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Mamma Fairy

Fairy Travels

Reminiscing about lazy Lanzarote days

Last weekend we had friends over,  we have been friends since way before weddings and kids. A few bottles of wine later, the fours kids between us fast asleep we began chatting about the “old” times (aka pre kids!). One memory that sticks out for all of us was that couples wedding in the beautiful surroundings of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote.

Prior to getting married there they had been multiple times but hadn’t until the week of their wedding. We arrived to balmy evening sunshine on a Saturday in September 2011.  Its was actually our first wedding abroad so we really didn’t know what to expect.

Teguise Market

On the Sunday we took a trip up to Teguise to see the market which afforded us an excellent opportunity to see some of the Island too. I find myself drawn to old architecture and cobbles streets and thats exactly what you will find here with some buildings dating back to 17th century.  Well worth a visit. They sell all sorts of crafts here so do barter and that’s half the fun of it! It really is s lovely way to wile away a few hours.

Puerto del Carmen

beach Lanzarote

Pic Credit – The Mamma Fairy Blog

We were staying in a central villa in the busy tourist town of Puerto del Carmen.  While I can’t recall exactly who we booked it through at the time, I have found lots of similar properties at Holiday Gems.

In Puerto del Carmen you can find pretty much everything you need from bars to restaurants offering most types of food options. If a vibrant nightlife is your thing you will find plenty of it here too!!

Not forgetting the 6km long beach with blue seas where you can pretty much do most of the usual water sports sports from windsurfing, to marine excursions, deep sea fishing and scuba diving. There is also of course plenty bars directly overlooking the beautiful beach.

The Wedding

The wedding took place on the Wednesday in a stunning church just outside Puerto del Carmen however I understand now that non nationals can’t have a church ceremony anymore in the Las Palmas province of Spain. The reception was in the Hotel Fariones which had the perfect setting right on the beach.  I believe recently there is a lot of building work going on at that hotel so worth checking that out before you book this particular one. For anybody looking for information on getting married abroad here is a really useful guide to getting married abroad.

Hopefully one day we will return this time with four kids between us in tow.  While traveling with kids is an altogether different experience its no less magical. Travel is good for the soul and for as long as we can we will keep doing it.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post however I retain full editorial control.

 

Mamma Musings

Snow time fun or not!

After finally emerging from the “beast from the East” and the more recent snow fall I can safely say im pretty much snowed out for the moment. However im reliably informed that we can expect the return of some snow at Easter! Please…..enough now.  It was fun for five minutes but even the kids were glad to see it gone. So what did we learn from snowgate, snowmagedden, the beast from the east!!

  • Stock up, to see the supermarket shelves empty was quite surreal.  The shortages of bread made headlines through out the world and has generated tonnes of funny memes.
  • Snow equals tonnes of washing, the kids needed a full change of clothes every time they came in.
  • I spend more time preparing for the kids to go out side than they would actually spend outside, id guesstimate 30 mins preparation time -hats, scarfs, gloves equated to approximate 3 mins of snow play time!!
  • Community spirit is alive and well.  It was really heart warming to see people out helping to clear drives of elderly neighbours or those who needed assistance, getting shopping for them, bringing hot meals. Nothing like a crisis of sorts to bring people together.
  • We all need to own a pair of good waterproof boots just in case 🙂
  • On a more serious note it is important to keep all those key numbers handy as you just never know who you might need to call not just in the event of a weather emergency but at any time and to be honest not just when there is a emergency. Resources such as Contact Number UK are really useful. I book mark the site so that when/ if I do need a number in a hurry I have a central resource to find it.

According to media reports we haven’t seen snow of this magnitude in over 30 years. Don’t get my wrong I did enjoy playing with the kids, building snow men etc  however I probably wont be sorry if it doesn’t appear for at least another 30 years!!

