WHEN YOU CAN LIVE FOREVER, WHAT DO YOU LIVE FOR?

And this my answer :

How about you???

{Weekly Giveaway}: Pixiepetals

This week's giveaway is from the cute little shop pixiepetals, a shop which stocks embellishments created with & inspired by vintage goods.

The winner will get a $25 voucher to spend in the shop:

go now to check out the full range of choices.

Sorry to bore you with the conditions again, only read if you're new here!

How to Enter? Anyone who leaves a comment on any post during the next 7 days is automatically entered in the draw, starting with this post and ending Saturday the 7th of Nov at 10am GMT. The winner will be revealed later that day.

Rules: only leave one comment per post please, meaningless comments will also be discarded. To pick the winner, I will first use randome.org to generate a number between 1 to 6 say, (i.e. 6 posts a week) and then pick a randome comment within that post. So to maximise your chances you can reply to every post, don't want to miss a post? follow this blog via Blogger, Reader or Bloglovin & these technology will remind you!

Now to last week's winner... Congratulation to Post 4 Comment 20, that's you Trixy!! I will contact you shortly for delivery address :)
xx

How to Get a Boyfriend if You're Very Shy

Shyness can keep you from sampling some of life's most delicious offerings. Worrying about outside perceptions and interactions often hinders your social advancement and your options when it comes to the love department. If this is the case for you, don't fret: You can still find a boyfriend if you're shy.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Narrow your scope of options. Before you get to the highly stressful parts of interacting with potential boyfriends, use your shy demeanor to work to your advantage. Use the time you don't spend talking to observe how people you may like act and what they like to do. This will give you an opportunity to exclude guys you have no real interest in.

2. Step 2

   Play to your strengths. Being active in your own personal interests will give you a greater probability of coming into contact with boys or men who share your interests. This will give you a common point of reference that will make it easier for you to communicate when you're approached or when you want to break the ice. You should also involve yourself in areas that you are proven, so you can draw positive attention from guys with your proficiency without having to speak.

3. Step 3

   Bring the boys to you. Don't allow your shyness to hinder you from properly "baiting the hook" that is your body to "catch" the right boy. Dressing your best may seem overrated and overstated, but the truth is that this practice can express self-confidence that men love to see in a woman. Nicely put together outfits can go a long way toward enticing a potential boyfriend.

4. Step 4

   Make eye contact. Sending the right signals when you are shy is important. Body language makes for the majority of communication between human beings. Muster up some courage to look the guys you like in the eyes or to flash a quick smile to give them the green light to approach you. This will transfer the pressure to approach on his shoulders, while opening a window of opportunity.

5. Step 5

   Step outside of your comfort zone. Healthy relationships are built on communication. This does not exclude you because you are shy. Stepping out of your comfort zone to talk to potential boyfriends is eventually a prospect you will have to face. The payoff will far outweigh the risks if a boyfriend is what you truly seek.

Tips & Warnings

• Using internet dating sites can be helpful in your search for a boyfriend as a shy girl. Many guys will often make the first move if you specify that you are shy in your profile.
• If a boy or man likes you and he is also shy, it may be difficult for him to approach you as well. Spending some time sitting by yourself (without your friends around you) will give him an opportunity to approach uninterrupted.

How to Break Up with a Possessive Boyfriend

If you are involved with a jealous/possesive person it is time for you to reconsider your relationship. This is abuse. Learn to recognize the signs of abuse. Then take the next step and decide to put a stop to this controlling relationship.

Steps

1. Everyone has problems in life. First you need to make sure if this possessiveness is really the kind of person he is, or if situations in life have turned him into this person.
2. If you care at all for this person beyond the possessiveness, tell him honestly and openly that you are your own person and he can either drop the possessiveness and treat you like a human being, or you will be forced to move on.
3. If needed, take some time apart to recollect your thoughts and determine if this person is fundamentally someone you want to spend your life with or if you are only a slave to the possessiveness.
4. Make yourself aware that this controlling behavior is a sign of an abusive relationship. Learn to recognize these signs.
5. Decide to end the relationship. As you become aware of the harm being caused to you, decide to get more information on what help is available to you to change your situation. This is your decision.
6. Gather information and seek support about who can help you with your different needs.
7. Plan your exit. Create a safety plan and choose a place to go if needed.
8. Take action. Just leave. Cut off all lines of communication. You owe this person nothing. Actively engage your support networks and seek any help you need.
9. Prepare for your future. Allow yourself to dream of how your life will come together and make a plan to achieve these goals.
10. Take some time for yourself. A time to heal. Now that you are settled into your new life, it is time to think about how this ordeal has affected you and heal. When you are happy within, when you learn to love yourself and enjoy life - only then will you be able to find meaningful lasting relationships.

