Couple exchanging gifts. Photo: Subbotina Anna / Bigstock.com
By Kerri Sheehan
Snow falls in thick, icy blankets; winter attire adorns every shop window; and a sip of steaming hot chocolate instantly warms you up. All of this can only mean one thing: The holiday season is upon us! CupidsPulse.com has gathered some of our favorite articles from our partners this week to make your winter the best it can be.
1. Laugh a little: Nothing is better than popping in a nice comedy with your significant other on a cold winter’s night and having a good laugh. These comedians will tell you just how funny love can be. (YourTango.com)
2. Cuddle up: One of the best parts about the chilly weather is that you and your guy have all the more reason to stay indoors and snuggle with each other. Here are 47 of the cutest love quotes for that person you just want to ‘mush.’ (YourTango.com)
3. Get the girls together: Staying in isn’t just for you and your man; your girlfriends want in on the fun too! See how Melissa Joan Hart and her closest gal pals celebrated the holiday season with a cute “girls only” get together. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
4. Winterize your skin: Don’t stop at a girls’ night when it comes to pampering yourself. The icy temperatures are sure to leave your skin screaming for thirst, so here are some ways to get your skin ready for winter. (GalTime.com)
5. Be the best gift giver: Now that you’ve given yourself a gift (or two), it’s time to spread that holiday cheer! Even if you aren’t a parent, there are bound to be a child or two on your shopping list. These gender-neutral gifts will have any kid wishing that Santa asked you for gifting advice. (GalTime.com)
What’s your best tip for surviving the holiday season? Share below.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. Photo: NAV/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
According to People, Ben Affleck only has one person to thank for all of his success – his wife, Jennifer Garner. “She is by leaps and bounds the most important person to me in that respect,” Affleck said in an interview with Playboy of Garner’s resolute support. “Over the past 10 years she has allowed me to have a stable home life while accomplishing my professional goals.” The couple married in 2005 and have three children together, son, Samuel, 21 months and daughters Violet, 7 and Seraphina, 4.
What are some ways to show your appreciation for your partner?
According to UsMagazine.com, Courteney Cox was photographed attending Jennifer Aniston’s party with a date Sunday, Dec. 8. Snow Patrol rocker and the former Friends actress were spotted driving up to the party together. Cox was previously linked to Cougar Town costar Brian Van Holt in June.
How do you introduce your new partner to family and friends?
In this week’s Single in Stilettos show, Suzanne Oshima and dating and relationship strategist Joe Amoia talk about an age-old question: Why do men just disappear? They discuss the following situations: why men disappear after a few great dates; why men go away for the holidays and never come back; and why men disappear after a traumatic event occurs. Ladies, if you’ve dealt with a boyfriend who suddenly stops calling or texting, listen up!
You’re in love. You’re thinking, because of all the Zale’s diamond commercials on television, that this would be a great time to pop the question to your girl. You’re wondering whether you should get her a gift-wrapped Lexus, a red Mercedes, or that sparkly diamond.
When it comes to being happy in a relationship, Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a multi-award winning psychotherapist, believes that little things can go a long way. In his new book The Happy Couple: How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time, he discusses how couples can transform their bad habits into good ones, just by doing simple tasks such as talking for 20 minutes a day and asking clarifying questions to resolve conflicts. It all boils down to communication. We recently chatted with the author about how to strengthen and rebuild a relationship from the ground up. Here’s what he had to say:
Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo. Photo: KM/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
American Idol finalists Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, who have been married for six months are starting off the Christmas holidays together for the first in their relationship. “We’ve already been decorating, and it’s been a lot of fun because we’re creating our own traditions.” Young told Peopleat Sunday’s annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. “We have a blank slate. It’s kind of weird.”
How do you compromise to start your own holiday traditions with your partner?
Longtime relationships aren’t for everyone, but for those who have a committed significant other, keeping the spark alive is of the utmost importance. After a few years together, it can be hard to look at your partner like the lovestruck school girl you once resembled. CupidsPulse.com has gathered some of the best tips and advice from our partners — read on to keep your relationship fresh, strong, and loving.
