5 movies to watch on Valentine’s Day

Jan24

There are two kinds of people on this world: The ones who think of February as the shortest month of the year, and the ones who think of it as “the love month”. If you are reading this blog you probably belong to the later way of feeling about the second month of the year, and that is why I have prepared for you a ranking with the best romantic movies to watch on (or in anticipation to) February 14th. Because there are no loves like the ones in the movies! Let’s take a look at these classics:

5- Love Actually (2003)

It is very easy to include this British film in any romantic movie rankings. It features everything. From countless separate touching love stories to a good amount of comedy to balance it out. The most important thing in the movie, though, is the message: Love may show up anytime, anyhow.

4- Up (2009)

Even if the 2009 animated hit by Pixar is not a romantic movie itself, it delivers what may probably be the best love sequence of the last decade, if not more. I am talking about the first ten minutes of the movie (which would have made for a great, timeless short film), where it is shown the love and life between Carl and his wife, Ellie.

3- Moulin Rouge! (2001)

This musical, set  in the beginnings of the 20th century in Paris, tells us the story between a young poet and a girl who dreams about becoming an actress. Despite having the characters sing all movie long, this is far from a happy love story. Illness, jealousy, anger and depression are the main ingredients for a sad, but true love story.

2- Titanic (1997)

The box office claims that this is the most seen romantic film of all time, how could I leave it out of the ranking? There is not much to say that hasn’t been said before, as the numbers speak for themselves: This was the highest grossing movie of all time until 2009’s Avatar, by the same director. This epic drama definitely found its way to the heart of many people all around the world. Winning 11 Oscars proved this was not only a commercial success, but a critical one too.

1- Casablanca (1942)

For the ones who prefer black and white classics. This movie, a mix of hundreds of stereotypes, could not be described better than Umberto Eco did: “Two clichés make us laugh. A hundred clichés move us.” This movie also provided many lines that now belong to general culture, like “We’ll always have Paris”, “Play it again, Sam” or “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”

Stop With the <3 <3 <3!

Dec3

Stevie wonder just called to say those 3 words..

shandracarlson

Nope, I won’t do it. I am gushy, mushy and affectionate and I like that about myself. There are cliches we say get over-used, but “I Love You” doesn’t fit the cliche category. We have but one life to live and I’d rather be known for expressing love than withholding it because it sounds too easy, is used too much or considered to be empty words by some. I’m authentic when I tell a friend or family member that I love them, even if they hear it repeatedly. I mean it.

Sure, there are many different kinds and levels of love and just as many ways to express it. One of my favourite memories is singing this song by Stevie Wonder to one of my close friends when I’d call her after I moved to a different city. We both instantly started laughing and singing it together.

Is there someone…

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It Takes Two

Nov27

It’s something that many fear, but dancing is one of the best ways of getting closer to the one you admire. You don’t have to be like John Travolta, either– dancing is primarily about fun and trust.  It can reflect your compatibility with your partner.

Don’t be scared if you’re not much of a dancer! Just give it a go, enjoy it and your partner will see that at least you’re trying for them. After all, you might realise that you quite enjoy it.

There have been some romantic success’ from dancing. Take the famous ‘Dirty Dancing Wedding Dance’ for example:

The video has nearly 10 million views, which exemplifies the popularity in what a dance between two really means.

The popularity of TV dance shows has risen in recent years, with shows in the UK such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Got to Dance’ & ‘Dancing on Ice’. The USA has also jumped on this bandwagon in recent years, with the ever-increasing popularity of ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

James Jordan and Denise Van Outen on Strictly Come Dancing

James Jordan and Denise Van Outen on Strictly Come Dancing

So what can you take from this? Surely only one thing.. Get those dancing shoes on and say those tree words with your feet (and hips.. and shoulders..)!

Say it with food!

Oct18

Why do we always use flowers or presents to tell your partner how much you love them? You could do something a bit more personal, something that involves you taking some time to do it. Well, cooking for someone we love is one of these acts that costs nothing but will show the other some attention and dedication.

