Everyone’s wants and needs when it comes to love and lust are a little different, and that’s okay. A long-term, committed relationship isn’t for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to romance and intimacy.

But if the conventional route of marriage and kids isn’t for you, what other options do you have? Well, in truth, your choices when it comes to physical and romantic relationships are endless! The most important thing is that all parties in the relationship are in agreement about how things will work. If you’re curious about how some people navigate a non-conventional alternative to monogamy, here are a few examples.

One Night Stands

This term has negative connotations that are deeply rooted in societal norms, but there’s nothing wrong with finding your intimate moments in this way. If you’re someone who wants to have their physical needs met without the emotional effort of a romantic relationship, you could skip the dating game and head straight into the physical realm. This is made easier with platforms like SPDate app where both parties can make it clear that the interaction will be purely physical.

When you use this tactic and have multiple sexual partners, it’s extra important to use precautions and be careful to protect your health and the health of your partners.

Friends With Benefits 

When you have someone in your life that is a great friend to you and you share a mutual sexual attraction, falling into a friends with benefits situation can be easy and very satisfying. This will usually involve an ongoing sexual relationship with someone you get along well with, but without a romantic component or any form of commitment or exclusivity. You will typically have the freedom to explore other sexual partners as well.

Open Relationships

Plainly and simply, an open relationship is when both partners consent to the other person finding other sexual partners. Usually, in this sense, this is limited to physical interaction and doesn’t involve romantic relationships with other people, but there are many different types of romantic relationships, and each couple is open to discussing what they want and need in each case.

Swinging

Another term that has a bad rep: swinging refers to committed couples that also have physical relationships with people outside of their own marriage or relationship. There are many different variations of how this can be done, and it all depends on what each individual couple prefers.

This type of relationship works well for someone who wants a committed romantic relationship but doesn’t want to be tied down physically. It is, however, important that both partners are in agreement about what is acceptable and what isn’t.

Polyamory

This simply refers to relationships that include multiple lovers – either emotionally or sexually or both. Once again, this can look very different depending on each relationship, and could be limited to three specific people or open to various different parties. All people in the relationship might live together or separately, they might be exclusive and committed between one another or they might be open to exploring other partners.

Relationship Anarchy

Another important approach or viewpoint towards romantic and sexual relationships is ‘relationship anarchy’ which can be hard to define. In simple terms, it refers to the idea that all relationships, romantic, sexual, familial, or platonic should be placed on equal footing with one another and that a romantic partner shouldn’t take preference over another relationship in your life. This viewpoint also disregards any form of rules or guidelines within a relationship, which allows for all people involved to do whatever pleases them without repercussions.

Final Thoughts

No matter what label (if any) you choose to put on your romantic or sexual relationships, the most important thing to consider is satisfaction, communication, and consent. Whichever way you choose to find your romance and intimacy, it’s crucial that all parties involved are in agreement about the status of the relationship.

If you’re only looking for a one night stand, make sure that this is clear to your partner. If you want romantic commitment but prefer to explore when it comes to sexual partners, discuss this with your primary partner and ensure that they are happy with the arrangement before making any decisions. If you and a partner disagree about what is and isn’t okay in terms of monogamy, it might be best to part ways and meet someone who shares your views and desires, so that everyone involved is satisfied.

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Most homeowners out there eventually find themselves faced with the common predicament of whether to invest in home improvement projects or to move to a home that already meets their requirements. Unfortunately, because our living requirements generally change over time for various reasons, from family expansion to various other life changes, a home is often not suitable forever. And not just that, home interiors can become outdated over time, as interior trends are ever-changing. And living in a modern home has become a desire for many.

With that said, there are pros and cons associated with both moving to a new home and investing in home improvements. For this reason, every homeowner that is faced with the predicament should weigh out the pros and cons to draw a conclusion that suits their unique situation. These pros and cons will help you determine what’s best for you.

Pros Of Moving To A New Home

The most blatant benefit of moving to a new home that already meets your requirements is that you won’t have to deal with contractors to carry out renovations. You also won’t have to spend any time planning the renovation process, budgeting, and enduring the lengthy process of having your home worked on while you’re still living there, which can be quite an inconvenience. There are new modern development options, such as NYC condos for sale and other recent developments in other areas.

It’s definitely an easy process to find the perfect home while relying on the help of an estate agent that will evaluate your budget, your expectations, and your needs. Once you’ve found your perfect home, all you’ll have to do is move in and get settled. And because a change is as good as a holiday, moving to a new home is often a great decision. If the location of your current home is not suitable, or renovations will exceed your budget without pumping up property value all that much, then moving is a great solution.

