easier. Keep in mind that girls can still say no even if you have the best car, good looks, and dazzling personality.

If in case you were not able to get the girl that you want, try to reflect what might have been the cause why she had rejected you. Also, there are still other girls out there that you can turn to, so do not be despaired

4. Consider the “No” of the girl

There are many cases wherein a girl might say “no” for two possible reasons: one is that she does not like you, and the second reason is that she wants to go out with you but not tonight. These are two different situations that must be clearly understood.

The problem with some guys is that they take it personally whenever they receive some forms of rejections. So it is better to analyze the situation and the intention of the girl by saying “NO.”

5. Be casual

The best way to get a girl is to make her feel that the date would be very casual and would not necessarily involve a conventional date or anything that would imply romantic involvement.

What matters most is for the girl to enjoy her time with you such that if both of you stand a chance of having a good relationship in the future, the memory of your first date should have been vested on good recall.

The bottom line is that guys should never make the girls feel pressured in saying “yes” every time they are being asked to go out. What matters most in getting a girl is to make it sure that the person concerned will be comfortable and would feel that she will be in good hands.

6 Rules to Choose the Best Place for the First Date

2011-08-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Best Place for the First Date

Let’s assume for a minute that you have met a great girl and that you want more than a one-night-stand. You want to have a good time with her because you want to develop a long-term relationship.

I believe that there isn’t a perfect general place for all first dates, just the perfect place for you and your future date. One where you have been with your ex date and it was great, could be a wrong choice for your date with another girl.

Make sure your first date will be a success choosing the right place. There are some rules and criteria that will help you to make the best decision:

1. For your very first meeting it is suggested that you only make it brief but fun, inexpensive and relaxing.

2. Chose the place for the first date according your date's age and lifestyle. Maybe you don't know too much about the women you are going to ask for a date, but you can make a clue about her, looking to how she is dressing and watching the type of people she is hanging around.

3. Particularly on a first date, you may wish to leave early, or so may they. An exit plan for both guys and girls is always useful.

4. Dates that will make you interact with the other person and share both your interests will not only teach you more about them, but also show how compatible you actually are. Sporting events, concerts and picnics are great places for first dates. You can talk, and being outside, everything feels less claustrophobic. It's easy and relaxed and clothing usually isn't a problem

5. It makes a difference if you can find something that she will remember for a long time. If in your area is an event like circus, carnival, festival, don't miss it and you two will have more fun than at a coffee place that's for sure. There wouldn't be any pressure; you’ll only have to enjoy the company.

6. If you are dating late in the evening make sure that you walk in places where your date is feeling safe. Don't forget that she does not know you very well and being alone with you in a place that is not public can make her feel insecure. It is normal!

By being unique and creative, you'll stand out among the other guys she's dated and she will want to be with you again.

4 Unique Ways to Get Out of The Doghouse with Your Girlfriend

2011-08-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Girlfriend Gifts

1. Hire a Mariachi Band or Local Acapella Group to Serenade Her

Unless she truly hates you, this will surely put a smile on her face and have her inviting you back into her comfort zone again.

Be sure to pick a humorous or joyful song; go for a sense of fun, not desperation.

2. Pay a Homeless Guy $5 to Hold Up a Sign for Her

If you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are you and your girlfriend regularly walk by homeless people.

They would love to have $1, let alone $5. Find a homeless person along the route she usually walks on her way to work.

Come up with a witty sign, like "Angela, John Would Like to Apologize for Going to Poker Night Instead of Visiting with You and Your Family. Will you Forgive him? - From John"

Or whatever -- be sure to be creative and witty. I guarantee she will get a kick out of this. You might have to show the homeless guy a picture of her so he knows he needs to get her attention, but having her name on the sign should do the trick.

3. Propose Marriage to Her at a Baseball Game

This one only works if she will go with you to a sporting event. During 7th inning stretch, half-time or throughout the event, they will often post announcements up on the big screen displays throughout the stadium.

Before the game, visit the gaming office where you can tell them to make these announcements, and say that you'd like to make on for a wedding proposal. (or perhaps just to say hi, if she wouldn't react nicely to a full-on practical joke like this!)

Be sure to keep an eye on the big screen throughout the game, so as not to miss the announcement.

4. Write Your Message in the Sky

We've all seen this in the movies, but how many people actually have the guts to go through with it in real life?

For as little as $100, you can hire an airplane to fly a message to your girlfriend across the sky.

5 Massive Reasons To Date Online!

2011-08-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Attract Online Dating

Announcing five massive reasons why single men should use online dating!

How to meet more women than you could possible have time to date.

Let’s look at the reasons…

Massive Reason #1. Convenience!

From the comfort and privacy of your own home you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee, and scroll through an assortment of potential women to meet and date!

You can even have a beer or a glass of wine while doing it…

Instead of late nights in smoky bars and going home disappointed…and wake up smelling and feeling like an ashtray.

Unhealthy, smoky bars are boring and drunks don’t interest me. Then there’s the loud thumping music where you have to shout at each other to be heard.

Where at home and in your own time, you can go online and pick a suitable profile to email and organize to meet.

I love doing this.

So for pure convenience and ease, online dating is the number one place for meeting women!

Online dating is a major breakthrough for single men.

You can meet women you wouldn’t otherwise ever have the opportunity to meet!

Therefore it creates an even playing field for men who otherwise don’t enjoy trying to ‘pull’ women in bars.

By learning some basic skills and getting experience, any man can succeed online.

Massive Reason #2. Not Having To Face Rejection by Approaching Women Cold!

This is a major bonus for guys who are recently divorced, split up and have lost their confidence and experience with meeting women.

It is the best way to ease back into the dating scene…

You don’t have to boldly approach a woman in public and get her number for a date.

You do it online via email, with no nervousness to deal with at all.

And if you contact a profile and she ignores your email, so what?

You just move on to another until you find one to meet, easy!

Therefore you are not confronted with your fear of being rejected in public, with online dating.

And if you do get ignored or knocked back, no one knows but you and it doesn’t MATTER.

There are plenty more to choose from…

And by the time you meet, you’ve already chatted via email and on the phone so there is no need to be nervous when you meet her for coffee.

Massive Reason #3. Confidence Building!

You gain confidence by meeting women online and having success with seduction.

This is a massive benefit.

When I divorced after nine years I was nervous approaching women and

had little success.

Once I had been online dating for six months I was back on my feet with women.

I now have the belief and confidence to approach and meet women everywhere.

I also have more skill at handling cold women and rejection when it happens.

Because I’ve learnt that it’s impossible to succeed 100% of the time.

Every No means you are closer to a Yes.

So if you are not getting rejected, you aren’t in the game!

You HAVE to be in the game!

The confidence you get meeting and seducing women online will lead you to meeting the perfect lady for you. Whether that is online or offline. It’s getting the experience that is important.

As Tony Robbins would say, ‘Repetition is the mother of skill.’ :-]

Massive Reason #4. The Infinite Amount of Suitable Women!

It truly is an infinite amount of women available online to meet.

By having such a large pool of single women to contact, there is no need to ever be short of at least one date a week.

It’s just a case of being organized and only contacting local women to make the most of your time.

There will be anything from two to thirty two different sites in your region to join and check out profiles.

There is also many NEW women joining everyday…this will continue forever!

So it’s a must for single men to get good at online dating.

You can never run out of women to contact. Even if you exhaust one service you can try another. By the time you’ve gone through all suitable profiles to meet on the other service, the original one will have new stock! :-]

Online dating is also very affordable!

Massive Reason #5. Ease of Finding Suitable Partners!

By creating your own criteria and sticking to it, you can find someone suitable so much quicker than offline.

That is of course if they are honest in their profile…

[Which sometimes they aren’t.] :-]

This saves you a lot of time and money by having criteria.

For example, I don’t date women with children.

Which is hard in my age group.

But dating women with kids will never work out for me, so I just have to stick with my criteria.

I also don’t date smokers anymore…

So the more experience and confidence you get. The more definitive your criteria get.

By narrowing my criteria I have meet some great ladies a lot quicker than if I had dated just anyone who would go out with me.

Also when you approach someone in a bar you know nothing about them.

Online you get to know a reasonable amount before you make contact.

This really does increase your odds of meeting suitable partners.

I love online dating…I much prefer it to bars as an alternative.

It’s paved the way for me to be comfortable when I am single. Because I know there is a LOT of suitable women online and I’ll be back dating a nice lady sometime soon….

All the best to you

5 Magic Tricks to Attract a Romanian Woman

2011-08-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Attract a Romanian Woman

So many men have asked me to share some secrets on how to attract a Romanian woman.

A long term relationship with a Romanian woman is a very rewarding experience (if you're with the right person) and will lead you to a level of satisfaction like you have never experienced before.

When selecting a Romanian woman for an LTR you should keep one thing in mind - BE PICKY!!! Settle for nothing less than the best.

The reality is that the hardest thing with Romanian women is to attract them and get them to trust you. So, there is no reason to spend time with women who aren't right for you.

There are some little tricks you have to know that will help you score like crazy.

1. Romanian women like to carry on an intelligent conversation with a man. Many find an interesting man sexy. You can show intelligence by being a good listener. Ask about her interests, her work, her hobbies, and pay attention to the details. This makes for good conversation.

2. Keeping promises is also important. If you say you are going to call, do so. If you say you are going to show up (even at an online date) at a certain time, do so. Don't make idle promises that you have no intention of keeping.

3. Send romantic SMS messages that are evocative. When said with the right mix of emotion and adoration, they are powerful enough to melt the stoniest of hearts. Also sending SMS will help you two to keep in touch and develop your relationship faster.

4. Also adding humor and flirting into the conversation can really spice things up. Women always remember someone who makes them laugh.

5. The most important thing in attracting a good Romanian lady is authenticity. You will attract compatible people when you show them who you really are. You don't want a woman to be attracted to someone you are not! Lying in the beginning only complicates things down the line. Be completely honest from the start and if she likes you, you're in good shape. If she doesn't like you, you didn't find yet the right person.

