Perfect date prep in 5 steps

Getting ready for a first date – or any date – requires time and dedication. It’s important to make decisions about what you wear, how to style your hair, and whether you go with the black or the brown shoes – after all, you want to look like you’re putting in at least some effort.

Whether you met through friends or on an online dating site like www.eharmony.ca, you can be sure to impress if you follow these tips on how to get yourself ready before a big date.


What to wear

The best rule when it comes to date clothes is to keep it simple. You don’t need designer threads or fancy jeans to impress a girl – just make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and well-fitting. A simple button-down shirt with a subtle print (like plaid or gingham) is always a safe bet. Keep cuffs neat and don’t button all the way to the top – you’re not in the board room.


Ties are unnecessary, unless your first date is to a wedding or an awards ceremony. Keep it casual and give yourself room to breathe. Clean, pressed jeans without rips or tears in them are fine, but a nice pair of khakis always goes down well too.

Hair tips

Don’t obsess over your hair – girls are turned off by an overly gelled do – but do put some effort in. Run a comb through it and style it with a bit of product, but don’t go overboard or your hair will look stiff.

Some girls love a bit of facial hair, so don’t be afraid of rockin’ the beard, as long as it’s cut close and neat. When in doubt, clean shaven is always a safe bet, and ensures your date that you’ve put in a bit of effort.

It’s a shoe-in…

A simple pair of black dress shoes or brown oxfords always goes down well. Avoid sneakers, but a casual pair of sport shoes, like Converse All Stars, can add a bit of edge to a tailored look – so long as they’re clean!

Smell like roses

You don’t need to douse yourself in cologne to make a good impression, but DO make sure you take a shower before your date and put deodorant on before heading out the door. A light spray of a subtle cologne is a nice touch but it’s not compulsory.


What NOT to do…

Don’t wear a suit. Don’t wear low-slinging jeans that show your boxers. Don’t show up late without texting on your way to let her know. Don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. Don’t make fun of her for putting in effort for your date; especially if you haven’t… it’ll just make her self-conscious.


Resource box
The Art of Manliness
This article is a great guide to planning a perfect first date

The Frisky
Dos and don’ts for a great first date

Valet Mag
A great online mag for men’s fashion

Which is the most important thing to think about on a first date?

A Rainy Weekend in Brighton

The average rainfall in October in Brighton is 14 days, which means there would be lots of rainy weekends. This usually leads to lounging around the house watching TV, playing computer games or just eating aimlessly. If you have kids then you end up spending hours-on-end trying to keep them entertained. Below is a list of 5 things that you can do in Brighton when it’s raining so you don’t want to waste your weekend!

Top 5 Things to do on a rainy weekend in Brighton:

- Watch a film at the Cinema - Brighton hosts a Cineworld at the Marina, and Odeon on the seafront/ West Street and their very own Duke of York cinema.

- Go to Churchill Square Shopping Centre

- Go to Bowplex at the Marina - great fun for all the family.

- Go out for a family meal or go for afternoon tea at your local café

- Visit Brighton Museum & Art Gallery - admission is free and in the middle of the City Centre. As well as visiting the Museum there is also the Royal Pavilion just round the corner.

Who Said Rain Wear Was Miserable?

England is world renowned for its fabulously foggy weather, but the weather this so-called summer has surprised even the most cynical of Brits. The Met Office figures show that the UK has suffered the wettest June since records began in 1910.

England has not only suffered from endless days of rain but also a poor amount of sunshine,
June was the second dullest on record with only 119.2 hours of sunshine and the total UK rainfall was more than twice as much as normally expected.

So amongst all this rain is there a silver lining? Yes. The answer is wet weather wear.

So as the Her Majesty The Queen would say the rain seems far worse when one is not prepared for it, therefore here are a few pieces of Britain's iconic rain wear that one can enjoy!

The Burberry Trench Coat
 

Burberry is a classic English brand, rich with history. Its distinctive tartan pattern has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world, not to mention it's also one of the most copied brands out there. Burberry is most famous for its iconic Trench coat which was invented by founder Thomas Burberry who set up shop in Basingstoke in 1856 at the tender age of 21.

This fascinating new all-resistant material attracted many, including the British Army making them Burberry's first major client. Over the period of a century the trench coat has gone from practical war gear to a must have piece in your wardrobe.

Today, trendy celebrities and respectable royals are sporting the the iconic trench, keeping it a focal piece in the whirlwind industry known as the fashion world. The Burberry trench have kept thousands warm and dry over the years and therefore should suffice this summer.

Wellingtons

 

 

Better known as 'Wellies' or 'Rubber Boots' Wellingtons are a type of boot based upon leather Hessian boots. The name was popularised by Arthur Wellesly, Duke of Wellington and then became a must-have fashion item during the British aristocracy in the early 19th century.

