Do you have someone who makes you feel special? Is that someone makes your heart beat at the sight of him/her? Do you wonder if the two of you are compatible and would end up together?

Just like any girls, I have my crushes too. But I never tell them that I like them.When I was in high school, I would often play a game called FLAMES to measure my compatibility with my crush. My friends do it too just to have fun.

Time flies and now there is an e-version of the ‘love game’ we used to play in high school. While surfing the net, I chanced upon this. Curious, I clicked on the site love meter and entered my name and my crush’s. Surprised, the love meter sort of ‘approved’ our relationship. It was really fun.

Why don’t you try and see for yourself if you and your crush or special one are meant for each other? Visit the site and the lucky love game love meter will answer your question, is he/she the one? Is the match made in heaven?

But remember, this is just a game. Just have fun while playing it with your significant other or your friends. The outcome of your relationship with that special someone will depend on both of you.

And before I forget, this Valentines Day, why don’t you also try your luck in numbers. If you’re not really into playing the numbers game, this is a chance to try it online. These lucky numbers could make you rich, we’ll never know.

Happy Valentines! Spread the love.

In the past, traditionally, it was the bride’s parents who paid for the wedding; however, in these more modern times, many couples choose to pay for their own nuptials. This allows them to plan and enjoy the wedding of their dreams.

Many couples choose to obtain a loan to pay for wedding expenses. This step may actually be good for your marriage, as you will both need to understand each other’s spending philosophies, as well as learn to compromise with each other.

While the loan process is easy, the hard part is deciding just how much you will need and afford. It is important to decide on this before approaching lenders, such as www.greatplainslending.com. Here are a few steps to help you with this process.

Determine the Cost

Weddings can range from approximately $10,000, to the more extravagant ones reaching six figures or more. So, make a list of what you would like to see at your wedding, along with the cost figures for each item. If the final tally is too high, work together to pare down the cost.

List those things that you feel are absolutely necessary, those that may be desired but unnecessary and finally those that are just extras. For instance, the venue is an absolute requirement, but do you truly need the flying doves?

Repayment

You will need to determine how much you can afford each month to repay the loan. Obviously, you don’t want to be paying for your wedding long into the future, so consider a three-year repayment plan as a rule of thumb. Also, make sure you shop around for the best interest rates that you can find. This will help your repayment process move along more quickly.

Choosing a Lender

In addition to finding a lender that will give you the best interest rate, you should shop for one that will help you with your individual needs, such as a poor credit score or the actual terms of the loan. Check with online resources, as well as recommendations from friends and family for a lender that will be the most satisfactory.

Now, that you have the financing settled, it is time to plan and enjoy your wedding day!

Do you consider getting a loan for your wedding expenses? Share your thoughts in the comments box.

A camping trip can be a very exciting adventure for the entire family. Kids; however, might not share the same level of anticipation and excitement as the adults in the family. In fact they could easily be quite bored at the thought of going on a camping trip. If you want your kids to feel the same level of excitement and adventure that you feel, then perhaps you should consider getting them their own camping gear. You might be thinking that this could not possibly make a difference; however, giving kids their own gear will give them a sense of involvement. Children absolutely thrive when allowed to participate in decision-making.

If you believe that your child old enough to sleep alone, then you can choose to purchase a tent just for them. You can also purchase a tent for the children if you have more than one child that will be coming on the camping trip. Camping tents for kids need not be expensive as there are tents that are simpler in design that are very cost effective.

There is a large selection of sleeping bags for children and they are usually reasonably priced. The children’s sleeping bags are smaller, and most have prints on them that children really like. You select the features that are appropriate (temperature rating, etc), and then let your child pick the one he or she likes from your overall features selection.

Camping gear for kids does not have to be in the form of tents; it can also be in the form of recreational items. For instance you can get them children’s fishing poles or outdoor games that the kids can take with them. These typically come with carrying cases making it easy for your child to carry it around.

There are other small items that you can package as camping gear for kids. For instance you can get them their very own chair. Giving kids their own camping gear, especially something as small as a water bottle or a chair might seem insignificant to you; however, to a child it is giving them something that is their own and something to be responsible for. This could be the difference between children having fun or being bored. Don’t forget to have your child involved when selecting items for them!

TIP: If you have an ‘only child’, make sure to invite one of his (or her) friends. This will allow you some peace and will guarantee that the kids will have fun!

Well, not that I live in a secluded area full of trees and near waterfalls but I was lucky to experience (even for an hour) how it was to bathe in a (clean) creek with the greeneries around me. It’s a dream for most of us, especially those who reside in the city. How often do we breath clean air and feel the cold water from the falls on your skin?

