You Are Not Your Parents: How to Save a Marriage
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Relationships
The elusive perfect marriage – often sought after, but rarely achieved – many people uphold this image in their minds of what marriage is supposed to look like. We humans are smarter now, thankfully. Thanks to advancements in both the medical and psychiatric fields, it’s okay to admit that we are not perfect. As such, perfect and marriage no longer need to be in the same sentence. Up until about twenty years ago, when things were far from perfect in a marriage, couples did one of two things: One either suffered in silence or if things were really unbearable, they divorced. But today ways to save a marriage that is otherwise toxic is easier than ever.
What Causes Suffering and Can End in Divorce?
Looking back to your parents’ or your grandparents’ marriage, things weren’t perfect, were they? Dysfunction is hardly anything new. As long as alcohol has been a part of our lives, people have consumed it, sometimes to excess. This is just one example of things that could and have frequently plagued otherwise “perfect” marriages. However, the difference between then and now is that rather than one wishing the other would improve, today ways to save a marriage are routinely implemented. Suffering no longer needs to be a part of a spouse’s vernacular. Myriad options are available to couples going through something and so literally anyone can take steps to declaring, “I’m working at saving my marriage,” rather than falling further into despair or consider divorce.
What Are Some of the Ways to Save a Marriage?
Thanks to more awareness about everything – be it medical or psychiatric – seeking help for individual problems is easier than ever. The stigma attached to having mental illness continues to diminish as society evolves. When individuals get better, ways to save a marriage become more possible and pessimism can be replaced with optimism.
Whether one or the both of you needs counseling, it’s worth a shot to consider it an option. Maybe, it turns out, that one of you is bipolar. Let’s say it’s your husband and he’s been self medicating, unaware that there was a problem with his mental state. In your parents’ generation, he would have continued drinking to quiet his mind. Today, because you are looking for ways to save a marriage – your marriage, seeking help can be the salvation you need.
Other ways to save a marriage can include taking a trip together. Sometimes rediscovery and time away without the kids and stresses of life can do wonders and can be a quick fix.
Believe it or not, sometimes taking a break from one another can be an option in how to save a marriage. Thinking back to one spouse having as yet unresolved issues, giving him or her time to heal, decompress and “get right” mentally can allow you both to reunite and can be one of the ways to save a marriage.
Maybe in learning about how to save a marriage, you learn some unrealized things about you. Although your goal might be saving my marriage, you may just discover things about yourself you never knew.
Take Things As They Come
Given that you are not your parents or your grandparents, suffering in silence no longer needs to be an option. Whatever your problems, most are not insurmountable. Give yourselves the time, patience and space you need to find ways to find what ails you. If you are one of the tons of people who walk around obsessed with the goal of “saving my marriage,” don’t be your parents. Get help and then you can impart your wisdom to others about ways to save a marriage.
Tags: Divorce, Marriage, people
Weddings Abroad – Does Paradise Come At A Price?
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Readiness
For some couples, jetting off to their dream location would be the most romantic way to tie the knot. And with weddings abroad being generally much cheaper than having the big day at home, it would seem that this would be the ideal solution for every bride and groom. Well, not quite. The main problem with pledging your vows abroad is that you are giving up much of the control of the wedding preparations, simply because you can’t go along and check out things beforehand. Therefore it’s crucial that you choose your travel company carefully.
Many tour operators can now arrange everything for your big day as part of a wedding package. Typically, the ceremony prices can start from as little as f50, rising to over f500 if extras such as a steel band or native dancers are included. The wedding operator will arrange all the extras such as the cake, the decorated location, the marriage certificate and the registrar’s fees. Some companies will also give you the option to tailor your wedding to your own preferences, which gives you more freedom over the order of the day such as choosing the exact location and time of the ceremony. This is particularly useful if you want to be more actively involved in the planning process.