 

Note: This is a collaborative post.
Features

Engagement Rings 101: Finding Out Her Ring Size

Keeping the wedding proposal a secret has its particular difficulties and attempting to find out her ring size without uncovering yourself can be very tricky. Regardless of which method you pick, you need to be sure you’re going to a trusted jeweller to purchase the engagement ring. 


Take in these tips to get your loved one’s ring size without her finding out. 

Trace her ring on paper.

 

Trace one of the rings she wears regularly on a sheet of paper. Do this a few times more to ensure that the ring is traced exactly as it is. The main reason for this is that you need to get their size correct so that you can get a ring that is not too loose or too tight on her finger. It would be bad if you get the wrong size and she ends up not being able to wear it right after you propose. Check the selection of engagement rings at https://www.serendipitydiamonds.com/. You may even find other ring styles that you may like.

Borrow one of her rings

Another strategy is to borrow one of her rings for some time. Ensure that you get one of the rings that she wears on her ring finger. Once you have the ring, visit a jeweller who can find out the correct ring size. You should be cautious with this approach as you may end up ruining the surprise when she finds out that one of her rings is missing.

If you’re planning to purchase diamond engagement rings for your loved one, take note of the tips we’ve shared to ensure that you get the right size for her ring. 

Ask the assistance of her close friends
Contrary to what other people think, it’s likely less noticeable when one of your loved one’s close friends ask about her ring size. Some of them may even know the answer already. If you want to be extra cautious, you can pick a friend that has an engagement or wedding band. She can let your loved one try it on or they can go to various jewellers or retail stores and see if there are interesting one-off designs they may like. They can even check what sort of setting, stone, and precious metal your partner likes.

Try out your ninja abilities in the event she’s sleeping
This one is another risky move. The first thing you need to do is to prepare a string for when she is sleeping soundly, ideally with hands-free. Precisely measure her ring finger using the string, ensuring it isn’t so tight or loose. Mark the string with a pen and take it to a jeweller. If they are an exceptional sleeper, you may even try a certain type of ring sizer to get a more accurate measurement.

Look at her fingers in comparison to yours. 
This strategy is somewhat more risky. However, if you are daring, just go ahead and give it a shot! While holding her hand, see if her ring finger is comparable in size to one of your fingers. For instance, her ring finger may be as large as yours. This technique isn’t incredibly precise. However, the more ideas you have on her ring size, the nearer you can get!

If you’re planning to purchase an engagement ring for your loved one, take note of the tips we’ve shared to ensure that you get the right size for her ring. 

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

Kitchen extension update

As I have shared a number of times on the blog we are still running quite a major kitchen refurbishment project.  We took on a  mammoth of a 1970’s house which needed total renovation both inside and out.  While I am excited to see the finished product, its been a very stressful couple of years with a number of wobbles along the way.     One of things which was always on my wish list was a big bright and airy kitchen area. I always had visions of having extended family over for lazy lunches and chats around a large kitchen table.  However living at the bottom of a hill surrounded by beautiful but really tall trees, means we get very little natural light and the light we do get comes in the evening time resulting a dark uninviting space.

Roof Lanterns

roof lantern

Pic Credit: Direct Bi-fold doors

We engaged the assistance of an architect who worked with my husband to come up with the best solution given the constraints we faced.  What was decided after much deliberation and google searching was a flat room with a roof lantern. Ill admit I hadn’t heard of nor had I considered a roof lantern prior to this. I suppose my gut feeling was that these feature or statement pieces were for much larger grander projects.  Thankfully over multiple cups of coffee around a make shift table I finally saw sense and decided we would stretch the budget and go with a small size roof lanten.

If your not sure what im taking about see picture opposite of some stunning UK made roof lanterns.  It was totally worth pushing the budget, it floods  the extension with absolutely tonnes of natural light from all angles.  We opted for the triple glazing option due to the proximity to a main road way to minimise the road noise. I expected the frame to be cumbersome and obtrusive  looking. They really aren’t, I suppose improvements in materials and engineering have meant that they can be slimed down so much.