But don't give up on finding the woman you want, there is some woman out there for every guy. And when you'll find the right one for you all your mates will become invidious.

3 Reasons Why Inner Game Will Help Your Love Life

2011-08-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sensul Seduction

Have you ever had great success in one venue, maybe house parties, but were unable to succeed with women you met other places, like perhaps Clubs?

Often it is easier for you to be cool and social in one venue than another. This is your `comfort zone`. You know what to say, how to say it, and who to say it too. But outside of that zone, you are toast! This is because we often use certain external techniques and social skills that do not really apply to every venue we might find ourselves in. When you have deep set beliefs that you are a high status male, and that no matter where you are, that you are among the elite males, then all these anxieties and problems fall away.

How? Because your strength and resolves makes other people change THEIR mode of behavior to suit yours. If Bill Clinton walked into a raging rock concert or hip hop concert, this one man, would have everyone in a completely different frame of mind, all begging to appease HIS way of interaction. The people bend to YOU.

Inner Game Positively Influences Your Body Language

* Fifty-five percent of the communications signals we send results from how others see us

* Thirty-eight percent flows from the way they hear us

* Seven percent comes from our words

Source: http://www.barkscomm.com/fa_nonverbal.asp

Having solid Inner Game allows your body language to accurately communicate. This is called `congruence`, when your words are matched by your attitude and body language. If you say Super Man things to a woman, but feel like Clark Kent inside, she WILL know, and you will get nowhere with her.

Inner Game Improves Every Aspect Of Your Life, Making You More Attractive

I saved the best for last. Inner Game development need not be limited to confidence and belief setting with women. It can apply to everyone, and life in general. You can rethink previous ideas, like you'll never be able to get into a good college, or you'll never make a good XYZ and then your subconscious will begin helping you to change so that these things can happen. What is best is that being successful in life ( and I don't mean being rich ) will make you doubly attractive to women, and that will raise your confidence even more. It is cyclical.

Conclusion

Not learning proper Inner Game techniques can lead to ALOT of frustration AND embarrassment too using seduction tactics that seem incongruent. Without Inner Game, no amount of "negging", or "cocky funny" will allow you to have lasting success with women.

Personals Lava Is Buzzing With Activity On Its Various Communities

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

personals lava

The Internet has given romance a new universe to operate within and personals lava seems to be the hottest galaxy around. Kisscafe.com is hot like molten lava, and its online communities are buzzing with activity. We make life fun for singles with our huge database of members cutting across geographical boundaries - it will be hard to manage all your dates!

Dating is so much a part of being an adult, yet we find little time for 'the hunt.' Kisscafe.com makes life easier with its plethora of personals ads for singles to choose from: dating, intimate encounters, relationships, etc. Whatever you're looking for in a partner, you can find it here. To choose a dating service that’s right for you, you need to clarify exactly what you’re looking for. As a newcomer to online dating, unfamiliar with all the options, you might be a little hazy on this front.

One of the most obvious things to think about when choosing a Personals lava service is what kind of relationship you’re after. Some sites may focus only on one type of relationship, which limits your options but is helpful is you know exactly what you want. If you're not clear what your intentions are, you might be better off choosing a dating service where members can pursue various types of relationships and online dating communities within one secure setting. Consider what you want out of your personals website, how much you want to spend to become a member with full access (if anything! Kisscafe.com is completely free for all members and all features, forever), and do a bit of research!

Do you know the pros and cons of adult online dating?

2011-08-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Adult online dating services

Adult online dating services are a specialized niche in online dating, offering a number of similar features such as full searching capabilities and a large number of subscribers. Completely anonymous and secure, adult online dating services feature erotic personals, where one can view sexy photos of other members. Simply register and immediately contact any member via instant messaging, plus you can search or apply filters that allow you to narrow down the members that suit your specific needs and desires. Many adult online dating services allow all members to add a profile to the site, chat, send instant messages, and browse through their huge database of profiles for free. Guests may enter the site and browse around, but in order to post a listing or use all of the site features you must register as a member.

The benefits of adult online dating involve:

· The ability for less sexually experienced or shy personalities to express and explore their sexual nature.

· It is a safe secure environment to practice safe, virtual sex.

· The ability to feel comfortable with the cybersex partner due to the anonymous nature of the Internet and adult chatrooms.

Just as adult dating online has its set of advantages, there can be drawbacks to overindulgence. The dangers of adult dating services online, particularly pertaining to cybersex, involve:

· Not knowing the person you are dealing with - the Internet cannot screen the age or sex of participants, potentially causing ethical concerns.

· People can take online adult dating services too seriously and personally. Reports have been noted on cybersex addiction.

· Internet adult dating could potentially ruin your physical sex life due to the lack of anonymity in the physical space.

· It is not healthy to experience only online relationships as this will deter you from entering real physical relationships.

If and when you are ready to use this medium, weigh the pros and cons of adult online dating to ensure that both you and other members have an enjoyable and positive experience.

9 Stupid Mistakes to Avoid While Dating Online – For Guys

2011-08-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Stupid Mistakes to Avoid While Dating Online

Internet online dating takes patience and practice. Just because you are seated at your own computer doesn't mean that people will come to chat with you for no reason. Even in this medium of Internet dating, you must take the initiative and actively seek to contact those you like.

But even if you contact some people or they contact you, there are some incredibly stupid things guys are doing on Internet dating and singles sites ad than complain that all women are ignoring them.

Women are searching men which know to make them feel good and have great time with. They are looking for someone intelligent, someone who listens, a man with a good sense of humor, a well-rounded person with a positive attitude.

If you want to get some responses and even get to know closely women by online dating you have to stop doing the mistakes that are chasing all the women away. So:

1. Women browse profiles to find their match just like you do. Post a good recent picture of yourself, a nice picture that shows your sense of humor or style. Do not send women pictures of your "privates". They will ask if they want to see that.

2. Make sure your profile contains proper spelling and grammar. Women like an intelligent person. Do not ruin your chances with simple mistakes in your profile. Take some time to get it right guys and you will get a response.

3. Women usually like men with some class, so don't choose a nickname that has a sexual innuendo (unless you are on an adult dating site). You don’t want to give the impression that you’re just searching for a one night stand.

4. Don't use negative words in your profile. Women are much more likely to be attracted to a positive person.

5. Send individual emails and put some thought into contacting women on these dating sites. Women get 100 emails a day from all sorts of guys. If you copy and paste 10 exactly same emails and send them off you just go over-looked.

6. Show women that you are a caring person. Get to know the woman. Ask questions to learn about whom she is, what she does, etc. Don't talk only about yourself.

7. Do not pretend that you are willing to fly half way round the world to meet someone you have been chatting to when using online dating sites if you are not really serious. It's not fair on anyone including you. It's easy to get carried away with a lovely person seven thousand miles away, but are you really going to get out of that chair and go and meet them? If you are, you have our utmost support and respect. If you are really only looking for someone in your state or close to home then stick with that and make it clear.

8. If you are married don't lie, tell from the very beginning. Women can feel this and it gets you nowhere. If you are sincere maybe you find someone who is willing to spend some good time with you.

9. If a woman tells you that she is not interested in you do not keep sending her messages. You are losing your time and she can complain that you are harassing her.

Be patient, it takes time to find someone special when using online dating sites and dating services, like anywhere else for that matter.

Common and Uncommon Gemstones

2011-08-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Common & Uncommon Gemstones

Gemstones quite literally can take our breath away when we see them. Who hasn’t seen a beautiful diamond or sapphire ring and exclaimed over it? Is it only their beauty that makes them so valuable? Why else are they valuable to us?

Most gemstones are minerals that occur naturally in the earth. The most common is quartz, which is made of silicon and oxygen, two of the most common chemicals or substances on the planet. Even though most people don’t find such crystals unless specifically looking for it, it’s still relatively common in the gem world.

One quality that determines the value of a gem is how rare it is. A diamond, believe it or not, is actually a more common gemstone. However, the sales and distribution of diamonds are tightly controlled, which keeps the demand for diamonds of any characteristic in high value. Certainly perfect, flawless diamonds are truly rare, but diamonds themselves aren’t particularly rare.

Other gemstones are much rarer, such as sapphires and rubies, which are part of the beryl family of minerals. Rubies are rarer than sapphires and top quality colors in both are extremely rare.

A mineral called benitoite is found only in the San Benito valley in California, where only a few hundred carats of it are found each year. It is the state gem of California and is a hexagonal-shaped crystal. It can be cut and polished to produce sapphire-colored gemstone jewelry.

Some gems are even rarer than bentitoite. They’re so rare, that only three or four of them exist in the world. And the location where the gemstone was found can make a big difference as well. While peridot is a fairly common gem, there were actually several carats of peridot discovered in a meteorite, making that one of the rarest gems ever!

Gemstones Are mineral Crystals

2011-08-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

Gemstones

What specifically are gems and gemstones? We know some of the most common ones – emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. But what exactly are they, how are they made and why we do we prize them so highly?

The International Gem Society defines a gem as “a mineral that has been chosen for its beauty and durability, then cut and polished for human adornment.”

Most gems are minerals. Others, like pearls or amber, are created from living organisms. Usually gems are of a color that mirrors other natural elements we consider beautiful or valuable. Emeralds mirror the lush green of plant life, sapphires are the color of the sky and rubies are a rich blood-red. There are variations in color in all of these gems, of course, and in diamonds, but those are the colors most normally associated with them. Diamonds can come in colors as well, with pink and canary diamonds being highly prized variants.

Most gems are hard and durable, although pearls can be easily damaged, as can opals and moonstones. Usually a gemstone has to be durable enough to wear as adornment, but others, while too soft to wear, are valued by collectors. Pearls can eventually disintegrate, even if all you do is wipe dust off them. And if you spray hairspray or perfume on them, this can also damage your pearls.

Opals are highly prized for their beauty and fire and make exquisite jewelry, but are extraordinarily susceptible to damage. They can shatter easily if dropped. And there’s a story of a woman who wore an opal brooch to a holiday party. When she left the warmth of the party to leave and the brooch experienced the sudden drop in temperature, it shattered, just like a glass that’s been heated and then cooled too quickly.