If getting married abroad may seem like the perfect choice for you it is important to do your research thoroughly. Find out exactly what is included in the wedding package, where the wedding will happen and at what times of the day ceremonies can take place. Usually weddings are conducted Mondays to Fridays, excluding Public Holidays, but its important to remember that some hotels restrict the number of weddings that can take place each day. If your heart is set on getting married on the beach, you will need to check that this is legal in the country that you have chosen, as this is not always the case. It is always worth asking if there is a discount if you bring family and friends with you, whether the ceremony will be in English and whether the hotel will provide you with a separate room that you can each get changed in. Also, what happens if it rains? Can the wedding be moved to an indoor location, or will the date of the wedding have to be changed?
One of the most important considerations is whether the legal side of the marriage abroad is properly covered. It is not possible to register the marriage in the UK as this can only happen in the place where the marriage is solemnised. This does not affect the legal status of the marriage, however, and in some instances it is possible to keep a record of the wedding at the General Registrar’s office in Southport (0151 471 4200). It is vitally important that you check which legal documents you will need to bring with you. Always bring your original documents with you, not photocopies. Usually you will be required to bring both birth certificates, which must show both parents’ full names. If these are not shown on the birth certificate, you will need to attach details separately. You will also need a valid passport and an affidavit stating that both parties are single and free to marry. If you are divorced, you will need a Decree Absolute and if you are widowed, you will need the death certificate of your former spouse.
Another important consideration that you will need to address is the climate of the country that you intend to be married in, as this will influence what you wear to the ceremony. For hot weather, a short sleeved or sleeveless dress is preferable. Choose cool, light fabrics and consider having a detachable train, which can be removed after the ceremony for added comfort. For the groom, consider a lightweight linen suit with perhaps a short sleeve shirt. When it comes to transporting wedding outfits, most airlines advise that outfits be placed in hard backed suitcases. If you are worried about the possibility of losing your luggage, suit and dress carriers can be purchased for around f25 and are allowed on most aircraft.
Thousands of couples are happily married abroad each year. Many believe that by having the ceremony abroad, they can invite just a small handful of family and friends that they really want to cerebrate with. However, be warned that this can upset people who would love to attend but are unable to do so because of financial constraints. Ultimately, the choice is yours and with the right research and planning your big day in the sun should go off with a bang!
Tags: Divorce, love, Marriage, people, Wedding
Acrylic Paints Are a Great Option for Budding Artists
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Online Dating
Acrylic paints are quite a new medium in the world of art if you compare them to the likes of oil paints or watercolours. The paint itself has only been available on a commercial basis since the 1950′s after the acrylic resin which forms the paint was invented by a Dr. Otto Rohm. The medium has been recurrently developed and refined ever since. Many new genres of art were developed after the paint was utilised by the likes of Andy Warhol, who set the standard for ‘pop art’ in the 1960′s. This medium also adheres to attributes of other types of paint deeming it very versatile and perfect for anybody starting out. Art is all about experimentation after all.
Many reputable art suppliers will definitely stock acrylic paints, given their popularity, and they will often vary in price and quality. You can also purchase sets which offer a variety of colours and sometimes include acrylic brushes also, great as an initial starting point for the absolute beginner. It is very easy to manipulate this particular medium given its dexterous qualities. With the addition of water, acrylic paints can be thinned to a consistency that mimics watercolour paints. You can also layer very easily; allowing one layer to dry you can immediately add another on top of it. The only downside to using this particular technique is that unlike watercolours, the colours cannot be blended again once dry. Acrylic paints are water resistant once dry, great for stencils or block colours but not so flexible if you want to continuously blend colours together. As long as you keep it wet this should not be a problem.
This medium can also be utilised in crafts, not just simply canvas painting. One dry it is permanent, so it is perfect for small projects or painting miniature models and such. Many professionals who use it will have perfected techniques and methods which suit their painting style. As an amateur artist or student of art finding the right brand of acrylic paints and forming your technique and ideas is just as important. Another great attribute to this medium is the immensely quick drying time. A perfect quality for those who are new to arts and crafts, meaning you can work quickly and see the dry finished results straight away. Most sets available will offer a range of colours and of course the more you get used to the medium of acrylic paint, the more adventurous you can be.