Durability

During the recent “best from the East” or Storm Emma, we has quite significant falls of snow and I was a little concerned about the durability of the glass in such conditions as I dont think any of us expected quite as much snow. I had visions of them collapsing under the weight of such significant sow. I can happily attest to the fact they are still intact and in place and the snow didn’t seem to do them any damage. They retain the heat well in Winter and from what I have experience so far they regulate the temperature well in Summer time.

If like me you are unsure, do go and see them. I know our architect has asked if one of his new clients could have a look a the roof lantern as she is unsure how it would work. Im happy to oblige as I really didnt appreciate them until I saw it in position.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post

 

Features

What is the ideal time to visit Sydney Harbour?

The science behind why Australia experiences its seasons in opposite months is interesting: Australia lies in the lower reaches of the southern hemisphere, where seasons are in reverse order compared to the North America, Europe and most of Central Asia.

Nevertheless, this information very useful for tourists to plan their trip. The Sydney Harbour, for instance, is an incredibly popular location which attracts both domestic and international visitors alike.

Seasons

So what is the best time to visit the historic site is. The answer is autumn (March-May). In this transitional period, Australia is not prone to heavy rainfall or  snow accumulations. This makes the season perfect for visiting the Sydney Harbour.

If you go to Australia to enjoy the coastal beaches, then your visit must be timed differently. Summer which is usually between December and February, is the perfect time for a beach holiday.  However, if you want to see the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge in the flesh, then autumn really is the ideal time. The fall season brings a slight breeze and outdoor friendly conditions.  Furthermore, comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists can be a big plus for some people. 

Whale Watching

Whales start their migration across the Sydney coast during this period. For those seeking a glimpse of the enormous mammals, autumn is the perfect time.  Whale watching is done for sport in Sydney. Viewers can enjoy the experience by the harbour area. They may also travel to the highlands with their binoculars in tow if they are looking for a peaceful vantage point or want to see a panoramic view of the coast.  If you’re fond of nature and the magnificent views it offers, then you must visit the harbour in autumn. 

Outdoor Activities

The idea of taking a stroll by the harbour on a quiet afternoon is delightful. However, if there is energy sapping heat or snowfall then that may spoil the experience. Autumn in Australia avoids these pitfalls. If you want to take a cruise and take in the sights and sounds, you can use services like sydneyprincesscruises.com.au.

Visitors can also participate in a number of events which are planned for this period. Vivid Sydney (pictured opposite) is an annual event typically held in May. The occasion is marked by sublime light shows and concerts. It is perfect for keen photographers and devoted fans of music.

Furthermore, the Easter holiday is celebrated with the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It allows families and friends to come together and revel in the different exhibits that are organised. Food lovers can descend upon the Taste of Sydney festival and try different cuisines.

Autumn represents a time when the majority of tourists have retreated. Temperatures are declining which make the days tolerable and the nights enjoyable. If you really want to experience Sydney Harbour properly, autumn is the month to do it in.

Note: This is a collaborative post

 

Home & Interiors

Why It Pays To Regularly Inspect Your Plumbing

If you are a homeowner, you will most likely have the number of an emergency plumber somewhere on your smartphone which would be used whenever a problem arises, and with very expensive emergency call out charges, it is far wiser to have your plumbing inspected regularly. This is very much a preventative measure, and for those who think that it isn’t important, here are a few of the issues an early discovery can help with.

 

  • Leaking Faucets – That age old saying, “A stitch in time saves nine” could not be more appropriate, and any small leak in your water pipeline system will not magically fix itself, rather it will gradually become worse, and dampness will appear. You should check every month for leaking taps, and replace any that are showing signs of wear and tear. If you would like to fix it yourself, there are various plumbing supplies in the UK available at Trading Depot, and at trade prices, you really can’t go wrong.

