Author: IslaWright

Everyone once in awhile, the time comes for the boys to take a seat and for us ladies to have some fun. The time comes for us to bond, to laugh, to be there for each other and strengthen the friendship, to listen to each other’s woes and share each other’s joy. The girls’ night out is a really special ritual, dear to all women, and as such, it deserves to be made into something awesome every time it happens. Can’t wait for a moment to treat yourself and your girlfriends to some uninterrupted fun, silliness, and partying? We’ve got a few tips and essential items that you simply must bring with you to ensure a memorable time.

Longwear lipstick

What’s a night out without the right lipstick in your makeup bag, a trusted friend that lasts all night and doesn’t budge despite how many cocktails we’ve had? A good liquid matte lipstick can save the night, so pick something like Kat Von D’s Outlaw for a bright swish of true red. Want a cheaper option? Colourpop’s Ultra Satin lipsticks have great lasting power and they’re very comfortable on the lips.

Booze

You want your evening to start the right way, and there’s nothing quite like a good drink to get you in the mood. Take the Australian tradition to heart and pour yourself a nice glass of quality whiskey or vodka. There are plenty of good bottle shops in Sydney that let you order online, so plenty of Aussie gals love to have booze delivered to their homes and toast before they even head out. And hell, if the alcohol is good, if you’re having fun, you might even end up making it into a home party!

Blotting papers

Dancing means sweating, and sweating means shiny disco-ball forehead and runny makeup. You don’t want some excess oiliness to ruin your evening, so keep a few blotting papers in your bag so you and your girlfriends can fix your makeup. Mattifying powder is also an option, but it’s a bit trickier to share that unless each one of you brings her own brush.

Deodorant

Or rather, deodorant wipes for all of you who really love to let it go and get lost in the beat. Stuffy clubs and bars can mean you’ll get all sweaty, so to prevent any stains and to refresh yourself, keep some deodorant wipes around to clean up. It’s a great thing to have in case of an emergency, especially if you happen to meet a cute guy and end up dancing close as your girlfriends roll their eyes and tease you about it.

Cute shoes

Sexy heels aren’t actually required! If you want to be a leggy goddess feel free, but if you plan to move around and dance, some cute ankle boots paired with your skinniest jeans will look great and won’t murder your feet. Or weary those silver strappy heels that you love so much and keep a pair of comfy flats in your bag. It’s an old trick,  but it totally works.

Hair accessories

We spend an hour on our hair to have the style ruined by the end of the night? Hell no! Bobby pins, glittery accessories, and hair elastics can save the day! Either to keep your style in place, or to lift your hair from your neck, to have your friends make you a cute little bun and make sure you look gorgeous all night long.

Cherish your best friends, cherish the women that surround you. Girls’ nights out are almost a sacred thing, and they let you celebrate friendship in the best way possible. These few handy things are going to make the whole experience even better.

From time to time we all need a day for ourselves, to relax, rest and just enjoy life. A spa day at home is just that. So how does one go about planning and putting into action the ideal spa day. Well first we have to decide which rooms to dedicate to this day of relaxation. Bathroom of course is the most important one, but also the living room where you can just sit, enjoy your face mask and watch a great move or show, finally there is the bedroom to bring your day to a complete circle. Then comes time to choose all the aspects of a spa day you want to include, from a sea salt bath to massage oils. The more pampering you do the better.

So here are some essentials you might need and a few great ideas to make you spa day that much more special. 

Convert the living room into a relaxation nook

Start by making the perfect pillow corner on the couch, nice and soft so that you can really just disappear in the fluffiness. This first part of your day should include several facial masks, a mini manny and paddy and of course some great relaxing music in the background. Make sure you have prepared everything so that you don't have to get up too often to fetch things, that would disrupt the relaxation part of the day. Don’t forget to make a few snacks and keep them at hand, some fruit and nuts, and of course it wouldn’t be a spa day without a smoothie. Prepare everything in advance so that you can fully enjoy your me time. Some incense will go nicely with the calm atmosphere in your living room. 