Cons Of Moving

There are a few cons associated with moving, and most of them surround the fact that moving can be pretty tedious, especially if you are moving with children. However, there are several practical and effective ways to overcome these challenges. Other cons of moving may be that you might not be able to sell your current home for a profit, which means you could end up spending more when purchasing a new home that meets your requirements. In addition, the process of buying a home can be somewhat time-consuming. Although once again, you can rely on an agent to handle all the details for you, which will simplify the process.

Pros Of Investing In Home Improvements

Suppose the home improvements you are after are of a unique nature, and you are unlikely to find new developments that showcase such interiors or layout plans. In this case, investing in home improvements is a beneficial decision. You will be able to have your home remodelled to your exact specifications.

And even though home improvements can be pretty pricey, if you are money-savvy with your approach to the task, you can save money and increase the value of your home as a result. For example, turning a part of your yard into a wooden deck is a wise investment and makes a great outdoor living space for your family. Including the property location, deck type, and building cost, the new deck can lead to an average ROI of 75%, significantly increasing your home’s value. If you can’t afford natural lumber, opt for composite decking. Composite decks cost less than premium wood decking, offer the same natural wood look, and are resistant to staining, fading, splintering, and cracking. Therefore, improvements can leave you with a profit if you later decide to sell. While some home improvement projects can dramatically boost property value, others can harm value. So, if you choose to opt for home improvement projects, be sure to determine which projects will increase value and which will harm value. Some great options include kitchen remodelling, bathroom upgrades, landscaping, and curb appeal projects.

Cons Of Investing In Home Improvements

The main cons of home improvements are that you will have to spend quite a bit of time planning the projects, finding suitable materials, budgeting, and enduring the process of each project. For certain aspects of the entire project, you may have to find temporary accommodation, especially if bathroom and kitchen renovations are on the menu. In addition, you could lose money on the value of your home if you don’t go about the improvements in an intelligent way.

Therefore, home improvements can be time-consuming, frustrating, and you might run at a loss. Home improvement projects can damage the value of your home if they are not a wise investment choice. If the idea of having construction workers in your home for extended periods doesn’t appeal much to you, then home improvements are likely not the best decision either. What’s more, home improvements often can increase the size of your living space, as expansion projects generally cost a small fortune.

Making the Right Decision

When it comes to determining the right decision, it is critical to determine why your home is no longer suitable. If location is the concern, the best choice is to move to a new home in the correct location. In addition, if space is the concern, a new property is also generally the ideal solution. However, if you are after unique renovations and interiors, then the remodelling investment would be the best decision. Furthermore, if the improvements your current home needs are not drastic, it is likely a financially wise decision to improve your existing home rather than buy a new one.

Because every homeowner has different needs, you will need to determine the best solution while weighing out your pros and cons. Financing home improvements can also be a bit tricky, so if you don’t have available funds, selling and moving is likely the best decision if you are unable to carry out the renovations gradually as your budget allows.

Before you decide, it is a great idea to determine your budget for renovations and your budget for a new home. If you cannot make a decision, your financial affairs will lead you to make a decision that will benefit you. Both home renovations and buying a new home can be pretty pricey, so be sure to decide that won’t harm your financial wellbeing.

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There are some people that have more confidence to dive into the dating world than others, however, sometimes even the most confident of people can’t wrap their head around how to go about looking to date someone. There can be many options to look at when wanting to start trying to date, for instance if someone was wanting to be chucked in at the deep end, they may choose to attend a blind date session to feel and experience how going on a formal date actually is, as to carry on over their learned knowledge when taking a chosen someone on a date. There are obviously also many online platforms that can allow people of any age to connect and speak to others, with taking them on a date in mind. People are not actually short of dating options; it can just be a very tough thing to go ahead and do.

Real World Connections

Okay, so online can still be considered the “real-world” considering we are living in the digital age, but what is meant by looking for connections in the real world, is just that, out in the world instead of behind a smartphone or computer. There is never any short of options to try and meet people while out and about, whether it’s through friends, employment, a friend of family, even some people on vacation may start speaking to someone they’ve met and wish to take it further in the future. Have you ever thought about the fact that you could simply meet your husband or wife waiting for a bus, or perhaps while you’re travelling on a plane? To some in this day in age, finding a date these ways could be somewhat foreign and alien, meaning it rarely ever happens anymore, to the point that you could quite quickly get shunned when trying to ask for a woman’s number and a coffee date while walking your dog in the park.

