Sharing a common interest like a love for antiques could be just the thing to solidify a special relationship with your significant other.

Image by auctiontv via Flickr

Buying antiques, for many, is a great love affair. And just like any love affair in life, it’s seldom approached with a clinical or somewhat analytical detachment, but rather with emotion, and dare we say, passion. Many customers who have shopped for jewellery for sale from Kalmar Antiques have vocalised the emotions they experience when looking for items. They never quite know which piece exactly will evoke such strong emotions, but when it happens, they say, it’s like falling in love. And then there are those couples who have actually found love through antiques – be it from being in the same place at the same time and sharing in a mutual passion for beauty; or those who come across one another time and again at auctions and antique stores.

LOVE TRUMPS ALL

Love has become a cardinal guideline when it comes to buying antiques and like with any affair, it sure trumps all. A piece can be of amazing quality and consist of an envious pedigree. It can look stunning and fit perfectly into a spot at home. It can be a great bargain too. And if you’re buying the item with the one you love, it can only serve as a symbol of your commitment to one another.

INSTINCT

Love is by far the most magical ingredients for making things work well together. From the elegant and the rustic to pieces steeped in incredible history, so too can be love for another be found when shopping for antiques. Imagine shopping for antique jewellery for sale by Kalmar Antiques when your eyes meet across the room, you’re both attracted to similar items of jewellery and you get chatting about your mutual fascination and admiration for antiques pieces. It’s an instant common ground that can only lead to something quite special.

COLOURING OUTSIDE THE LINES

Antiques have really interesting mixes of shades and hues along with a variety of finished, styles and of course periods. But they all have quality and age in common. And of course mutual love for a piece can be just the thing to solidify your new found attraction to potential significant other.

THE QUALITY OF LOVE

Image by Anu via Flickr

Naturally love is the main thing, isn’t it? But it’s not necessarily the only quality you’re looking for. When you’re purchasing an antique item, you need to make sure you’re buying something of top notch quality, as age doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality. And even if a piece was of a high quality when it was first made, age can take its toll. So if you fall in love with an antique, give it a good once over to check that it is in good condition. It’s sort of similar when you meet someone you’re interested in, isn’t it? You get to go on dates and get to know each other in order to find out if you’re a good match. And having a love for antiques in common gives you ample opportunity to find out if you’re compatible over a mutual interest. You may just discover that antique passion is the dovetail that will join the two of you together for life.

COMMON INTERESTS, COMMON SENSE

Just as you would use common sense to choose a quality antique item, so you use common sense to pick a mate. When looking at the antique you’ll wonder if the finish is consistent; if the piece if appropriately dirty for its age and even whether or not it has all its original parts. But unless you’re a really serious collector of antiques and care about investment value, common sense is the main element. Is the piece functional, does it serve its intended purpose?

And the same goes for when you first meet your intended – unless you’re really worried about age differences and, well, functionality, it’s all about common sense and getting to know a person. Sharing a love for antique items and jewellery can be just the thing to solidify a very special relationship.

This article is contributed by Media Buzzer.

With the divorce rate soaring, many couples are looking for answers in their quest for a successful marriage. Start with a memorable wedding reception.

Image by Katsu Nojiri via Flickr

Right now, you may be enmeshed in the glorious specifics of planning a wedding, burdened with the seemingly endless array of decisions, experiencing the highs and lows of enchantment and disappointment. It is, for many brides and grooms, an all-consuming venture. “My brain is always thinking what am I missing, and I’ve already been planning for two years,” says bride-to-be Kelsey Ajango, an American based in Wisconsin, who’ll marry Mike Lager, her boyfriend of seven years, this fall. “It even happens,” she admits, “while I’m at work.”

And, as long as it is a fun preoccupation, and moreover, one you can enjoy with your future spouse, making mutual choices, bonding all the while, why not? You’re gathering storytelling material to share with your children (if you have them), and friends and family. You can, as many have before you, start with an examination of Melbourne function venues and design and produce a most memorable wedding reception to begin the rest of your life together.

But don’t forget what all the planning is for – marriage, your commitment to each other, the premise for what should be, the rest of your life. We took a cautious research venture to see if we could reveal the secrets to a happy, fulfilled partnership.