Equip the bathroom

In order to have the perfect bathroom portion of your home spa day there a few things to consider doing. The ideal solution would be having a freestanding bath since it would enable you to enjoy that full effect of a relaxing bubble bath. First things first, you need to set the mood, start by lighting a few scented candles and some incense. Then make sure that everything you need is at hand, a loofah, a glass of wine and if necessary a great book. In addition make sure you play some relaxing music and that you are as far away from your phone as possible. Finally to make the bathroom portion of your spa day, that much enjoyable, have a soft bathrobe ready for when you are done, and a pair of comfy slippers, so that you feel fully pampered when you leave to commence the next stage of your spa day.

End of the perfect day

When you get out of the bathroom head straight to the bedroom and under the warm coves. Prepare the pillows, grab you wine and your book and spend the rest of the day in bed, reading, sleeping and just allowing your body to completely rest. Once again have some scented candles and relaxing music in the background to make the experience complete. You will feel fully rejuvenated come morning, and ready to conquer all the challenges that come with a new day. 

So there you have it, the ideal home spa day, from start to finish. Having one of these at least once a month can do wonders for your mind and body. You will feel rested, with glowing skin and rejuvenated face. What more can a girl ask for. So write down in you calendar the next home spa day and start making all the necessary preparations. Enjoy!

Being someone’s best friend is probably the greatest feeling ever, but you know, with great feelings comes great responsibility. And that responsibility usually comes to mind when searching for gift ideas. This can be especially nerve-wracking if you’ve known your BFF for years and if you have run out of ideas for gifts. Don’t worry, there’s no need to panic just yet. Here are some of the most amazing gifts you can give to your bestie and knock her stylish socks off.

12 months of pure style

If your BFF is one of those amazing girls who drink their morning tea or coffee while going through pages of their favorite magazine, you can’t possibly give her a better gift than a 12-months subscription for that magazine. It’s like giving her the best present ever, every month of the year.

One day of awesome pampering

Sure, a whole year of eye-mind-pleasure is nice, but sometimes all a girl needs is one day of being the most important and the most pampered woman alive. Book your bestie a whole-day spa treatment which includes everything from aromatherapy massages and facial to manicure and pedicure.

Your match in style

Best friends are like sisters, they are connected with a special bond. Use matching gifts, such as bracelets or necklaces with your names or “best friends” inscriptions to show your connection to the whole world. You can also say your statement with matching t-shirts, bags, shoes, etc.

Personalized products

We have all already heard about monogrammed mugs, and quite frankly, we’re way over them; but do you know that there are many other interesting monogrammed gifts, including jewelry and even customized nail polish bottles? 

Accessorize her wine

Nothing beats sitting with your favorite girl, sipping a delicious wine, sharing your stories and a few juicy pieces of gossip every now and then. You know what would make that experience even better? Her own wine accessory set which includes items like a wine opener, bottle stopper, wine foil cutter and aerating wine pourer. If these items are packed in an elegant box – you’ve got yourself a winner.

A box full of colors

Speaking of boxes… a girl can never have enough eyeshadow palettes. If she has neutrals, she’ll want bold colors. If she has them shiny, she’ll want them matte. And who has a better insight in her makeup kit than her best friend?

Great hair, don’t care

Women love to change their hairstyle when something important happens in their lives. As her best friend, you must believe that your bestie’s birthday, or any other occasion that celebrates her and her accomplishments, is very important. So, book her an appointment with a great hairstylist who will make her hair shine or even drastically change her hairstyle. 

A style statement

Fashion trends can change, but style remains the same through one’s lifespan. You know your girl’s style, so you can get her something that she will always enjoy wearing or carrying. That can be everything from a classic trench coat to a Birkin-style bag.