Ok, if you are great in the kitchen you can go for a complicated and elaborated meal, but something simple and thoughtful is as good. Think about what your partner likes to eat, something they always look at in a restaurant menu, an ingredient they talked about and try to surprise them with a twist. Unless you really know your partner and you have been living together for a while, stay on the safe side when it comes to mix flavours though. Not everyone likes duck and oranges…

Be imaginative

Cooking for your partner can be to celebrate an event, such as the anniversary of your meeting for the most usual. You could just build a simple menu around a theme related to the event, like the place where you first got together, or something that can illustrates your relationship. Just be imaginative and don’t let your limitations in cooking be an obstacle. Sometimes, just an ingredient can be enough to evoke a place or a date. Remember, everything is in the detail, so pay attention to them and your meal will be a success.
It is also a great way to declare your love for the first time or to propose to your partner. You will create a great memory and you will even be able to cook the same meal to celebrate it in the future!

Seven ways to say I love you

Sep6

Summary

When the time is right to say those three little words, you’ll know. Here’s some advice for how to make it a moment you’ll both remember forever.

If you’ve been dating someone for a while and feel like taking things to the next level, you might be feeling it’s about time to break out those three little words. Saying “I love you” for the first time has to be done right so that it seems meaningful and not awkward or mawkish. There are many people who use this powerful phrase casually – make sure you’re not one of them with these tips.

Seven ways to say I love you



Before you say it, define it

Knowing what love is will strengthen its meaning before you actually say it. When you’re getting ready to declare your love, make sure that you know what loving someone means to you. There is a difference between infatuation, lust and love, so make sure that you’re being absolutely genuine before you say it.

Seven ways to say I love you



Say it at the right stage

As we begin romantic relationships, we can recognise how we move through several different stages with our significant others. Starting off with friendship, we then go through liking someone to becoming infatuated with them, and then finally into romantic love. This is when you should express your feelings – not when you think you should. If you rush things, it’ll just seem insincere.

Seven ways to say I love you





Make eye contact

It’s a nerve-racking experience, saying “I love you” for the first time, but if you don’t look at your partner when you say it, they’ll wonder if you really mean it. Look straight into their eyes when you say it, and make it a moment you’ll both remember. Holding their hand will also communicate sincerity and trust.

Say it in the right place

Setting is everything when it comes to saying “I love you”. If you’re in a private place, you can take your time to say how you feel, as long as your partner has your full attention. If you’re in public, it’s up to you whether you pull your partner to one side or declare your love in front of others. If you’re partner is extroverted they might love this, but if they’re more shy, they’ll likely find it terrifying.

Another alternative is to return to the place where you both met. Obviously, if you met through http://www.eharmony.co.uk, this won’t be literally possible (nor should you declare your love through a computer screen!), but you could go to the place where you met in real life.

For example, if you’d been meeting your match in Scotland, there are plenty of lovely environments to share this special moment together.

Say it with confidence

Of course, the most anxiety-inducing thing about telling someone you love them is not having them say it back. However, if you truly love your partner, you’ll be able to tell them this without expecting anything in return.

You should only use those three words with the hope of making your partner feel happy and valued, not to elicit a similar response straight away. If they love you too, they’ll let you know in their own time.

Say it creatively

Write a poem, learn the phrase in a new language, spell it out in rose petals… If you want to surprise your partner, there are plenty of ways to do it. You could write it in code, or leave notes all over the house. Just make sure that whatever you do, it’s meaningful for both of you, and steer clear of anything too public. Putting it all over Facebook may need to wait!

Don’t just say it, live it

Saying “I love you” is a good first step, but you’ll also need to show it so that the words will be meaningful. If you say it without showing it, it may come across as a lie. Express your love in your actions towards your partner as well as in words.

Resource box

12 creative ways to say I love you

Advice from Glamour magazine.

Saying I love you

Article from Men’s Health.

64 ways to say I love you

Dos and don’ts for sincerity.

A cycling love affair

Aug24

The two things I love the most are cycling and the countryside. So whenever I go abroad I like to combine the two. Last year in France, I discovered the best cycle path on the coast of Southern France: Canal du Midi.

Together with my best friend I decided upon the well-established Canal du Midi  route by mere coincidence. We wanted to do something different and chose a cycling trip at random. Looking back, I realise how lucky we were to choose this road, firstly because it’s easy to follow and secondly because this trip is one to remember.

The lovely route took us alongside one of the most beautiful canals in all of France. The path is easy to ride, even if you’re an inexperienced cyclist. The winding roads took us through ancient villages and the breath-taking countryside in between. The scenery along the route is diverse and incredibly pretty. After every turn and corner we found ourselves enchanted with the food, the wine, the people and the overall relaxed atmosphere in France.

Everything just simply oozed romance, so for you lovers out there: choose pretty countryside France instead of Paris for a trip away from home. The city of love is nothing compared to the country of dreams.