 

  • Blocked Drains – It might typically start with a small blockage that doesn’t really affect the water flow, yet more and more foreign objects will attach themselves to the growing obstacle and eventually, you will suffer a total blockage. This can cause major damage to the structure, with plaster and timber affected, and this is why it is a good idea to run hot water in all the sinks which will help to unblock any partial blockages before they become an issue. If you like some help with this, there is a beginner’s guide to unblocking drains online which is full of useful information.

 

  • Minimal Repairs – There will be the odd washer or burst pipe, but with regular inspections, anything that looks a little jaded can be instantly replaced, and that will avoid more expensive repairs at a later date. If you know anything about plumbing, you can carry out any repair work yourself, and with online suppliers of all things plumbing, you can save considerably on the repairs.

 

  • Undetected Leaks – It isn’t always apparent that you have a water leak, as it might be underground outside the home, and over time, this can really cost you a lot of money as your water bill will be unusually high. If you have noticed your water usage creeping up, this could well be the cause, and one way to tell is to turn off all the faucets in the house, then check the meter – which should be stationary. Wait for 15 minutes, then check again, and if the second reading is higher than the first, then you have an undetected leak.

 

More and more homeowners are getting their wrenches out and tackling plumbing issues themselves, and with online suppliers of all the equipment, and online tutorials to help you, fixing your plumbing problems has never been easier. If you make a point of inspecting the entire system every month or so, this will go a long way towards ensuring that everything works as it should.

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

Your Smile Direct – one month Review

Your Smile Direct Review 

Update: 30/10/2020 It appears that Your Smile Direct is now longer in business. If you are in search of an alternative, here’s a helpful list of UK aligner companies.

 

I think we all have that one thing that bothers us about ourselves or something we would perhaps like to change.  For me since I was in my late teens it was my teeth. They didn’t warrant braces as a teen but as I got older and wisdom teeth appeared it changed them a little.  I rarely, if ever smiled in a photo. I became very conscious of them. A number of times I made enquiries about doing something but life got in the way or large outlay house car etc took precedence.

Roll forward another couple of years, add a husband and two kids to an already busy life style and fixing my teeth fell lower down the list of proprieties. One night the kids were in bed perhaps there was some wine consumed! I mentioned it again to my husband, he said do it – go and make enquiries so that is exactly what happened.

I had some criteria in my head, I needed something that didn’t require a massive time commitment as any busy parent will know, time is a precious commodity. I feel silly saying this, I was also quite self conscious of being the wrong side of 30 and having braces so I was naturally drawn to the clear aligners being quite discreet.

 

Why Your Smile Direct

Your Smile Direct ticked all the boxes for me. My initial dealings with them were informative without being pushy. I like that!  A sure way to loose my custom is the hard sell!

The first box to arrive contained little tubs and a tray to make the moulds of your teeth to send back together with some photos from different angles of your teeth.  My top tip here would be to do as many moulds as you can with the putty substance supplied to ensure you have at least one good top and bottom set.

So I did the moulds at home, posted them back and a couple of weeks later a box of aligners arrived in the post.  I received an email in advance with the treatment plan. I needed to change aligners every 2 weeks for 20 weeks.  The process so far was so smooth and I was kept informed at all times. The advice is to wear your aligners all the time except for eating and drinking. Another top tip here is straws become your friend if you need to sip (water only) during the day.

The Verdict so far

I am currently on my 3rd set of aligners and hand on heart im so so happy to date. I never anticipated that I would notice a difference after one month.  The progression in such a short time has filled me with so much excitement for the final reveal. A couple of things to bear in  mind. There certainly is some discomfort for a day or two when you change to your new set but this is to be expected for the required change to occur. It does take a little getting used to, another unintended benefit for me is no snacking! I only take them out for my main meals which has resulted in a dramatic decrease in my nibbling during the day. I used to be cooking for the kids and be eating along with it!

