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When you're over 30 and single, sometimes it feels like the odds are stacked against you. You want to find someone special, but it seems like everyone else is coupled up. Don't worry – we've got your back! This blog post will give you eight science-backed tips to make your first date unforgettable. So whether you're meeting a new flame for coffee or dinner, read on for some tips to help make the night go well.

1) Start with a positive attitude:

It's been scientifically proven that having a positive outlook about the date can make it more enjoyable for both parties. Even if things don't go according to plan, stay optimistic and be open-minded about new experiences.

2) Engage in conversation:

Studies have shown that people are more attracted to others who listen intently and ask thoughtful questions. So put away your phone and engage your date in good conversation – ask them questions (but not too many!) and really listen to what they say.

3) Smile more:

Smiles are incredibly contagious – research suggests that smiling more can make your date feel more at ease and even make them smile back. So don't be afraid to show off those pearly whites! Wahroonga Dental will make sure your teeth are looking their best before the big date.

4) Find common ground:

Look for topics you both have in common and use them to spark a conversation. Do they like the same type of music as you? Did they recently read the same book? Discussing shared interests can be an effective way to create a connection with someone.

5) Let go of expectations:

If you want your first date to be successful, it's important to let go of any unrealistic expectations or anxieties about how it should play out. Enjoy the moment and focus on getting to know each other without putting too much pressure on yourselves.

6) Self-care:

It's important to take care of yourself before any date. Make sure you get enough rest the night before, eat a good breakfast in the morning, and engage in calming activities like yoga or meditation if they help.

7) Dress appropriately:

Your attire should reflect how you want your date to remember you. Avoid anything too flashy or revealing – instead, opt for something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You should also make sure you smell nice, but don't overdo it with cologne or perfume.

8) Make eye contact:

When someone looks into your eyes while they're talking to you, it will make you look more confident in yourself. It also helps create an emotional connection between two people – so don't be afraid to look into their eyes when speaking or listening.

Having a successful first date isn't impossible – it just requires some planning and preparation. Be sure to follow these eleven science-based tips, and you'll be sure to make a great impression! Who knows, maybe your first date will even lead to the beginnings of something special. With time, patience, and mutual respect, anything is possible. Good luck!

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post.

Sex makes you smarter, as scientific research showed this week. And that is not the only reason why sex is good for you. Lustplugs lists ten scientific studies that all show the same thing: sex is healthy and here are the reasons.

1. It is a good workout

During a study last year, people were equipped with an armband that measured their energy consumption. The decision by the researchers: "Sexual activity is - at least in some cases - a serious training."

2. Sex makes you happy

Studies show that sex makes us happier, are numerous. But a recent study shows that we are the happiest when we think we have more sex than our friends. "Happiness is positively proportional to your own sexual frequency, but inversely proportional to the sexual frequency of others," the researchers said.

3. You live longer

A scientific study of men of average age in Wales showed a link between the number of orgasms and the chance of dying. The risk of dying for men who had an orgasm at least twice a week was fifty percent lower than for men who did it less than once a month. Another study, among women, showed that for them, especially quality, and not quantity, is a determining factor for a longer life.

4. Sex prevents heart disease

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that men who have sex at least twice a week are less likely to have heart disease than those who do it less often. There would also be a similar connection for women.

5. It reduces the risk of cancer

Sex can reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. According to scientists, this is due to the release of the hormones oxytocin and DHEA before and during orgasm. For men, the connection is impressive. Research shows that the risk of prostate cancer decreases by 15 percent with each increase with three ejaculations per week.

6. It reduces stress

Not that we need science to prove this, but it has been researched several times. Sex has a stress-reducing effect due to the release of oxytocin in an orgasm. A small side note: masturbation does not reduce stress.

7. Sex is a natural painkiller

Headache is not a good excuse to abstain from the act. Research has shown that an orgasm can relieve migraines, back pain and menstrual pain. This too has to do with the release of hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins.

8. It gives you confidence

Bad sex can make you feel bad - but good sex does the opposite, especially with women. A study of young married women, which appeared in Planned Parenthood, found that positive sexual experiences increase self-confidence. And masturbation also proved good for self-confidence.