Why Are Most Minerals Not Popular As Gems?

2011-08-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

Gemstones

There are millions of minerals that exist on the earth, but few of them are prized as gems and used for adornment. Many of them aren’t in colors that are usually highly prized for jewelry. Or they’re not able to be cut and polished to be made wearable as jewelry.

Often it’s a matter of changing taste and times. In Imperial Russia and in the Victorian era, the mineral malachite and other opaque minerals were highly valued as gemstones jewelry. It is often a by-product of copper mining, and is distinguished by a brilliant green color, with dark concentric circles of color swirling through it. It’s not as highly valued because it’s easily available and not as expensive as an emerald or ruby. But there is an entire room devoted to malachite in the Russian museum, the Hermitage, as testament to its desirability among the most privileged class of people.

There have been discoveries that indicate that malachite was mined in Egypt as early as 4,000 B.C. It’s a soft gem, and easily carved and shaped. It polishes to a beautiful, rich sheen. But still is not highly prized in the U.S. as a gemstone.

Very often some minerals simply shouldn’t be used as gemstones, but because of their beauty, people wear them as such anyway. A moonstone is one such gem. It’s relatively soft, with a rating of 6 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness, compared to a diamond’s hardness rating of 10. It’s a type of mineral called orthoclase, but when it exhibits a translucent, milky quality, it’s then called moonstone.

Other minerals exist, but are simply not prized for gemstones. Among the more common minerals, quartz stands out as one that can be used for jewelry, as well as decorative items.

Minerals Are Crystals

2011-08-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Crystals

The earliest forms of jewelry were items that early humans found naturally, such as shells or bits of bones. Early gravesites have also revealed that pre-historic man buried his dead with flowers and with carved ivory beads. These primitive beads would have taken at least an hour each to make.

Early man also might have found bits of turquoise that occurred naturally in areas of Turkey and North America. The pearlescent swirls found inside an abalone or conch would have also been used as jewelry.

They might have also found the earliest types of precious gems in the form of natural crystals, such as quartz or diamonds. Crystals are solid substances where the molecules are arranged in a symmetrical fashion, and they generally fall into one of six shapes:

Isometric, or cubic crystals are shaped like blocks and are symmetrically shaped. An example of an isometric crystal would be pyrite. This is also called fool’s gold because it has a metallic yellow or brassy color similar to gold.

Tetragonal, where the crystals are shaped like four-sided prisms and pyramids. An example of a tetragonal crystal is the zircon.

Hexagonal crystals are shaped like six-sided prisms, or pyramids. An example of this kind of crystal is the beryl, which includes gems like emeralds and aquamarines.

Orthorhombic crystals. An example of an orthorhombic crystal is topaz. Topaz can come in a variety of colors, although the mostly highly prized is a deep amber color. At one time, topaz was much more valuable, until rich veins of it were found in Brazil, which devalued the market.

Monoclinic crystals are short and stubby, with tilted faces at each end. Monoclinic crystals include gypsum.

Triclinic crystals are usually flat with sharp edges but no right angles. Each crystal has three unequal axes. An example of triclinic crystal is feldspar.

Palaeolithic age

2011-07-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Palaeolithic age

As a species, we love to adorn ourselves with jewelry, makeup, hair accessories. We do it now to enhance our looks, to attract a mate and because it just makes us feel good about ourselves. Some forms of adornment are symbolic – like wedding rings. Or they’re used to make a statement about our lifestyle, like multiple piercings and earrings.

Have you ever wondered what the origins are of such self-decoration? Was there a meaning behind it? Or did we just start wearing beads, necklaces and earrings as our awareness of self increased and as we evolved?

We know that the earliest jewelry of bits of bones, shells and other personal adornments appeared in graves about 40,000 years ago. The idea that there was an afterlife, and the belief in spirits both good and bad, gave rise to the means to attract the good spirits and ward off the bad ones.

People protected themselves from evil spirits with adornments in the form of necklaces or bracelets, and pierced themselves with the same bones and shells to have these amulets on their persons at all times. At this time people also started painting their bodies with red ochre, which can be considered the earliest form of makeup. They also started lining their eyes with kohl to protect themselves against the force known as the “Evil Eye.”

Even today, much jewelry takes the form of amulets. People wear crosses around their necks, or the Star of David, or wear a claddagh ring – all to attract good fortune or ward off bad luck. There are even more throwbacks to this earliest form of magic, such as a lucky rabbit’s foot, or a lucky penny. Or we often have less well known, more personal amulets that have a meaning to us alone, but are still worn as good luck charms and amulets.

Colors Of Gems

2011-07-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Colors of gems

Gems come in every color of the spectrum. While sapphires, rubies and emeralds are what come to mind first when one thinks of a colored gem, there are so many other beautiful colored gemstones to consider. Even among gems normally associated with one color, there are gradations and variations to them. A sapphire, for example, comes in many different hues of blue, depending on where it’s from. But sapphires can also come in pink, yellow and green.

The most highly prized colored gems are in the very deepest, richest hues of the color. While sapphires can range from pale blue to near-black, the most valuable are a rich, deep blue. The same holds true for rubies. While they too can range in color from pale to very dark and murky, the most highly-valued color is what’s called pigeon’s blood, a deep blood-red ruby that is mined in what was once known as Burma.

The most expensive emeralds are a deep green, although emeralds themselves come in a broad spectrum of hues, from yellow-green to blue-green. All colored gems, and clear gems, depend on expert cutting and polishing to showcase the colors in all their subtleties and brilliance.

Generally the deeper and richer the color, the more valuable the stone. The best amethysts will be a dark, royal purple. A lighter-colored amethyst simply isn’t as valuable.

But many people prefer these lighter or darker gradations in color. And, they tend to be more affordable. A slightly lighter-colored amethyst is much easier to obtain than the “ideal” color, but is still a beautiful gemstone.

Oddly enough, diamonds are rated by how colorless they are. The less color, the higher the grade of diamond. Unless of course it’s a defined color such as a pink diamond or a canary diamond. These are almost as highly prized as a near-colorless diamond.

Diamond Cutting Styles

2011-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Diamond cutting styles

Our love of diamonds and admiration of their fire and brilliance has given rise to many different cuts of diamonds. While we still see some of the earliest styles of diamond cuts – such as the round and emerald-cut, there are many more cuts today, some of them patented by their designers and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The most popular cut for a diamond ring today is still the round, brilliant cut. It was developed in the 17th century in Venice. It is still preferred when the raw crystal is in an octahedron formation. Even though as much as 50% of the stone is cut away in the process, often two stones can be carved from an octahedron. More unusually-shaped stones are used for fancy cuts, such as a marquise, pear or heart-shaped diamond. The earliest brilliants had 17 facets on the top of the stone and were called double-cut. This was soon improved with stones cut with 33 facets and were called triple-cut brilliants.

In the 19th century, with the development of better gem-cutting tools, more innovations in diamond cutting styles were developed. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky combined the art of cutting with the science of light and refraction and published his book, Diamond Design. These relatively recent geometric calculations were the forerunner of much of diamond cutting work today and led to other, more precise mathematical models engineered to enhance the fire and brilliance of diamonds.

There are now cuts such as the princess cut, trillions, ovals, pear and heart-shaped. Some innovative cutters have even fashioned star or butterfly-shaped diamonds! One patented cut, the Ashoka diamond, is an oblong cut with rounded, brilliant ends, and requires a stone 3 carats or larger. It’s an exceptionally beautiful (and pricey!) diamond shape. Tiffany has also patented a cut of diamond called the Lucida cut. It’s the lucky bride whose fiancé gives her one of these highly coveted stones!

6 Tips For Safe Online Dating

2011-07-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that online dating can put you in touch with some great people and you may just end up finding your Prince Charming or Dream Girl as the case may be. However, online dating is not without its risks. This is why I have put together these online dating safety tips which will help you to have a fun experience, while keeping yourself out of harms way.

1. Your safety lesson in online dating starts from your profile itself. Make sure not to reveal exact personal details (real name, telephone numbers, street addresses etc) in your profile for everyone to see. For the first few weeks you should communicate with other daters only through the message system that is available on the sites. This personal messaging system keeps your name and contact details anonymous so that you can get to know the other person without revealing your true identity. Once you feel you know someone well enough, you can then disclose your personal details and also set up a date. And in case you do end up communicating with someone who turns out to be a creep (they are unfortunately unavoidable), your real identity will be protected.

2. Once you do set up a date with an online friend, always ensure that you do not ask them to come over to your home on the first date itself. No, you should not even have them pick you up at home. Instead, arrange to meet up at the designated spot.

3. If you have a friend who is also into online dating, you could get together with your friend and have a double date. This way, you won't be alone when you meet your online friend, and you will also have someone to get away with in case your date turns out to be a bore!

4. Never ever agree to have your first date in a private or secluded spot. You may think that this is very basic advice, but you'll be amazed (perhaps shocked may be a better word!) to know that countless people still make this mistake and end up in prospectively dangerous situations. You should pick an open and public place for your date; say a restaurant, the park, etc. If you do decide to go to another place with your date, do not get into the car with them. Take your own vehicle or call and ask a friend to take you there. Yes, all this may seem like too much trouble, but better to be safe than sorry!

5. Avoid drinking alcohol on your first date. If you must, make sure you have just a couple of drinks and no more. Ask the waiter or the bar tender to serve you. If you have left the drink for any reason, perhaps to visit the rest room, do not have the same drink when you do return.

6. Before you leave for your date, make sure a friend or relative knows where you are going and when to expect you back. If something untoward does happen, you at least know that someone will be out looking for you.

Thus, by keeping these online dating safety tips in mind, you can rest easy that you are doing all you can to protect yourself. And with that worry off your mind, you are free to go out and have a whale of a time with your new online date!

10 Perfect Places to Meet Women

2011-07-22T02:01:00.000-07:00

In our days, in this big world, there are a lot of single people who spend their life alone. There are a lot of wonderful ladies out there just waiting to meet the man of their dreams, hoping that someday this will appear. Also, many single men would like to meet their special one, but the only problem is that they don't know very well where to find the woman they want.