Tips

• Open up to people who are expressing concern for you like your friend, family member, your doctor, your neighbor, or your minister. Reach out.
• Do not lose sight of yourself. It may seem overwhelming at times. Your future begins with you.
• Only you can restore happiness, peace, and balance in your life. You are a valued and necessary member of your family, community, and society. Don't be afraid to believe in yourself!

Warnings

• Jealousy and possesiveness are signs of an abusive relationship. Abuse is abuse whether it is mental or physical. This controlling behavior only gets worse as the relationship progresses.

How to Ask for a Hug or Kiss

Alright, you are about to read some steps of how to ask for a hug or a kiss. Make sure you read the steps rely carefully. If you don't then you might not learn what you need to know.

Steps

1. If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend and you want to ask him/her for a hug or kiss then you need to go somewhere private. If you like to show off and brag then go into a crowded place together.
2. When you are about to leave ask your boyfriend/girlfriend to come to you. Then you can just wrap your arms around him/her.
3. If your boyfriend/girlfriend walks you home then you get to the door you can go close to them and shouldn't even ask. You should just do it.
4. You need to be the brave one. If you are going for a hug then you could just wrap your arms around them and say goodnight. Or if your going for a kiss then you could stare into each others eyes and tilt your head and go close to that special person and touch lips.
5. Then you would really know that the person actually likes you.

How to Get Happy when You're Sad

Everyone can feel a bit down and sad sometimes, and it totally stinks. Here are some ways to cheer up.

Remember that sadness will eventually go away if you think positively.

Steps

1. Call up a friend to talk about it (or to get your mind off it).
2. Watch a funny movie, preferably one that you've already seen and liked.
3. Exercise! Go for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Doing this will make your body release endorphins and adrenaline through your body which will make you feel better physically and emotionally.
4. Be spontaneous. Sometimes a consistent and boring routine can make you feel bad. Do something out of the blue, but don't make any rash decisions.
5. Paint a picture. Express your feelings with color and shapes.
6. Think about good memories. If you've lived through them once, than you can definitely have them again. Just because things may seem bad right now doesn't mean that tomorrow they will be.
7. Take a shower. You will feel happier and refreshed.
8. Get out of the house! The fresh air will make you feel better. Go somewhere with a friend, a family member, or even by yourself. See a movie, shop, go on a picnic, etc. Staying inside is like trapping yourself inside your depression.
9. Listen to music. Don't listen to sad music–try listening to energetic tunes or a song that inspires you or reminds you of good times.
10. Have a good cry. Sometimes the sadness stays inside your head if you try to force yourself to be happy. Try to let the tears out at the most appropriate time, mainly the best time when you are alone. Do this, and you might feel more relieved of your sad feelings, as if it "got off your chest".

11. Put your feelings into perspective. Is what you're upset about really as important as you think? Did it seem to heavily affect more on yourself than those around you? If you sulk about little problems, like not receiving a perfect grade or spilled milk, then you're going to feel sad a lot more easily. Not all of your problems require you to use your head, especially not ones that are very serious like the loss of a loved one. If you use reason to cheer yourself up, chances are you'll feel a lot less stressed.
12. Sometimes taking a nap might make you feel better! Try it and have a good, long nap!!!
13. Journal - Stop dwelling on past hurts, and look to the future ... each day is a new day just because you were sad yesterday doesnt mean you have to be sad today.... you have a fresh slate.... get out there and become a person !!! you know who you are no show other people who you are..... Each person has a good side to them .... SHOW YOURS ..... :P ... and remember dont compare yourself to other people... you will always lose that way.... be greatful for what you have dont worry about what you dont have... :P

Invisible Sparkles

I need more of these delicate white sparkles in my hectic life right now...

(images from oops* at Flickr)

Keep Calm

Super busy this week, lots of deadlines to meet.. Hence short post today.. I think I need this in my kitchen!