Image by Nadja Antonova via Flickr

Kindness, it seems, is key. Many confuse being nice with being kind and while that is an understandable mistake, they’re actually different. The easiest way to explain: nice is the superficial, which you should happily use in your daily life’s interactions. Consider kindness as something deeper, more profound, and more impactful. One of the smartest men we know says it best: “It’s about letting go of the need to always be right.” And, this is a philosophy to live by, and, to apply during this potentially tempestuous time of wedding planning.

Preeminent couples therapy researcher John Gottman, co-author of The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage has spend hundreds of research hours observing and chronicling the very subject of that book. Gottman, who is a professor of psychology at the University of Washington, is world-renowned in the study of couple dynamics. He cites the following components are necessary to sustain a long-term relationship:

1. They are gentle with each other.
2. They spend time in and enjoy conversation with each other.
3. They allow for influence by their partner.
4. They do keep score by remembering the good things their partner does for them.
5. Each partner knows themselves reasonably well.
6. Each partner honors the others’ dreams.
7. There is a positive sense of humor in the relationship.
8. There are shared goals and a sense of team-work in the relationship.
9. There are good conflict resolution skills in the relationship. (Sometimes this means doing something, and sometimes it means lettings things take care of themselves.)
10. There is a sense of continued romance in the relationship.
11. Contempt, for the partner, in all its forms, will more than anything else bring the relationship down. It needs to be avoided or worked through.

In 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, psychologist Terri Orbuch cites the following as valuable tips:

1. Expect less and get more from your partner (offer two top expectations to see if they mesh)
2. Give incentives and rewards (affirmations like “I love you,” “You’re my best friend.”)
3. Have daily briefings for improved communication (practice a 10-minute rule: every single day, talk to your partner for at least 10 minutes about anything but work, family, household duties or the relationship.)
4. Implement change (don’t get in a rut, keep things fresh)
5. Keep costs low and benefits high (happy couples have a five to one ratio, five positive feelings or experiences for every one negative.

While she says “If you’re having conflict, you aren’t talking about the important issues in your relationship,” reserve those arguments and fights for the right time (she doesn’t recommend visits or night), it’s also a myth that you shouldn’t go to bed mad, because staying up can make things worse; don’t fight irritated, exhausted and angry. The following morning is much better. As the old song goes, “accentuate the positive” and strengthen what you do well.

This article is contributed by Media Buzzer.

Wow! 2014 is finally coming to an end! I shall not attempt to do a recollection of major events that occurred this year due to time constraints. Let’s keep it short and sweet yeah! 2014, without a doubt, is the most exciting and fulfilling year of my life so far! Of course, my giving birth to Little misschewy takes centre stage, and not forgetting the responsibilities that come along with it! Life couldn’t be any better now that we are blessed with such a cheeky and lovely little baby girl. The Chewys will strive to make 2015 an even more fulfilling year! 😀

The Chewys wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 😉

If you love travelling and have got a minute to spare, please watch this brilliant video launched by Airbnb. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it a few times. Have you ever experienced how traveling makes the world feel smaller, connecting you to people and places more than ever before? Airbnb, the world’s leading community driven hospitality company, has recreated this feeling by taking the viewer on a train ride full of surprises in its newest film that is being launched today.

The film is as real and unique as a stay in one of Airbnb’s global listings: It was shot in one take and without any computer generated imagery. 30 people spent five weeks building the 85 square meter train set at the heart of the production. More than 2400 craftsmen hours were spent creating a landscape out of 20 square metres of plywood, 12 litres of glue and more than 160 sheets of poly board. All with one goal: to help a wider audience understand Airbnb.

Fun Facts:

• “Welcome to Airbnb” was shot in a 40 x 40 metre warehouse in Auckland, New Zealand
• 9 “Cirkus artists” mechanically moved all the transitions, by hand, as the train moved along the full length of the track
• The castle was 3D printed and then hand painted brick by brick
• Miniature modellers and model painters created more than 100 unique trees, more than 60 hand-cut houses and 240 tailor-made miniature flowers, grasses and shrubs
• 96 figurines were made – including 6 miniatures of real Airbnb guests and 2 dogs
• The film features seven different lighting environments, all happening ‘live’ at the same time
• On the day of the shoot, 85 attempts were made to shoot the whole film, which is just one take – there were plenty more rehearsals
• 18 tables were used to raise the full length train track

In the past, modes of transport were limited and travellers spent months travelling from one place to another. Now, travelling by air is the norm. It takes up a significantly lesser amount of time to get to the destination of our choice. Singaporeans used to travel to neighboring countries like Malaysia by coach or train but as budget airlines gain popularity in the recent years, it has become increasingly popular for locals to commute by plane even if the plane journey is only an hour long. It is also very convenient for travellers to book their plane tickets with the help of technology. Accommodation wise, you will be able to find quirky accommodation choices such as staying in a caravan or treehouse, thanks to Airbnb!