The beauty of Your Smile Direct is the process has just slotted into daily life as a busy working mother to two young kids. All dealings with the team have been professional, helpful and courteous answering any questions in a timely manner. Price wise is it very reasonable and costs a lot less that I expected.

Sometimes mammies need to put themselves first too, having been guilty of saying I don’t have time to do things for myself for many years I am thrilled to be in the middle of this process.  My confidence has increased and my close family have even commented on my teeth.

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Features

Why Should I Hire a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?

Often with medical mistakes, the last people parents think to blame are the doctors. They want to believe that because they are health professionals, they have done the best for their child and that it is perhaps nature’s way what has happened. This might be because they are being made to think that way. Not necessarily out of comfort but to avoid a possible medical negligence claim. Compensation, after all, can be an expensive bill to settle. It is, however, a lifeline to parents needing to support their child who now needs as much care and love that it can be provided with. Love is free but care is expensive.

So, we shall consider in this article the reasons why it might be time to call upon the services of a lawyer specializing in cerebral palsy.

Financial Support

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Financially, it is going to be hard bringing up a child with cerebral palsy. Whether or not it resulted from a birthing injury is irrelevant from a financial point of view, the child still needs to be cared for. Where a birthing injury can be proven, there is a chance of achieving financial stability. There is at least a case that can be fought with regards to compensation.  A specialist cerebral palsy lawyer will know just how to fight it so that your affected child can receive the best care out there to ensure they have as fulfilling a life as is possible, now this has happened. 

Improving the odds on Winning a Case

The odds on a birthing injury resulting in cerebral palsy are thankfully not that high, although high enough, but you can increase the odds when it comes to claiming compensation by hiring the right lawyer. Not one that just knows the ins and outs of the medical profession and how it works, but one that specifically knows what the condition of cerebral palsy means for a child and their family. How costly care can be to look after a child with the condition.

Securing Compensation for a Long Term Condition

Cerebral palsy caused by an injury during birth is lifechanging for the individual involved. The injury caused to the brain is permanent, so there is no chance that those affected will be able to hold down a normal job and earn a decent income for themselves. So, this makes it a condition that requires lifetime financial support, and therefore cases need to end with the families affected receiving the best outcomes financially. Once a settlement has been decided upon, then that is for the rest of a person’s life. That money needs to last for their care for however long a period that might mean. It is a difficult thing to calculate but courts have to decide. A lawyer will push for the maximum compensation possible. A cerebral palsy lawyer will push harder because they know just what impact it is having on a family and what the financial consequences for the future are likely to be.

Peace of Mind

It will provide peace of mind for the future that you fought for your child and secured them the best compensation claim possible. To have provided enough money to look after them for the foreseeable future and beyond will be comforting. Otherwise, you will always have wondered what financial help might have come your way. It is not necessarily about money but also justice for a loved one. Recognition that there was a mistake made when those involved were intent on trying to cover it up or at least were not ready to admit it when so obviously a mistake was to blame.

Helping Others

By putting in for financial compensation, and having a lawyer help you do it, you are also helping others. It might be that the birthing injury to your child was as a result of the hospital being short-staffed, because of tired staff working too many hours in one go, or because the equipment needed updating. Equally, it could have been because correct procedures were not being followed. In this instance, more training may be required for staff. You will have highlighted this with your claim that will be costly to those concerned. It may prevent someone else’s child from being injured in the same way, and avoid their family having to go through what your family has. As with the above heading, it will be “peace of mind” knowing that you have helped someone else. It is rather like allowing for an organ donation to happen despite being in the process of grieving. It is comforting to feel that we are helping others with our actions. Sometimes, we just have to fight for what we believe in, too.

In conclusion, there are many reasons to hire a cerebral palsy lawyer, ranging from the experience and chance of success that they can offer, the financial support that will follow, and the peace of mind that can be had from knowing that we have helped other children and their families by ensuring hospital procedures are constantly being improved.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Fairy Travels

Heikotel Am Stadtpark Hamburg Review

Heikotel Am Stadtpark Review

Its not often I devote an entire post to a hotel itself often favouring to include them as part of trip reports however I feel this hotel deserves a post to itself for a couple of reasons set out below. The Heikotel was our home for three nights while in Hamburg.  It calls itself a premier three star hotel however to be totally honest this label does it a disservice.