Trying Online Dating Platforms

Online dating has now revolutionized how dating, finding love, and meeting new people happens. It may seem like a rather hard method to get into when wanting to date, some people may feel speaking to someone online and then eventually meeting them is a little daunting as there can be those that can act a certain way online, but in person, they are then nothing like they portrayed themselves to be. Nevertheless, online dating has really helped a lot of people step out of their comfort zones and benefitted those that may not have been able to go on a date, or even connect with someone otherwise. It can be a great way to connect with many different people with differing interests or passions, for example, a woman may be able to search around properly for a sugar daddy, which they might not have been able to look for without certain dating platforms that can cater to these relationship dynamics. Online dating has many advantages over traditional style dating, and where it might not be obvious at first, it’s also pretty hard to ignore.

The (Perhaps) Less Appealing Option

Young adults and adults can go through many of their lives without ever going on a single date or even having a short-term partner, either because of the point we’ve stated prior about it being hard to get into the dating scene for the first time, or due to the fact they are simply waiting patiently for fate to gift them with the right person. For someone that believes in true love, they may feel that dating is unnecessary and that the right person will come along at the right time, however that may happen. Most say they feel a spark, a certain energy that surrounds their partner and the relationship as a whole. If someone was to wait their lives for this and it happens, then they could potentially have found the right partner for themselves while completely ignoring and dodging all the wrong people that have previously tried it with them. Where that does sound like a more peaceful option, they could have also missed out on some fun and great experiences or lessons to be learned.

Getting into dating can feel as though it’s hard to break into, whether that’s because of confidence levels, geographical area, maybe even a countries laws, or simply because a person has preferences that have not yet been matched. Dating, when it goes right, can be fun, loving, and overall a great experience for people to enjoy. If it doesn’t go right, then there can be some life lessons to take away from what ever happened in the past and applied to the future. Never be scared to try and date, after all, we are all just human beings seeking a connection of some kind.

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A towel rail, also known as a towel radiator or simply heated towel rail, is a small feature designed to heat towels before use. For years, European hotels have always used them in conjunction with radiators as separate, removable towel-dryers/rails. The towel radiator is an energy-saving towel-dryer/ radiator designed for both drying and warming towels, in the bath or shower, and for general application. These unique features are what make these rails attractive to homeowners and interior designers alike. They are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and finishes to fit any decor.

A radiator on a towel rail can be electrically or mechanically heated. The electrical version features a control switch that can set a maximum and minimum heat level, while the mechanical kind features brushes and a fan motor to evenly distribute heat and disperse it into the room. Both types are affordable, simple to operate, but must be regularly maintained by charging and cleaning the heating elements. Mechanical towel rails heat up through convection and are usually inexpensive when purchased new.

A radiator on a towel rail that is heated electronically may not be as easy to work with as one that uses traditional convection. Many electronic radiators have an on-off switch that must be manually used to activate the electric element. Once turned on, the radiators heating coil generates an electromagnetic field that warms the towel. Some may even include an option for a clock-type timer or thermostat.

A bathroom radiator is another option when looking to conserve space in a small bathroom space. These heated towel rails can be used in conjunction with standard electrical radiators or they can be stand-alone and plugged into a direct-vent fireplace. A bathroom heated towel rail can provide a source of additional hot water for washing or rinsing without using the electric outlets in the area. Using a radiator in the area allows the bathroom to remain cool during bathing and can make taking a shower more comfortable in cooler temperatures.

The size and number of radiators that may be required will depend upon a wide range of factors. For example, the heated towel rail will need to provide enough steam to adequately heat and dry a person. The heat output capacity of the radiator must be considered. Many people choose a radiator that is large enough to accommodate an individual but also provides extra space to add a second or third person. The size of the space where the heated towel rail will be installed is also important since it will determine how much steam can be generated.

When choosing an electric towel radiator, many users prefer one with the maximum heat output possible. It’s a good idea to consider what is needed in the bathroom space when shopping around for a towel radiator. Space is essential since the unit will likely be placed in an open area. Choosing a model with a high heat output will ensure that more steam is generated to help warm the bathroom. Units with lower heat outputs tend to cost less, but they may not generate as much steam to effectively warm a bathroom. This is important to keep in mind when considering a model to purchase.

A good rule of thumb to follow is purchasing an electric appliance for use in the bathroom where a hot water bottle or other warm appliance is located. When a towel rail or heated towel warmers are added to this setup, the electric appliance will be much more effective at providing heat to the bathroom space. Installing an additional heated towel rail with a low heat output may not be as effective as an investment. Also, an additional heated towel storage rack may be needed to store warm clothes or linens longer.