Find out more about Airbnb here!

This post has been sponsored by Airbnb. All opinions are my own.

At United Square, Dora the Explorer needs one special friend to travel with – YOU! Go on a musical adventure with Dora the Explorer as she sets out with her trusty companions, Diego and Boots, to search for a very special tree. However, they meet with an unexpected big wind storm that blows them all away! What will they do and who will they meet? Sing and dance along to this stage show accompanied amidst vibrant backdrop, props and decoration as you help them accomplish their mission!

Dora the Explorer Animalite Adventure ‘Live’ Shows / Meet & Greet

Join Dora as she embarks on a new adventure and learn all about little animals & friendships! Receive an exclusive EZ Link holder+ when you meet and greet Dora & her friends!

Catch Dora The Explorer Animalito Adventure ‘Live’!

Meet and Greet Dora & friends after the show!+

Thursday, 20 November to Monday, 8 December 2014
Mon-Fri: 2pm, 7pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm, 5pm and 7pm
(No shows on Tues. No 2pm shows on 20 Nov & 28 Nov.)

The fun never ends as The Little Big Club members return to United Square! We proudly present to you the pre-schoolers All-time, Larger-than-life superstars – Barney & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina. Party with your favourite characters as they bring you an extravaganza of music and dance that will ‘Move It, Shake It’ this Christmas!

‘Move It, Shake It’ ‘Live’ Shows / Meet & Greet

Catch Barney & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina “LIVE” Musical Shows!

Meet & Greet Barney & Friends / Fireman Sam / Angelina Ballerina after the shows!+

Thursday, 11 December to Thursday, 18 December 2014
Mon – Fri: 2pm, 7pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm, 5pm and 7pm
(No shows on Tues)

Terms & Conditions:
+Spend $50 at any retail outlets to have your photo taken with Dora and her friends (20 Nov – 8 Dec) or Barney & Friends / Fireman Sam / Angelina Ballerina (11 Dec – 18 Dec) after each show. EZ Link holders are limited to the first 10 Meet & Greet passes per session from 20 Nov – 8 Dec, while stocks last. Obtain a Meet & Greet photo queue number next to the stage one hour before the show. Bring along your own camera. Meet & Greet is limited to the first 40 families per session.

The Magic of Disney is an internationally recognised power. From Orlando to Hong Kong, Disney theme parks have been delighting visitors for decades. Disneyland Paris is the ultimate destination for a little of that Mickey Mouse magic in Europe and well worth a visit for enthusiasts of every age. Here are some important tips for visiting one of the most magical places on earth.

Find a Fastpass

Not all rides are created equal. Several rides within the park are so popular they often have massive queues. For the savvy visitor, a Fastpass is the perfect way to work around the waiting and jump straight to the fun. Get a ticket (free of charge) from one of many machines throughout the park, which will provide an allotted time slot for a specific ride. This enables visitors to make the most of their visit by enjoying other attractions while waiting for the designated ride time.

The Best Breakfast in Town

For visitors who are staying at a hotel located within the park, there’s nothing more entertaining than booking a character breakfast one morning. Parents will love watching kids’ faces light up as they see their favourite Disney characters walk in on the most important meal of the day. It’s a great chance for kids to get autographs and photos with their favourite characters; the ultimate souvenirs from a Disneyland Paris holiday.

Catch a Parade

Disneyland parades are thoroughly entertaining for people of all ages. They’re also incredibly popular so it’s important to get a good view for the ultimate experience. Get to the parade route about an hour before the set start time to find the perfect perch. Once you’ve scouted and secured seats, take turns going to get snacks and other goodies and then sit back and wait for the main event. It is truly dazzling.

Disneyland Paris is a fantastic destination and a great place to visit for a day or a week. With no end of activities, great restaurants and that signature Disney magic, visitors are sure to leave feeling enchanted, and planning the next trip.

Images by David Jafra and Jeremy Thompson, used under the Creative Commons license.

Hello everyone! Have you been taking too many selfies lately? Now is your chance to take a selfie of you and a friend at Hotel Clover The Arts in the most creative way and stand a chance to win a one night staycation just by following the above listed steps! Good things are meant to be shared! All the best! 🙂