Get-gorgeous course

Want to score some BFF points and do yourself a favor while doing that? Look no further, we have a great idea for you – a quick makeup course. Not only will she learn how to make herself drop-dead-gorgeous for girls’ night out, you will also have a free contouring expert whenever you need one. 

Shop till you drop

In the world of presents, gift cards are like get-out-of-jail-free cards. You can’t go wrong with them, as long as you decide for a store that matches your friend’s style. Analyze her wardrobe, search for favorite brands, and decide for the right one.

These ten magnificent stylish and girly ideas are surely worthy gifts for commemorating your BFF’s special day, regardless whether we are talking about celebrating her birthday or graduation, or spreading some good old holiday cheer. 

With the colors, smells and tastes the fall brings, don’t you just want to be playful with the autumn color palette and find some Pinterest projects that will help you make some decorative items on your own to mark the beginning of the new season. When you think about it, isn’t it the perfect time to celebrate and start off the fall period with a festive vibe in the air? Nature will give you all the inspiration you need, so here are some guidelines on how to make the most of it and surprise all of your guests.

Decoration

There is no need to look any further than right outside your window. Your color palette should be dictated by the colors of fall: browns, taupes, burgundies and creams are all perfect matches, and adding gold, cranberry or deep green as accents will complete the atmosphere. Find some candles which scents remind you of fall and light them around the place to bring in the smells, or if you want to take it a step further, roast some chestnuts on the spot to fill your apartment with amazing natural smells. Use dry leaves, pumpkins, pinecones and anything else you find in nature to decorate your apartment for the event, and make sure you make the place cozy by placing pillows, blankets and extra jumpers everywhere.

Food and drinks

What’s a party without drinks? And as for this fall party, you can really make something special. You can find a recipe book with cocktails and learn the ones that make you think of fall the most. The white Russian, pumpkin martini, apple cider, mulled wine, Irish coffee and kahlua are just some of the awesome flavor combinations that can and should be on your cocktail list. If you are buying ingredients in advance, make sure you know the right way to store alcohol so it lasts as long as possible and has the best flavor. A lot of them might include cream and coffee liqueurs, as well as some nutty alcohols, but not all drinks need to be adult-only. We are in the season of pumpkin spice, and that PSL is easier to make at home than you think.
Continuing on the pumpkin spice train, how about baking a pumpkin pie to serve to your guests as dessert and celebrate fall while using local, fresh ingredients? We already mentioned roasted chestnuts that you can either buy or make yourself, but other nuts will also make for great party snacks. Consider making candied pecans, walnuts and serving bowls full of fresh or roasted nuts to complement the drinks.

Bonfire mood

The perfect way to round up a fall party is to go outside and enjoy the last warm days before winter. Make a bonfire and sit around it with some friends, roast marshmallows and make s’mores, all the while being snuggled up in blankets. If you can’t go outside, then try to recreate that bonfire mood by having a centerpiece that everyone gathers around: a table with drinks, a board game or anything else that will be the meeting point. Have someone bring a guitar and light a couple of candles to roast marshmallows on – you can still have fun even if you are indoors! Think of different activities that you can do with your friends, like everyone writing out their favorite fall memories and reading them one by one.

If you think about it, you don’t actually have to have a reason to make a party, but if you are looking for one, then let this fall be your excuse, theme and inspiration – all at once – and make a party that your guests will feel inspired by.

Finding a person to whom you will say “I do” on your wedding day is a very important step in life… but, finding a person to whom you’ll be able to say all of your “I dos” and I “don’ts” in life is inspiring. And we do hope you’ve found such a person.

Loving today

When you love, the future looks sweeter than it did yesterday or than it does today. Love is vulnerable, love is honest, love is exposed. Love is life in its raw, unspoiled form. Love is what you feel, not what you think – it’s in that cup of coffee you drink together, the way his eyes light up when he is happy or the way her apple-shaped freckle on the chin goes darker when she is sad. Love is not leaving the person you love even when things get so hard you want to jump out of your skin. It’s the little things, and the big things – joined in one word and one big concept – togetherness and the life you are about to build together.