(photos from ivy style33 at Flickr)

Cuteness Tuesday

What to do on a grey rainy Tuesday morning? Look at cute rabbit photos :)

(photos from mvo168 at Flickr)

{Weekly Giveaway}: Glitzer Jewellery

This week's giveaway is from the gorgeous shop Glitzer, a shop which stocks Enchanting. Fun. Feminine with A Sparkle.

The winner will get a $25 voucher to spend towards any one item in the shop:

go now to check out the full range of choices.

Sorry to bore you with the conditions again, only read if you're new here!

How to Enter? Anyone who leaves a comment on any post during the next 7 days is automatically entered in the draw, starting with this post and ending Saturday the 31th of Oct at 10am GMT. The winner will be revealed later that day.

Rules: only leave one comment per post please, meaningless comments will also be discarded. To pick the winner, I will first use randome.org to generate a number between 1 to 6 say, (i.e. 6 posts a week) and then pick a randome comment within that post. So to maximise your chances you can reply to every post, don't want to miss a post? follow this blog via Blogger, Reader or Bloglovin & these technology will remind you!

Now to last week's winner... Congratulation to Post 2 Comment 40, that's you Rachel!! I will contact you shortly for delivery address :)
xx

How to Say I Love You

Although many people use this powerful phrase loosely, there are times when you want to say "I love you" in a meaningful way. Whether you're professing your love to a romantic partner or expressing it to a relative or friend, it can be difficult to convey how much they really mean to you. But by keeping the following suggestions in mind, hopefully your love will not only be understood, but it will also be welcomed and returned.

Steps :

1. Define love. The sincerity of the phrase is strengthened by knowing what love is, and what loving someone means to you. Determine the difference between love, infatuation and lust, and make sure it's genuine love that you feel for this person.

2. Make it special. For many people, dropping the "I" allows the sentiment to be expressed casually, such as before separating (e.g. "Time to go. Bye!"). Using the full phrase, however, can be reserved for more intimate moments, especially during a special event, such as when a child is just born, or even to reassure someone when bad news has been received or during moments of cherished silence, like after a kiss

3. Make eye contact. If you love this person, hopefully you feel comfortable enough to gaze into their eyes when you express your feelings. Making eye contact shows sincerity and communicates trust. Even though there are probably a few inches between your faces, it should feel like there is nothing between yourselves, not even air. The amount you can say "I love you"
with your eyes is astonishing.

4. Say it at an appropriate tone. If you're at home and there's not much background noise, keep your volume low; don't whisper unless you bring your lips to their ear, which can also be a very intimate way to express your love. If you want to tell them how you feel in public, it's up to you whether you want to pull the person aside, or say it in front of friends or even strangers. It depends on your loved one's personality, and your own personality. Some will find it terribly romantic to be told they're loved across a room full of people; others may find it mortifying.

5. Smile. It can be nerve-wracking to tell someone that you love him or her, only to wait anxiously for their response--especially if it's the first time either of you have verbally expressed love. The best way to overcome this fear is to not expect the phrase in return. Your intention can be to tell the person how you feel, with the hope of making them happy and showing them that they are valued. Remember that unconditional love means not demanding anything in return. So smile, and perhaps give your loved one a hug. If they love you, too, they'll say it in their own way and in their own time.

6. Be creative. Say it in different languages. Write it into a poem or even a haiku. If you want to be romantic, spell it out with rose petals on his or her bedroom floor. Write it in code, like a Vigènere cipher. Say it in little ways, like post-it notes in unexpected places, and express it in every way you can. Do something personal like make her a clipgenerator clip or photoshop a pic from your last vacation.

7. Know what love is. This idea of love being a feeling is just wrong. Infatuation is a feeling. The idea of love being a feeling comes from people who say they love others, but suddenly don't when the going gets tough. After all, if it's a feeling, it's not their fault. Love is an action and a commitment. When you tell someone "I love you", what you're actually saying is "I care about you and your well-being, more than my own. I want you to be happy, regardless of what it means for me , and I am willing to make sacrifices for that goal. No sacrifice is too great."

8. Love. Don't just say it, do it. Saying "I love you" without showing it is, in a way, a lie. Express your love in action as well as in words. Contrary to popular belief, love can be measured. It is measured in sacrifice.