When choosing a model to purchase, the most common features included in a towel rail are the single-lever basin and the kludges. These features are most commonly found in traditional units. Other styles include a single lever pedestal, double lever pedestal, and a mitigated mono commander style. If the bathroom space you are installing in is small, the single Lever basin and kludges are a good compromise; however, if the space is large, the double Lever, double-kludge, and mitigated mono commander style can be chosen.

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Maintaining sobriety commonly involves some fairly major lifestyle changes. If you struggle to break out of old patterns and behaviors, it increases the likelihood of a relapse. While mistakes and slip-ups happen, it’s in your best interest to find ways to avoid them altogether. This means you need to make some robust adjustments to your routines.

Sobriety has the potential to improve your quality of life greatly. Since addiction can impact your relationships, job, and health, breaking through to sobriety has immense benefits. If you’re ready to find ways to achieve and maintain your sobriety, here’s what you need to know.

Find your purpose.

Often, substance addiction saps a person of their purpose in life. In some cases, it even replaces that purpose with substances like alcohol and drugs. Finding a true purpose and sticking to it can help you maintain your sobriety. For some people, this means finding a career path they truly enjoy. For others, it entails caring for friends, family, loved ones, and even pets. Whether you’re looking to do some volunteer work or you’re trying to become a sponsor for another person going through recovery, you must have goals and ambitions.

Many individuals rely on their pets to keep them sober. After all, when you’re in the throes of addiction, it’s hard to take care of yourself, let alone another living creature. Staying sober for your pet is a noble goal. If you don’t already have an animal in your care, you can consider adopting one or looking after an exotic pet. Pets like Dubia roaches are fascinating animals. Though insects aren’t for everyone, you could spend hours watching these exotic creatures. Even so, you’ll need to look up Dubia roaches care tips to make sure you’re providing your pets with a good life. You can consider a dog or a cat to keep you company for those who don’t want to deal with creatures with too many legs.

Develop sober hobbies.

With drug use and alcohol all over the media, it may seem as though giving in to temptation is the only way you can have fun. Luckily, that’s nowhere close to the truth. In fact, there are plenty of sober activities and hobbies that will give you something to look forward to each week. You can consider finding online forums filled with other people in recovery and seeking common interests. Apps like Meetup can help you find activities in your area, whether that’s things to do outside of downtown San Francisco or book clubs in Las Vegas.

From film clubs to weekly video game or board game nights, sober hobbies keep you occupied and also showed that you don’t need to rely on substances to have fun. While it’s not a requirement that you include a social component in your hobby, it can always help be around other sober individuals, so you don’t feel disconnected. It can also help keep you accountable. Plus, with all the money saved from not buying substances, you have much more to invest in a new, exciting hobby.

Involve your loved ones.

One component that’s common to addiction is the veil of secrecy. Many addicts try to hide or disguise their behavior. This is where terms like functioning alcoholic come from. When the addiction is well-hidden, it’s easier to dismiss or minimize as an actual problem. If you want to achieve and maintain sobriety, it’s hard if you’re the only one holding yourself accountable. Start by reaching out to a few trusted individuals in your inner circle. Admit that you have a problem and you’re working on recovery. Ask your loved ones to help you with a system of accountability.

If you’re in a relationship, you may even want to ask your partner to consider sobriety as well. There are plenty of sober activities for couples to help you strengthen the foundation of your relationship and maintain intimacy. If your partner isn’t ready for sobriety, however, you can at least ask them to refrain from substance use in your presence or request that they don’t keep alcohol in the house.

Ask your family and friends to check in on you regularly. By honestly communicating about your addictive tendencies, it’s easier to make adjustments and lifestyle changes. Though some individuals succeed on their own, it’s much easier to reach sobriety with a robust support system backing you up.

Invest in self-care.

Sometimes, you need to reward yourself for your accomplishments. While this doesn’t mean you should blow your entire paycheck the second it’s deposited, you shouldn’t feel guilty by treating yourself now and again. After all, there’s a reason it’s called retail therapy. When you’re sober, you’re likely to experience bodily changes. You’ll likely look less tired, your face may be less puffy, and you could even lose weight. If this happens, what better way to treat yourself than with a new outfit or two? Pick out some women’s ponchos, a new pair of heels, or some comfortable jeans. An impromptu shopping trip can lift your spirits and help you feel more accomplished.

