A couple explores a college campus. Photo: neilld / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
You may have graduated years ago, but college life is still just as fun! As a fun weekend date idea, head back to your alma mater with your sweetheart to check out a football game, watch a performing arts group, and visit your favorite university bar or restaurant.
A couple shops online. Photo: Rido81 / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
Sure, Black Friday sales are tempting, but they can also be super crazy. Going shopping in that chaos can flare some tensions between you and your sweetheart. The overwhelmingly massive crowds and lines might test the limits of your relationship and love. So consider this piece of dating advice: Spend this weekend inside with your love, tracking the deals online and planning shopping trips for calmer days. Embrace your inner child and prepare your lists for Santa Claus too.
A couple cooks something healthy. Photo: haveseen / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
While you may be tempted to feast this holiday season, you and your love can both benefit by choosing healthier options. As a pre-Thanksgiving weekend date idea, spend the weekend prepping for the holiday with healthy versions of your favorite meals and planning a winter workout regimen.
A couple gets into a game. Photo: dolgachov / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
If your honey loves baseball, celebrate the final weekend of the sport by gearing up for the game. To get in the mood and get ready for your favorite team to win, watch movies like A League of Their Own or The Bad News Bears or watch reruns of legendary games. Bonding with your partner over America’s favorite pastime is a great weekend date idea that he will appreciate. Plus, it’ll strengthen your relationship and love.
Winter is coming, and with the exit of warm weather, it’s time for an update to your wardrobe. So this weekend, head into town with your sweetheart for some snuggly sweaters and adorable boots, and plan your next date idea to showcase your new fashions.
Couple walking in New York City. Photo: Maridav / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
Cities are a haven for magical sites that capture the essence of romance. The crowds of interesting people, the hustle and bustle of traffic, and even the historical landmarks around you add to your experience. This fall weekend, embark on an adventure with your love and take in all that your hometown (or the nearest big city) has to offer with this exciting date idea!
Go fruit picking with your significant other! Photo: Goodluz / Bigstock.com
By Brittany Stubbs
When is the last time you and your love got outside and did something fun? It’s time to head to the closest strawberry farm and pick your favorite sweets together! After all, this warm weather won’t last forever, so take advantage of it and embrace the sunshine. …Want the rest? Click here for more
Couple watching a funny video. Photo: dolgachov / Bigstock.com
By Brittany Stubbs
Have a hidden talent that you want your love to appreciate? Set up a night where you can reveal your true self and impress your sweetheart. Your partner probably knows all about what you do for a living and your favorite hobbies, but there’s that other side of you that doesn’t always see the light of day. There is nothing more intimate than allowing your man to discover something new about you.
Finding inspiration might mean going back in time. Maybe you were on the dance team in high school and want to show off some of your old moves. That doesn’t mean you have to start stretching and attempting the splits in your living room. Start looking for those videos of performances you never thought you’d watch again, make some popcorn, and cuddle up on the couch. Your partner will love seeing you in your youth as much as you’ll enjoy laughing at yourself.
Or perhaps you aspired to be a stand-up comedian back in the day. Come up with a routine to make your lover laugh. If your sweetie has a thick skin, get creative and incorporate them into some of your jokes. Whether the routine goes smoothly or you’re stumbling along, by the time you’re finished, you’ll both be on the floor laughing.
After you’ve revealed your hidden talent, sit back and allow your partner to share something you never knew about them. You’ll be surprised how much closer the two of you will feel after this experience! Whether you’re showing off tricks you haven’t pulled out in years or talents you’re still secretly working on, you’ll learn more about each other and create a great memory along the way.
To get your friends in on the fun, host a talent show. Invite a few of your favorite couples over for drinks and appetizers, followed by every couple putting on a mini performance. Take it a step further and present an award for the most entertaining show. Whether your friends impress you or make you cry from laughter, you’ll want to make this night your newest tradition.