Saying “I do”

Every wedding planning starts (or at least should start) with an overwhelming feeling of love, devotion, and admiration for the other person. When you find The One, you’ve found all the reasons to make that one extra step for the person you know is worth it. And they’ll do the same for you – because that’s companionship, and that’s love. Although the world today has grown way too cynical and bitter in respect to all things that have to do with loving, caring, being a silly romantic and devoted to your partner, we like to think that – once that one person comes along – things just fall into place and make sense. When you find a person that talks about you admiringly when you are not in the room, when you find someone who makes you feel wanted every time, all the time, you’ll know you’ve found love. And that’s when you should say your “I do” without a pinch of a doubt. 

Wedding theme choices

Not that we’re on the gender banter here but we’ll have to start by saying that wedding planning is a thing that usually girls do. Naturally, if your guy is one of those (rare) men who like to give their input into the whole wedding planning thing – even better for you! Actually, it’s even advisable that your guy has a say as, that way, your wedding won’t be just YOUR wedding but a mashup of both your desires. To pull this wedding planning off successfully and pick the right theme that will tie the whole ceremony together, we’ve brainstormed a few tips that will definitely help you out.

Where and how do you start?

If you feel like you are not a traditional couple, try to look for inspirations outside of the wedding sphere. Browse through styles and designs related to your favorite books, films, series, music, graphic art, photography or beautiful wedding themes others have already used. It’s important for this wedding theme to mean something to both of you, not just you or your future husband. After all, this is a big day and you want it to be equally exciting to both the bride and the groom. Talk to each other and agree on the theme or the direction you’d like to go in. Wherever you find your inspiration, no matter how unrelated to one another, pin it and remember it for later. There is always a way to make things cohesive later with some clever, creative wedding planning magic. 

Don’t get carried away

No matter how passionately you feel about a certain theme, try to stay focused. Exaggerating with a wedding theme can easily turn it into more of a theatre show than a beautiful, meaningful inspiration. To avoid that, we’d always advise opting for details related to the theme you choose than the copy-paste the entire theme. For instance, if you are into the roaring ‘20s and flappers, you’ll probably want something resembling the Great Gatsby vibe, right? Right. So, instead of overwhelming your venue with gigantic feather centerpieces, place a feather vase at each corner of the room or a runner of feathers down the center of the buffet table or your regular table. Don’t dress your bridesmaids in stereotypical fringe dresses; rather, use the fringe on your tablecloths, chairs, curtains or other elements. Deconstruct the elements of your chosen theme and let them allude to the theme rather than make it too exact. Avoid the ‘themey’ vibe of your theme as much as you can… unless a literate approach is your thing. After all, it’s your wedding – you can do what you like!

… Or sidetracked

Weddings are overwhelming, and choosing a theme that will tie the whole thing together maybe even be more stressful! Clients tend to get carried away and sidetracked in choosing a theme because there are simply too many things out there that could pull their attention away. So, the best advice you can get is to stop looking once you’ve found your inspiration and decided on a theme! The biggest design-related stress comes from researching the ideas even when you feel you’ve picked the right one. Really, when you feel you’ve found your wedding dress, do you really go back to the shops just in case there’s something else? Of course, you don’t! 

How to make things work together?

If your inspiration comes from various angles, the hardest process is to actually make all the different elements work as one cohesive picture. For instance, if your wedding theme is in contrast with the type of the venue you’ve chosen, it may be a bit difficult to put one and two together. So, apart from the wedding theme you’ve got in mind, it’s essential that your wedding venue goes well with your choice of theme. We’ve seen plenty of gorgeous venues all around Australia – from traditional ballrooms and restaurants to idyllic outdoor spaces, such as yards, parks, fields, beach resorts, etc. What’s actually pretty great and works to the couple’s favor is that many of these wedding venues in Sydney tend to be pretty flexible when it comes to decorations the couple would like to bring into the story. If you don’t have too much experience in decorating but do have an amazing idea and are now at the point where you know exactly what you want (and you have booked the right venue), we’d always advise consulting a wedding decorator for help. Although they do tend to be a bit expensive, it’s all worth it. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for such expenses, hire them for consultations only. Lay out a theme plan yourself – with all the ideas, photos, references, etc. (the visual are of great help) and go to them for advice on how to join all the things together. Nice save, right?

