By Petra Halbur

The long wait is over- Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are finally parents! On the morning of June 15, Kardashian gave birth to a baby girl in Los Angeles. According to People, West was by her side for the delivery. Kardashian is overjoyed to have a daughter. “I’m so excited we’re having a girl,” she said on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. ”Who doesn’t want a girl? I think they are the best. I know that’s really what Kanye has always wanted – he wanted a little girl.”

How do you balance parenthood and your career?

Cupid’s Advice:

It’s the 21st century and gender roles have changed. Mothers and fathers alike are expected to manage both parenthood and careers. Cupid has some advice for how to strike the balance:

1. Weigh the costs: Would it be more economical to pay for day care or to forgo your career and be a stay at home parent? Nobody likes to boil family matters down to money but, unfortunately, cost can determine the more practical lifestyle for you and your child.

2. Consider logistics: In deciding whether you want to work full-time, part-time or be a stay-at-home parent, you have to consider the logistics of daily life. How will you get your child to school? Will that interfere with your commute? Where will your child be while you’re at work? These are important things to work out ahead of time.

3. Happiness: Ultimately, the balance between parenthood and your career will not work if you are unhappy. While your child’s welfare is, of course, a priority, your own satisfaction needs to be taken into serious consideration too.

How have you managed to balance parenthood and your career? Tell us below.

By Jared Sais

Now that season 9 of The Bachelorette is well underway, some of the contestants’ true natures are coming out. Furthermore, we’re learning that Des doesn’t necessarily see a future with a guy just because they share one romantic date together. So let’s get started…

Related Link: Bachelorette 9, Episode 1: The Animal Kingdom

Brad’s One-on-One Date

Desiree emphasized the word “great” when she was describing her day with Brad, saying, “We are having a great time.” This emphasis indicates sincerity – she really did have a blast with him. Think about when you’re describing a delicious meal to someone. You emphasize the adjectives. For example, you might say, “I just had the most amazing sushi. So fresh! You have to try it.” It’s an easy way to decipher someone’s true opinion.

However, just because the bachelorette said that they had a “great time” doesn’t mean that she felt any chemistry. You don’t have to be a body language expert to know that this date wasn’t going well for Brad. Even so, let’s analyze the most common nonverbal indications of discomfort that Desiree and Brad exhibited during dinner:

- Silence and long pauses

- Nervous laughs

- Concentration on food or other objects

- Short conversations and abrupt endings

- Awkward looks with rolled eyes and pinched lips with a forced smile

- Lack of eye contact

It’s no surprise that this single dad didn’t receive a rose at the end of the night.

Group Date

Now on to the Bachelorette Mr. America Pageant! Only one person with actual talent managed to make Des blush, and that was Zak W. with his guitar and sweet lyrics. All of the other men tried their best but ended up treating the talent competition as more of a joke. Though Zak didn’t win the competition with his song, his performance was the one that stood out the most to me. I always say that, in the dating world, it’s important to stand out by taking a creative approach. If you play the game the same as everyone else, you’ll blend in. If you’re brave enough to express your individuality – like Zak W. was – then you’ll win the heart and mind of that special someone.

Chris also had a successful week, solidifying my confidence that he’ll make it to the top five.

Let’s take a look at Bryden’s body language too. In my Quote Me Now article, I said that he was “not feeling” Desiree. Sure enough, in this week’s episode, Bryden came out and admitted that he wasn’t into the brunette beauty as much as he wanted to be at this point in the show. I think Bryden will leave soon, and I still get the feeling that he isn’t there for the right reasons. There was one non-verbal cue in particular that proves my prediction correct: During the rose ceremony, when Desiree called his name, Bryden showed shame by lowering his head. Even more interesting was when Bryden gave her the “I got you” look, which is given when someone either lies or manipulates another person and gets away with it. In short, he is manipulating Desiree and isn’t who he claims to be. A big warning to Desiree: stay away from Bryden!