Photos on this entry show a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable nature trip to Valencia in Negros Oriental (about 20 minutes away from Dumaguete City).

It seems like we were the only people in the forest at that time.

Life is good!

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for:

Aspen, Colorado: A ski resort that needs no introduction, Aspen is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts and a top destination of celebrities and professional skiers. Renowned for its steep slopes and panoramic vistas of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is great for skiers of all levels. Boasting hundreds of acres of mountain terrain and some of the world’s best snow, Aspen stands out as one of the world’s elite skiing destinations.

Zermatt, Switzerland: Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is often seen as the top ski resort in the country of Switzerland. Known for its car-free environment and stunning mountain views, Zermatt is a skiers’ paradise, no matter what level you ski at. The resort’s main claim to fame is that its home to the second tallest lift-served drop in the world. ??

Banff, Alberta: The premier ski resort in Alberta, Canada, Banff boasts phenomenal mountain views and spectacular skiing. Renowned for its excellent snow and fresh Rocky Mountain air, Banff is one of Canada’s flagship ski resorts and home to some of the greatest skiing experiences in the world.

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Vail, Colorado: Styling itself as “America’s favorite resort,” Vail certainly lives up to its lofty claim. Vail offers some 5,300 acres of prime skiing terrain as well as some truly breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain landscape. The city is also home to a wide array of great shops, restaurants, galleries and recreational activities to enjoy as well. 

Cortina, Italy: Cortina is the top ski resort in Italy, and indeed one of the finest in the world. Known for its posh flair and sense of elegance, Cortina, the home of the 1956 Olympic Games, serves up some of the world’s best skiing. A historic and beautiful resort, it is known for its serenity and scenic mountain views.

Ruapheu, New Zealand: One of the finest ski resorts in New Zealand, Ruapehu is among the world’s most renowned. Boasting a 2,360 foot vertical drop- one of the tallest in the world- Ruapehu offers some of the most exhilarating and unforgettable skiing on the planet.

Big Sky, Montana: Sporting ski-in and ski-out cabins, Big Sky is one of the world’s most unique ski resorts. Home to a staggering 3,600 acres of prime skiing terrain, Big Sky is one of the top resorts in North America and a favorite of professional and advanced level skiers. 

Stowe, Vermont: Set in the picturesque Green Mountains, Stowe is one of the top ski resorts in New England and a longtime favorite of skiers all across the world. Stowe offers some of America’s best slopes and peaks as well as a wealth of charming shops, restaurants and galleries. 

Shiga Kogen, Japan: Shiga Kogen ranks as one of the greatest ski resorts in Japan. Home to more than 1,500 of top-notch ski terrain, Shiga Kogen plays host to some of Asia’s best skiing as well as spectacular and unforgettable mountain views. 

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: Crowned by the world’s largest vertical drop at a jaw-dropping 5,280 feet, Whistler Blackcomb is arguably North America’s greatest ski resort. Skiers enjoy over 8,000 acres of premier skiing terrain in addition to a plethora of excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and unique shops and galleries. As North America’s elite ski resort, it is one of the top skiing destinations in the entire world.

These are just some of the world’s most elite ski resorts. No matter what continent you’re on or the skill of your skiing, you’re sure to find an incredible ski resort.

A guest post by Megan Gates, an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to Manhattan Real Estate, Hamptons Real Estate Listings, home improvement, travel, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

When someone says something to you, you have two options. One, you can hear them without taking their talk to your heart, or you can really listen. Listening is distinctly different. When you listen, you interpret whatever is being conveyed by the other person. You are paying signs to not just verbal cues, but body language, expression and mood. It’s very important to cultivate the art of listening if you want your relationship to survive.

Listening Keeps People Together

Have you noticed how bad you feel when a loved one doesn’t listen to what you say? Conversely, have you noticed how gratified you feel when someone you care about actually listens to every word and nuance you put out? It’s listening that keeps people together and relationships ticking. Listening is part of the connection two people make with each other. Listening enables understanding, and with understanding comes positive energy and validation, giving rise to the desire to reciprocate. This is what keeps relationships bonded.

Listening Develops Intimacy

When two people listen to each other deeply, trust develops and this trust leads to the development of intimacy. Intimacy allows for people to share their deep thoughts and feelings with each other. Both parties allow their emotional vulnerability to come forth. True intimacy does not grow in a relationship until both people are able to listen to each other without judgment. The understanding that listening brings to a relationship fosters further sharing of inner details which bring people closer to each other.