Have you shared a hidden talent with your partner? Tell us about it the comments below!
A couple painting their home. Photo: warrengoldswain / Bigstock.com
By Brittany Stubbs
It may sound cliché, but decorating your home with your love is a great way to bond. Even if you don’t live together yet, you can have fun fantasizing about what your place will be like when you do move in together.
Make sure you shine this summer with some amazing new jewelry from Cate and Chloe! Sometimes, you need a little extra sparkle to brighten up that little black dress or to add some variety to an outfit you’ve worn so many times before. With the Cate and Chloe VIP package, it’s not just a one-time deal. You get 2 new styles, valued at 200 dollars, delivered right to your doorstep every 15 days! Whether you’re at the bar with your beau or dancing at the club with your girlfriends, you’ll be the most radiant woman there.
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there. Each month, one of the pieces sent to you will be a pre-release item, available only to VIP members. And if you don’t love your new jewelry, you can exchange it, no questions asked. Thanks to something dazzling catching his eye every time you walk through the door, your man won’t be able to take his eyes off you.
If you love what you see and want to get more, the VIP package also comes with 20 percent off all featured items from Cate & Chloe — perfect for that online shopaholic or jewelry fanatic. Plus, there are free giveaways and prizes for all members. No doubt you’ll find that perfect accessory for your jewelry box!
Every girl deserves to feel like a princess, and with this VIP package, you’ll feel like one on a daily basis. Lucky for you, CupidsPulse.com readers can get an extra 20 percent their first month as a member! That’s a lot of bling for a little ca-ching. So if you want the chance to find a new treasure in your mailbox from Cate and Chloe twice a month, check out their VIP package today!
For 20 percent off on your first month as a VIP member to CateandChloe.com, enter discount code CUPIDSPULSE20 at checkout*. We hope you enjoy your beautiful new jewelry!
*Since the prepaid sign-up options already offer significant discounts to new members, this code will only be valid for the standard month-to-month sign-up of $39.99/month.
Interview by Brittany Stubbs. Written by Laura Seaman.
Kym Douglas, known around the world for her beauty expertise, is a woman of many talents, as shown by her frequent television appearances, radio spots, and multiple books. Her motto “bliss happens” is an inspiration to people everywhere as she helps them find ways to be healthy, feel beautiful, and live their lives to the fullest. As she says in our exclusive celebrity interview, “It’s not about trying to look younger; it’s about trying to look your best.”
On this week’s Single in Stilettos show, founder Suzanne Oshima talks to writer, speaker, and romance artist Zan Perrion about having the “exclusive relationship” talk with your guy. His best tips include: keep it light; be curious about your relationship; make sure your tone isn’t demanding; and never say “we need to talk.” The most important thing to remember, though, is that it’s not only about what you want; it’s about what you both want for your future.
Kourtney Kardashian is expecting her third baby. Photo: BRJ/MiamiPIXX/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By Laura Seaman
Third time’s a charm as Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant with baby number three with her boyfriend Scott Disick. Multiple sources tell UsMagazine.com that Kourtney is only a few months along, but that she is already showing a pregnant glow. Sources say it was planned, and that Kourtney “wants to have a handful of kids.” The Kardashian had said in 2012, “I need to see what it’s like when I have three, but [having kids] is what life is about.”
How does having a third baby change your family dynamic?
Cupid’s Advice:
A third child can really change how a family works in ways that a second child does not. It’s best to be prepared for these changes so that your family can properly adjust to this new addition:
1. There is now a middle child. Ah, yes, the notorious situation of the middle child. There are plenty of stories about how the middle child gets much less attention from parents. This is something every family can avoid, but many are guilty of without realizing. Of course you’ll always be proud of that first-born child, and you’ll dote on your new baby, but don’t forget the middle child. They’re just as important.
2. There’s the odd man out. Three, being the odd and often uncomfortable number that it is, can create tension between the children. The two oldest might create a new bond after the baby is born and become closer than ever, which is fantastic until they start growing up and the third child is still treated like the baby sister or brother who never quite gets it.