Getting Your Name in Lights
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Love
Calling all under the radar musicians, are you struggling to get your name in lights, do you feel like giving up? Don’t fear and have a read of this and see if it can lift your spirits.
I am not a musician myself, in fact I can’t play an instrument and I’m only just a bearable singer. I have however got a fair few friends that have and are still trying to break into the music industry. These friends of mine have been struggling back and forth to get a glimmer of hope. It seems that even if you have 1000 followers on Facebook and have uploaded 50 videos on YouTube you can still go unnoticed. It is saddening as it makes it easier for musicians to give up resulting in talent being thrown away like an old pair of shoes.
This short extract from Kyan Kuatois a singer song writer from Cambridge gives a personal insight into what it really takes to make it in the music industry.
Truly making it the music industry takes three key factors, talent, hard work and exposure.
Talent is what set’s you apart, and gives you a reason to want to work hard and perfect your craft. Hard work is what improves your talent and makes you deserving of exposure. Exposure is what gives you the platform to get yourself to a big enough audience that you can start to make a living from what you do.
A lot of artists/bands today skip steps, or lack some of these fundamental foundations. Many have exposure before they’ve worked hard and learned their craft, which gives them no staying power. Others work hard, and have exposure, but regarding talent, have nothing new, special, or original to offer..
However, if one does have talent, and the predisposition to work hard, the hardest step is definitely getting exposure. With so many different avenues, Myspace, YouTube, Twitter, Major Labels/Indie Labels, Live gigs/Ustreams…It’s important to know yourself as an artist and approach these in the appropriate way for yourself.
It’s important to build a fanbase of core fans, those that take you seriously, those that truly admire what you do, the guys who will buy your record, buy your merchandise…If you have that, then you are at a good starting point. Great music speaks for itself.
Any manager, PR company, website, record company that truly understands the above, and can offer their artists exactly that; is worth exploring.
My current role at Yellowbelly Online Ltd as an internet marketer has led me to work on a music website called FameFactor. FameFactor supports and promotes up and coming unsigned and undiscovered musicians. It is good to see that there is a place for musicians to go and share their music; it is a good chance to build your fan base, giving you a more diverse audience to the followers you may have acquired on Facebook. Having the support from other artists is also helpful; to receive constructive criticism or maybe just to chat with other musicians, see if anyone has the leads that you need. I really believe that if you think you have got what it takes and have the determination then get yourself out there, you will never know unless you try.
3 Easy Steps To Online Dating Success
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Enhancement
We all know that online dating will help you to make new friends and meet your perfect partner. But, how do you get the best out of a dating site? If you are thinking of signing up, or have already joined a dating site without success, make sure you read these 3 important tips!
1. Personal Profile – Getting it Right
All dating sites ask you to complete a personal profile. But what will make YOUR profile stand out amongst the crowd?
Although the length and depth of profiles differ from one dating site to another, they all ask you to describe your physical appearance, such as height and hair colour. Of course, this is important: we are initially attracted to someone by how they look and online dating isn’t very different. Where dating on the internet comes into its own, however, is the opportunity to find out more about a person before taking that next step. This unique aspect can be very powerful in deciding whether you will actually go ahead and make contact because you like the sound as well as the look of someone.
And there’s the rub: Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to saying more about you. Brief phrases like: ‘Single 30 year old woman would like to make new friends’ or ‘I’m not sure what to write but please get in touch’ will not make you stand out. Tell people about the things you like to do, any hobbies you are interested in, the music you love, your dreams for the future. If you’re still unsure, find a well-written profile that interests you and follow their lead!
2. Photographs – Don’t be shy!
Profiles without photographs rarely stand out. You are much more likely to get responses if you attach a picture.
Some people are shy about doing this. But hey – I’m sure you don’t go out with a paper bag over your head so don’t hide yourself now! Let’s be honest, who would you rather contact, someone without a photograph or that person smiling back at you from the screen?
Online dating is an acceptable and successful medium in which to meet new people. All research proves that profiles with a photograph attached consistently do better than those without. So, get your camera out and say cheese!