Location

The hotel is located about 20 minutes from the central hub of Hamburg. Admittedly at first I was a little apprehensive staying out the centre of the city as travelling with kids can be often mean trips back to hotel for changes of clothes, forgotten teddy etc. However the hotel is less than 5 minutes from an U-bahn station which leaves you in the city in 20 mins.  The U-bahn is so efficient we rarely waited more than two minutes for a train to arrive. I was worried having no German I might find the transport system difficult to navigate – not at all. Is is so easy to follow the signs inside the station and the trains clearly announce each stops location well in advance.

The street itself which the hotel is located is a quiet residential area, which felt very safe.  Just minutes from the hotel were coffee shops, restaurants and a supermarket.  To the far side was the Stadtpark a huge park (over 350 acres) known as the green heart of the city. An ideal spot for the kids to burn off some energy before bed. Everything you needed pretty much on your doorstep when you returned after a days sightseeing.

The Hotel  

The hotel has 46 rooms, a small lobby, workout room, breakfast room and access to the bar in the sister hotel opposite Heikotel Stadtpark Residenz.

The first thing that strikes you when you walk in the door is the impeccable cleanliness. Its the fist thing I notice when I check in somewhere.  The reception is manned 24 hours.  Speaking of receptions, the staff on reception during our stay were very accommodating and helpful.  Upon check in we had an initial wobble with the room allocation which was dealt with swiftly and competently by a lovely girl named Jessica.  I think it says a lot about a place about how any issues are dealt with.  The reception staff were great offering suggestions for food places nearby or local attractions for the kids.  Kids loves the mice sweets at reception!

Our Room

Our Room

The Rooms

The rooms have a lovely calm vibe with warm neutral tones.  We had floor to ceiling windows which gave tonnes of natural light. Our room faced the front and we heard very little noise. The wifi was free and really good. The TV had sky (a plus for the kids!) there was a mini bar and coffee machine and the bathroom had underfloor heating.

The bed itself was so comfortable and adults and kids alike all slept really well.  The bathroom was a good size too, no bath in our room but a great shower with plenty hot water.

Breakfast

Breakfast

Breakfast

I had read a number of review of this hotel prior to arriving so I knew the breakfast had a great reputation.  I can safely say I was not disappointed.  The selection was great, the coffee tasty and both kids and adults ate their fill each morning.  The hotel was busy during our stay with a conference on yet the staff at breakfast were efficient in looking after guests so it didn’t pose any problems at all.  One lovely touch at breakfast was the lady who remembered each morning which coffee we wanted and brought it straight over. For me its little subtle touches like these that add that bit extra to a hotel stay.

Try the scrambled eggs! Honestly my mouth waters every time I think about them – seriously tasty. If you are considering staying here, just trust me on this, book the breakfast, worth every penny. Its €12 for adults and €6 for kids which when you consider the selection and quality in my mind this is really good value and a great way to set yourself up for the day.

Facilities

Bar across the road

The hotel has  a small fitness studio, conference facilities and the use of ipads at reception. We visited the bar across the road in the sister hotel early in the evenings. Its not big but has a good selection of drinks. I understand from staff it gets busy during soccer matches and after 9 in the evening. We were there with kids so we were back in the room long before then! The hotel had no issue calling us a taxi or keeping our luggage while we had a last minute wander while waiting for our flight home.