How to stay authentic and accurate?

Research! A looooot of research! Study your theme thoroughly to avoid unpleasant situations like seeing Moroccan decorative elements in an Indian wedding (yes, we’ve seen EVERYTHING)! The best way to approach the research is to pretend you’re a historian, making sure you’ve got all the facts in order. Using the wrong details in a theme you adore will only look foolish. So, double-check everything. Twice!

Final thoughts

Stay true to your theme choice and look for the best way to join things together. Never rush. Plan ahead, be consistent and focused with your ideas. Consult your hubby and a wedding planner/decorator and begin this beautiful journey today. Good luck!

A 2005 movie “Must Love Dogs” about a woman searching for a perfect lifelong partner and having one request only – for him to love dogs – was a huge hit, back in the day. Looking back at this topic, we can’t help but wonder how our pets influence our relationship choices and whether they can actually help us find a compatible match. Sarah and Jake made it, so why couldn’t everybody else? A detailed survey about this issue made a few valuable points, and we are here to see what are the most important findings revealed here and how they translate to our daily lives.

Pet ownership among single people

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has done a survey which showed that pet ownership among singles has increased by about 16 percent in just five years’ time, so the notion that pet ownership is a family-affair is way behind us. Another survey that we mentioned above showed that pets have a major role in starting a relationship and choosing a partner – not in the sense of your dog whispering to your ear “I like that one. Hook up with him.”, but more on some subtle level.

“Animal attraction”

More than 60 percent of men and women would not consider dating someone who does not like pets, and 70 percent of the surveyed singles think that it is very important how their date reacts to their pet. So, this may be the way your pet will play a role when it comes to engaging in a relationship with someone. Your pet can also influence if a potential partner will be attracted to you, with 35 percent of women being more attracted to singles with a pet, and more than 70 percent of the surveyed women thinking that dog owners are the sexiest dates. As for men, almost 30 percent of them are turned off by smaller pets that can fit into a woman’s bag (so, no “Legally Blonde” kind of dogs).

Meeting new people

In the “Must Love Dogs” movie, the couple’s story about how they met ends with the words “We found each other in a dog park.” When you think about it, isn’t that a lovely and easy way to meet someone? Singles today don’t really have a place to get to know each other – parties are too loud, the internet is too unsafe, and social circles are narrower. Isn’t this a beautiful way to meet someone? You can even meet a new and interesting person while buying Royal Canin dog food. Maybe your partner uses the same brand.

Mentally prepared for commitment

Pet ownership is linked to positive mental health and it develops a sense of responsibility and commitment. Therefore, animal companionship can prepare you to commit to a human being and be ready for a long-term and serious relationship. It is something to aspire to and search in potential partners. 

Like cats and dogs

However, not everybody is a fan of all the pets, and people are usually divided into cat and dog persons. But is there really such a thing? Well, the mentioned survey suggests that cat owners are far more flexible when it comes to this issue, with only 3 percent of them who would not date a dog owner. On the other hand, more than 30 percent of dog owners would not date a cat owner. So, although there is some truth in the “fighting like cats and dogs (and their owners)” saying, it is not decisive when it comes to choosing a partner. 

So, you see your best friend, whether it is a dog, cat or a parrot, can have a significant role in your love life. The next time you go for a walk, do not forget to take your furry companion with you. Who knows, years from now, you may be telling a story about how you met your partner in a dog park or a kitty playground?