9. It is good for the immune system

Whoever has sex once a week has a higher immunoglobulin level, according to a 1999 study. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that prevent infections. A negative point: if you have sex more often, the number of antibodies starts to decrease again.

10. Sex makes you smarter

Recent studies show that sex is good for the brain. Report number one comes from a group of Koreans and Americans who observed rats. Rats that had a lot of sex created new neurons in the brain. That is related to a working memory. Rats that have sex are getting smarter. A second study, in November, focused on mice. In mice, sex led to better performance in memory tests.

*Disclosure: This is a collaborative post *

Nearly everyone has had at least one Date Night Failure in their lifetime, Whether they never see the person again on not its always funny to share it!

Today We Have Fiona From Savvy In Somerset Sharing Her Story.

What was your worst date?My worse ever date actually happened on Valentine's day a few years ago. It started with me cooking a lovely meal for my boyfriend and ended with a lot of vomit and a call to 111.

Who was it with? (someone online, your partner?)

The date was with my then boyfriend, now husband. 

What made it a failure?

For Valentine's day, I decided to cook my partner a really nice meal - it was actually one of his favorites, slow-cooked ribs and I spent all day checking the food and fussing as you do when you've not been together long and it's a special occasion. We ate dinner, the food was lovely and we snuggled up in bed to watch a movie. 

Then out of the blue, he got a migraine. The first stage of which, for him, is being violently sick.

 Cue him throwing up the ribs I'd spend all day lovingly preparing all over my bedroom floor. 

Did anything embarrassing happen? 

Like most people who suffer from migraines, he can't tolerate any light while he's unwell. At the time we were living at my parent's house while we saved up for a place of our own, so there wasn't anywhere else he could go and he was in so much pain he didn't want to move anyway. I cleaned up the sick the best I could in the dark.

 I then gave him what I thought was his emergency migraine medication. A few minutes later I realized I'd given him his daily migraine prevention meds instead. 

Ended up spending over an hour on the phone 111 trying to figure out if he needed an ambulance and whether he could have his emergency meds on top of whatI'd given. In the end, they decided his body could handle it a he's a quite a big guy but if he had any adverse reactions to phone an ambulance.

 Honestly felt like a right muppet. 

Did you see each other again? Would you? 

We stayed together and are now married with a baby daughter. 

Rate your date 1-10

3 out of 10. Good food and company bad everything else. 

Any advice?  

It's so easy to over-hype occasions like Valentine's day and thinks they have to be perfect. Really all you need is someone who'll still love you even when they throw up the food you've cooked :) 

You Can Find Fiona Here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/savvyinsomerset

Instagram: www.instagram.com/savvyinsomerset

Twitter: www.twitter.com/savvyinsomerset

I blog at www.savvyinsomerset.com

Have you had a failed date? Share yours in the comments below.

Nearly everyone has had at least one Date Night Failure in their lifetime, Whether they never see the person again on not its always funny to share it!

Today We Have Alice From In Sheffield Sharing Her Story.

What was your worst date?, Who was it with? (someone online, your partner?)

My worst date was a tinder date, after talking for about a week we decided to meet up in a local bar, I got there a little earlier and an older man was at the bar. After a while it seemed I’d been stood up, I sent a ranty text to my tinder date only for this guys phone to go off. What made it a failure?, Did anything embarrassing happen?
Turns out he’d been using a picture of himself from about 10 years ago! And was the definitely mid-30s (I was 23 at the time). I asked why and he got really embarrassed about it all etc. But no I never did see him again or would want to.

If he’d just been honest and upfront who knows but these things can’t be based on lies from the start Rate your date 1-10 2! (I mean I got a drink at least ) Any advice? Advice would be, definitely check out why you’re meeting on Facebook if possible beforehand pictures can be deceiving

You can Find Alice HERE: Blog link - www.aliceinsheffield.com
Social - twitter.com/aliceinsheff Insta-Instagram.com/aliceinsheff
Facebook-Facebook.com/aliceinsheff
Pinterest-Pinterest.com/aliceinsheff

Have you had a failed date night? Share yours in the comments!!