12 Funniest Wedding Cake Toppers

Wilton Now I Have You ($12.95)


The Love Pinch ($29.98)


Ball and chain ($14.99)


Still Shopping ($75.99)






Weddingstar Soccer Player Groom ($21.98)


Western "Roped" Groom ($19.98)


Comical Couple with the Bride "Having the Upper Hand" ($29.98)


Bride At the Finish Line with the Checkered Flag ($19.98)


Gone Fishing ($83.90)


Cell Phone Fanatic Bride and Groom ($19.98)


Funny Sexy Wedding Bride and Groom ($26.94)

Super Sexy Spy($26.25)

22 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You"

64 Ways to Say I Love You

A List of Relationship Tips for Lovers

A little relationship advice can go a long way, and so can a list of relationship tips. Specific, practical ways of showing your love for your partner, kids, and friends can increase the communication, connection, and caring in your family. Knowing how to say I love you consistently and sincerely will give you and your lover a natural high!

* Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts for Lovers is a great way to say "I love you" this Valentine's Day.
* For more involved, practical relationship suggestions, try Healthy Ways to Say I Love You.
* If you're curious about expressing your love to your parents who have everything, read Saying I Love You to Mom & Dad - especially on Mother's Day or Father's Day.

64 Ways to Say "I Love You":

1. Don't compare them to anyone.
2. Be courteous at all times.
3. Embrace the present moments without fear or guilt.
4. Live by the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).
5. Give your full attention when talking.
6. Become their biggest fan and cheerleader!
7. Toast each other over breakfast or dinner to say I love you.
8. Tell them how they bring love to your life.
9. Laugh about kids quotes on love or events.
10. Talk about your day during mealtimes.
11. Read books aloud together.
12. Say you're sorry.
13. Recall good and bad memories.
14. Let go of the past to say I love you.
15. Do nothing together.
16. Encourage health in all its forms.
17. Trust your partner enough to cry together.
18. Act silly together.
19. Be lavish in praise.
20. Ask questions about opinions, feelings, thoughts.

21. To say I love you, forget about labels.
22. Encourage adventures and risks!
23. Show your joy when they come home.
24. Bake cookies.
25. Leave stress at work to say I love you.
26. Use flannel sheets in the winter.
27. Solve problems together - such as crosswords or Suduku.
28. Show your gratitude for them.
29. Be a good sounding board.
30. To say I love you, take pride in them -- and show it.
31. Compliment them in front of others.
32. Spend time with them.
33. Listen.
34. Ask for hugs and kisses.
35. Take vacations together.
36. Tell the truth to say I love you.
37. Use pet names to say I love you.
38. Practice self-acceptance.
39. Hunt for treasure together.
40. Be interested in their interests.
41. To say I love you, let go of jealousy.
42. Accept their weaknesses and flaws.
43. Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them.
44. Be yourself.
45. Share chocolates, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes.
46. To say I love you, ignore slights.
47. Pray or meditate together.
48. Practice forgiveness.
49. Watch classic movies together.
50. Leave notes or send letters.
51. To say I love you, buy a "for no reason at all" gift.
52. Don't gossip or judge.
53. Give the benefit of the doubt to say I love you.
54. Give space when they're in a bad or sad mood.
55. Learn something new together.
56. Go dancing.
57. Keep your promises to say I love you.
58. Make them laugh.
59. Consider their feelings.
60. Learn ways to rekindle the romance.
61. Hide a treat in their lunch.
62. To say I love you, make home a fun place to be.
63. Let them make their own decisions.
64. Say what you mean when you say I love you. Say why.

Saying I love you takes work and making your relationship stronger does take work. It's hard to be honest, and it's hard to accept the consequences of your honesty and authenticity. It takes time, energy, and commitment to stay connected through all the problems that life and people bring. It can be painful, aggravating, and scary to stick it out through all the ups and downs....but the alternative is worse.

{Vintage Friday}: Romantic Vintage

The collection at Juliette Hogan is simply stunning, a perfect mixture of romance & vintage, it's feminine yet extremely elegant.

Have a lovely weekend! I'm off on a shopping trip tomorrow and will hopefully return with a new handbag! Ok, now back to work on the million things I have on my to do list...

(images from Juliette Hogan)