If you’ve been going to the gym for a while now, you’ve probably noticed how there’s been a huge change in the way people look while working out. In the not so distant past, gym enthusiasts didn’t think twice about their appearance – they would put on some old sweats and start working the treadmill. Nowadays, on the other hand, people look stunning in the gym. From stylish fitness wear, to perfect forms, gym enthusiasts have never looked better. Why is that so? Well, apart from leaving a great impression on the others, looking good in the gym actually offers several benefits.

Motivation

Sitting around in baggy clothes certainly won’t motivate you to get up and start breaking a sweat. However, once you’ve put on those trendy workout outfit, you can feel your motivation rising up. You head to the gym ready to bring your A game. As you continue your workout session, you can notice how toned your muscles are. Exercising has got your adrenaline running and you feel like you can go on for hours. You cannot but laugh at the idea that about an hour ago you were even thinking about skipping your workout. You take a look in the mirror and admire yourself for your progress. You’re motivated to keep going and feel and look even better. And where did it all start? From a stylish outfit and your sexy appearance that boosted your motivation and led to a better  performance.

Self-esteem boost

There’s nothing more pleasing than being satisfied with the way you look. Suddenly, nothing seems unreachable and no obstacle is insurmountable. During your workout, your muscles are toned  and even a bit bigger. Your blood is running, so you have a natural, rosy complexion. Your perfectly fitting clothes allow your figure to shine. You feel and look healthier, as well. The release of endorphins is triggered, stress is relieved and you feel happy. On top of all that, you’ve caught several eyes looking at you and more than a few smiles. You feel more confident about yourself while running, sweating and looking simply stunning than while lying in your bed. And it’s quite simple: when you look great, you feel great. And all of this combined with the thrills of exercising is an enormous boost to your self-confidence, which eventually increases your motivation, as well.

Inspiration

Not only does looking great at the gym provide you with a motivation and self-esteem boost, but it also affects other people in your surroundings. Your stunning appearance and happy face may inspire others to put in more effort. You may even inspire someone who has never set foot in the gym to start working out. Before you know it, you’ll become a role model for people who need a little push. Once again, this will boost your own self-esteem and motivation. You’ll get to inspire others and show them the results of regular exercise. By working on yourself, you’ll motivate other to do the same, overcoming the limits they’ve set for themselves.

The power of gym wear

You cannot but wonder how come something as insignificant as your fitness apparel can affect your mood and give you both a confidence and motivation boost. It has actually been shown that clothing can actually affect our mindset and behaviours. Wearing certain clothes actually triggers mental changes, bringing about positive results. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that you become more active when you wear athletic clothes and, consequently, more motivated to work out. Everything from your comfortable and stylish weightlifting shoes and leather gloves, to close-fitting tanks and sexy shorts puts you in the mood for working out and giving your best. Fitness clothes have had such a huge impact on modern life that they have left the gym and become an important part of everyday outfits, inspiring people to be more active in general.

Looking great at the gym has become as important as regular exercise because it can help you change your mindset and become more motivated, self-confident and active in general. 

As people grow older, everyone starts having their own lives, and sometimes it gets harder to stay in touch with your friends on a daily basis. It’s hard to find the time and date that works for everyone, and then you have to pick something to do, which can also be frustrating. Usually, you end up doing the same thing you always do like meeting for a cup of coffee, and that can get boring after a while. But, don’t worry. No matter how old you are or how much money you’re willing to spend, there’s always something new and cool you can do with your friends on a girls’ night out. Here are our few suggestions.

Chick flick night

Who doesn’t like a good chick flick night? Call your girlfriends and tell them to bring their favourite DVDs, such as Dirty Dancing, Mean Girls, The Notebook and My Fair Lady. Don’t forget to stock up on some tissues because tears are inevitable. You can get all different sorts of snacks and drinks and really get immersed in the movies.