3. Making the First Move – Don’t Sit Back
You would be surprised how many people go to the trouble of completing their personal profiles, attach a nice picture and then sit back and wait for a flood of emails. No surprise that they are disappointed! Let’s face it, if you go to a party and sit in the corner all night you’re not going to get everyone queuing up to meet you. You may even go completely unnoticed.
Even with a great profile, making the first move to say ‘hi’ is essential in the art of online dating. People love receiving new emails and will nearly always write back. Just think, if everyone sat back and waited for others to get in touch then the dating game would be over before it started. If you want to fill up your inbox then start emailing people straight away.
Bonus Tip: If you’re new to online dating and still building your confidence check to see if there are other ways of contacting people instead of an email. Some sites make it really easy to make the first move without having to say very much at all – like virtual kisses – a great way to let someone know you’re interested!
So, what are you waiting for? If you are thinking of signing up to a dating site, or have already joined one without much luck, just follow these 3 simple steps and you’ll be well on the way to online dating success.
Good luck!
Tags: dating, love, Online Dating, partner, people
Online Dating: Niche Dating Vs General Dating
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Domestic Violence
So, you’ve taken the plunge and signed up to an internet dating website. You have joined countless other singles using a successful method of meeting a potential partner. But, have you joined the right one?
Many general dating websites use extensive questionnaires in order to match people with others they consider to be similar. The theory is that if you have enough ‘tick boxes’ checked, you will get along. Unfortunately, as you may have found, this isn’t a recipe for a meaningful connection.
Like any other consumer decisions, when it comes to choosing a dating agency we are spoilt for choice. Many people believe that joining a dating agency that boasts ‘millions’ of members automatically increases their chances of finding a suitable date. Certainly, there will be lots of choice. But, the reality of connecting with someone you have something in common with is less easy.
If you have found that endless questions on lifestyle habits and a ‘high percentage match’ did not lead to the soulful romantic encounter you were hoping for, you are not alone. It isn’t time to give up but it is time you re-evaluate your original choice.
First of all, if you’re disheartened and disappointed with your experience so far, don’t be tempted to join other general dating sites. This is simply repeating the same exercise in the belief that more people equates with a higher likelihood of finding that special someone. A survey last year found that 70% of people using internet dating belonged to at least 3 different dating websites, suggesting that they were unhappy with their initial choices and still searching for that elusive mate.
Up till now you have been relying on chance. What you need are realistic opportunities.
Consider for a moment another important life decision and how you might go about it. Let’s say you wanted to buy a new apartment, with specific requirements, in a particular location. Say, a waterside apartment. You might decide in the first instance to contact a real estate company. They may have lots of property for sale but do they have the one you are looking for? You could sign up with several agencies in the hope that one will contact you with details of the fabulous waterside property of your dreams. But, as anyone who’s ever tried this knows, you’re quite likely to be taking telephone calls that go along the lines of ‘this one seems perfect for you in every way, it just isn’t by the waterside’. You might never find your dream home.
What if you contacted a company who specialised in waterside properties? You would be eliminating the element of chance and replacing it with a realistic chance of achieving your dream.
The same principle applies to internet dating. Unlike general dating sites, niche dating sites reduce the element of chance. Lifestyle habits may be important but you need a solid bond to make a life partner. Niche dating sites recognise this and focus on specific needs and interests. You will have specific ideas about the person you would like to meet. All you need to do now is decide where you are most likely to meet them.
Popular choices are websites for professionals in certain industries, where you share a common ground in your work, and interest-based sites, where, for example, you share a love of the same music. It is from this common ground that you will meet someone you really connect with.
Members of niche dating sites also report that they find it easier to make the first contact when they know they already have something in common. We all know how difficult making the first move can be, imagine feeling confident enough to initiate a conversation!
Do you think you’ve joined the right dating website? Take a little time out to think about it and see what’s out there. Thousands of happy couples meet this way and you could be one of them. You just need to increase your chances and find the right one for you!