 

Mamma Fairy Insider tips:

  • Book breakfast – so worth it
  • The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant however if you come out of the hotel and go left there are lots of options of places to eat.  We really liked Tieg Fabrik a pizza place so much so we went back 2 nights in a row!
  • Ask the helpful staff for recommendations, they were so helpful to us especially Jessica
  • The free WIFi is perfectly adequate I think you an purchase high speed but not necessary unless you are perhaps working on laptops remotely
  • Dont fear the U-bahn! I know I did, it was a dream to use. We had the Hamburg Card which gave us unlimited travel and with the stations being barrier free this made the process very simple especially with no German and 2 kids.
  • If you have a buggy/pram or need assistance walking be mindful the local U-bahn doesn’t seem to have any lift or escalator access.  This would make accessing the platform difficult as there are probably 20 or so stops up to it.
  • Taxi from the airport isnt expensive if you didnt fancy braving the Ubahn with luggage. However do bear in mind if you have 2 kids you might need to consider bringing one car seat. A lot of taxis had one seat so thankfully we had one with us for the oldest.

Booking

Bookings can be made directly with the hotel for the best value including pre booking breakfast and early check ins.  Prices start at €79 upward for s double room excluding breakfast which is very good value for a hotel of this calibre.

For additional reviews of this hotel check out Diary of Jewellery Lover who also stayed here recently.

For a sneak peak into what else we did on our trip to Hamburg we have a short clip below.

 

Note: We were provided with complimentary accommodation as part of this trip as part of our participation in the Come to Hamburg Project. We retain full editorial control and all view are mine of my family where appropriate.

 

Mamma Musings

Acting Your First Date

To win a guy over on the first date, you need to leave an excellent first impression. In most cases, you may feel nervous and anxious, but always remember that a date is an opportunity to have fun and interact with someone new. According to experts, a good first impression means that you have to be confident. This includes dressing decently and comfortably and selecting a place where you will have fun together.

It is important to note that being yourself and maintaining originality are the secrets to a great first date, and they increase the chances of securing a second date. Furthermore, ensure that you have a great conversation by talking about your life and getting to know about his life. Here are some tips on how to have a great first date with a guy;

 Dress Comfortably and Appropriately For the Occasion

When going out, select clothing that will make you feel confident and comfortable. For example, if the venue for your date is at a restaurant in the city, wearing your fancy clothes can be a good choice. Nonetheless, for most partners, jeans and a form-fitting shirt will be appropriate.

Apart from dressing comfortably and appropriately, wear clothes that will showcase your confidence and personality. This means that you should settle on your favorite outfit that displays your best traits.

Keep Your Conversation to Relevant Topics

holding hands heart shape

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Nowadays, Happymatches is making meeting your soulmate online so much easier. However, online dating is different from a real meetup.  Avoid topics that will leave a negative impression. According to experts, keep calm, relax, and maintain a sober mood. Related topics may include the latest movies you have watched and some of your favorite songs. Issues such as your ex-boyfriend are irrelevant, boring, and can destroy the mood of the date.

You can ask his opinion on various aspects of life. However, avoid overtalking and instead be a good listener. Remember to maintain etiquette when it comes to matters you may disagree with him on.

Share Details About Your Life

Sharing details about your life allows him to get to know you better. You can do this by sharing your goals and ambitions in life. You can add in some funny childhood stories and real-life experiences that you have encountered. Doing this creates a relaxed atmosphere to start up other conversations, which helps you to connect better.

Always remember that stories about your life displays your personality to him and also shows him that you have a life outside of the relationship.

Touch Him Gently to Convey Interest

Most guys are nervous about crossing into your personal space. You can break the touch barrier with some light gestures. Creating some light contact usually makes a date feel less tense. You can pass your hands gently over his as if trying to reach for something. As you do this, carefully look for his reaction and avoid overdoing it since this can create a wrong first impression.

Discipline and Good Manners Are Essential

Good manners and discipline attract the right guy. Be polite to everyone around you and be respectful by being responsible for your behaviour. Apologizing when you make a mistake and maintaining a polite voice can win you a second date with him. Avoid substances such as alcohol that might make you misbehave.

Note: This is a collaborative post