Nearly everyone has had at least one Date Night Failure in their lifetime, Whether they never see the person again on not its always funny to share it!

Today we have Jo from A Rose Tinted World sharing her experience.

At the start of 2012, I had recently split with a long term boyfriend of 8 years. Having just turned 40, all my mates were in long term relationships or married. There was not going to be many ways that I would be meeting eligible guys. So I turned to online dating as a way of meeting that 'special someone’.

I joined eHarmony, Match.com, and POF. I was determined if nothing else! Pretty soon messages came in, and I started to meet some of the guys that messaged me online.

I actually had several really strange dates, but one of the funniest was with a bank manager from North Yorkshire.

His profile looked promising. He had been married before, but he looked quite trim and youthful for his age. We seemed to have a lot in common so I decided to meet him in the center of town for a drink and perhaps dinner.

Now I am only 5 foot 3, but when I turned up in my heels (which were not the highest) I was horrified to discover that he was shorter than me! His profile had said he was 5 foot 9. 5 foot 9 my arse! Furthermore, his profile photos were definitely from a much earlier time. I thought that he'd looked quite young in his profile. Not surprising seeing as I think he'd used photos from the previous decade!

As we sat and had a drink, he started to tell me a little more about himself. Namely his very messy divorce and how he was trying to hide money from his ex-wife so she wouldn't get her hands on it. I was both horrified and agog. It was like listening to a real-life soap opera.

We moved into the restaurant. And as we sat down he said loudly "Rather poncy in here innit?" As the waiter came over to show us the menu and the specials board he even commented to the waiter about how expensive everything was! If the floor could've opened I'd have been glad to be sucked down into oblivion…

Instead, I finished my (very lovely) meal. As did he. And when the bill came, I wasn't shocked to hear him exclaim at the price. But then he turned to me and said: "Well, you can pay half, considering you're a dentist”.

Now, I would have happily offered. But that is no way to treat a lady.

At the end of the night, we said our goodbyes, and I think I chuckled in the taxi all the way home at how horrendous it had been. 

He kept on sending me texts after that asking if we could meet up again. But no, he didn't make it to date number 2!

My date gets a 3 out of 10, for pure entertainment value. 

My advice would definitely be to be picky when dating. Don't settle for anything less than the best because you are definitely worth it. But do remember, you may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince or princess! I got a bit disheartened after a while, but finally met someone online in 2014 and now we have a lovely little girl.

I’m Jo and I blog at https://www.arosetintedworld.co.uk

I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arosetintedworld

On Twitter at www.twitter.com/arosetintdworld

And on Instagram at www.instagram.com/arosetinted

Nearly everyone has had at least one Date Night Failure in their lifetime, Whether they never see the person again on not its always funny to share it! 

Today we have Jade From Mummies Waiting telling her story of her date night failure!

What was your worst date? The first proper ‘date’ I had with my husband.

Who was it with? (someone online, your partner?) At the time he was the boy I met in the park. We were chatting online (my friends didn’t like him, so that made me want to talk to him haha!) He posted a ’status’ on his MSN (get me old ’skewl’) which said ‘did you know you can go to prison for blogging’ I thought he was making a dig at my newly formed blog so I messaged him to start an argument. However we got on really well and ended up arranging a date.

What made it a failure? He met up with his friend and brought his friend and his son with him. We went to Pizza Hut and at the end of the meal he paid for himself, his son and his friend, but didn’t pay for me. Later he decided he was going to sneak money into my bag! But then changed his mind.

Did anything embarrassing happen? He asked me to take his toddler to the bathroom to change his nappy! I hadn’t met him before! Stupidly I did. (Apparently he thought that only women toilets had a changing table, not sure what he would have done without me there then!)

Also, to this day, he tells me that when we all ordered a sharing cookie dough for dessert I ate out all. I don’t believe I did, but hey if so, he can’t complain that I eat everything now can he?! He knew what he was getting himself in for!

Did you see each other again? Would you? Well I married him, so I guess I would date him again!

Rate your date 1-10 I’ll give him a 10… but just incase he reads this!