Tags: dating, love, partner, people, Singles
Pioneer Car Audio MP3 What To Look For When Purchasing
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Dating
When choosing a pioneer car audio MP3
it’s important to address a few key
questions.
How much do you want to spend?
What features are most important to you?
An MP3 is a way to encode audio that
compresses data so it can store a lot more
of it while keeping a high standard of
quality. Pioneer has a long-standing
reputation for quality and also for being
one of the easiest car audio systems to
install and use. They make a range of car
audio that can play MP3′s, including the
lower end DEH-P3700MP for a little over
$100 to the AVICD1 navigation system for
about $1,600. If you are looking for a
basic system to play CD’s and MP3′s, a
simpler system will be fine. But, if you
want more features like navigation or a DVD
player you will pay a lot more for a higher
end system.
One of the most important things to look for
is how you are going to navigate through
all of your MP3 files, especially while
driving.
If you have a large library of music, you
will need to find an MP3 player that makes
browsing through the discs as easy as
possible. Many discs can hold up to about
250 songs, and it’s crucial that you can
find exactly what you’re looking for as
quickly as possible. One of the most
reasonably priced MP3 player’s Pioneer
makes is the DEH-P5500M, which costs around
$270 and allows you to organize files by
artist, track, folder name, file name, and
album. It also has satellite radio and CD
changer controls. It’s also imperative that
you check that the discs you use on your
computer for music are compatible with the
ones for the MP3 player, otherwise you
might end up with a library of music that
won’t play in your car. ID tags to identify
songs must be a certain version compatible
with the car’s system, or you’ll end up with
a lot of unusable music. If you figure out
what you’re looking for, you can make an
educated decision about which system will
best suit your budget and your listening
needs.
Nothing Quite Like a Pioneer Deck
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Conflict
I was skeptical – after I upgraded my stock stereo to aftermarket, I was unable to change my heat/air conditioner system’s settings for some time as my friend cut the heating harness while working on it – that an aftermarket system could improve the sound quality of my stock system to that of something worth paying for.
Alas, I purchased a number of Pioneer decks wholeale when I started my car audio business and, being the selfless entrepenur I am – threw one into my car along with some 10″ Swiss Audio subs I had ordered, just to see what it would sound like.
Hooking up the new system would had been relatively easy had my partner not snipped the heating harness I spoke of earlier – but that didn’t change how easy it was to hook up the Pioneer deck.
It hooked up beautifully with an aftermarket dash kit I picked up, and after installing the deck the quality of sound with the Pioneer deck was superb. The subwoofers sounded like they could explode the streets using the superbass equalization, and even on the default setting (“powerful”) the system was nothing to mess with.
The bass comes in great to some hip-hop, and I like to play rock on a different equalizer level with a little less bass.
Along with my underglow, my new audio/visual system still blows people away all the time. The underglow works great in winter too, as we’re beginning to see the first snowfall here in Canada. (So far, anyways).
I highly recommend the Pioneer line to anyone looking to buy a new deck.
Beavis and Butthead Return: Same Antics, Different Decade
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Commitment
October has always had special meaning to me. It’s the month of my husband’s birthday, the anniversary of when I first asked him out, and my favorite holiday; Halloween. October brings an extra special treat this year with the relaunch of one of the most popular cartoons of my childhood.
Beavis and Butthead defined youth in the 90s. They were the forbidden television show before South Park when MTV still played music videos. I can remember sneaking into my brother’s room to watch it with him without our parents knowing. The disclaimer that they were poor role models and should not be imitated flashed on the screen before we heard their immature laughing.
This show is tame by today’s standards and unlike the relaunch of Ren and Stimpy, creator Mike Judge has decided to keep it that way. Long time fans of the show will see many other similarities between the old and new versions of the show including the hand drawn animation, Beavis and Butthead’s neighborhood and clothing, and the situations in which they find themselves.
One minor difference is Beavis’s voice. Though it is still done by Mike Judge himself, it is no surprise that Judge’s voice has matured with age. It’s not a big change, but as a major fan of the show I could hear a distinct difference between the old and new voice.