Wearing wellies are not only super practical in order to keep feet dry but have recently become very fashionable due to the 'festival wear' craze. Thanks to Britain's dreary summers, wellies are unmissable on the streets throughout the UK, especially during festival season (June- September).

Now available in every pattern and colour available. So why not make most of the rain? Slip on a pair of wellies and have a splash about in a near by puddle!

The Essential Umbrella

 

 

Whether it's a traditional, a compact or a modern bubble umbrella, it can be agreed that an umbrella is a must have accessory this summer. There is something very British about an umbrella- perhaps it's a reminder of everybody's favourite childhood classic, Mary Poppins.

There is a never ending range of umbrellas available to the British public, whatever the occasion. Feeling trendy? Go for the bubble umbrella. In need of a 'work' umbrella? Perhaps a traditional with a U-shaped hardwood handle. And the list goes on.

Don't let the weather get you down, don't fight the rain- just go with it. Grab an umbrella and put on a pair of wellies, your day will suddenly seem just that tad better!

Top spots in London for Aussies

London is a wonderful melting pot for diversity and cultures, events and attractions, love and friendship. Whether you’re the designated local tour guide for friends visiting London, you’ve just moved to the capital for a career or you’re looking for date ideas, London has lots to offer. Here is a sample of some of the best spots in London, whether you’re going with your mates or someone you met on the sites for online dating Australia offers...

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Clapham Common

Aussies flock to Clapham Common – a super trendy part of London where you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants, open green spaces and an extraordinary social population. People come from all over London and the UK to Clapham Common, where several festivals and events are held throughout the year.

Simply grab a few of your favourite ciders, a portable barbecue and hook up your iPod for summer fun, or pop your woolly mitts on for a snowball fight in the middle of winter. Hop on your bike and explore the woods and ponds, bring out the kid in you and head to the funfair or enjoy local artists on the bandstand.

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The Thames

The Thames runs straight through central London, where you’ll find lots of exciting attractions, riverside restaurants and plenty of events. History and culture contrast with the fast-paced modern city buildings.

Wander round the historic royal palaces, meander the museums and art galleries or simply enjoy people-watching while walking beside the Thames.

There’s something for everyone along the historic river. Christian singles who have met online can take in some superb Christian architecture along the way, including Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

In the midst of the ‘Big Smoke’, you’ll find Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – London’s largest open space. Although there are no sandy beaches or waves to surf, you’ll find the sun shining down on the glorious green lawns, trees, flowerbeds and ponds.

Rent a paddleboat or rowboat and cruise across the Serpentine Lake. Aussies who can’t resist a swim can brave the ‘refreshing’ temperatures of the lake in the reserved lido area. Why not paddle your feet in the Diana Memorial Fountain near the Serpentine bridge, head north-east for open expression at the Speaker's Corner, or even wander through the perfectly manicured Kensington Gardens? This beautiful open space is London’s retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Covent Garden

This is the place to go if you are looking for something a little quirky and unique. You’ll find traders from all over the world selling their goods in the famous Covent Garden markets.

The Apple Market, East Colonnade Market and the Jubilee Market feature arts, crafts and antiques from the small and detailed to the large and wild. You’ll be among the hungry, talented and growing artists from the music, art and acting industries.

Head to the streets for a sneak-peak at Cirque du Soleil performances, mime artists and eclectic musical talent. Then enjoy an evening at the wide array of bars and restaurants.

Resource box

• London: Official London Guide - A guide to London’s accommodation, attractions and events
• SquareMeal - Independent reviews of London eats, sleeps and entertainment
• Australian visas and travel advice - Important information for passports services, visas and migration for Australians

What a Wonderful Weather Forecast

One of the most common subjects of discussion between British citizens is the weather. It seems there’s always something to talk about regarding the weather in the UK, as it changes its mind daily. So sit down, have a cuppa tea, and let’s talk about the weather.

The UK has already had a few of heat waves this year; one notable week was in March, which normally tends to have fairly miserable, chilly weather. This year was a bit different, being the warmest March in 15 years and the sunniest since 1929.

This image was taken on Hove seafront in March

A month before the heat waves came a lot of heavy snow fall across much of the UK. An average of 2-4inches of snow fell in central, eastern and southern England, which left many roads un-driveable; the whole of the UK tends to come to a complete stand still when snow falls.

Snow has increasingly hit the UK over the last 5 years and is seen as an extra day off for a vast majority of the United Kingdom, as roads get frozen, children fail to make it to school and people struggle to get to work. Despite a lot of countries managing to get on with normal life when it snows, most in the UK decide to get outside and play.

British citizens are constantly trying to stay on top of the weather, and for good reasons. We could wake up on Tuesday with the sun gleaming through our homes, leaving us with no option but to get over-excited and put on our shorts. But you could wake up on a Wednesday to dark clouds, strong winds and heavy rain. A lot of people’s moods can be affected by the weather, so I guess that’s why we care so much.