Related Link: Bachelorette 9, Episode 3: Dangerous Dodgeball Date

James’ One-on-One Date

James definitely likes our leading lady more than she likes him, but they still had a solid date. I didn’t see any sparks fly when he received the rose, and even though Desiree leaned for the kiss, there was no passion in it for either of them. I don’t see James making it too much longer. He’s a good guy, but he has no real connection with Desiree.

This week’s episode was certainly an eventful one! Here’s my current top five with one slot still open: number one is Brooks, number two is Chris, number three is Zak W. and number four is Drew. What will happen next is a mystery, but I’m already excited to see if my predictions are proven correct when the gang heads to Germany next week.

Let me know your thoughts on what men you like so far and who you think will be Desiree’s future husband!

By Petra Halbur

Two weeks after the birth of their daughter, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum debuted their baby girl on Facebook. According to People, Tatum posted a photo of himself holding baby Everly beside his wife with the words, “First Father’s Day with my girls.” Dewan-Tatum described her daughter as “our lil angel” on her own Facebook account. The 32 year-old actress expressed gratitude to her supportive fans via Twitter on June 6. “Thank you, everyone, for all the loving messages! Chan, myself and Everly are happy as can be and appreciate them all.”

What are some ways to introduce your newborn to family and friends?

Cupid’s Advice:

You’re overjoyed to be a new parent but you know that your family and friends are just bursting to get their first glimpse of your little bundle of joy. How best to debut your newborn to the world? Cupid has some ideas:

1. Use social media: Thanks to the internet, you can share photos of your baby with family and friends mere minutes after birth. Be cautious of going overboard, though. As beautiful as your newborn is, flooding your Facebook account with photos of your baby sleeping will get tedious.

2. Skype: Skype is a fantastic option for showing off your little one to relations who live far away. It offers an intimacy that posted photos cannot recreate.

3. Visit in the flesh: Unless there’s an outbreak of cholera or bubonic plague in the area, there’s no reason why you can’t debut your baby in person. Go ahead and introduce your new son or daughter at the house of a friend or relative. This way, everyone gets the chance to hold the baby and say, “hello” in person.

How did you introduce your baby to the people in your life? Tell us below. 

By Laura Seldon for GalTime.com

Packing for any vacation can be exhausting, but it gets even harder when you’re deciding what to take on your first trip with your new flame. But just like in relationships, when it comes to packing for a trip, it’s best to leave all extra baggage behind! To help you “pack for success,” here are the top 10 things to take with you whether you are hitting the wide-open road together, or jetting away to somewhere exotic!

1. Comfy Walking Shoes

Start your trip off on the right foot with a good pair of walking shoes. While you may want to look good in front of your new love interest, it’s important to bring a reliable pair of sneakers “so you can walk and explore together,” says author Carrie Knowles.

2. Picnic Provisions

What’s better than a romantic meal for two? A romantic picnic for two! “Bring a small backpack with a corkscrew and knife for an impromptu picnic,” suggests Knowles. This way you and your new suitor can enjoy some alone time in the great outdoors!

Related: The Key to a Lasting Relationship

3. Reading Materials

Consider sharing more than just a hotel room on your romantic getaway – how about sharing a book as well? “That way you can read to each other,” explains Knowles. “There’s nothing more romantic.” Not only will reading together give you something to talk about, but reading something sexy (think Fifty Shades of Grey) could really heat up your excursion!

4. First-Aid Kit

Allergies, indigestion and bloating will cramp your style on a romantic getaway. “Bring a first-aid kit,” says Bonnie Joy Dewkett, a professional organizer and packing pro. “Because nothing is worse than having your time spoiled by a headache, sunburn or upset stomach.”

5. GPS & Maps

Navigate your way to romance with the help of your trusty GPS! “Couples notoriously fight over directions,” says Dewkett. “The key to a road trip is to have a GPS, maps and a plan!”

6. Denim with Diversity

Be sure to pack a pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down. “Who knows what activities your romantic getaway will entail,” says Jennifer Kelton, a dating advisor and the founder of DressForTheDate.com. “Pack a pair of jeans that can be dressed down for activities like horseback riding, but can also be dressed up for hitting a trendy pub.”