1. DIY Therapy: Any couple will agree that the seas of love aren’t always easy to navigate. The best way to revamp your union is to partake in some do-it-yourself relationship therapy. This approach isn’t for everyone, but give it a try; it may just work for you! (GalTime.com)
2. Weekly Meetings: When you and your significant other have been together for so long, you tend to let the things that bother you simmer rather than addressing them and moving on. You can only begrudgingly wash the dishes so many times before you feel resentment that your guy never takes his turn. Holding weekly meetings where you clear the air and talk about any issues you may have will keep you both happy. (GalTime.com)
3. Express Yourself: Being in love is like winning the lottery; it’s exciting and wonderful, and it adds so many new opportunities to your future. However, it can be hard to put these feelings into words. Here are 50 love quotes that say what you can’t. (YourTango.com)
4. The Duggar Family: If you’re familiar with the reality show 19 Kids and Counting, then you know that Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary this past October. The mother of 19 shared her top three tips for a successful marriage. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
5. Expert Advice: Every relationship is different, so it can be hard to give distinct advice without knowing the whole story. Here are the best tips and expert advice around for couples in any situation. (YourTango.com)
What is your best advice for couples in a long-term relationship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Diane Lane and Josh Brolin. Photo: ER/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
According to People, Josh Brolin and Diane Lane have finalized their divorce. The once-happy couple separated earlier this. Los Angeles County Superior Court documents filed Nov. 27 made the split official. Brolin and Lane married in 2004 during a ceremony at a central California ranch.
John Mayer and Katy Perry. Photo: Thumbs42/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
According to People, John Mayer and Katy Perry posed for professional photos to accompany the release of Mayer’s latest album, Paradise Valley. Debuting the cover shot on his Instagram, Mayer captioned the image, “Proud of this song, proud of this artwork, proud of this girl.” The couple have been in an on-and-off again relationship since the summer of 2012.
“…laughing is one of my absolute favorite things.”
My husband and I have gone through about a half dozen extremely stressful events this past year. Looking back, it seems amazing we still find the energy to laugh on occasion. But that’s the way life is! And the older we get, the more responsibility we take on, the more children we have, the more complicated our lives become — the more stress we are going to have to deal with.
Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr with son Flynn. Photo: JD/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
According to People, Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom seem to be getting along just fine despite the fact that they’re separated. The pair were spotted in N.Y.C. Saturday with their son, Flynn, who turns 3 in Jan. The couple announced their split in October after three years of marriage. “We love each other. We’re a family,” Bloom said about Kerr days after their announcement.
What are some ways to keep your post-breakup relationship civil for your children?
How to discuss finances with your significant other. Photo: dolgachov / Bigstock
By Rick Osborn
Being in a relationship is often extremely rewarding, as finding that special someone to share life experiences can make for a more enriched life. However, making a relationship last is hard work and one of the best ways to get off on the right foot is to have the “money talk” with the person you love. It can be difficult to discuss, but it is wholly necessary.
In short, the money talk generally means jointly discussing and agreeing on financial goals to make your life together easier and more fruitful. Start by identifying some areas where you and your partner may not be in agreement or have differing habits – for instance, regarding your respective spending and saving mindsets – and then look at areas where your joint finances need work. Perhaps you can set up a budget, or work together or paying down credit card debt.
If you start your life together without discussing finances, you will do neither yourself nor your partner any favors. But having the discussion early on in your relationship – in an open and frank manner, without judging and without raising voices – can benefit you two-fold: It helps you to become accustomed to talking about money together, and it allows you to set – and reach – your goals sooner.
Here are three additional benefits of having the money talk:
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Photo: CPR/RR/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By April Littleton
Two days after Ashton Kutcher’s divorce from Demi Moore was finalized on Nov. 29, Mila Kunis and her former That ’70s Show co-star stepped out together. The couple were spotted getting foot massages together in Los Angeles. Moore and Kutcher announced their separation after infidelity rumors surfaced in 2011. The Jobs actor filed for divorce December 2012. Kunis and Kutcher began dating in April of that same year. “They are very much in love,” an insider told UsMagazine.com. “They are inseparable and try to spend as much time together [as possible].”
Ryan Seacrest has some new arm candy! The American Idol host was seen on vacation in Uruguay with the beautiful blonde, Shayna Terese Taylor, both a model and personal trainer. UsMagazine.comconfirms the two were spotted on Sunday, Nov. 24 smiling and laughing while having lunch at La Huella restaurant. The couple then proceeded to step into the sunshine and head to the beach.
What are some ways to announce your new relationship to family and friends?
Malin Akerman and Roberto Zincone. Photo: Juan Rico/FAMEFLYNET
By April Littleton
According to People, Malin Akerman and husband Roberto Zincone have decided to end their marriage. The Trophy Wife actress, who married Zincone in 2007, gave birth to son Sebastian in April. “[Motherhood is] amazing, the biggest love you have ever felt in your life,” Akerman said after having her baby.
What are some ways to remain civil post-breakup for your child?