The only major change in the show is something that cannot be helped; MTV no longer plays music videos. Since Beavis and Butthead are famous for cracking jokes about the music videos they watch, the relaunch had to substitute them with another medium available for parody; enter Jersey Shore, a popular show that now represents most of the shows on MTV. Having seen an episode of Jersey Shore, I believe not only is it a great substitution for the music videos, but enhances the viewing experience. Music videos of the 80s and 90s were a creative expression of the music they portrayed which can be misunderstood for poor quality. Jersey Shore is reality television at its lowest point and has more material to work with than David Bowie’s career.
With almost everything staying the same in the relaunch the real question is “will it last?” I cannot ignore the fact that though Beavis and Butthead are a classic cartoon to my generation and those who came before me, it has shown its age. It is a refreshing return to something on television I found funny, but what I do not consider good television is also what gets the ratings at the present time. I am sad to say I think Beavis and Butthead will go the way of King of the Hill. It will have its moment in the sun, but then it will be cancelled to the disappointment of the true fans as few and far spread as they may be.
I am excited to see the relaunch of Beavis and Butthead and will be a loyal viewer until its time once again comes to an end. Even if it is not appreciated by the masses for long, it will always be appreciated by those who remember watching, going to school the next day with our shirts over our heads, and calling ourselves Cornholio.
You’re Ready For Marriage When You Are Committed to the One Flesh of Marriage
Posted by prettieraa417 | Filed under Affairs
You know you are ready for marriage when “God is number one” in your personal life, and you want to honor and please God with your marriage. It takes having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ for us to understand how to manage our marriage by God’s design rather than our own
You’re Ready For Marriage When God is Number One in your Life
If God is not at the top of your priority list than what or who is? Where does your spouse fit in on your priority list? Without faith and trust in God to direct our marriage, we are only what we can be, selfish! We need God-He is our source for true happiness and marital bliss. We can listen to the marriage gurus tell us what our marriage needs and do those things, but if God is not directing our attitude and actions than it will be ineffective.
So many times, Christians don’t realize how they become sidetracked and do things according to “what they want” or “what they think is right”, which almost always leads to failure. Remember we are only the creation, God is the Creator, that means we need to get down off the pedestal and humble our lives to God.
You’re Ready for Marriage When You Are Committed to One Flesh of Marriage
What does “one flesh” of marriage mean to you? The one flesh of marriage to God means the joining together of two hearts, minds and spirits in the one flesh of marriage. This means that everything a spouse does no matter how big or small, or good or bad, affects the other. In healthy marriage there is no room for independence from one another or individualistic thinking because these attitudes affect the marriage tremendously.
Understand you are an individual that can have opinions and thoughts on things outside of the marriage, but all aspects that are within the marriage couples need to work together as a team. They need to encourage and build each other up, be in agreement on values and beliefs, and carry each other’s burdens. When you separate yourself from the one flesh of marriage you are rebelling against God’s plan for marriage, which is the spiritual and emotional oneness of marriage.
This is why emotional and physical infidelity has become such commonplace. Couples are separating themselves from the “one flesh” of marriage. They aren’t really committed to each other or to the design God planned out for them in their marriage. And that is the problem.
In society today, people behave selfishly with each other and then in desperation they wonder how they can “win their spouse back”. They wonder why their spouse doesn’t want to have sex anymore and need to find out ways to intimately attract their own spouse again! They wonder why their spouse does not love them anymore.
It’s because they are veering away from the path that God designed for marriage. Most couples are NOT emotionally or spiritually ready to get married.
You’re Ready for Marriage When You Know What the Purpose for Marriage Is
Marriage God’s way is daily forgiveness, daily serving one another and daily acts of kindness (principled love) for each other. This is how we honor and please God. God created marriage for his purpose. It is a living symbol of Jesus Christ and the church. The relationship between Christ and the church represents how God intends for marriage to be between a man and a woman-loving, caring and self-sacrificing. Ephesians 5:21-33
Marriage is really not that difficult when couples manage it God’s way!
Tags: love, Marriage, people, relationship