Learn to meet new people. In this fast paced world, too many people out there are lonely. Change your attitude and get out there and make new friends.

So, if you want to meet someone new, you should start by spending your time in the places most visited by women, the best places to meet them.

1. Through friends and family. Surely you have a lot of friends. If you are single, you should spend much time with the boys, go with them at parties. This is a good opportunity to meet special girls which they probably know and help you to get the one you like. It is one of the most easy way to meet someone because your friends presents you the girl and all you have to do is to get know her better.

2. At work. Maybe you are a very busy man working till late and don't have time to go out to looking for a partner. In this case, the best partner for you is somebody who is as busy as you are and understands the reason why you don't have too much time for her. If you are surrounded by many women at your work, watch out because there can be the perfect woman for you.

3. The mall. We all know that women love to go shopping. That's why mall is always full of women especially at the clothing area. From the big number of girls meet here you can choose the one you want and start a conversation with her by offering your service to help her carry her bags. It's just a beginning, you'll see if you have a change to get a date with her.

4. At the gym. Why to keep making sport at home, alone , when you can go to the gym, a place with many beautiful women, with a perfect body. It's a good opportunity to show that you are in a very good shape too and attract the athletic and beautiful woman you ever dreamed of.

5. Museums and art galleries. Here you can find women that are better educated. You must act with some elegance and refinement here. If you don't know anything about the artists or pieces, act with confidence and try to find out something about the exhibit.

6. Public places: theater, cinema, disco, parks. We all know that a woman who is single doesn't like to spend her time alone in the house. She likes to go out with their friends hoping to find a partner. So, go to a disco, have fun and there you have all the chances to find your special one.

7. Group dance lessons. There are a lot of women who like to dance. You should follow some dance lessons not only because in this place are a lot of beautiful women, but it is important to know to dance. Also it is a good chance to approaching women, some of the dances being very sensual and exciting.

8. Jewelry stores. I think that is no woman who doesn’t like jewelries. Women are very preoccupied on how they look that's why they like to change their jewelries very often.

9. College. It's a place with an abundance of women everywhere you look. It's the perfect place to meet a young and smart girl like the one from your dreams. The advantage is that you can choose from a big number of girls.

10. Internet personals. If you don't like to go out with your friends and prefer to spend your time alone in the house in front of your computer,you may find a partner online. It is a very easy way to meet someone and make new friends. After you get to know better a girl online you may ask her for a date. It will be more easily for you to win her at your date now that you already know how she's thinking and what she likes.

Build a Romance Bridge

2011-07-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

Romance Bridge

Ever run into a brick wall, so to speak, with your mate? Can’t seem to pass “Go” without collecting 200 fresh wounds? Well, it’s time to build a bridge and tear down that brick wall. Here are your tools:

ATTITUDE – Get an attitude adjustment first. Lighten up and do a 180-degree about face. Read the Sunday comics, grab an old comic book, turn on the Comedy channel, watch funny videos or DVDs. Get in a better mood and pass it along to your mate. Invite your mate to tune in to comedy with you, too.

FRIENDSHIP – Go back to being friends for starters now that you’re in a good mood. Forget the love stuff, if you want. And just focus on being good friends; share compliments, do things for one another, go out and have fun together, enjoy one another’s company.

RELAX – Let your hair down. Trust and relax. Be yourself. Don’t let old wounds open or fester. Forget the garbage memories and just be in the here and now together.

TIME OUT – If possible, spend extra time together for awhile, like during your original courting days. Hire a sitter, order out, eat at fast food places, grab ice cream cones and go for walks in the park. Get to know each other all over again. That’s the key. Then you’ll remember why you fell for each other in the beginning and history will hopefully repeat itself.

COMMUNICATION – Take it slow and easy. Keep away from subjects that you don’t agree upon. And slowly re-learn to communicate with each other all over again. If necessary, and it’s not a crime or shame – get help. Seek a trusted friend or adviser, a church clergy member or certified professional counselor. No need to go it alone. Find your weak areas and how to over come them and plan for future communication difficulties.

GOALS – Gradually develop goals together so you’ll have a direction to head. Write them down in a notebook just for the two of you. And over time, develop them, revise them, cross them off your list. The idea is to HAVE goals together and work towards a common goal.

SCRAP BOOK – Create a memory album together. Add photos, clippings, menus and anything that reminds you of the “good times.” Then when tough times comes, you’ll have something to “hold on to” – your bridge to romance.

So don’t just sit back and sulk. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.

10 Top Relationship Tips

2011-07-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

10 Top Relationship Tips

What's the key to a successful relationship? Some might think that's the million dollar question. Sometimes it's just the simple things, that we easily forget or think are unimportant that hold the key to a healthy and happy relationship. Read through the helpful tips below on how to make your relationship go the distance.

1. Without quality time together, your relationship will not survive. Aim to devote at least half an hour a night, and at least one day a month when the two of you spend time exclusively together.

2. You both want to feel secure within the relationship. A good relationship is built on compromise and a lot of give and take from both of you.

3. Often those little things that first attracted you to your partner can turn into nasty annoying habits. Learn to love your partner warts and all. Don't try to change them into something they're not, after all you fell in love with them just the way they were.

4. Money is one of the top conflicts between most couples. For the relationship to work, you need to address your finances and maybe even work out a budget.

5. Learn to argue well. Never say something to your partner that you wouldn't want to hear said back. Just remember, the one good thing they say about arguing, is the making up afterwards.

6. Communication is vital to all healthy relationships. Listen to your partner and avoid blame and judgement. Don't let your emotions dictate your behaviour. Remember just talking things over can help you to both have a deeper understanding of each other.

7. Sort out your sex life, it may start to go downhill over the years, don't just accept it. As soon as you notice it, address it with your partner and work out why, and what to do to bring back the passion. Maybe one of your prefers more sex than the other. Why not experiment with new ideas in the bedroom. Role play, dressing up, or maybe take your sex life out of the

bedroom and try new places. The introduction of marital aids into the relationship can also help to spice things up. Whatever you decide, remember communication is vital.

8. Try to keep your dependence and independence in balance. Tell your partner how much you need them, but don't get to dependent on them and cling to them all the time, as that can make your partner feel trapped. On the flip side of this, don't allow your partner to think you don't need them, by going or doing things without them. Try to keep a happy and healthy balance

between the two.

9.Learn to forgive. If you know you will never forgive your partner over something important, and feel the trust can never be regained then give yourself, and him a break and start again, with someone new.

10. Don't ever think that going to counselling is a sign of a failed relationship. It can turna bad relationship around and can also turn an average relationship into an excellent one. More and more people are turning to counselling today than ever, it shows you are both prepared

to try and make things better, which can't be a bad thing at all.

The fact remains, that whether you're dating or married, relationships are hard. It takes 100% commitment from both of you. However, healthy and long-lasting relationships are achievable and many couples have proven just that. Not everything is always going to be perfect but if you both choose to make it work then it can. And remember it's the little things that you sometimes do that can go a long way to making your relationship work.

A part from The Heart

2011-07-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

Apart From The Heart

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, which is especially true for Valentine’s Day. It is a wonderous thing to be with the one you love. And Saint Valentine was persecuted, endeavouring to maintain a pagan right of choice and the union of loving partnership.

There are innumerable factors why couples may find themselves alone on Valentine’s Day. Couples for example who are in a long distance relationship, an unscheduled business trip popping up, shift work -preventing couples from being together or an unexpected sickness, maybe a family emergency. These are just a few examples of reasons why couples may find themselves apart during Valentine’s Day.

While it's easy to understand the reasons why you and your partner cannot be together on Valentine’s Day, it does not make it any easier to accept, does it? Naturally it's not the be all and end all but you could find yourself feeling a little out of sorts and booting the dog - just joking Rover boy!

However, there is hope for those who are spending Valentine’s Day apart from their sole mates or loved ones. To be sure there are a few ways for making the day a lot more fun (some I won't cover). So, here splashed about are some ways to celebrate Valentine’s apart - using the most common situations of why partners are absent.

First up are couples who are in a long distance relationship. For these campers, they're probably already used to spending important days such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and other holidays apart, so not a problem really. Nevertheless, there are ways this couple can still spice up their celebration of Valentine’s Day together. Let’s see... both renting the same movie is a cute idea, with the mobile to hand they can "virtually speaking" watch the movie together. We won't talk about the phone bill here, can't be too cheap skate - anyway these days the special family tariffs give unlimited connections for peanuts so it's possible the couple can chat away on their cell phones ad infinitum, all the while they're watching the movie together. Also ordering in the same type of food, such as pizza or Chinese, may give the evening even more of a familiar spin - a feeling of togetherness for a little while.

Next let’s dip into the unfortunates who find them selves spending Valentine’s Day apart due to an unexpected business trip. Mmm… not great, particularly difficult since the couple is not used to being apart on important days and most likely don't have a great deal of time to prepare for spending the holiday apart. Discussion first and foremost about Valentine’s Day, really as soon as they realize they are going to be spending the holiday apart. Essentially deciding if and when to set a side a time to celebrate: before they separate or after they're back together, snug as a bug in a rug. Of course it's important for the couple to try to at least have some contact on Valentine’s Day even if it is over the phone, email or web cam. This at least may give a sense of being together; the idea is not to feel too distant or apart.

Having flowers or a special message delivered to your partner while you are separated are oldies but goodies and a great gesture of caring.

Concluding this small applet, there are those who cannot spend Valentine’s Day together because one or both of them have work which involves odd shifts. This could include doctors, fire-fighters, police officers or a variety of other professions. Individuals in this type of situation have to generally accommodate and adjusted to their odd schedule and make time to be together outside of working hours. In this case the best way to deal with being apart on Valentine’s Day is to plan on celebrating together when it is more convenient. This may not seem like the most romantic option but sometimes it is important to remember that you love your partner every day of the year and you don’t have to be together on Valentine’s Day to prove your love for each other.