Any advice? Just because a date seams bad, doesn’t;t necessarily mean they are bad. It could be a silly husband in disguise!

www.mummieswaiting.com

www.instagram.com/adisneykindaday

www.twitter.com/mummieswaiting

www.facebook.com/mummieswaiting

www.youtube.com/mummieswaiting

I’ve attached two pictures. Then and Now.

While during the day you ooze out all of that confidence in certain things you do when you get to the bedroom its a whole new ballpark, sex isn't always a walk in the park like it looks in the movies, you may accidentally butt heads, you may 'scream the wrong name' (OH SHIT), and you may not look like how you imagined in your head...

Body confidence in the bedroom is a bitch! Even those of you who consider yourself an 'expert' in the sack can feel like this! But don't worry its so normal! Confidence doesn't grow overnight so here are some tips for the now and the rest will grow with you.

1. Your partner will more than likely have insecurities too, we're all human after all!

2. Concentrate on your arousal, thinking about how you look will turn you off, try and concentrate on the sensations.

3. Turn off the lights? It's not the greatest solution but not being able to see your body will take your mind off it all and heighten your other senses.

4. Do some sexy research... Look online, maybe even watch some porn (just don't expect your sex to be like this), maybe even try to learn some new techniques?
 

5. If all else fails, create a sexy alter ego... Imagine being this sexy superstar and bring that into the bedroom, Imagine she's fearless in the bedroom and hopefully that will help!

Just remember that the chances are your partner actually likes you ...every part of you and isn't thinking anything critical about you at all, anyone who does isn't worth your time, your a goddess let him treat you like one. 

It's only sex- just enjoy it!

When being a parent, it's hard to find time for your relationship to grow let alone to have a healthy sex life too. Well, stick around, I'm going to give 5 ideas to spark your sex life.

1. Kiss More Often: When you first meet you can't get enough kisses but after that 'honeymoon' period it tends to die down, make sure you kiss more often, it doesn't have to be full on tongues but a deep meaningful kiss can help a lot and may even lead to the bedroom.
2. Be Seductive: No matter how long you've been together, 4 weeks or 4 years, try making an effort to seduce your partner, wear something sexy, light some candles, give a massage, be close to one another.
3. Schedule Sex: Don't read this as 'I'm just gonna put it in my calendar sex' plan where you're going to do it, what you're going to wear, what position you want to try, Spice it up
   Plus you can work around when the kids are out or at events ect.
4. Keep sharing your desires: Tell your partner what your sexual desires are, make a plan to try one of those desires once a month or even a year.
5. Try Some Toys: Now we know toys are not for everyone and I don't mean make him strap you down and force you to orgasm, little toys like a vibrator or a ring can make all the difference.

Photo by Lela Johnson from Pexels

Comment below and let me know how you keep the magic alive in your sex life?

Having sex after having a baby or even with older children in the house is a mission in itself, we all get the urge to have a 5min quickie while the kids are watching Paw Patrol and the nuggets are cooking, but we all know that you need more than that for a relationship to keep alive! So we've collaborated with Lovehoney to show you how to spice up your sex life after having kids!

Clothing: Simple sexy lingerie or even a new bra and pants set can get you some good action, he may still love you in your breastfeeding bra and sweatpants but making an effort will definitely make it more fun and exciting, pick a simple lacy bra or even a baby doll to cover you mum-tum if you want to.

Sex Toys: Some of you may be shocked or even a virgin to toys in the bedroom but toys are a brilliant way to spice up your sex life, a smile vibrator can make the world of difference for both of you check out these vibrator gift sets from Lovehoney.

Light Bondage: A blindfold or some handcuffs can really spice up the moment, maybe even try using a feather tickler for some added sensual moments. If you like more than this Lovehoney sells a wide range of bondage toys and accessories.

Massage: Who doesn't love a massage right?! Well, i do! and  Lovehoney sells a lickable massage oil, it's absolutely amazing and tastes good too! It's always nice to get a massage and 99% of the time turns into sex, just don't fall asleep!