For people who don’t enjoy shopping, you can invest in experiences. Take a long bubble bath after a stressful day. Pick up a copy of that new book you’ve heard about from your friends. See the latest movie that’s getting great reviews. Self-care takes hundreds of different forms. You need to determine what works best for your needs.

Don’t give up.

Perhaps the biggest component of sobriety is persistence. If you relapse, that’s okay. If you struggle, that’s normal. If you need medical help to detox, you’re not alone. Few people successfully achieve sobriety their first time around. For those that do, it’s incredible. For those that don’t, you simply have to keep trying. A sober lifestyle may not be easy to achieve, but it’s worth all the time and effort it requires. Not only can it improve your life, but it can save you in ways you might not have considered. Gather your resources, develop a game plan, and see what sobriety has to offer you.

The post How to Live a Successful, Sober Life appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

There is a reason the beginning of a new relationship is known as the honeymoon period. It’s full of passion. Everything is new and exciting. At this stage, the sex is usually incredible. You simply can’t keep your hands off each other and the chemistry and passion feel palpable and exciting. But then, as you settle into a more committed long-term relationship, that fiery passion starts to fade. You’re used to each other now. And the sex can start to feel repetitive, stagnant, or stale. What was once a burning raging fire is now a set of dying embers, and you’re desperate to find the spark to reignite the flames.

Don’t worry. There are ways to find that fire again and have some of the best sex of your life, even after years with the same partner. All it takes is a little creativity and willingness to switch things up and try adding some novelty in the bedroom. Changing up your routine can do wonders for your sex life. It allows you and your partner to reconnect on a deeper level and find that romance that may have faded away. Take the opportunity to feel sexy again and spice things up. Just be sure you and your partner are open with communication and clear about what you’re both comfortable with.

The key is to find new and enjoyable things to try in the bedroom, not to scare or intimidate the other person. But once you find something you both like, it can bring back those feelings of passion and excitement yet again. Don’t let your sex life die out just because you’ve been together for years. Here are a couple of ways novelty items can greatly improve your sex life and a few things you can try to spice things up.

Spice Things Up

The sad truth is that sex can often get repetitive and somewhat boring. Especially when you know your partner so well, there really aren’t many surprises left in your sex life. Bringing in new novelty items can really help you spice things up. New accessories or even a romantic getaway can help you see your partner in a new light. Sex can still be exciting, fresh, and new with the help of vibrators, sex toys, and other novelty items.

Reengage With Intimacy

The beauty of adding novelty to your sex life is it helps you reengage in intimacy with your partner. At a certain point, sex can become stale and casual. But remember the magic of the first time you were intimate with that person? Everything was new and exciting. You felt so connected after experiencing that level of intimacy for the first time. Bringing in a new element to your sex life brings back that element of curiosity and freshness. Trying something new takes vulnerability and trust which are essentials in a relationship and can help you and your partner feel more connected in and out of the bedroom.

Bring Back Romance

When you first start dating, sex isn’t necessarily a given. You have to pull out the moves and try to court each other so you can get the real thing. But once you’ve been together a long time, that element of romance isn’t as prevalent. Bringing novelty into the bedroom can also mean bringing romance back into your life. It’s the perfect opportunity to actually court each other and put in an effort again. Remind your partner that they are worth everything by putting in effort with your sex life and beyond.

Feel Sexy and Adventurous Again

Life can take a lot out of you. After many years together and especially after having kids, it can be hard to feel sexy. You’ve lost that sense of adventure in the bedroom and it can have possible side effects on the rest of your life and your self-confidence. Finding ways to bring novelty into the bedroom will make you feel sexy and confident again.

What are some ways to bring novelty into your sex life?

It’s clear that adding novelty into your sex life can be a game-changer for your confidence and your relationship. But you may be wondering how you can go about doing so. While different tools and novelties work for different people, here are a few ideas that can help you spice up your sex life and have orgasms you won’t believe.

Sex Toys

Incorporating sex toys may be the best thing for beginners just dipping your feet into the world of novelty. From dildos to anal beads to app-controlled vibrators, there are a ton of options for you and your partner to explore. So, explore a strap or using more lubricant or a vibrating dildo. Bringing in a new toy is a great way to get started with adding some novelty to your sex life.

Mutual Masturbation

Once you have some toys to play with, you may want to consider exploring on your own, but still together. Mutual masturbation can be a huge turn-on and an intimate experience. Use that realistic suction cup dildo with the perfect girth and great texture and let your partner watch. There is nothing more intimate than reaching that climax together with the help of some accessories. Sometimes, it’s even better than the real thing.