Body Language Secrets You Should Know

2011-07-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Body Language

Even when you don’t say a word, other people can still learn a lot about what kind of person you are and what you are thinking and feeling.

How do other people do this? By studying your body language.

The term body language refers to the messages you send out with your body gestures and facial expressions.

Some body language experts claim that only about 7% of our messages to other people are communicated through the words we speak. The rest of our messages are conveyed through our body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.

During your entire life you have been sending messages to others through your posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

When you were an infant, before you learned to speak, people were peering into your little baby face, looking at your gestures, and listening to your little cries and gurgles, trying to decipher what kind of mood you were in, and what you were trying to say.

And you have been reacting to the body language, voice tone, and facial expressions of the people around you all your life, even though you may not have been consciously aware of it.

What sorts of messages are you conveying to others with your body language? Does your body language encourage other people to approach you? Or do you subconsciously warn them to stay away?

Take a moment to think about how you usually stand or sit when you are with other people. What are you doing with your hands? Where are you looking with your eyes?

Does your face express interest in the people you are with, or does your face stay a tense, stony mask?

When you are sitting or standing, do you usually cross your arms across your chest? If this is your typical way of standing or sitting, how do you think other people interpret this posture? Did you realize that most people will subconsciously interpret your arms crossed in front of your chest as a signal that you don’t want anyone to approach you? Only the bravest souls are likely to come forward when you adopt this posture.

If you stand awkwardly, with your chest slumped forward, your shoulders drooping, and your eyes avoiding everyone else, people are likely to decide you are very depressed or completely lacking in confidence. They may fear that trying to talk with you will be an awkward experience.

When you stand awkwardly, you do not project any sign that you are confident in yourself, or that you have any interest in the people around you. Instead you look like you are trying to disappear.

No matter how desperately you want someone to come over and befriend you, if your body language projects awkwardness or disinterest in others, it’s not very likely that many people will try to start a conversation with you.

If some body language signals can frighten people away, are there signals that will encourage people to come forward and approach you? Yes, you can look much more approachable to others if you adopt body language that is open and non-threatening.

Whether you are sitting or standing, aim for a posture that is upright and alert, yet relaxed. If you notice that your chest or shoulders are slumping, straighten up.

Become aware of the way you are breathing. Does your breath move in and out smoothly? Or does it move with jerky little stops and starts?

If you notice that you are holding your breath, or breathing in a shallow, jerky manner, this is a sign of anxiety. When you breathe shallowly, you have to breathe more often, which can increase your appearance of nervousness. Consciously tell all the muscles of your body to relax. Use your abdomen to help you breathe smoothly and deeply. Let the bottom part of your lungs fill up with air as well as the top.

What are you doing with your hands? If you get nervous in social situations, you may feel that no matter what you do with your hands, it’s the wrong thing. Many people who cross their arms in front of their chest are probably doing so at least in part because they don’t know where else to put their hands.

You should never cross your arms in front of your chest unless you really don’t want anybody to approach you. That is the message this gesture sends out.

If you want to look open and approachable, keep your arms at your sides, or put one hand in your pocket. If you want to hold something in one hand, keep your hand at the side of your body, and not in front of you. Holding your arm in front of your body can be seen as a signal that you want to defend yourself against other people.

Stay aware of and focused on your surroundings and the people around you. If you find yourself tuning out your surroundings, you will start to focus too much on your negative inner sensations and thoughts. This can quickly increase your anxiety to a very uncomfortable level.

What sort of facial expression should you have if you want people to approach you?

In most cases, a gentle, pleasant smile should do the trick. Too much of a smile that never softens can look forced and nervous. A pleasant smile with a twinkle in your eyes will convey to other people the impression that chatting with you will be a pleasant experience.

17 Seduction Tips

2011-07-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

Seduction Tips

Seduction is the most exciting thing in a relationship. It isn't bad or wrong, it's absolutely necessarily. The power of seduction is a gift. But not all of us have it, so we have to learn how to seduce the woman we want. Seduction can mean a couple of different things: it is a method that lets men have more success with women on a regular, repeatable basis and also it is a process by which one person leads another to the beginning of a sexual relationship.

Choose very well your target. Maybe it is there a beautiful sexy lady after you look anytime you see her on the street, but you never think that you will have a chance with her. Why don't you try to seduce her, maybe you'll win. But before you start, you must know that there are a few steps in seducing a woman:

*) you have to be ready so get over your past rejection, overcome your shyness and clear your mind and think about what about you are going to talk with her

*) interrupt her and get her attention next time when you see her; initiate with women, it takes guts to ask her out, ask her phone number

*) create a conversational connection with her and show that you are able to understand her, make her sees you as romantic partner; lots of women love this

Considering that you get your first date with her, here are some tips for seduction that might help you:

*) first of all, train your mind and focus on your goal, and remember that your goal is to get that woman; so you must know which are the mistakes from the past, and not make them again

*) choose the perfect place for effective seduction, a place with a comfortable atmosphere, avoid places too bright lights or too dull ambiance

-eliminate every possible obstacle; convince yourself from the beginning that you can seduce her, even if you never did this before

*) be yourself, show that you are well groomed and watch out about the basis hygiene; no women like a man with dirty clothes, or with a smell breath

*) relax and smile as often as you can but be controlled; you just have to please her

*)eyes contact it is very important when seducing; eyes are capable of showing your deepest emotions but watch out to not stare at her

*)let her know that you are interested; women like to make them feel good about themselves

*)the first impression usually last: show her that you are not interested only for sex

*)have the right attitude – fearless and not arrogant, convince her that you are confident in your own skin

*)do not shutter or look nervous, a confident person has much more chance of seducing

*)have self confidence, sense of humor and self control

*)show her that you are a gentleman; not many men from our days are; treat her like a princess, respect her for what she is and compliment her

*)do not touch her in an offensive way; touch her slightly on her hands and even shoulders and you will see what's next

*)tease her; a woman will be attracted to men who tease and challenge her; teasing raises frustration which starts her attraction; if you are wanted by other women, you will command her respect and attraction

*)be creative; you may buy her a nice gift and be genuine when you give it to her

*)learn to dance; nothing turns on a person more than dancing, as you can get intimidate with each other without feeling awkward

*)prepare your conversation; indulge a conversation that interest her too; women like intellectual conversations; talking will break the ice and seduction becomes more easier since the woman is comfortable; best way to start a conversation is with a genuine compliment

Women are attracted to specific, confident traits in men and your behavior demonstrates them. So start watching what women actually respond to, not what they say they want.

13 Magical Things to do in a Relationship

2011-07-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

Magical Things to do in Relationship

When you know that you have found the perfect woman for you, make sure that she feels the same about you. You are crazy about her and want to make her feel happy with you, that's why you are ready to make all the sacrifices to impress her, to show her how much you care about her, or to not permit that routine to come into your relationship.

With all this sacrifices to show her your feelings, to keep your relationship as cool as it was at the beginning, you feel that you have to make something more interesting. That's why you should induce “magic “into your relationship even if you are hopeless romantic or not. To add more intimacy, love, understanding and compassion in any relationship is always welcome.

So, here are some magical things to do in order to impress your partner in a good way and increase your relationship:

1.Surprise her by taking her lunch and coffee at bed right after she woke up; if you didn't do this before she will definitely be impressed; also cooking a pizza for her and cut it in a heart shape it is very romantic; a woman will always find interesting a man who is able to cook for her, no matter what kind of food it is; even if it wouldn't be too tasty, she will appreciate that you have tried

2.Set up a picnic in the park; even it is an usually day, prepare all you need for a picnic, go get your girlfriend and go for a walk; don't tell her from the beginning what you plan to, let it be a surprise; a ' going out' at a picnic in the fresh air is always welcome and relaxing

3.Send her flowers anytime and anywhere, that is unexpected; women love flowers, so sending her flowers without any reason will demonstrate her that you really care about and make her feel loved and special; the most probably that she will answer you with the same love you show her

4.Fill her apartment with balloons or something she likes, maybe it's a crazy idea, but it usually works to impress girls; it will be seen as a funny thing by your partner and remember that some fun is necessary in any relationship

5.If you are good at writing, write her a poem, or create a book for her with a special dedication; this will definitely work if she love poems; don't begin to write a poem only if you know that you are good at it, other way you will screw up

6.Reading romantic poetry in the middle of the living room on a blanket in soft candlelight, it is a very good way to offer your partner a wonderful evening; women are often more romantic than men, that's why they like to be surprised by men with romantic ideas

7.Massages are always magic when done right; buying different flavored edible bars to experiment with each other can be more surprising; but if you are not good at making massage, go to a spa together and get a couples massage together

8.Go for a romantic meal; make reservations at a beautiful restaurant and create a romantic atmosphere with candles, roses and slow music; offer her a night to never forget

9.Going for a walk at night and looking at the stars and moon is almost such romantic as the restaurant, and is cheapest; so it is not necessary to have a lot of money to offer your partner a lovely evening; it can be very interesting

10.If you can afford it, take her in holiday in an exotic place, like a beautiful island, only you two alone, with sunshine and plenty of water, where you will spend a wonderful time together, and will not be disturb by friends, family, relatives

11.But, if you can't afford to go in a exotic place, to the sea, there's no problem; bubble baths together are always magic times;

12.Surprise visits; surprise her with your visits when she is not expecting at all; while you are able to surprise her in a good way, she will not lose interest in you

13.Don't be afraid to talk sweet nothings into her ear; make the woman feel good by saying sweet and romantic things to her at any given time; as i sad, women love romance

4 Rules To Transform A Long Distance Love On The Internet Into A Normal Relationship

2011-07-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

Long Diatance Love

Let's suppose that you are meeting someone online and that person seem to be the match of your life, but is living far away from you. Does it worth to spend your time in a long distance relationship with this person?

What if this person is really your soul mate?

You may be surprised how much a relationship can grow if you work at it. If you know and apply some simple rules, your relationship can turn out to be one of the most successful and happy relationships that ever existed.