The marriage between Clint Eastwood’s daughter, Francesca and Jonah Hill’s brother, Jordan Feldstein is in the process of getting annulled. “It was a goof off,” a family source told People. The lovebirds received a marriage license from Clark County, Nev., Nov. 17 and married that same weekend.
What do you do if you realize your marriage was a mistake?
According to UsMagazine.com, Lady Gaga is finally spilling the beans about her boyfriend, Taylor Kinney. During an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Applause singer revealed that her and her beau have similar personalities. “He is extremely strange, actually, and we complement each other’s weirdness,” Gaga said to DeGeneres. The episode is set to aired Monday, Nov. 25.
What are some important things to have in common with your partner?
Sitting at the park. Photo: michaeljung / Bigstock.com
By Kerri Sheehan
Being a new parent can be difficult, but adding a second or even third child to the family adds a new dynamic to the already-established way of doing things. Most couples don’t realize that expanding a household can lead to sibling rivalry, loss of patience, and, for many, marital turbulence. CupidsPulse.com has gathered some of the best tips and advice from our partners to help you out when it comes to that cute little addition:
1. Siblings: If your son or daughter is accustomed to being an only child, there could be a slight shift in personality when baby number two comes along. Make sure to prepare your other children for their new brother or sister so that they will feel just as happy and eager as you do when the baby comes home. (GalTime.com)
2. Parenting Style: It’s important to remember that every child is different. What worked for your oldest son Johnny may not work for little Ava. Be flexible. Rules of Engagement star Megyn Price recently dished that her daughter Grace is so unique that she has to be spontaneous when parenting. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
3. Work Together: Nobody said it was easy raising children, but when two parents share or take turns getting up in the middle of the night, driving the kids to school, making dinner, and cleaning the house, it can be much easier to handle. Find out if the division of labor in your house is equal. (GalTime.com)
4. Just Because: It can be easy to forget about your partner once you add children into the mix. What better way to make your man feel important than getting him an unexpected present? Here are ten gift ideas for even the pickiest of guys. (YourTango.com)
5. Say How You Feel: In the midst of providing your children with the care and protection that they need, it’s easy to forget to say those three little words that brought you together in the first place. Here are 20 inspirational ways to say “I love you.” (YourTango.com)
As someone who’s dating and marriage history would make the United Nations proud, I am all too aware that the holidays can add additional stressors to one’s search for love. You have to consider the integration of cultural differences as well as contrasting religious belief systems and traditions. After all, Christmas, Chanukah (Hanukkah), Kwanzaa, and many more important days overlap. It’s no surprise, then, that “the most wonderful time” is a great opportunity to create new memories and do some good for others. Whether you’re single, dating, or happily married, here are some basic tips for a happy holiday season:
Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin. Photo: JKING/FAMEFLYNET
By Brittany Stubbs
Ginnifer Goodwin is pregnant! The actress is expecting her first child with her co-star and fiancé Josh Dallas. No details have been confirmed regarding the baby’s due date. Goodwin’s pregnancy is not the only big news the couple has had this season. They also confirmed their engagement to People in October, including their excitement to “celebrate with our friends and family.”
What are some ways to prepare your relationship for a child?
During any long-term relationship, it’s inevitable that you will eventually experience some form of crisis together. Whether it’s a loss of a job leading to financial difficulties, the passing of a loved one causing immense sadness, or some form of addiction that is creating friction, life is challenging, and the stresses that occur can certainly take a toll. During these times, the only choice you have is to pull together or fall apart. So how can you ensure that, while enduring a conflict, your partnership remains resilient and you strengthen your love as a couple? Below are my top recommendations for supporting your partner through a crisis:
Relationships are tricky, and romances can become even more difficult if your mother does not approve of your significant other. Previously, Cupid explored if you should listen when your parents advise you to break-up. Let’s assume you have made the decision to stick with your partner and disregard your parents counsel to end the relationship. What happens next? You have to move forward and try to enjoy your life. Here are some tips that may help you keep the peace, if your mother doesn’t like your partner.
According to UsMagazine.com, the Brazilian bodybuilder Tatiana Neves Barbosa isn’t keeping quiet about her night with Justin Bieber. In an interview with Globo TV’s Fantastico program Neves dropped clues on what happened between the two. “”What do you think, if I was sleeping in the bedroom, just me and him?” she said. The 26-year-old also claimed to have recorded a video of the Boyfriend singer the morning after the night they spent together. “I was sleeping, and woke up,” Neves told Fantastico. “He was sleeping and I was speaking with a girlfriend.”
What are the advantages to not rushing your relationship?