3. There is always someone around. It might be that one kid is always hungry, or one kid is always late for a lesson, but this is to be expected for any number of children greater than one. On the bright side, this means that someone is always there to keep their sibling busy. Maybe the oldest is busy and the middle child wants to play. Instead of constantly pestering their older sister or brother, they now have a younger sibling to play with.
How has having a third baby changed your family? Tell us below.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West plan to make their wedding extra special and educational. According to People, Kardashian and West will let quests experience the wonders of Château of Versailles during a private surprise tour on Friday, May 23, on the verve of their wedding. The couple made this decision together in hopes their quest will grasp a better understanding of the exceptional heritage of the castle of Versailles, which is a World Heritage site. The gorgeous duo first checked out the place in January, which was rumored to be where the wedding itself would take place, but palace official denied the rumors.
What are some ways to spice up your wedding rehearsal?
Cupid’s Advice:
Weddings rehearsals can be much the same. You go through the steps of the wedding and then eat some dinner with family/friends. Cupid has some ways to spice it up a little:
1. Make it themed: A fun idea would to be make your wedding rehearsals themed. Have everyone dress up in the same style or era and make the festivities match what you want. You could make it themed by year such 50′s style or 60′s or you can do something else like make it western style, or mexican style or Italian it doesn’t matter just pick something you both love.
2. Go some place fun: Have your wedding rehearsal at a cool spot, that’s fun, unique and interesting. You can rent a movie theater or have a movie screening and make it a film themed bash. Another thing you can do is travel to a destination, if it’s exotic have the rehearsal on the beach or if it’s a romantic place have it in a historical place or museum. There are many possibilities of wonderous place you can go, just make sure it’s some place you both and your quests will enjoy. Celebrity Couples, Engagements, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Love, Marriage, Relationship Advice, Slider
3. Have some games: Make your wedding rehearsals really fun by having and creating some fun games for guests to play. To make it even better for the guests get cool prizes for them to win, noting makes games more exciting than adding the chance of winning awesome prizes. Playing fun games doesn’t have to be strictly raffle or guessing games, you can also have a paintball fight or a sports game, just make whatever you do fun for all.
What do you think are good ways to spice up your wedding rehearsal? Share you tips below.
The smoke has cleared and everything is settled between Bethenny Frankel and Jason Hoppy … at least for now. According to UsMagazine.com, the estranged couple has come to an agreement in divorce court, involving the custody battle for daughter Bryn. Hoppy’s attorney, Bernard Clair, released a confirmation statement saying, “My client is delighted that this custody dispute has been resolved; that his co-parenting status has been acknowledged; that the parties’ child will have the benefit of being raised by both parents; and most importantly, that his daughter will no longer be at the mercy of a high-profile courtroom battle.”
What are some ways to shield your child from divorce proceedings?
A new couple has made their debut! That’s right, Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr are out of hiding and ready to show off their relationship. According to UsMagazine.com, after filing for divorce from his wife, Jessica Ussery, over year ago, the country star walked the CMT Music Awards red carpet with his new girlfriend Brittany Kerr on June 4th. After admitting to inappropriate behavior with Kerr in September 2012, Aldean called it quits on his 12-year marriage and later filed for divorce in April 2013. It was confirmed him and his former mistress were officially dating in March 2014. The couple was also spotted meeting up for dinner after April’s ACM Awards.
How do you know when to go public with your new relationship?