Enhancements

Sometimes the best addition to your sex life can be prescription drugs or supplements. If you’ve been having trouble with getting aroused or keeping a long-lasting erection, male enhancement meds may be a good option for you. Drugs like Extenze will help you keep plenty of length for your entire sexual experience. Supplements may be the answer to reengaging and finding new variety in your sex life.

Lingerie

For women, finding your sexuality may be as easy as slipping into some fun lingerie. The mystery of what is waiting under your nightgowns can drive men wild. Find a bra, brazier, or panties that make you feel sexy and ready to put on a show. The right lingerie and accessories can be a simple way to spice things up in the bedroom.

Pornography

Sometimes the easiest way to get turned on is to watch someone else. Pornography or erotic material can be a great thing to watch together to really get you in the mood. This can also give you ideas of new positions and situations you can act out together.

BDSM

Sex can be exciting when you are in control or when you are being controlled. So many people get turned on by dominating dialogue and situations. In those relationships, BDSM may be an interesting thing to bring into the bedroom. Light bondage, masks, blindfolds, or even harnesses that are more intense pieces can really excite your sex life. Going down this road will require clear and honest communication about what you are each comfortable with before engaging.

Dirty Talk or Texting

Sometimes the biggest turn on is telling a person exactly what you want from them, whether that is in person or over the phone. Send that dirty text or a naughty picture to help arouse your partner. Or bring that same dirty talk into the bedroom. Clearly communicating what you want in a sexual way can really increase you and your partner’s sex drive.

The post Incorporating Novelty Can Greatly Improve Your Sex Life appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

1.     Give a timeless gift

Your love will never go out of style or off trend, so why should your gift? A framed print from Our Song in a Frame, is a perfect timeless addition to your space, and it will be a great reminder of all the memories you have made with that special someone and your song. You can pick the design of it, to make sure it will fit your S.O.’s space and design aesthetic. If you aren’t sure what those consist of, their classic black and white design is the safe and beautiful bet!

2.     Let someone else make the treats

If you are making a meal this year, don’t stress yourself out when it comes to dessert. The Valentine’s gift baskets form ProFlowers are a great way to have a sweet treat without the hassle of making them yourself. They have chocolate covered goodies, truffles, cookies, and so much more! They really have something for everyone’s interests. They will be the perfect addition to any meal and will be a great end to the night! If you want to kill two bird with one stone, you can order flowers from ProFlowers as well! They have so many great gift options to choose from, you can’t go wrong.

3.     Get something you will both enjoy

Ok, so we know the business name “Hunt a Killer” doesn’t sound super romantic, but this is a subscription box that you are both sure to enjoy. It will provide you with a bonding experience, suspense, and teamwork exercises! They say it best when they say, “It’s like an escape room delivered to your door every month.” Every month you get a box and you and your beau will team up to solve cases and find a murderer. As the months go on, the plot thickens, as will your teamwork skills with your person.

4.     Don’t be afraid to splurge

We know that it is always wisest to save, not splurge, but it is nice to splurge on an item you NEED, but would not usually buy yourself or your S.O. For this one, think new fridge, new phone, or a new mattress. Things that are expensive, but necessary to update at some point. Even if you just do a down payment on one of these items, that is a great starting gift! But, word from the wise, don’t overly splurge if you two have discussed not to.

5.     Document the moment

Don’t confuse documenting with having your eyes glued to your phone all night. Better yet, just keep the phones away entirely, and document your special moments with a real camera. Yes, you read that properly, a real camera! You may not have held or even seen a real camera in quite some time, so make sure you pick one that will ease you back into shooting with film. An easy-to-use and instant developing camera is a Fujifilm Instax. The image will print instantly and develop quickly (how did we use to wait weeks for our photos to be developed?!), that way you can make sure the moment you caught was picture perfect. Those images will be so fun to look back on and reminisce about the perfect day you had together. You can even find special frames and albums to house all those pictures!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many ways for you to make sure you have a lovely day with your person. Just make sure you give the day the proper time and effort that they deserve, and you will be set!

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Getting married isn’t a cheap affair, with many couples having to save for years to pay for the day of their dreams. Big dresses, tailored suits, venue hire, three-course meals and all the fluffy details can soon add up, leaving many couples either out of pocket or paying through the nose for quite some time after the day has passed.

For some couples, the huge costs can put them off getting married altogether. With the pressure from social media to have an extravagant day that is bigger and better than all the best, many people end up spending obscene amounts on all the frills and fancy bits that they don’t necessarily want.

If this is you – or if you like all the bells and whistles – here are three ways you can keep the cost of your wedding low but the impact high.

