Instead of spending another weekend on the couch with a movie rental, get out and try something different with your guy! Here are some fun summer date ideas:

 

• Karaoke Bar - Go to a bar on karaoke night and spend an evening pretending you are Simon Cowell and Nicki Minaj critiquing American Idol contestants
• Day Dates - Spend an afternoon at an outdoor market or street festival, sampling new foods and buying funny knickknacks.
• Bar Hopping - Create your own pub crawl by finding a strip with several bars and hopping around. Many bars offer “sample-size” beers (8 ounces) so you don’t have to try a full pint at each place.
• Jazz Club - Dim lights and sexy music will make for a great evening out together.
• Comedy Show - Switch it up from the movies and find a local stand-up comedy show.
• Foreign Films, No Subtitles - Yes, you read that right. Put on a foreign film and take turns guessing what’s happening in each scene, making up the plot while you watch.
• Double Date Trivia - Bar trivia with one of your favorite couples.
• Blind Date - Take him out on a surprise date. Don’t give him details except for how to dress, and then surprise him with concert tickets or a reserved table at that swanky bar he’s been wanting to go to.
• Tastings - Try a nearby brewery, chocolate factory, or winery.
• Local Tourist - Play tourist in your own home city for the day. Head to the landmarks you never go to and take pictures together while doing it.
• Fondue Dessert Night - Chocolate and wine. What’s not to love?
• Memory Lane - Recreate your first date, with all the details you can remember. You will both enjoy the blast from the past.
• Get Outdoors - Go for a hike in the mountains, enjoying the views and each other’s company

Photo Credit: photostock | freedigitalphotos.net

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If you’re going through a divorce, things are already painful and confusing enough. On top of that, learn from those that have been through it and don’t make these mistakes.

A quick informal Facebook and Twitter poll allowed readers to share the mistakes that caused them to stress out even more and cost them a lot throughout the process. 

Here are some of the major DON’TS:

• Don’t avoiding hiring a lawyer because you think things will be “fair….” play it safe and be realistic. And make sure you get the right one, fully competent and not trying to pad his or her bill.
• You might be feeling amicable, but his mindset sadly might well be that of “going to war,” so keep that in mind. People can play dirty, even putting the kids in the middle of the fight. 
• Don’t feel bad and give in on things that you should have held your ground on
• Don’t let things drag on and on, you will just pay more in fees. Often going to trial brings things to a quicker close. 
• Don’t rush to keep the house… this depends on your economic situation, but it might just be a money drain more than anything else.

Remember, pension assignments and 401k’s are negotiable! And make sure you agree to split the cost of college education for the kids.

And of course, thoroughly read the decree before you sign anything!

At the end of the day, listen to your gut. Being proactive doesn’t mean attacking, but do set the tone and do things on your terms.

Photo Credit: stockimages | freedigitalphotos.net

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We all know just how impossible it is to get gifts for men. They might claim to be ‘easier’ to shop for than women (and we certainly can be picky), but men’s gifts still require near impossibly balance between romantic without being corny, unique without being random, etc. Massive dilemmas! Luckily, here are some ideas for that upcoming anniversary.

Beach Cufflinks

Nearly all couples have some a romantic beach trip somewhere in their history, whether it’s where you first met or a great vacation together. With these custom sand cufflinks, you can use sand from “your beach” set in sterling silver and then coated with resin. They offer sand from lots of shorelines around the globe, or you can send in some of your own.

Beer

If he’s a beer drinker, how about a beer of the month subscription? He will receive various award-winning craft brews that you’d be hard-pressed to find in a regular grocery store. Get creative and pair the gift with a short trip to a beer festival. There are tons throughout the year, check out the dates at BeerFestivals.org.

Photography Book

To start, find a theme to work with. You could highlight various moments of your relationship (fun times and trips), what you love about him most (for example, a picture of him water skiing to demonstrate his sense of adventure, or him with your dogs if you love how affectionate your man is), or one specific moment in your relationship (the trip to the beach where he proposed). Include your own personalized captions (funny, romantic, what have you). These photo books are guaranteed success.

Adventurous Outings

Gifts that come in the form of an experience or adventure are always a hit, as they are unique and memorable. They can range from classes (how to DJ, be a ninja, or drive a race car) to experiences you can do together (helicopter ride or hot air balloon ride). Check out Cloud9Living.com for other great ideas.

iPad Case

If your man loves technology and all his gadgets, buy him this cool, sleek yet manly iPad case, elegantly combining charcoal wool with brown leather. It also comes for other devices like Kindle and Nook.

For the Golfer

If he likes to spend time on the green, get him personalized club links that are both useful and classy. These are made from lightweight aluminum, and you choose a silver or gold finish.

Scratch Map

Do you both love to travel? With this map you can scratch off all the places you have been to together, and then plan your next adventurous journey!

Handkerchief

If your man appreciates looking dapper and dressing up, you can’t go wrong with a proper handkerchief. Include your personalized embroidered message (naughty or nice, you choose) for him to (literally) keep close to his heart.

Groupie Love

If your man is a guitar player, get him a sweet guitar pick shaped token, with both your initials carved into it. 

Photo Credit: imagerymajestic | freedigitalphotos.net

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Breakups suck. But most of the time, they are for the best. Repeat this to yourself every day. Time to get over it, get happy, and get a move on! Here are some tips.

Cold Turkey

‘Keeping in touch’ and ‘staying friends’ might seem doable, but maintaining contact keeps you stuck in your past. So, at least at first, cut off all contact. Take him off newsfeed, remove him from Gchat, delete from your phone, etc. You might also need to take a temporary break from mutual friends.

Take a Trip

Go somewhere totally opposite. If you’re in a city, try a spa weekend in the country. If you’re in a smaller town, go party in the city with your best friend. If travel isn’t in the budget, try new places. You need new situations and stimulations to keep you from wallowing in the past.

Invest in a Vibrator

On a practical note, you’ll need something to distract you from sex withdrawal and make things feel like less of a dry spell. And honestly, a good vibrator can deliver better and more consistent pleasure than your ex.

Eat Healthy, Work Out, Dress the Part

Don’t become the iconic post breakup girl, lounging on the couch with her new boyfriends Ben and Jerry. You will move on faster by eating healthier and working out more. Release those endorphins! Similarly, don’t lounge in sweats. Rock outfits you feel hottest in, and wear that sexy lingerie. Feel great about how you look on the outside, and you’ll feel better on the inside.

Pamper Yourself, Make Plans, Stay Busy

Put the focus back on you, not the relationship. Get a massage, make plans with friends during the week, try out new hobbies…now is the time! De-clutter your life (in general, and especially with anything of his) to clear your head and make room for the new.

...But Allow Yourself to Cry

Some occasional nights you’ll need to express your grief and allow yourself to heal. But, end on a positive note (bubble bath anyone?) and keep on. If you’re obsessing, try getting your thoughts out in a journal.

Be Honest

Don’t demonize or idolize your ex. The former will make you bitter, the latter will make it so no one else can compare. Make an honest pros and cons list for a complete picture. Remind yourself that the guy you are ultimately meant to be with is still out there, so why bother staying hung up on your ex?

Fake It Until You Make It

Tried and true. Even if you aren’t over him, act like you are. Act one way and your brain and feelings will soon follow. Go out, flirt with guys, boost your confidence, have a good time. Eventually, one day you will realize you aren’t pretending anymore. 

When it comes time to go out with someone new, make sure you’re ready and can have fun with it… as in, you won’t take things personally if it doesn’t progress.

Photo Credit: Sira Anamwong | freedigitalphotos.net

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