Distance, combined with phone calls and writing, electronically or through regular mail, can foster an enviable intimacy which results from learning about another's qualities, values and ways of thinking, sensitivities, dreams, and aspirations. This type of intimacy can make your coming together much more special.

And, as if relationships weren't complicated enough, having them across a long distance is extremely challenging. Just read the following rules and try to keep them in mind and apply them:

1. The quality of a relationship is more likely to increase if both people develop the ability to share feelings openly with each other. Do not be afraid to tell your partner what you really need and want from him or her, he or she deserves to know the truth and judge whether they can give it to you.

2. Make the relationship a high priority. Avoid canceling reunions or putting off a phone call.

3. Keep in touch daily. If large phone bills are a concern, send e-mail, letters, cards and even faxes. And when you do make contact, don't just stick to love talk, but keep each other informed on the day-to-day aspects of your lives. This way each of you is aware of how the other is thinking, feeling and developing. Late-night talks and thoughtful letters can convey a lot of what is most important in the long-term: your goals, values and dreams.

4. Be prepared to be flexible. Tell your partner of how much you think about and love him or her and you will score some important points. Making them miss you more and you’ll fill them with the constant urge to see you. But don't be possessive. Being paranoid and accusing will only grow doubts, insecurity and tension between you and none of those will help the relationship develop successfully.

If your partner truly wants to be with you, then they would not want to wait forever to have you next to her or him. As long as you both trust each other, inform one another of your personal lives, keep in touch, your relationship can turn out into a happy normal relationship.

Ultimately, a fabulous relationship is your goal - right?

A Good Communication Technique

2011-07-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Communications Technique

Human beings are social beings and we are interacting with people every day of our life. Often, our happiness depends a great deal on how the interactions with each person turn out. This is especially true of those whom we care about e.g. in close friendships as well as in marriage. However, because each personality we deal with is unique and presents its own challenges, managing the myriad of relationships requires us to consciously observe the process and impact of our interactions so that we continue to gain knowledge, understanding and experience in developing relationships in a positive way.

I have realized that to have good management of relationships, we need to be assertive and honest in sharing our thoughts, feelings and concerns. However, this needs to be done in a way that does not provoke the other party, but is instead respectful and encourages both parties to listen to each other. A good way to do this is through the communication technique of "I" Messages.

In "I" messages, statements are made about ourselves, how we feel and our concerns, and what actions of the other party has led to the concerns. "You" messages focus on the other person and would usually lead the other party to become defensive unless the "You" message is a positive statement of the other person. For example, a husband or wife is waiting for the return of the spouse and when the spouse returns, he or she might be greeted by this: "You are always coming home late! Why can't you come back earlier?" This "You" message leads to the spouse feeling blamed and attacked and the ensuing communication would likely not be an amiable one. In a conflicting situation, "You" message focuses on attacking the other person. As a result, the primary issues are pushed aside. In contrast, in this same scenario, an "I" message would look like this: "I feel rather lonely while waiting for you to come home. I'm concerned that you are often home late and I get rather frustrated wondering when you're going to be home." In this statement therefore, the speaker shares his or her feelings and concerns. The clear communication of the concern is a good starting point for both parties to work out what can be done about it.

"I" messages are effective because the focus is on the issue or concern and not on the other person. The sharing of the speaker's feelings can also lead to more trust in the relationship as it shows the speaker is willing to look within himself or herself and take responsibility for his or her feelings.

In fact, generally in most interactions, my opinion is that the use of "I" messages is always superior to "You" messages and is a more respectful way of communicating. So, even when expressing positive feelings, a "You" message: "You look good in this dress", could be enhanced by "I" messages: "I'm so happy to see you. I remember all the fun we used to have. You look good."

Generally, there are three parts to an "I" message:

I feel _________________ (express your feeling)

when you _____________ (describe the action that affects you or relates to the feeling)

because _______________ (explain how the action affects you or relates to the feeling)

The order in which the 3 parts are expressed is usually not important.

Sometimes a fourth part might be added. This states our preference for what we would like to take place instead.

Examples of more "I" messages:

"I get very anxious when you raise your voice at me because it makes me feel like I've done something very wrong. Could you please not raise your voice when we talk?"

"I'm so happy you're learning to cook because then I'll know you can prepare your own meal when I'm unable to be home in time to cook."

"When you take so long talking to your friend on the phone, I'm concerned that there might be urgent calls that cannot come through. Also, I feel frustrated as I would like to spend more time with you. How about asking your friend to call at another time, when I am not around."

Use of "I" messages might not come naturally to most people initially. However, with practice, you will be surprised at how you will begin to like this communication approach, especially when you begin to experience the good result of better quality interactions and more harmonious relationships.

Reference:

1. http://www.succezz.com/S2/ForbiddenPsychologicalTactics.html

2. http://www.succezz.com/happy1.html

3. http://www.jacobgan.com/MotivateYourWayToSuccess.html

Choosing And Using Gold Piercing Body Jewelry

2011-07-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Britney's Body Diamonds

A little bit of history

Although body piercing jewelry was not popular until about 20 years ago, it actually has a very long history. In ancient Egypt, only the royal family had the right to have body piercing. In fact, only the Pharaoh at that time had belly button piercing, any other people with a belly button ring would have been executed. For Egyptians, body jewelry was a way of embellishing the beauty of human bodies. On the other hand, around 2000 years ago, as mentioned in Bible, body piercing jewelry was very popular among nomadic tribes as a sign of wealth. Also, the roman warriors used to get nipple piercing as a sign of strength and virility. However, in the last 400-500 years, body jewelry has been restricted to mainly ear piercing until the last two decades.

Choices of metal

There are many choices for the metal used to make body jewelry. Since piercing could be in sensitive and delicate area of the body such as lip and tongue, the material has to be biological inert to prevent corrosion and infection. Common metals for making body jewelry are surgical steel, titanium, niobium, platinum and 14kt and 18kt gold. The primary reason for the above metals to be popular with body jewelry is that they are hypoallergenic and are absolutely safe to wear. Sterling silver body jewelry is not recommended because would tarnish and some of them contain nickel, which some people are allergic to. It is recommended to use surgical steel right after the piercing during the healing period to allow a faster healing process and minimize the chance of infection.

Types of body jewelry

Since the resurgence of body jewelry, many types of body jewelry became available in the market. The common body jewelry categories are navel rings, lip and tongue labrets, nostril rings, eyebrows barbells, ear plugs and nipple rings. In fact, the piercing technique employed by most of the body jewelry store is so mature and safe that you can put body jewelry wherever you want!

Fashion vs. Fine Jewelry

A decade ago, body jewelry was a symbol for rebellious and hip youth. Nowadays, however, it is a common trend just like earrings. This is shown by the fact that many celebrities are wearing them and the number of body jewelry piercing stores in the shopping mall is constantly increasing. This is a major fashion trend which we are now at the beginning of. As body jewelry becomes mainstream accessories, the style and quality are expected to improve tremendously. Body jewelry with natural semi-precious stones such as topaz and peridot are currently available in the market, soon body jewelry with gold and genuine diamonds will be as popular as diamond stud earrings. In fact, 14k and 18k gold body jewelry are good choices for gift to someone who are already part of this fashion jewelry trend resolution since they are truly precious and fashionable at the same time.

Good Guide A Peek Into The World Of Chinese Wedding Rings

2011-07-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Chinese Wedding Rings

Wedding is a special celebration which lasts up to a lifetime. And there could not be anything better than a wedding ring which serves as an epitome of commitment, love and trust between the two partners. Since 11th century, the ritual of exchanging wedding rings has been practiced with utmost excitement and passion. And one Asian country vehemently follows this tradition of wedding rings. Well, you guessed it right; it’s none other than China.

As the ritual of exchange of wedding rings is prominent in China, the Chinese wedding rings are also very popular. The land of the mystical dragons and ancient culture blooms with unique styles and designs of wedding rings. In Chinese weddings, the style and the class of the wedding rings play an important role. In fact the jewelers constantly keep on updating the materials and designs of the Chinese wedding rings.

Coming onto the aspect of the materials used in the Chinese wedding rings, there are basically 4 types of material used. These are diamonds, platinum, yellow gold and white gold.

Let us take a peep into how these materials are incorporated in the making of Chinese wedding rings.

Diamond Wedding Rings

Diamond wedding rings are a very popular choice as Chinese wedding rings. These rings are prominently made up of two types. The first one is a solitaire Chinese wedding ring and the second one is the diamonds Chinese wedding rings. Well, the solitaire Chinese wedding rings consist of a single diamond on the whole of the ring. This diamond is placed on a band which can be made up of any material like platinum, yellow gold or white gold. Moreover one can choose a colored solitaire to make the ring look even more beautiful and charismatic.

The other types of diamond Chinese rings are the ones on which more than one diamond is placed. These rings can have numerous small sized diamonds or three big size diamonds, and various other diamond combinations.

Platinum Wedding Rings

Platinum Chinese wedding rings are a symbol of class and society. There are several types and styles of platinum Chinese rings. Some of these rings include the sacred symbols of the Chinese cultures. On the other hand, some rings contain some famous and holy quotation, while the other rings have the dragons engraved on them.

If one prefers to have a simple platinum band for a Chinese wedding, he can also buy a plain platinum wedding band to represent the beauty in simplicity. Some Chinese platinum wedding rings can also have the inscribed names of both the partners.

Yellow Gold Wedding Rings
Yellow gold wedding rings are the most common types of Chinese wedding rings. These rings are available in different karats according to the gold content used in the making of them. On an average, a Chinese wedding yellow gold ring is made up of 14K gold. This implies that the ring has 58.3 % gold along with 41.7 % of other metals. Another common category of golf Chinese wedding rings is the 18K gold ring wherein the gold content is 75%.

White Gold Wedding Rings

Well, many people confuse white gold wedding rings with platinum wedding rings. However, white gold wedding rings are yet another popular choice as Chinese wedding rings. These rings are made up of a metal called palladium which is responsible for the white color of the ring.

So which ring have you chosen for your wedding?