A growing misconception about relationships is that the partnership defines who you are as a person. First and foremost, you have to do what is best for you and be your own person. This doesn’t mean you love your sweetheart any less; it just means that you know who you are individually. It takes two strong halves to equal a united whole, so we have pulled together these five articles from our partners to make your relationship stronger than ever:
1. Don’t marry your self-esteem to your man: Basing your happiness off of the circumstances of your relationship is just a ticking time bomb heading for the inevitable explosion. If you’re in a foul mood the entire day because you and your man are disagreeing over where to put the new couch, there may be a deeper problem. A woman who creates her own happiness is beautiful, and a woman who shares her happiness with someone she loves is even more beautiful. (YourTango.com)
2. Establish your independence: Much like our favorite independent woman Kourtney Kardashian, you can be in a strong, loving relationship while holding your own. Kardashian is a spokesperson, model, and partner in numerous businesses apart from her man, but she still has the utmost love and respect for him. They are even expecting baby number three! (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
3. Focus on yourself: Sure, we all know that inner beauty is just as important as outer beauty…but sometimes, we just want to feel pretty. Take some time to focus on your skincare and haircare rituals with these beauty tips from actress Amanda Seyfried. (GalTime.com)
4. Have outside interests: What is the point in coming home to tell your honey about your day when you spent the entire day doing everything together? Having separate interests is actually liberating in a relationship. It gives you an outlet to be your own person without having to take someone else’s opinions into consideration. So embrace your passion! (YourTango.com)
5. Don’t wait on the approval from your loved ones: Your friends and family are important to the decisions you make, but you can’t give them the reigns and just ride their opinion wave. If you’re happy in your relationship, don’t let your pals and relatives make you feel otherwise. Be confident in your feelings and learn to trust yourself. (GalTime.com)
How do you stay true to yourself when you’re in a relationship? Share with us in the comments below.
Congratulations! You’re now in a relationship with a mama’s boy. Mama’s boys are tough to date. Mommy took such good care of them over the years, and while she’s still in their lives, you might always play second fiddle to her.
I know all about mama’s boys because my dad was one. I remember when we used to go out to the Hampton’s during the summer. My dad would have his own special blueberries and sugar on top. His mom, my grandmother, would always reserve the coffee ice cream for him, her king. She catered everything to him. He’d call her at least three or four times a day. It was like he couldn’t stand not having contact with her for even a couple of hours.
Kanye West shows off his wedding ring. Photo: PRN / PRPhotos.com
By Laura Seaman
Kanye West, recently married to Kim Kardashian, was spotted leaving the gym with a big smile on his face and showing off his wedding ring on his hand. According to UsMagazine.com, West had just returned from the couple’s honeymoon in Europe, where they visited Ireland and the Czech Republic. The couple went bike riding, visited the pubs, and saw a movie together where it was said “they were laughing and smiling together”.
What are some ways to show the pride you have in your partner?
Co-parenting and planning summer visitation with teenagers can be challenging and emotionally draining. Hopefully, plans can be worked out peacefully with your ex-spouse — consider Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe for a celebrity example — but there are many who are not so fortunate. The error comes when parents choose to not give their teenagers a voice in planning their time. They don’t stop to think about the consequences that occur when their teenagers aren’t able to participate in activities and events that are important to them, through no fault of their own.
The solutions are simple. Here are some tips to help with co-parenting during your teenager’s summer plans:
Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers are expecting their first baby. Photo: Landmark / PR Photos
By Laura Seaman
The star of Lone Ranger, Armie Hammer, and his wife Elizabeth Chambers are expecting their first baby, as confirmed by their rep to UsMagazine.com. “They talk about having a couple, though they’re thrilled with one now,” says a source. Hammer had some experience with kids when he read Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss at the Kids’ Art Museum Project event at Hammer Museum. “I’m practicing for when I do have kids,” he said.
What are some ways to prepare your relationship for a baby?
Cupid’s Advice:
Having a baby is a huge step in a relationship, and you’ll need all the preparation you can get. There’s no fail-proof way to raise a child, and you’re bound to run into some problems, but the more you prepare for the future the better equipped you will be to handle whatever life throws at you.
1. Spend time with kids and pay attention. If you have relatives or friends with young children, it might be a good idea to babysit or go to the park with the family. Watch how the parents interact with their children and take note of what does and doesn’t work.