Sex Cheques: Some of you may be asking 'Whats a sex cheque?' or some may have used them before but they are essentially a cheque you write on, you put what sexual deed you are offering and give them to your partner to 'cash in' whenever they want, you can be so adventurous with this and have lots of fun.

Romance: Romance is in the air! at least it will be soon! You love your partner and they've probably been at work all day and crave some TLC, well nothing screams I love you like a bath full of bubbles and a glass of wine to share together, set the mood and maybe light some candles, play some music and just relax in each others company...maybe it will lead to something more ;)


Lovehoney Wild Weekend Mega Couples Sex Toy Kit Review:

So as part of my collaboration with Lovehoney they sent us a couples sex toy kit to review, it is a brilliant kit, with 11 specially selected toys for sexy fun in endless erotic combinations, including an all-time favourite rabbit vibrator and dinky butt plug for first-time anal fun, we had lots of fun with this kit already and it has really spiced up our sex life, my favourite toy has to be the vibrating cock ring as its pleasure for both of us and nice and small so it doesn't get in the way. The set really is worth the money and we will definitely be buying more from Lovehoney, the packaging was so discreet and I had no idea what it was until I opened it, Overall I would give this set a 10/10 and recommend it to anyone! (and that's honesty they don't tell me to say this!) 

Oh, plus the kit comes with jiggle balls ladies! Tone up that pelvic floor ;)

Let me know in the comments if you have some tips on having sex after having kids?!

Much Love
Mumma
X

*This is a collaborative post with Lovehoney, These are my own opinions and reviews*

So your getting married, or you may have just got married (Congratulations!!) and you're planning your perfect honeymoon? Well, I have some tips for you, whether you're going via Airport or ferry or taking the family, the kids or just going alone as a happy couple I want to help you make sure you have a vacation to remember.

Make a budget: Setting a budget is vital to the planning process, the average honeymoon costs around £2500 but when you plan carefully and use the right agents you can get it for much lower, Just make sure you stick to your budget unless you can really afford to splash out!

Find a trusted agent: Finding the right travel agent is a must, someone who will take care of all your special needs and wishes to try and make sure you have the most magical time possible, I LOVE Holiday Gems - Check Them Out Here.

Picking the perfect destination: France, Spain, Italy, America, there are so many places to choose from, maybe you have one in mind already but maybe you're stuck, do you have somewhere you've been before and loved? is there somewhere you have always wanted to go together? If you still have no idea try putting names in a hat and picking one, you never know it may be amazing!

Choosing The Perfect Hotel: Picking the perfect hotel is such an important step, do you want a nice little beachside resort, do you want to be near a family fun park or a strip of restaurants? 

Make sure that the hotel/resort will have all you will need for your stay or have a bus/tram that can take you to a town close by. 

If you're planning on being all inclusive make sure that the restaurant can cater for any dietary requirements you have or any special food warming facilities you need (if you're taking young children).

Honeymoon with children: If you already have children you'll probably be taking them with you on your honeymoon, now I personally can't think of anything better than spending our honeymoon with our children, we'd have just become a family and it's a fun way for them to celebrate too, but you may also want some alone time as newlyweds so maybe try out the kids club or the babysitting services of the hotel to get the few hours of quality time to yourselves.

With Family/Friends: Going on a honeymoon with family and friends is always fun, I went with my sister and her husband to Disneyland Pairs and it was lovely, but they still wanted their alone time too, so don't forget to just be honest with the people you're with, unless you love the company! 

Travel documents: Make sure that when you book your honeymoon you don't use your married name, most of the time your married name won't match up to whats on your legal documents and you won't be able to travel.

What NOT to forget: There's always something you forget so heres a little checklist just incase:

• passports/travel docs (EHIC if you're going to Europe)
• medications
• Currency (so much cheaper to buy before you get to the airport)
• Travel Insurance
• Contraception ;)
• Adapter plugs
• Camera
• Chargers
• The kids ;)

I really hope these tips help and you have an amazing honeymoon where ever you go!

Let me know in the comments if you have any tips.

Much Love

Mumma

X

*This is a collaborative post*

WERE GETTING MARRIED!!