Related: 6 Ways To Speed Up Your Morning Routine

7. Unisex Toiletries

If you’re already sharing a book (as advised in #3), then why not share a few bathroom products as well, including shampoo, conditioner and lotion? “Sharing is caring,” says PR pro Stephanie Scott. “And it also cuts down on the amount of products that you need to pack. Try travel-sized goodies that couples can share.”

8. A Good Playlist

When there’s a moment of awkward silence, it’s best to fill it with the sound of music! Just make sure your playlist (for the car or bedroom) include songs you both like, advises Dr. Jane Greer, a marriage and family therapist. “It will destroy the whole trip if your car ride isn’t enjoyable.”

9. A Solid Set of Snacks

Don’t rely on a run-down convenience store for your snack supply! Instead, ask your new flame for a list of their favorite snacks (granola bars, chips, apples, etc.) and pack some provisions. “Bring some of your favorite snacks to ease tension on the road,” suggests Aimee Cebulski, author of The Finding 40 Project. “It will also ward off the crankies and make each of you happy.”

10. An Open Mind

One of the most important items you can bring with you on any vacation is an open mind. “It sounds cheesy,” says Cebulski. “But this might be the first time you see your sweetheart clean his ears… or he sees that you are an extreme over-packer. Go easy on each other. It’s supposed to be fun!”

The best part about taking an open mind on your trip? It takes up hardly any space in your suitcase!

By Petra Halbur

On Saturday, Kate Middleton attended a parade held in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. She rode in a open-topped carriage with her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and waved to the crowd. She later joined most of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. According to People, this is expected to be Middleton’s final official engagement before the birth of her child.

How do you make the mother of your child comfortable leading up to birth?

Cupid’s Advice:

Child birth is strenuous (to make a massive understatement), but so are the days and weeks leading up to birth. Cupid has some ideas to keep the mother of your child comfortable during this nerve-racking period:

1. Express enthusiasm: Talk about how excited you are to be a parent. Even if there has never been any question concerning your eagerness parenthood (and if there is, resolve this issue ASAP), your partner will appreciate the reassurance at this tense 11th hour.

2. Tell stories: Chances are, your partner might be getting a little nervous about the prospect of giving birth. So, ask friends and relatives with healthy children to talk about their experiences with her. This will help ease her concerns.

3. Massage: After nine-months of pregnancy, your partner’s body is bound to be fatigued and achy. Treat her to a nice massage that will soothe the pain and help her relax.

How did you keep your partner comfortable before giving birth? Tell us below:

By Petra Halbur

Five months after his separation from Michelle Williams, Jason Segel has found a new love in actress, Bojana Novakovic. The two have been spotted eating lunch together in Los Angeles and shopping together arm-in-arm.”They hang out often,” a source told People. “They have fun together and Jason seems to be really happy.”

How do you know when it’s time to move on from a past relationship? 

Cupid’s Advice: 

Although breakups are painful and often times take some time to get over, there’s a point at which you need to move on and make yourself happy. Cupid has some advice:

1. No chance of reconciliation: At the end of the day, if you’re not going to get back together, you need to move on. Clinging to the hope of reconciliation may be comforting, but it’s not healthy.

2. Your partner has moved on: Your partner can serve as a good litmus to see how long the recovery process should last. If he or she has started seeing other people, it’s probably time for you to as well.

3. You’re not happy: Sometimes it really is that simple. If your attachment to your ex is making you unhappy, then it’s time to let go and move on.

Had did you know that it was time to move on? Tell us below. 

By Petra Halbur

Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli‘s marriage officially ended on Tuesday, June 11. Though the two actors filed for divorce in March 2012, their split has been amicable. Garth and Facinelli have agreed upon a 50-50 custody arrangement with their three daughters, Luca Bella, 15, Lola Ray, 10, and Fiona Eve, 6. Garth spoke to People about her initial resistance to the idea of divorce. ”I didn’t want it to happen,” she said. “It took me some time to come to peace with it.”