2. Give each other tips in everyday settings. If you and your partner notice habits or behaviors that aren’t suitable for children, it would be helpful to politely point them out. Be careful not to come off as rude or condescending, but be sure you both realize what kinds of behavior changes need to be made.
3. Communication is key. Make sure you’re on the same page with everything, including schedules, parenting methods, and other questions that may come up over the next few years. Bringing up any possible conflicts beforehand is better than facing them when the child is already here.
How else can you prepare your relationship for a baby? Share your ideas below.
Kissing was once the bane of my dating life. Like many of you, I was shy and worried about offending girls or making them feel uncomfortable. It took nine months of dating before I had my first kiss. Watch any romantic movie, and you’ll notice that there is so much emphasis on the kiss. The kiss is the catalyst for getting physical. But, kissing is just one step in physical escalation, and it probably shouldn’t be the first. A kiss can happen spontaneously—like on a dance floor—but typically you need to get physical in other ways first. One way is to make a move that doesn’t involve kissing. If it’s well received, continue. If not, back off and try again. When a woman says, “no,” sometimes this really means, “not yet.” Girls can be reluctant to make a move for fear of being labeled slutty, so it’s your responsibility to make the interaction physical. Okay, so how do you actually make out with a girl? Below are four techniques that work for me:
1.Triangular Gazing
Look from her eyes, to lips, to eyes, to lips, and so on. This should be done slowly, and ideally, in silence. It conveys that you want to kiss, and it won’t get you in trouble. If she goes silent too, or leans in, kiss her. If not? Try another technique.
The Eskimo Kiss is another move that builds arousal. Rub your nose against hers and say, “Come here—but no lips!” If she’s into it, kiss her, but I would suggest pulling away. You can kiss next time. With the Neck Bite, you’re getting physical, but the girl isn’t technically a participant, so she won’t feel slutty. Plus, a bite often arouses a girl more than a kiss. Lead with, “I need to tell you a secret,” then go for a nibble.
“Close your eyes. I want to show you something.” She closes her eyes, you kiss her. Again, this releases the girl from feeling “slutty.” Use this technique if other signals are there but she keeps shying away from kissing. The girl usually knows what you’re up to but will often be glad you relieved her of the responsibility.
4.The Gangster
This is one of my favorites, but it requires courage. It works when you’re not close enough to a girl to kiss her (maybe there’s a table between you). Say, “sh,” go silent, put down your drink, walk around the table, set down her drink, and kiss her. The move itself is so ballsy, and it will be less awkward to go for the kiss than to stop in the middle.
My overall advice is: Go for it. Girls want you to take charge. Get into a sexual vibe so she does too. Slow down, look into her eyes, think sexual thoughts, and use these four techniques. If she responds well, great. If she doesn’t, try again. Even if she doesn’t kiss you, I promise she’ll respect you for the attempt.
Todd Valentine is a global authority on attraction and seduction. For more insights on kissing and dating, check out his blog valentinelife.com and his channel youtube.com/rsdtodd.
Moving in together. Photo: monkeybusinessimages / Bigstock.com
By Laura Seaman
Moving in with your partner is a big step. Sure, maybe you’ve spent the night at each other’s apartments before, or gone on a trip where you shared a hotel room or lake house, but this is something else entirely. Living together means more than just sharing a house (which is a big responsibility on its own), it means sharing bills, personal space, and secrets that may have been hidden before. Despite the intimidation that comes with this decision, there are a few good reasons to take the plunge and move in with your mate:
Share the Cost
Living together gives you half the rent and none of the transportation costs that came with two separate living spaces and the drive it took to visit one another. That’s one utility bill, one water bill, and one gas bill. You’ll also only be using one set of furniture. Just be sure that splitting these costs doesn’t lead to conflict. Establish ahead of time who will pay which bills and how much each of you will pay. With another living companion, paying the bills might be a bit more complicated, but they will be much less expensive.