Listening Shows Respect

It’s hard to listen to someone you don’t respect. So when you do listen carefully, you’re basically indicating that you respect the other person. When people are serious about the ones they love, they will take a moment to listen to what the other has to say. When you want to tell someone something and that person just ups and goes, you know there’s no respect there. Show respect for the one you care for by listening to him or her. You cannot give that person any greater proof that you love and respect them.

Listening Heals A Relationship

We all have things to unburden. Fears, insecurities, emotional backlashes, worries –the list is endless. To have a person we love and trust listen to us, giving us his or her undivided attention seems a precious gift. When someone listens to you that way, you experience a form of healing. A sort of peace settles over you and you feel that you’ve unburdened yourself and lightened your load.

Listening Can Sort Out Problems

When people have latent issues that are interfering with their lives, it’s good for them to talk to someone who’ll listen. This is why psychiatrists always charge so much. They’re paid to really listen, even though the caring is professional, not personal. Having someone listen to you with all their heart can ease your tension and get your anger out of your system. Problems can be easily resolved without resorting to the blame game that comes from partial understanding.

Listening Makes The Talker Feel Valued

When someone listens to you with their heart, they make you feel you’re worth something: that you have value, even if you haven’t felt that before. You feel important and feel that what you have to say is equally important. This is very important for your self-esteem. This is the reason why parents are always counseled to listen to their kids. Listening keenly conveys a positive message that can be very self-affirming and value-building. Setting aside an hour a day to just listen to each other can build bridges even in relationships that were marked to fail.

Listening Puts People On Equal Footing

No one likes a dictator. No one likes being talked down to. One way communication feels threatening, demeaning and disrespectful. That’s why when we listen to each other, the person who’s talking feels that he or she is on the same footing as the one who’s listening. The power play of the bully and the victim scenario is totally downplayed when people learn to listen. Listening brings both parties to an open field where neither is superior. Both parties put their issues on the table and await each other’s calm judgment.

Conclusion

To be a good listener, you have to bury your ego. It’s easy to jump up in self-defense when you hear statements that you feel are damaging to you. However, if you really work on the art of listening, you’ll not only gain the love of friends, but the respect of your enemies as well. Listening skills are very important if you want to make your relationships last. This is true of any kind of relationship – husband and wife, parents and kids, cousins, relatives, siblings and friends.

—
Guest post written by Marina of 1001Shops, An online store of specialty products like floor and vanity mirrors, contemporary lamps and a lot more. Visit http://www.floormirrorsboutique.com.

• Dim the lights if you want, or just use scented candles. Be sure the candles are sitting in a safe place far enough away from the tub.
• Plug in the iPod or CD player and pop in your favorite soothing music. Leave the cell phone outside the bathroom and close the door. This is the time for total indulgence and a jangling phone would spoil the mood.
• Wrap yourself in the most comfortable robe you can find.
• Place a soft fuzzy rug just outside the tub to place your feet upon when exiting the tub.
• Have your temperature just right in the bathroom. Your comfort is the goal today.
• Have an inflated bath pillow to rest your head on as you soak in a warm tub.
• Place a cup of scented olive oil or the fragrance of your choice in a basin of hot water to warm it while you bathe.

There are several scents which will enhance the bath experience and the results depend on what scent is chosen. Add some Epsom salt to relax muscles and relieve stress. Epsom salt is a form of magnesium and using this in your bath water allows you to gain the benefit of the mineral through your skin. Another herbal that works equally well topically is rosemary.

Rosemary helps to maintain the supple skin of youth, aids in fighting depression, boosts the immune system and boasts a host of other benefits.

Rose oil in the bath water or added to the oil to massage into the skin after the bath offers many benefits to the recipient also. The fragrance aids in circulation, healing and strengthening the immune system and lifting one from depression among other things.

If you have some creeping Charlie growing in your yard gather some up cutting it closely to the root. Bring it inside and gently rinse so as not to bring any outside critters in. Fill a sock with it and tie to your bath faucet running warm water over it. The leaves and flowers with infuse your bath water with skin softening agents to leave your skin feeling silky while aiding the bather with many health benefits such as aiding in relieving of cold and flu symptoms.

Here is a remedy for those who suffer from Charley Horses:

1. Grind up or grate two teaspoons of fresh ginger
2. Add to one cup water
3. Boil on high for 3 minutes in the microwave, or until the water turns deep yellow.
4. Use this mixture to add to bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes kneading sore muscles.