What are some ways to keep your divorce amicable?

Cupid’s Advice:

Divorce is never fun, but there is a way to keep the separation amicable. Cupid has some ideas:

1. Don’t assign blame: Holding your partner responsible for the failure of your marriage will only generate negative feelings between you two. Brooding about the past will accomplish nothing. Though it may be difficult, let go and move towards the future.

2. Hold your tongue: Just because you have something to say, doesn’t mean you have to say it. You may feel angry and hurt but for the sake of those around you, particularly if you have children, exert some self-control and keep things civil.

3. Forgive each other: It won’t be easy, but try your best to make peace with the end of your marriage and reach a point where you can forgive your spouse and yourself for whatever factors led to the separation.

Did you keep your divorce amicable? Tell us how below.

By Whitney Baker Johnson

When you’re looking for love, it’s tempting to want to find the “perfect” man, someone who embodies all of the qualities that are on your checklist. In truth, doing so could be detrimental to your love life. You may end a relationship with that nearly perfect guy because you’re so focused on the one thing he’s missing. By the time you realize it, chances are he’s already moved on to someone who loves him and thinks he’s enough. Here are five reasons why your perfect man criteria is keeping you single:

Related Link: Why a List of Requirements Won’t Get You Mr. Right

1. You focus on the wrong things. “The fact is that you’re not looking for a walking list. You’re looking for a feeling,” explains dating mentor and QuickieChick Laurel House. “With your list, you’re essentially putting blinders on.” Instead, look for someone who brings the best out in you, who makes you feel happy,  fulfilled and who is a true-life partner.

2. You lose sight of what really matters. You automatically assume someone isn’t the right fit for you because he’s got dark brown hair or he’s not at least six feet tall. Maybe’s he been married before and you never saw yourself with a divorced guy. Ask yourself this question: In ten years, are those things really going to matter? Open your heart up to every possibility, and you may find a man with qualities you didn’t even know you wanted.

3. You put too much trust in “paper perfect.” Sure, you’ve had an idea in mind – and maybe you even put it down on paper – of your perfect man since you were a little girl. You pictured meeting him when you were 23, getting married a few years later and starting a family shortly after that, but reality doesn’t always live up to expectations. As House says, “Like when a smile doesn’t touch the eyes, just ‘paper perfect’ sometimes doesn’t touch the heart.”

4. You miss out on the good parts of love. We all know that nothing is perfect, yet we want a perfect connection, a perfect partner and a perfect relationship. By trying to make your love life flawless, you fail to truly take in those moments that make finding The One so special. Without the negative experiences and broken hearts, you’ll never know when you come across that one guy who makes you feel just right.

Related Link: Finding Your True Destiny After Losing Love

5. You begin to veer away from “must-haves” when developing your list. It’s easy to get caught up in superficial desires rather than only including your “can’t live without” qualities. If you must have a list, it should focus on your belief system. “At the end of the day, what matters is if your core values mesh. You may find your ‘paper perfect’ man some day, but you’ll be disheartened if your morals don’t match or if you have zero chemistry,” House shares.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Instead, throw away your list – or at least whittle it down to only a few “must-haves” – and let your heart lead the way.

Are your standards too high? Share your experiences below.

By Petra Halbur

Fragrance is the key to making a long-lasting impression. It really is that simple. Our brains are programmed to associate scent with memory, so even the faintest aroma can evoke a recollective wave of emotion. Crabtree & Evelyn understands this. Drawing inspiration from the quintessential English garden, they have been dedicated to creating original fragrances and luxurious bath and body products that “transform everyday rituals into extraordinarily pleasurable experiences” since 1972.

If you’re hoping to make a positive impression on a certain someone, or just want to brighten up the day for those around you, try their beautiful new fragrance collection, Somerset Meadow.

The meadows of Somerset are among England’s most revered natural beauties and this new collection successfully captures the scent of nature at its most spectacular.

Notes of sparkling bergamot and dew-kissed blackberry are perfectly balanced with the bitter greens of ivy and fern. A heart of white blossoms, water lily and earthy geranium flourishes as if warmed by the morning sun, whilst creamy musk, willow and moss bring a soft, sensuous touch.