1. Tactical Guests

If weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us anything, it’s who we value in our lives the most. It’s fair to say that one of – if not the biggest – cost of your wedding will be accommodating your guests. Instead of feeling the pressure of having to invite and feed hundreds of people, keep the ceremony and celebratory meal small and invite more distant friends, relatives and colleagues to the reception afterwards. Doing this will mean those closest to you can be there for the most special moments, but that other people in your life can join in on the celebration, too.

It’s thought that the average cost of wedding food is $70 per head. If you have over 100 guests you want at your wedding, it’s easy to see how this could easily spiral and end up costing thousands of dollars. By limiting the food to your nearest and dearest and offering a buffet-stye selection at your reception/after party, everyone will be catered for in some capacity, and you’ll save plenty of money on the way.

2. Décor 

Like with everything in life, lots of little things can end up costing a lot more than a few big things. Decorating the wedding venue is a huge expense, but there are ways to get a stunning finish whilst being frugal. One way to do it is by avoiding custom tablecloths and linen. Not only do you need to pay for the fabric to be cut to the size of the tables (and the tables are typically very large at weddings), you also need to factor in the cost of tailoring. Instead, stick with the standard linens that the venue provides and accent with a single runner down the centre. You could even purchase your own fabric and cut it to size yourself to save even more money.

When it comes to table settings, less is more. There is a tendency for couples to splurge out on ornate flower arrangements and various filler items, but not only is this expensive, it’s also not practical. There’s never enough space on the table, so why not cut it back but keep it aesthetically pleasing at the same time? A bud vase – paired with a simplistic table runner – can do wonders. It will allow you to have flowers on your table, but not in an expensive or intrusive way. If you like the idea of being hands on, a bud vase is perfect because you don’t need a florist’s eye to achieve a stunning result.

3. Support Small 

You can save so much money simply by supporting small, local businesses. Instead of splashing out on a more known live band, find a smaller band or artist in your local area. There’s so much hidden talent, and they’ll be more than grateful for the opportunity. Your wedding will mean as much to them as their presence will mean to you, making it all the more special.

There are so many up and coming caterers out there, and selecting one of them over a prominent local eatery to do your wedding catering could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The same applies for photography – find an independent photographer and book them for a set amount of hours instead of all day to reap heaps in savings.

There are so many more ways to save money on your wedding, but these three methods mean you needn’t compromise on the important things like your venue or outfit, nor need you worry about sacrificing quality for money.

The post Three Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

We’ve all heard the saying, the more, the merrier. Around the holidays, this seems to apply to virtually everything—gift exchanges, Christmas parties, visiting relatives, dishes to cook, and in this case, things you absolutely need for the upcoming holiday season.

Your fourth holiday party in a row may not be the bright spot in your year, but these must-haves just might be.

#1 Mood-Setters

Christmastime isn’t just an occasion; it’s a feeling.

With the lights low, the carols humming softly in the background, and the decorations glistening bright, your home doesn’t need massive changes to become a holiday haven. Here are a few essentials to create that special seasonal sensation:

• To achieve the perfect warm glow, light a few candles (preferably scented) to set the ambiance.
• For more substantial lighting, electric window candles and soft-white strands will fill your home with coziness.
• What’s Christmas without carols? A Bluetooth speaker does the job, but if you want to get nostalgic, set up a classic record player. Place your favorite album under the needle, and you’ll be serenaded by the lo-fi sound all season long.

#2 The Perfect ‘Fits

We’re not talking about fur jackets and trendy thigh-high boots. The perfect holiday outfits are the ones you’d wear on Christmas morning—in other words, cozy. Read on for some essentials to stay comfy as the gift wrap flies:

• Christmas T-shirts – No one is above a cheesy holiday outfit. Ditch the Scrooge ‘tude and check out the hilarious designs on these funny Christmas shirts.
• Slippers – Cold feet are a sure-fire way to freeze out any Christmas Day fun. Make sure your toes are snug in some quality wool slippers.
• Blankets – Okay, so this isn’t technically clothing, but a cozy fleece or velour blanket is a must-have, nonetheless. Plus, if you wear it around the house like a giant shawl, that’s got to count for something.

#3 Recharging

The holidays are a time of giving—this includes yourself.