See Their Habits (and Vice Versa)
There are plenty of habits you may not get to see while you’re dating someone. People tend to hide their bad habits when they’re trying to impress, so you might have a pet peeve they haven’t revealed. When someone is at home, they’re much more comfortable with themselves and they can’t help but show their little quirks. It may be something as little as biting their nails, or something difficult to ignore, such as counting having to walk through a doorway three times. It’s important to see these habits before taking your relationship too much further, because there might be one habit that pushes you over the edge, and the sooner you find this out the better.
When you’re dating, situations rarely arise that will bring out a person’s temper. While living together, you have the chance to see their tempers flare. This may not seem like a pro, but you will be thankful for it in the future. Moving in with your partner is taking your relationship to the next step and seeing a side of them that they wouldn’t normally show you. This step may not be pleasant, but it’s very important and cannot be overlooked if you hope to maintain a stable relationship.
Learning to Share
With one place to live, one set of furniture, and maybe even a pet, sharing is essential to staying in a happy relationship. It may be something we learned as children, but it seems to get harder as we get older. It’s difficult to share a home; that’s why so many people argue with their families growing up. Once you learn to share more of your home with your partner, you can then learn to unwind and share more of yourself. It will be the most open and honest that you’ve ever been with each-other, and that is something you might not get when being apart.
Living together is a big step in a relationship. For many, it means further commitment; it’s a trial-run before marriage. However, what if not everyone involved feels that way? When going on a date, the subject of children and marriage isn’t likely to come up. But when you’re living together, you and your partner are bound to talk more, and these serious subjects will likely come up. This is the perfect way to find out if your mate made the move to become something more, or if maybe you both have something more to talk about.
Living together can be tough, and many people advise against it. However, it’s these hardships that truly make it worth the risk. If your relationship can’t make it through the step of living together, how can it make it through marriage? The pros might not be as happy or pleasant as expected, but as with all learning experiences, it is necessary.
Do you think it’s a good idea to move in with your mate? What’s your experience? Let us know in the comments!
Rachel Bilson indulges her pregnancy cravings with boyfriend Hayden Christensen. Photo: CPR/Dmac/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By Laura Seaman
Rachel Bilson, whose pregnancy was announced just last month, was spotted vacationing in Barbados with her boyfriend Hayden Christensen on Sunday, June 1 spending some quality beach time together. She was eating what UsMagazine.com assumes to be her pregnancy craving food of orange soda and sandwiches. The couple when on a sailing lesson and soaked up the sun while pregnant Bilson wore a black bikini that showed off her growing baby bump.
How do you support your partner during pregnancy?
Cupid’s Advice:
Pregnancy is a very big, scary, and exciting time for many women. The best thing a partner can do is be there to support them. There are many ways to support your partner during pregnancy, and the more support you give, the better the process will be for everyone involved; even the baby, when it arrives! Cupid has some advice:
1. Take time off and make sure you’re there: While it’s important to make money to support the baby, it’s also important to take the time to support the mother. During this pregnancy, things might become difficult or confusing, and it means a lot if you’re there to make things better. Your time is probably the most important thing you can give to another person, so make sure your partner is getting plenty of it.
2. Lower the stress and have some fun: Getting reading for a baby is stressful enough, and there’s no need to pile on more. Try having some fun and getting away from the usual grin of life. Take a mini vacation, take her out for a nice dinner, or just spend the night together without electronic distractions.
3. Be calm and understanding: Sometimes pregnancy can really take its toll on a woman’s body and stress levels. There’s a lot going on, and unless you’ve been pregnant, there’s no way you can possibly know what she’s feeling during pregnancy. So just be kind and sympathetic, and don’t play down the situation or say she’s overreacting. It’s a big deal for her, and it should be a big deal for you.
What are some other ways to support your partner during pregnancy? Share your thoughts below.