Now, one lucky CupidsPulse.com reader will win the full Somerset Meadow collection. Valued at $123, this collection includes Somerset Meadow Bath & Shower Gel, Somerset Meadow Body Lotion, Somerset Meadow Eau de Toilette, Somerset Meadow Perfume Gel and Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy. Each product is imbued with the light, fruity-floral scent of an idyllic English landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to pamper yourself and make an impression on your first date!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: To enter for a chance to win The Somerset Meadow collection, go to our Facebook page and click “like.” Leave a comment under our giveaway post letting us know why you want to enter the contest. We will contact the winner via Facebook when the contest is over, and they will have three days to respond back with their contact information. The deadline to enter is 5 pm EST on Monday, June 24th. Good luck!

By Lori Bizzoco and Marisa Spano

America watched the zesty and talkative redhead on The Real Housewives of New York City for four seasons as she threw sophisticated parties and worked for her husband’s fabric shop. While we may not be seeing her on a feisty Bravo reunion again, she’s still making a name for herself. She took a quick break from her hectic schedule to share some advice with CupidsPulse.com on how she manages to juggle it all.

Zarin is definitely one woman who seems to have figured out how to balance her family, career and social life. So we asked her opinion on one of the hottest topics in the news today: Can women really have it all? The former reality star believes that women “can” have it all but goes on to admit that “you can’t have it all at the same time.” She knows firsthand that you need to prioritize. “Maintaining a marriage is the most important thing because the truth is that children grow up and leave home.”

Related Link: Celebrity Women Who Built Business Empires With Their Husbands

As most viewers know, Zarin has a close bond with her college-aged daughter from her first marriage, Ally Shapiro, and a loving relationship with her husband, Bobby, whom she married in 2001 after five years of dating. But the Housewife tells us that having a strong marriage wasn’t always her priority. Over time, she’s learned to be mindful of her husband’s needs. “The priorities in my life are constantly moving around,” she says. “I know when Bobby doesn’t like being in the back row, so I move him quickly to the front row. He’s the first one to get a ticket. If he wants to move his seat, he can move his seat anytime he wants.”

When asked if there was other advice or tips she’d give women to help them have a successful marriage, she says that “being present” is very important. ”Nowadays, relationships are so complicated by electronics. It’s difficult to sit down for dinner because you’re dying to see that text or e-mail that you’ve been waiting for.” 

Related Link: Is Your Perfect Man Criteria Keeping You Single?

Of course, when Zarin was growing up, technology was much different. Her house had only one screen: the television. Now, screens are everywhere – on computers, tablets and smart phones and in the living room, bedroom and even the car. It’s no surprise that these “screens” affected her parenting skills. “I don’t think that I was present a lot of the time for my daughter. I was home, but I wasn’t present,” she candidly admits. “My daughter would come home from school, and I’d be on the phone. My daughter would want a snack, and I’d be on the computer. I was always like, ‘Just wait one minute, one minute, one minute.’” 

She feels that technology has a big impact on dating and relationships too. “There are a lot of things that can make dating challenging, and our phones and computers are two of them,” she shares. “People are uncomfortable with verbal communication nowadays.” That’s one strict rule that Zarin has taught her daughter: don’t date through text.

Related Link: Five Reasons Why Men Text Instead of Call

Currently, Zarin is working on a relationship with herself and taking her own “spiritual journey.” One of her commitments is to be present as much as possible. This means that wherever her feet are placed, she needs to be in that moment. “If I’m at home, I shut everything off. My feet are there, and that’s where my mind needs to be too.” 

Still, the reality star doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. She’ll be promoting her Skweez Couture shape wear line on QVC this month, and she’s filming an Open House segment at her new home in the Hamptons. She also has a line of beautiful baubles called Jill Zarin Jewelry Collection.

Zarin is certainly focusing on the good stuff!

For more information about Jill Zarin, follow her on Facebook, Twitter or check out her Web site.