With the rush of presents, parties, and traditions, it’s easy to lose track of your personal well-being. Just know that taking care of yourself frees you up to take care of others during this hectic season:

• First, work on getting those eight hours of beauty sleep per night (not per three days). With the heightened anxieties around the holidays, your sleep schedule might be disturbed.
• Make sure to commit to proper sleep hygiene, like avoiding late-night screen time and sugar or caffeine. Time management smartphone apps are excellent restraints for cutting off your midnight Instagram scroll.
• Shoulders sitting a few inches higher this month? Massage therapy and other spa treatments are a worthy splurge in stressful times. And if spa trips are outside your comfort zone, a home massager can still do the trick.

#4 Thoughtful Gifts

Playing Santa is one of the most satisfying parts of the holidays. There’s nothing like seeing your loved ones smile as they rip open your personalized gifts. At a loss for present ideas? Here are some suggestions for both the young and old in your life:

• Kids – It doesn’t take much to thrill a child during Christmastime. A funky lava or colored lamp will make their room the envy of their entire class. And of course, the latest video games are always a welcome option.
• Parents and grandparents – Do your older relatives have a green thumb? A gardening toolset will be an excellent gift to support their hobby. Otherwise, a bottle of Oregogne Chardonnay or their favorite specialty liquor will strike the right chord.
• Significant other – Buying gifts for a romantic partner can stoke panic, but you can’t go wrong with simple jewelry. A trendy geometric chain necklace, classic hoop earrings, or even matching rings will thrill your partner. Shop our favorite jewelry here.

Get Hooked on the Holiday Spirit

A roaring fire, some cozy pajamas, and a glass of eggnog (with or without a splash of cognac)—sometimes, the simple pleasures are the best. Enjoy these holiday must-haves for a relaxing and fulfilling Christmas season.

The post 4 Must-Haves for This Holiday Season appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Maintaining proper health and well-being during the holidays is important, especially since this year has been full of changes, some challenges, and quite a few unexpected moments. Many people are still reeling from the impact of the worldwide health crisis. But, there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hopefully something that will bring you joy though, is the upcoming holiday season! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is time to get to decorating (that is if you haven’t decorated for the Winter Holidays yet). Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, of course. So, don’t skip over this one! We have a few ideas for you to make sure you are displaying your thankfulness this season.

Flowers

By ordering fall flowers from FTD, you can instantly transform any room to be ready for Thanksgiving. They have bouquets, centerpieces, and cornucopias full of flowers, and they are all ready to be delivered to your door! If you are hoping for something that will last you through until the Winter Holidays, FTD also has quite a few plants to choose from as well. Plus, they come in versatile pots that you can decorate to match whatever it is that you will be celebrating! Oh, and don’t be afraid to order a gift basket for yourself to munch on while you decorate, or while you prep the Thanksgiving feast.

Hand Turkeys

Ok, we know this may sound silly, but even as adults it is fun to paint your hand, and make it into a turkey on a piece of paper. Once you have made the turkey, you can take a moment to write around it and reflect on the things you are thankful for this year. Once its dry, you can frame it and hang it up during every Thanksgiving season. Make sure you put the year on it so you can reflect on each year’s thankfulness! It will be fun to look back and reflect on what you have been thankful for in the past compared to what brings you feelings of thankfulness in the future.

A Letter Board

A letter board from Letterfolk is a great place to display everything you are thankful for if you aren’t going the hand turkey route. And since it can quickly be changed, you could even go around the table and have everyone add to it, if you’d like. If everyone puts their words on there, you can take a picture of each person with their word. It will be a great memory to document and share with those that couldn’t make it to celebrate with you in person. The boards come in many different sizes and frame colors, but the high-quality materials are used on every item. Don’t forget to purchase the extra characters pack, that way you can properly express your love for the Holidays with hearts, exclamations points, and stars.

Plaid Table Runner

A buffalo plaid table runner is festive for the holidays, but can also be used year-round if you want! It isn’t exclusively Thanksgiving, especially if you decide to decorate the rest of your table with season specific décor. It will take you from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day and back to Thanksgiving again, before you know it! And for such a great price point, you are definitely getting the bang for your buck!

Repurposed Pumpkins

You still have all those pumpkins and gourds from Halloween, so why not give them a second life? By painting them, you can make them Thanksgiving ready with just a few coats of paint. You can go for a traditional Thanksgiving feel, and make them brown, orange, yellow, and red. Or you can go for a more sophisticated color scheme with forest green, gold, white, and burnt orange. If you want to go wild with paint, you can have everyone paint one themselves and write what they are thankful for on the pumpkin. It will also allow you to get rid of them at the end of the night. Win, win!

We hope that no matter what you choose to decorate with, that you are able to surround yourself with the people that you are most thankful for!

The post The Ultimate Decoration Ideas for Thanksgiving appeared first on Just Noise To Me.