Get cultured

Do you feel like chick flicks are too cheesy for you? Then, grab your friends, dress up super fancy, and go out to see the latest play or ballet after having a dinner together. If you don’t feel like standing in line for the last four tickets for Hamilton, you can visit any local community theatre. Even though the acting might not be on a Broadway-like level, you’re going to have so much fun, especially in the summer if the plays are held outside.

Go see your favourite band

Every group of friends has that one band they love belting out to. So, find some cheap tickets and go see the band together. You can also discover a new band that’s playing for free in some club, and maybe you’ll find your new favourite thing. Either way, concerts and gigs are always a lot of fun and a great way to let some steam off.

Be detectives

Ever heard of Escape Room games? Well, if not, definitely check it out. If you and your friends have always wanted to be detectives, now’s your chance. So, grab your Sherlocks, Clouseaus and Poirots, keep your minds sharp and try escaping the room…. if you can, though.

Have a photo shoot

It’s time to glam up! Let everyone bring their props and outfits, get dressed and let loose as you take each other’s photos. You can be goofy, mysterious or chill, but at the end of the shoot, you’re all going have some amazing Instagram photos.

Organize a wine-tasting party

There’s only one thing better than having a glass of wine – many glasses of wine! Stay at home and organize a fancy wine-tasting party. Get a few different bottles of some healthy organic wine, drink, enjoy and maybe you’ll discover your new favourite kind. Don’t forget to say a few things about bouquets, body profiles and finishes.

Sing your hearts out

Go to your nearest karaoke club and let your voice fly. Sing your favourite songs and dance the night away like crazy. Nobody will care, trust me. Take some amazing (and embarrassing videos) you can watch on your next ladies’ night.

Have a good ol’ sleepover

How many years has it been since your last sleepover? Probably too many. So, bring back some childhood memories and have a good ol’ sleepover. You can braid each other’s hair, watch some makeup tutorials and see who does them better. And don’t forget to throw in some gossip about your colleagues and talk about guys!

As you can see, there are so many choices that can replace a simple chit chat over a cup of coffee in a bar. No matter which option you choose, get ready to have a lot of fun, take a lot of photos, and repeat everything as soon as you can!

There are a lot of people in this world, and the chances of finding someone who is your perfect match in your vicinity aren’t that high. But in today’s day and age, that person doesn’t have to be next to you to be the love of your life. It wasn’t easy, but here is how I kept my LDR healthy and stable for a long time:

Trust

There is nothing more important than trust. This goes for any relationship, but it’s even more important in a long-distance one. You both lead your lives away from each other, so being glued to your phone 24/7, talking to your SO is not healthy. Not to mention different time zones! You have to be able to trust each other and build your relationship up on that trust. Trust them when they tell you where they are and who they’re with, and don’t jump to conclusions if they don’t answer their phone right away.

Routine

Every healthy couple in the world has some sort of a routine. Whether it’s a kiss before going off to work, or spending a lunch break together, those small rituals are what make a relationship strong, and LDRs are no different. However, make sure you are not forcing the routine, but find a time that is most comfortable for both of you every day and talk then, or at the end of each day, text each other about how your day went.

Dates

You read that well – dates. It’s something all couples do, why would the two of you be any different? It’s super-easy to fall into a boring routine, and the way to break it is to find new and interesting things to do together. You can try playing online multiplayer video games, watching movies over streaming programs or simply cooking up the same thing while Skyping, and having a proper dinner date – just don’t put your laptop or phone too close to the candles!

Mutual friends

Secret relationships have a lot higher chances of crumbling and, unfortunately, people are still ashamed to admit that they are in a long-distance relationship. That’s why it is important to tell your friends and family about your partner, introduce them to each other and, if possible, let them spend some time together without you. Treat your relationship like you would if the person you’re with was living in your neighborhood. Plus, having mutual friends makes it so much easier to deliver gifts and plan surprises for each other.