Try this luxurious milk bath and be rewarded to a pleasant night’s sleep and soft smooth skin:

• 2 cups of honey
• 3 quarts of buttermilk
• 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
• 1 cup kosher or sea salt
• 1 quart bottled mineral water
• 1 large microwaveable bowl
• Loofah sponge

Microwave honey on high for 90 seconds, remove from microwave and blend in milk. Microwave again for 3 minutes or until honey is completely dissolved.

Fill tub with water as hot as you can comfortably stand it. Add the soda, salt and mineral water. Add half of the milk and honey saving half.

Soak for 5 minutes. Then begin to gradually add the rest of the milk mixture. Using the loofah remove the top layer of dead skin and the skin will be replenished and revitalized with oils from you homemade milk bath.

Grab a large fluffy bath towel when getting out of the tub and rub yourself briskly if you desire to stimulate the skin, pat gently if wanting to relax and go to bed. Do the same with your warmed oil; rub it into the skin kneading the skin if wanting to awaken the body, place gently if wanting to retire for the evening. Put the favorite jammies on and go to bed. Don’t forget to blow out the candles.

–

Marina is a freelance writer and co-owner of an console table store located at – http://www.1001consoletables.com

It’s time for Hump Day $50 Giveaway and today’s event is for Following via Google Friend Connect (GFC) or adding Google Pages to your Google+ Circles. Once again, this is brought to you by the 26 wonderful blogs listed below. Feel free to visit them once you’re done entering the giveaway.

My Tots Exactly | The Tales of Bubba and Mack | Frugal Experiments | Living a Diabetic Life | freebieprincess: Stick with Me and Get it Free! | Our City Travels | Gladiator Goddess | Mommy and Matt | Sports and Fitness | Tinkerputt’s Turf | Busy Reading | Mum Writes | Treat Your Palate | Manila Barbie | Wrap to Lose Inches with Jolene | Hott Mama in the City | Teach Me 2 Save | Coupon Queen of Texas | Coupon Spice | My So-Called Life | Advocating Breastfeeding | Know Your Tune | Going Crazy Wanna Go? | Pinay Mom In Germany | Healthy Vain | Everything Nice | Sublime Wanderer |

As stated above, you can follow a blog through Google Friend Connect or GFC, or add a Google Page to your Google+ circles. For a short tutorial click here but be sure to come back to enter through this blog.

A note though: You can only join this on one blog/page. There will be a maximum of 27 entries ONLY. If you have more than 27, I reserve the right to delete duplicate or fraudulent entries. May I request that you use only one name and email address for quicker validation of entries.

On the first mandatory entry, please write name of your blog that referred you. You must complete the first 2 tasks before the others are enabled..

Thank you very much and good luck. By joining this giveaway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions on the bottom of the form. Contest is open all-day Wednesday, from November 23rd, 12:01am EST to November 23rd,11:59pm EST (November 23rd, 1:01pm Philippine time to November 24th, 12:59pm Philippine time).

]]> http://sublimewanderer.com/giveaways/50-giveaway-humpday-wedensday//feed 0 http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/weekend-blog-follower-caravan-26/ http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/weekend-blog-follower-caravan-26/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:39:51 +0000 sublime http://sublimewanderer.com/?p=561 I’ve been busy over at my new job and I haven’t been updating this blog…well, for the very few people who come by often, thanks!

I’m joining wbfc this week – google friend connect follow…This edition is sponsored by: Chika Bits and Dens Online. I do hope to win 5$ for joining!

]]> http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/weekend-blog-follower-caravan-26//feed 20 http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/bc-bloggers-secret-lets-link/ http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/bc-bloggers-secret-lets-link/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:47:54 +0000 sublime http://sublimewanderer.com/?p=551

It’s no secret that I’m no blogging expert, I simply share my thoughts, places I’ve been to, foods I ate, anything under the sun that I’d like to share. I leave the layout, technicalities and other blogging nosebleed activities to a good friend of mine. So I am joining BC Bloggers Secret as she recommended. BC Bloggers Secret is an effective way to work around the blogosphere, building links, networks and getting to know other bloggers and their wonderful blogs.

If you’d like to join, click the badge!

 

]]> http://sublimewanderer.com/blogging/bc-bloggers-secret-lets-link//feed 0 http://sublimewanderer.com/yellow-mellow/i-love-puerto-princesa/ http://sublimewanderer.com/yellow-mellow/i-love-puerto-princesa/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:08:56 +0000 sublime http://sublimewanderer.com/?p=541 I’ll never get tired of posting photos from my recent trip to Palawan. More photos of the Baywalk below.

This photo was taken inside a tricycle in Puerto Princesa City. Yes, I love Puerto Princesa!

Colorful fish display at the Baywalk

Baywalk in the morning

-For-

 

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