People across the World got a good insight into the weather for Scotland yesterday, with a Royal weather man. Prince Charles presented the weather forecast for BBC Scotland and unfortunately didn’t have much good news to bring. No surprises there…

 

 

With pretty much nothing except rain to announce, Prince Charles put it rather well – “Thank God it isn’t a bank holiday!” – We couldn’t agree more, Charles.

The Best of Brighton for British Holidays

Brighton has long been a place for British holidaymakers to pop down to for the day from the city and suburban areas. Since the Victorian times, fresh sea air, a better chance of sunshine and the treats of Brighton have lured in London visitors and foreign tourists for a day beside the sea. Brighton offers a taste of typical British tradition, and here are just a few of the favourite things visitors like about Brighton.

Brighton Rock

Brighton rock is a traditional sweet that is often taken home as a gift. Original Brighton rock is striped with pink and white, and has writing through the middle of the sweet. But rock is now available in all different shapes sizes and colours and even with different message written through it. There are even novelty shapes that shouldn’t be seen by the children but are particularly popular with hen parties staying in a nearby boutique hotel Brighton has so many of. 

Rock is readily available from the sweet shops on the seafront and the pier. There are also more specialised penny sweet shops selling rows of jarred sweets in colourful paper bags by the quarter. Other typical Brighton delicacies are hot sugar doughnuts, candy floss and soft ice cream cones with flakes. For those with a hankering for savoury foods, there’s no shortage of fish and chip restaurants, and there’s still a little fresh fish hut on the beach selling jellied eels and mussels. 

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Brighton Carousel

Down on the pebbled beach front sits a beautiful wooden traditional carousel. The carousel is certainly a landmark for Brighton, and is made all the more special by the fact that it is only unveiled during the warmer summer months. The 1888 structure can be seen in many holiday snaps and features carved wooden horses, fairy lights and gold edging with beautiful chimes to accompany the ride.  

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The Pier

It’s hard to miss Brighton pier during a trip to the city of Brighton and Hove. Entirely lit up in white lights, the pier shines like a beacon of delight. At the end of the pier is a fun fair that has all the rides anyone could want – a haunted house, log flume, small rollercoaster and a white knuckle swing arm that dangles riders over the sea.

Apart from the fair rides, there are also game stalls. It’s not uncommon to see people walking along the pier proudly hanging on to their prizes of giant cuddly fish. The sorts of games that can be found are hoopla, hook a duck and horse racing. There are also fortune tellers, penny arcade machines and henna tattoos.  

The pier is open late until 11pm, so party animals can enjoy a drink or two and sing the night away in the famous karaoke bar and later on enjoy a quiet cocktail bar Brighton is hiding away inland.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the bright lights of Brighton attracted thousands of tourists each year.

The Restoration of Rise Hall

Rise Hall was built in the early 19^th Century and is situated in Yorkshire in the UK. Unfortunately, like many country homes in the UK, Rise Hall was left to fall in to a state of disrepair for many years because the previous owners did not have the inclination nor the funds available to maintain the hug property. Lucky for Rise Hall, TV presenter and property developer Sarah Beeny and her husband Graham Swift, along with their 4 children, two cats and a small dog decided to buy and move in to Rise Hall in 2001 with the view to restoring the property to its former glory.

Sarah Beeny has hosted many property programmes covering large repairs, such as “Help My House is Falling Down” and “Property Ladder” where she has helped other home owners to manage their restoration projects. The restoration if Rise Hall was a major undertaking for a restoration project, and because of this Sarah was able to create an entire new television series following the project in the early stages.

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The television series was enjoyable to watch on several levels. Anyone interested in history would have been pleased by the fact that Sarah and her husband went on a journey to discover the roots of their home and to restore as many original features as possible. Anyone interested in property development and make good stories would have been very satisfied to see Rise Hall go from what was a terrible state in some areas to a stately home. Those with an interest in family life would enjoy following the Beeny clan on their adventure – which at times could be quite dramatic.

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Watching the children play a part in the restoration works and building their own tree house and play room was a real highlight of the series, as was seeing their reactions to finding bird skeletons in one of the old fireplaces in the house.

What was interesting and frustrating to watch about the restoration of Rise Hall was the couple’s struggle with the local council to gain their cooperation on changes of licences and health and safety matters.

The documentary of the restoration of Rise Hall teaches a lot of valuable lessons both in property development and family life. Property development is something that appeals to many UK adults as it can be considered a “quick” way to raise large sums of cash profit. It’s not uncommon for internet estate agents to highlight property for sale that has the potential to be “refurbished” or “restored” to attract more viewings to run down properties.  Now that nearly all estate agents and auction houses sell property online , some purchasers will even buy a property on a whim without going to visit it! Of course this is always a gamble, but if one has the expertise to carry off a property development effectively, the results can be a dream come true as is demonstrated by the restoration of Rise Hall.