Good technology

The reason why LDRs are even more common today is because we don’t have to wait for a week to get our letter to reach our partner, and then another week for their reply to reach us. We can now have instant audio-video conversations with anyone, anywhere in the world, which is the lifeline of any long-distance relationship. You do need to invest in a reliable, and preferably portable machine. Phones nowadays are more than handy and adequate for these tasks, however if you want to see your loved ones face in full size you need something like an HP notebook. When you are having a serious conversation, make sure you are in a room with a good internet connection and enough privacy, and that you have a reliable device and an available charger.

Going long-distance is not easy, but every time you see their face on that airport or train station, you will realize that it is all worth it and that every day brings you closer to the future, when you will never have to be apart again.

Whoever said they’d never been dumped, humiliated in the name of love, cried their guts (and liver!) out and begged to get the other person back (whether it was subtle or in-your-face-straightforward-stalking) – they lied. We’ve all had our fair share (and God knows how many more!) of breakups, disappointments and one too many ice cream buckets that we kind of feel sick even when we mention it. 

With breakups, come breakup songs and the endless list of romantic comedies (with a happy ending, preferably) to make us feel better and help us forget the ex as quickly as possible. Then comes reminiscing followed by anger, a sense of betrayal and hurt. Finally, when the epiphany hits and we get all worked up about being single (and ready to mingle) again, that’s when the real I’M OVER IT list of songs follows. 

For all of you who’ve just gotten over that bastard who’d dumped you, here are our favorite song choices to help you stay in good spirits:

Gnash – I hate u, I love u ft. Olivia O’Brien

The clue is in the title; this one is one of those heartbreaking, to the point songs that hits every single nerve. Although it is a bit too emotional and little less celebratory, its fine tunes and sentimental tone give it such a powerful echo. The song describes conflicting feelings, torments, anger and – ultimately, love. 

Beyonce – Sorry 

As Queen B puts it – rest in peace my true love! “Sorry” is the attitude song, word for word what we feel when the middle finger’s up and intended for that ex who didn’t know how stupid he was to leave the best thing that’s happened to him. Everything we feel, Bey said it in this song.

Beyonce – Best Thing I Never Had

Another Bey classic that sums up that feeling of realizing you are so much better than what this guy has put you through. You know that moment when, suddenly, everything becomes clear as day and you realize how lucky you were not to stay in the relationship you were in? Well, this song is all about it!

Ariana Grande – ‘Break Free’

Cheerful, sassy and kind of sweet, this track is perfect for when the anger’s gone and you are more than ready to embrace all of your sexiness and make use of your fresh singleness! Although not a song for everyone (it’s too girly, maybe), we love it. 

Iggy Azalea – Black Widow ft. Rita Ora

Still feeling a bit hurt but very much aware of what a di*k your ex is? Good! Black Widow is saying it all, verse for verse. We love the energy of the song that’s giving you a very powerful boost. Just put on your AKG headphones, and enjoy! Listen to it whenever you feel like dialing his number, okay?

Cee-Lo Green – ‘Forget You’ 

It’s simply impossible to feel sad while listening to this one! Plus, it has a powerful message too, although it may not be directly applicable to your situation (unless your ex was a gold-digger). Forget your ex with the cheerful “Forget You” verses (we always sing them in the original Fu*k you version) and move on with your jazzy, upbeat, fabulous life.  

Ed Sheeran – Shape of you

Ok, this song is the epitome of the moment when Ed Sheeran admitted love sucks. It might be just us, but the subtext of those lyrics definitely suggests “sure, love is great but let’s have sex instead”. This is one of those tracks that perfectly describes the youth – drinking alcohol as a remedy and partying till dawn. It’s by far one of our favorite post-breakup songs and we guarantee you it will keep you cheerful for at least a few hours, if not the whole day even (that’s what repeat button is for). 

Got any suggestions of your own? Share your list of breakup songs with us, we’ll be happy to add it to our collection. And, remember: you are so much better than the person who’s left you. And the reason they did? Because there’s someone else out there for you, praying they’ll meet someone just like you.