So me and Mike have been engaged for a while and we think its time to tie the knot! Nothing big just a small Intermit thing at the registry office and a nice meal with our family and a few friends.
Don't worry, Ill still be wearing a wedding dress and dressing the kids up too but were not going all out, Here's why...

Money:
So money is a big issue, we both discussed and we don't see the point of having a big wedding and spending 2/3k on a day/night that will just be forgotten about, it just seems like a big waste of money, so we've decided to go small and save that other money for a new house and a new bed!

Sense:
Its makes total sense that we do this the small way, we both agreed we just want to marry each other I couldn't care where or if I was surrounded by everyone its our day so why go big just to please everyone else?!

Family:
Mike has a huge family, none that he really talks to or gets on with, they all live about 200miles away so them being here would be lovely but probably isn't doable. We will invite his parents and if they turn up they turn up! My family all live around me - bar my sister who is 2 hours away but can easily get here by train.

Dates:
So were going to marry in a registry office but will only be aloud 2 witness' with us, so we have to get married on a mon, tues or wed, we've decided to have it in the Easter half term so the kids can be with us too, its fitting cause that's when we all legally become family :D

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
honestly I probably have a list as long as my arm for bridesmaids but I am literally only having 2 and that's my daughter Lilli and mikes daughter Megan, same with Olli and Laten as Pageboys, were not buying extra cute but bloody expensive dresses, just something that ties in with our colours and looks smart :D

Vows:
Now because were going in a registry office they have set vows so were planning to just say them outside when were done so everyone else waiting can hear too :D I don't have anything prepared but its a whole year away so I think it can wait!

Dress and suit:
My dress is just perfect and I'm so excited to get it (first I want to loose a little weight) Its From a site called Stacees.co.uk and its just beautiful tea length dress with lace and ill be wearing it with frilly white socks and converse (with crystals added to them)as you can tell I'm not a heels girl!!
Mikes suit (which he hasn't chosen a colour for yet) will probably be skinny fit with braces and a bow tie and also with converse too!

Meal:
We're just going for a meal after with some family and friends, id be happy with a burger king but we're going somewhere a little bit more classy like the Olive Garden or Porterhouse, just somewhere with a bar and that lets us bring our own wedding cake :D

I'm so excited, Were so excited! I have lots of planning and lots of saving to do too!
So lets get married! Ill update soon!

Much Love
Mumma
X

I always love a bit of fun in the bedroom, I mean who doesn't? So I stumbled upon Love Drop on twitter and they said they'd send me a box to review! Instantly I was bloody excited and trying to guess what was going to be in it, I knew it would have a sex toy, but other than that I was baffled.

After reading a little more about what Love Drop is about I instantly fell in love with their idea!
Love Drop is about having those all Important dates especially in a long term relationship, dates are important for keeping the spark alive and what better place to have one than the bedroom ;)
The box is a bi-monthly subscription for couples who will receive a designer sex toy, and some romantic gifts and intimate activities.

Love Drop Says: "Society focuses so much on ‘dating’ and how exciting that is, but it’s almost as if once you’re in a long-term relationship then that's seen as ‘boring' and we lose interest… We disagree and want to make a difference!"

So anyway on to the box...

The box got delivered and I literally and no idea what it was, it was super discrete and literally could of been anything, Its packaged in a bag and bubble wrap to keep it secure too (all that for free delivery! bonus!)

The contents of the box I received were:

• Couples Sex Toy - Lelo - Nya
• 2x Lelo - Hex Condoms
• 2x Lelo Lube
• A Devine Chocolate bar
• A Set Of Love Drop Prompt Cards
• 1x Melt Co - Joy Candle

All these items are bloody good quality and defiantly give you the excitement in the bedroom (or any other place you wish) you want!

The Toy..

Now I know you all just want to know about the toy...Well here it goes, its small, pretty, its powerful, its rechargeable and its a couples toy! It has like a million and one different speed settings or pulse settings, the charge is pretty quick and lasts ages and did I mention its really pretty?!

The RRP for the Lelo Nya is £69 and I would defiantly say its well worth it for a couples toy!

If you want to know more just watch the Vlog below of the unboxing and let me know in the comments what you think?!

Much Love

Mumma

X