3 Categories Women Put You In Before You Meet or Dating

2011-07-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

3 Categories Of Women

When approaching women, even before you have said a word or done anything she has already unconsciously put you into one of three categories:

Now that you are aware of the three different categories lets go over each ones strengths and weaknesses for you.

Category #1: I like Him: If you happen to look or remind her of someone that she liked, dress in a certain type of way that she finds attractive or anything else that she happens to connect with. Congrats you have a heads up on everyone and when it comes to taking it to the next level its all On You. This is a great thing and if you fall in the Average Guy category expect this to happen with around 10 percent of the women that you meet who are available.

Category #2: I Don't Like Him: You ever meet someone and for no apparent or real good reason you don't like them?

Guess what women are the same way and for good measure most women throw unconfident men and a whole slew of petty reasons in there as well. If you fall in this category and at least 10 percent of the time you will if your just an average guy, unless you have some unknown outside factor to enhance you (hot ex still after you, famous, rich, etc.); there is nothing you can say or do that is going to get this woman to change her mind and be attracted to you.

Category #3: Undecided: The majority of the times about 80 percent is you are an average guy you are going to fall in this Category which if you have done your studying and reading on seduction and how to attract women is a perfect place to be. Because as long as you are in the Undecided category you can work on creating the desire and attraction in a woman that you want. This is very good news for you my friend.

Of course the time is now for you to get your life in order so that when you walk up to a woman that you find to be a potential partner and she is thinking to herself maybe or maybe not over the course of a cup of coffee or tea you can turn that maybe into a yeas and increase your success with women tremendously.

8 Dating Rules For Single Dads

2011-07-02T03:50:00.000-07:00

Dating Rules For Single Dads

The problem with recently divorced single parents is that are waiting too long to start dating again, complaining they are oh, so busy. The real reason is their fears, because their previous situation was usually so ugly, they don't have a strong enough ego to let rejections roll off their back.

Even if they are starting to date, in most cases are doing this for the wrong reasons. Some single parents think they are in competition with their ex, particularly if they were left for a younger partner. They also might be playing a game to prove to the ex that they are desirable by dating as many people as possible. In a nutshell, don't date for emotional revenge, to allay feelings of loneliness or to prove your desirability to others.

After a divorce, both parties are tented to change partners almost every week or month and are not in the mood to compromise with somebody.

But after a while especially single fathers are feeling the need to have a life partner and a mother for their children.

If you are a single father and you are determined to find someone for a long time relationship you have to be sure that you are making the best choice because now you are not alone, you are making the choice not only for you but for your children too.

There are some gold rules to consider that can help you to find the best mom for your children
and the best lover for you:

1. As there is no surer turn-off for a potential lover than a person who insists on living in the past, make a rule for yourself that you are going to do your absolute best not to drag the past into new relationships.

2. Your kids are the priority of your life; keep them there no matter what!

3. You have been careful to prepare your kids for the fact that you will have a life other than the one with them. But don't forget to make them understand that they will not lose your love, just some of your time together.

4. Chose to date only women that have at least one kid already. A woman without children will not understand you and your children needs and will not have too much patience. Don't forget that children are the best when it is about to exasperate somebody, and in the first stage your new date will be like a target for your kids jest.

5. Don't leave your partner to baby-sit. In order to keep children safe, it is necessary to be able to discipline them. It is too soon for your partner to discipline your children.

6. In conflict situation try to put yourself in your partner place, be diplomatic with your child and try to be impartial. Find the golden mean to resolve the problems between them.

7. Never chose your mate only because she is getting on well with your child. You have to find someone FOR YOU and YOUR CHILD. Remember that the best for your children is and will ever be their natural mum, the women you just have divorced (for some good reasons I believe). So find a woman that you are attracted to, a woman you find interesting AND that is willing to accept your
children too.

8. Pay attention to her children too, and never forget that they are the priority of her life.

Are you interested in alternative dating?

2011-07-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Alternative Dating

The great thing about dating in this day and age is the versatility and availability of methods to seek out your preferred type of person or activity. Dating can be confusing and frustrating, no matter what your situation. Here are some alternative dating ideas that may appeal to people who don't want to go down the traditional route of seeking a mate.
Singles bars have been around for a long time, and though they may not appeal to everyone they are ideal because everyone has the same goal in mind. You're all in the same boat, and it may not be subtle but it certainly is straightforward.

Speed dating gives you an even shorter time to make an impression. As an alternative dating technique, it can be a lot of fun. You sit opposite someone and each of you have a few minutes to tell the other about yourself. When the bell rings you move on to the next table, start at square one and repeat. If someone bores you to tears, your suffering is short-lived. At the end of the evening, you connect with those that tickled your fancy and go from there. If you didn't meet anyone you clicked with, there's no pressure and you can simply go home and attend the next session. This is becoming a very popular technique for singles, and even those who may mock it and perhaps go 'as a joke' or on a dare end up enjoying themselves.

Dating agencies have become quite popular in recent times. Professional people who lead busy lives like to use them. It's an alternative dating method that is not foolproof but it's somewhat safer, as all clients have gone through a filtering system. Many agencies utilize video dating, whereby the client makes a brief video of themselves and has access to other client videos for perusal. You don't have long to make an impression, so it's best to just be yourself. You want to come across as a genuine person, not a phony.

Many communities have singles groups that embark on fun activities together, and this is is a great alternative dating method. Events like biking, bowling, curling, movie nights, dancing and comedy clubs are organized by the singles group, and it allows an evenly-distributed group of participants to have a fun and casual night. With emphasis put on the activity itself instead of making a romantic connection, it takes a lot of pressure off the singles and attractions occur more naturally in this type of setting.

4 Questions to Ask Before You Say "I Do"

2011-06-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

"How do you know when you've met the right one?”

Almost everyone asks this question at some point in their lives; unfortunately, there are not too many who get a concrete answer. But if you're reading this article, then you're one of the lucky few.

Interestingly, the criteria for choosing a spouse can be reduced to just four key characteristics. If you can find somebody with all four then it's highly likely that you've found your life partner.

1) What is This Person's Core Values?

Before you decide to marry someone, make sure that they are fully committed to some kind of objective moral and ethical standard. Whether we realize it or not, everyone has some kind of core value that is central to their personality. And when push comes to shove, that value is going to be the most important thing in the world to that person.

For example: Jerry's core value is adventure. When Jerry starts to date Diana, he happens to be volunteering at the local Emergency Room. He goes there every night, holds people's hands, calms them down. And Diana is thinking to herself that Jerry must have a heart of gold if this is how he's spending his spare time. Now, Jerry might really have a heart of gold. But he's volunteering because of his love for adventure. The ER is filled with action, it's exciting. So right now, Jerry's adventurousness happens to be expressing itself in a kind way. But that could change. Jerry might stop volunteering, and start trying other adventures that Diana may find unpleasant, dangerous, or even unethical.

However, if Jerry's core value is a commitment to goodness and caring, then everything he does will rotate around that, including his marriage. And Diana will be a very lucky woman if she marries him.

So how do you get to know the true Jerry? Surprisingly, it's not that difficult. No matter what a person's core value is, you will see him or her sacrificing for it on a daily basis. If Jerry's core value is adventure, then he might risk an accident in order to speed through an intersection or arrive late at work because he followed a police chase. If Diana follows him carefully, she'll see that he places adventure above other important things on his list of priorities. But if Jerry's core value is goodness, then Diana will see him give up on certain things in order to be kind. If the waiter mixes up his order, he'll say thank you and eat the dish anyway. He'll let the other guy cross the intersection first, or he might be late to work because he drove a little old lady home with her groceries. If Diana follows him carefully, then she'll see him let go of some of his own desires in order to take care of other people.

So look for someone who is committed at the core to a higher set of values that you can appreciate.

2) Does This Person Treat Others Well?

Number two is obvious: You want to marry someone who is going to take care of you and treat you well. How to figure it out? Simple. Spend time with this person, and pay attention to how they treat others whom they don't necessarily care about because they're not trying to charm them. Do they thank the attendant who pumped gas for them? Are they courteous to people at checkout counters? Do they curse out people who don't deliver on time, like telephone operators or overworked waitresses? Do they tend to drive aggressively, as if there's no one else on the road?

Ask yourself questions like these and take note of the answers - because they reflect characteristics that will come out down the line. Most people don't guard themselves so carefully that they'll hide how they treat others. So watch them, and you'll know how they're going to treat you after you're married.

3) Do We Communicate Well With Each Other?

In other words, make sure that you understand each other. This may seem obvious, but it's not.

Sometimes you can see a couple in a fight and they argue for an hour, two hours, maybe even overnight. And then, at the end of round 16, it turns out that the whole thing was just a misunderstanding: “Oh, I thought you meant that…That's not what you meant? Oh, then we agree.”

Although on an occasional basis this can happen to anyone, if it's happening constantly then it's not a good sign because that may not change. If you're constantly misunderstanding each other, then you might want to put this relationship on hold for a while.

4) Are We Physically Attracted to Each Other?

Physical attraction is an essential part of marriage. You cannot marry someone if you aren't physically attracted to them. And while men arrive at this conclusion somewhat quickly, women should give themselves some more time. Very often, a woman may not feel attracted to a man initially, but after she gets to know him she finds him much more attractive than before.

A word of caution: Although physical attraction is essential, you can't base a marriage on physicality. Whatever is going on physically is meant to be an expression of something deep that is happening on the emotional and spiritual level. The rule is - make sure that physical attraction is there, but don't get swept away by it. The other three characteristics are just as important, if not more so.

So there you have it. The next time you date someone, put what you've learned here into practice. It'll save you a lot of time and heartache, and you might find yourself walking down the aisle faster than you think.

10 Tips for a Successful First Date

2011-06-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

First Dating

Here's some tips for going on a first date to help you make sure that you're taking your relationship where you want it to go.

1. Take her somewhere that you go often. You'll give yourself a lot of credibility and value if you take her to place where everyone knows you. Stop and chat with the staff there. Learn their names and make sure they know yours. It only says good things about you. If you don't have a place like this yet, make one.

2. Take her to an interesting restaurant. It's a lot more fun to go eat sushi or some type of authentic ethnic food than just going to a more common restaurant. You don't want it too be so interesting that there's always something crazy going on and you can't talk to her. Just make sure it is a little different.

3. Relax. The more you relax and show that you're comfortable, the more your date will relax. If you feel like you're getting nervous or tense, just take a deep breath, relax your shoulder muscles and smile. Just focus on having a good time.

4. Get rid of your expectations. So many guys that I meet wrap expectations around everything they do. They think, "buying dinner = she's going to be my girlfriend or wife." If you just spend the time that you're together having a good time, acting like you would around someone you already know well and show that you couldn't care less if anything happens between the two of you, you'll have a much better chance of progressing things than if you act like she's the first girl you've seen in twenty years, acting really nervous and so dumb that she runs away.

5. Don't talk about normal boring topics or "guy topics". If you want to be like every other boring guy out there, talk about what job she has, where she has gone to or goes to college. Only talk about guy topics like sports, lifting weights or something like that if SHE is already very interested in them. Also, don't cling to a topic like it's the only thing you can talk about. If a conversation dies, let it go.

6. Have a story or two that you can tell if you run out of things to say. One of the best ways to keep a conversation going is to have a few stories that you can tell at any time. When the conversation stops, just say, "Anyway," and go into a story. The story doesn't have to be something too amazing, just a little bit different.

Tell a story about a date that you went on where your date did something embarrassing or funny. Women love to talk about relationships and I've found that they are the easiest to come up with. If you're having problems, just grab a girly magazine and read it for 15 minutes. You should find more than enough things to talk about in there.

7. Know a little bit about a lot of things. You can ask me about almost anything and I probably know enough about it to talk for at least 5 minutes. The more you know about, the easier it will be to hold conversations on just about any topic.

8. If your date wants to talk, listen to her. People like to talk and get the feeling that what they have to say is important. This doesn't mean that you should ask her endless questions trying to get her to talk. If she's not talking, feel free to. But, don't interrupt her if she is.

9. Don't try to impress your date. One of the worst things a guy can do is talk about how much money he has, what kind of a car he drives or anything else that comes across as trying hard to impress. If you do have a cool house or car, let her find out when she sees it. And if she isn't impressed by it, don't be surprised. You're much better off by just being a relaxed, fun, cool guy than you are trying to impress her.

10. Have a plan. You should have your date planned in advance. And although you should have it planned, you should also be flexible. If something comes up that could be a lot of fun, don't be so rigid that you can't change plans. Your plan should be more of a guideline so that you always have something to do.

Gem Cutting – how it has changed over the years

2011-06-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Gem Cutting

How does a lump of mineral or crystal become a dazzling diamond, ruby or sapphire? It’s an amazing process called gem cutting or lapidary and makes all the difference in the final value of the stone. It was developed first in Venice in the early 1300’s and was seen in Paris and Bruges in the mid-1400s.Good cutting is a precise art that catches the light just so, and captures the beauty of the gem. Poor cutting destroys it.

Most gems start out actually being sawed with a special lapidary saw into a rough shape, such as square, round, pear or marquise. It’s then ground with a diamond-infused wheel to further refine the shape. The gem cutter uses a series of finer and finer abrasives to get closer to the clear heart of the gem. Cabochon gems are polished to a smooth overall surface, sometimes held by hand, but more often fixed or “dopped” with wax or adhesive to a dowel to hold it while the lapidarist polishes the stone.

Transparent stones are most often faceted, a process where flat planes of the stone are cut and polished over the surface in a precise, symmetrical pattern. It’s critical that the planes match up perfectly, or the beauty of how the light is captured by the facets will be lost.

If a stone is cut to flat or not polished, the brilliance of the gem will also be lost. When a stone is properly faceted, it captures the light so it bounces around inside the stone, giving it the sparkle we love and that helps determine the value of the gem. If the stone is cut too flat, or the facets don’t meet precisely, the light doesn’t bounce off the angles in the facets to maximum effect.

How To Make the most of adult online dating

2011-06-28T01:16:00.000-07:00

Adult Online Dating

Adult online dating sites are formed based on a simple concept - to create a site for adults to connect. Adult online dating services are available for those who are looking for intimate encounters, and enable people to meet others with similar interests and needs. Whether you are looking for a friend, lover, sex partner, intimate encounter, one night stand, group activities or just someone to chat with, adult online dating is the place to meet all types of people from across the globe.

Most of the well-known adult online dating services allow you to join for free and have limited use of their site. You can create a free profile, upload some pictures, browse other member profiles, and sometimes even view the details of your favorite members. But unless you whip out the ol' credit card and upgrade your membership, your freedom and options are severely restricted. Generally with a free account, you can receive messages but will be prohibited from contacting any other members - and since the purpose of joining an adult online dating site is to initiate contact, these restrictions force most people to upgrade. There is, however, one loophole within this paid dating service that allows you to avoid member fees, and the secret lies in creating a truly award-winning profile and attracting the paying members to contact you!

A snappy, attention-grabbing headline will encourage people to have a closer look at your profile. Try to come up with a unique title or tagline to solicit attention from other members. Posing a question is often a good way to entice people to click through and view your full profile. Appeal to others' curiosity, and don't be afraid to be interesting! Be sure to include a lot of information about yourself to give the full picture of who you are and what you want. You will find many fields to enter such data: your bio, interests, favorite books, preferred movies, and so on. The more effort you put into your profile, the more opportunity you give people to meet you.

In order to use any paid adult online dating services without spending a cent, all you need to do is create an attention-getting profile that encourages people to respond. People who use this technique at many of the popular adult dating online sites have several hundred responses a week without ever upgrading to a paid account. Now you can save your hard-earned cash - and maybe even pay for dinner on your next big date.

5 Ways To Keep Romance Alive – On A Budget

2011-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Romance

Just about everyone agrees that a nice dinner and a good bottle of wine at a quiet, intimate restaurant will set the mood for romance, but have you seen the price tag? Not everyone can afford to spend big money on romance ever time, but a bit of creativity can get the same results without breaking the bank.

While most people know about ‘his and hers’ items like bathrobes and towels, there are a number of other items that can be enjoyed together as ‘couples’ items. Try getting matching T-shirts with cute sayings on them. Have matching his and hers overnight bags, coffee mugs, bicycles, cell phones, cars, holiday ornaments, tennis rackets, rocking chairs and even matching carved pumpkins on Halloween.

Surprise your partner by making the ordinary a little more special. If he or she is enjoying a good book, remove the bookmark and replace it with a note that says, “I bet you’ll never guess where I’ve hidden your bookmark.” If they always turn the TV on when they come home from work, tape a note on the television that says, “Wouldn’t you rather turn me on?” instead.

Making important memories is one way to be romantic on a budget. Challenge your partner to remember the most romantic kiss that you’ve seen in a movie. This will lead to some discussion about romantic kisses and should enhance the mood. As a surprise, buy that movie one day and try to recreate that special romantic kiss! Keep it in a special place and re-watch it whenever the mood strikes. If you can’t agree on the single most romantic kiss, go ahead and create a top five list. This tip works for anything. The top five most romantic songs. The top five most romantic movies. The top five most romantic books. You see the pattern. Make sure to go ahead and buy the books, songs, movies or whatever so you can use them in the future.

If you want to plan the ultimate romantic evening but funds are low or you simply don’t want to have to leave the house, shut down the electricity and imitate a power outage (it’s up to you whether or not you tell him or her!). You won’t have any distractions or heat, so it is up to both of you to keep the other warm and entertain each other.

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy an Oreo cookie. Take an Oreo (or generic version of one), scratch the top of the cookie until smooth and then scratch a heart and your initials into the smooth surface. You can also make your own cookies and create personal messages. Another version is to make your own cupcakes and frost them with special messages in red icing. You can also give your spouse a true treat and track down a box of his or her favorite Girl Scout cookie.

These 5 simple ideas are sure to warm up any relationship. Don’t be afraid to try simple tips and changes to “routines” to spice things up without having it cost a fortune!

5 Tips for getting Dozens of Dates Online

2011-06-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Dates Online

Are you tired of not getting any dates? The club and bar scene has dried up and isn’t the best place to meet women. People have the tendency to lie and drink too much in clubs. Make no mistake about it, right now online dating is where the dating world is. Meeting dates online have a lot of benefits.

• It’s easy practice, even if you are shy

• Instead of being judged by your looks, you will judged by your profile and personality

• If you meet someone who is annoying, you can just log off

• You can check up to 200 profiles in a half hour, all possibilities

• It’s a lot easier to get to know people when you can’t see them

Don’t worry, the online dating scene isn’t just for losers and middle aged men anymore. In fact, recent reports have shown that the major dating sites are approximately 60-70% women.

So is it possible to meet an attractive mate online? Absolutely but you have to follow the right steps or you will just end up wasting your money on web. Here are some tips to land yourself a date tonight.

1. Pick the right website – To pay for a site or not? There are a lot of great free websites out there like Plenty Of Fish and Just Say Hi. The fact of the matter is, most pay websites will usually yield better results though.

2. Write an effective personal ads – No matter how you look, how old you are, or how much hair you have, THE most important part of online dating is your personal ad. If you can make a profile that is attractive you will have no problems meeting new people in no time. An effective profile will multiply the response you get. Keep it light and funny. Don’t be negative or mention how desperate you are.

3. Give compliments sparingly – One thing that will turn people off quicker than anything else is if they feel that you are not being honest with them. If you give too many compliments, too quickly people will think that you have an ulterior motive. Don’t make that mistake!

4. Don’t rush to meet up – The great part about meeting people online is that you have the opportunity to get to know them before you meet them. The reality is that this is a dangerous world and while it isn’t likely that you will meeting a psycho, it is always a possibility. Take your time and get to know you new love interest before you met them, it will also make you look less desperate.

5. Don’t Send too many messages – If you send too many messages too soon you will come off as needy. No one wants someone who is too needy. When chatting online, you have the opportunity to take your time and think out your messages.