Celebrate your anniversary in Private Luxury in the City of Love

Going away for your anniversary is the perfect way to re-kindle romance in your relationship and to keep the fire of passion burning. It’s also a great way to spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and routine. Choosing where to stay for a romantic weekend can be challenging. It’s important to get the balance right between relaxation and romance. Choosing a hotel can be difficult, because many hotels are aimed at families and younger groups of travellers, meaning that it’s hard to get any peace and quiet on your own. Another down side to staying in a hotel is that you can sometimes be bound by rules and curfews, disrupted by housekeeping and would have to stick to pleasantries when bumping in to other guests.

One way to escape to an entirely un-disturbed break away and to still enjoy luxury surroundings is to find a house swap. Finding a property that the homeowner isn’t going to be using for a weekend or two allows you to have the entire apartment or house to yourselves as a couple. You can use the home facilities as much as you like and even cook your own romantic meals. Most luxury homes and apartments in a home swapping or house exchange scheme have romantic features like a hot tub, spa bath or beautiful views to enjoy in the privacy of your own (borrowed) home.

It’s not surprising that many couples looking to escape for a romantic break away choose Paris, the city of Love. Home exchange France is very popular, and the type of properties available to stay in for your anniversary range from city centre Penthouse apartments with views over the Eiffel Tower, to hideaway Châteaux and farm house cottages on the outskirts of the city. 

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If you do choose to celebrate your anniversary in France, there is plenty of regional wine and of course Champagne to enjoy. Fresh organic ingredients for a romantic meal for two are always nearby at a farmer’s market and the Belgian neighbours make some fantastic chocolates as well.

Choosing a private house to stay in over a hotel will allow you all the flexibility you need for your romantic anniversary. If it’s a long term relationship, and you are perhaps celebrating a Silver or Gold Wedding Anniversary, then you may choose to invite the family along to stay with you too. The benefit of house swapping is that it is completely flexible. There’s no nightly fee so you can stay as long as you like within the agreed time, or leave early if you please. There’s no reason why the two of you can’t arrive a few nights ahead of the family to enjoy the luxury property to yourselves, and then enjoy the extra space with all of the family around you to celebrate later in the week.

Experience the gift of a great weekend every month

Be honest with yourself, are you making enough of your weekends? Do you make time for yourself and your loved ones or do you secretly switch on your laptop and catch up on work related stuff whilst you wait for your laundry to be finished?

More and more people seem to forget what the weekend is all about. The end of the week should be a time to unwind and do whatever you want to do.  From experience we can tell you that a weekend well spent makes the working week a lot less stressful.  Take two off days to relax and unwind and forget your daily chores to replenish yourself.  If you think you have to wait with having fun until your vacation, think again.

From now on put your thinking cap on and start to celebrate the weekend, every weekend. These tips should help you to get some great ideas.

Become an adrenaline junky

Get out of your comfort zone and try something different. Sometimes it seems people only test their limits when on holiday or abroad. As if your sense for adventure has to be kept quiet for the rest of the year. Sounds ridiculous but is very true for most of us unfortunately. So go out and find your nearest place to go zorbing, rock climbing or skydiving.  

Immerse yourself in culture

Locate a nice museum and spend a day strolling around and admiring the art, history or sculptures within. Many art galleries and museums have special events and expositions during the weekend so it might be worth to check your local newspaper or city magazine for the best tips.  After the museum, enjoy a nice stroll through the park and a delicious meal before heading to the theatre for an evening performance.

Calm down, relax and unwind

Locate your nearest spa facility and book yourself a day, or an entire weekend, of pure relaxation. Visit a spa that offers beauty treatments, professional massages and holistic therapy instead of going to the local sauna for true relaxation.

Take a breath of fresh air

Enjoy the great outdoors, whether it rains or shines. Britain is home to lovely nature reserves and national parks that are worthy of a visit. Think of the gorgeous New Forest, the incredible Lake District and beautiful Dartmoor. These parks have some great recreational activities on offer such as cycling, horse riding, hiking and windsurfing. Explore the surroundings, adore the wild animals and enjoy a great home cooked meal in one of the countryside pubs these parks are rich of.   

And finally, relax

This should be the priority every single weekend. The term relaxing means something different to everyone. Some people like to sleep in whilst others like to rise early and make the most of the day. When planning how to spend your weekend always keep in mind how you want to relax. It has no use to get up early every week when that doesn’t float your boat. The purpose of the weekend is for you to unwind, relax and re-energise yourself. Motivate your friends and family to do the same by surprising them with experience gift packs instead of birthday or anniversary presents.

You two can get away to Lisbon

If want to get away but can't decide on medieval mystery or slick modern shopping why not head to Lisbon, capital city of Portugal? Situated on Europe's Atlantic coast, Lisbon has been the home port of explorers for hundreds of years but still remains an undiscovered treasure of a city, less than two and a half hours by plane from London.

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When to go

Whatever the time of year, the weather in Lisbon is always likely to be warmer and sunnier than the UK. Major sites and tourist attractions, including art galleries and museums, are open all year round, but timing a visit to coincide with one of Lisbon's many religious or cultural festivals, will add extra colour and variety to a trip. Highlights include:

• The Festa de Santo António, 12 to 13 June

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195 and was revered in his lifetime for his compassion and his help with matchmaking and relationships. This two day feast celebrates his legacy with parades, music, dancing and fireworks, plus lots of wine and grilled sardines. Even today single women pray for Saint Anthony's help to find husbands, and newly-weds dedicate gifts in his honour.

• Festa do Vinho, first fortnight in November

Winter visitors may find the Festival do Vinho more heart-warming. The year's young wine is toasted and drunk in vast quantities, music and folk dancing is plentiful, and handicrafts are on sale for some early Christmas shopping.

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Where to stay

With a long history of hospitality to visitors, Lisbon offers a range of accommodation options within easy walking distance of the main attractions. For a short stay, visitors can splash out on the old-fashioned grandeur of the Hotel Metropole overlooking the fountains of Rossio Square.

For a short or longer term budget option, why not consider a local home stay? Shared apartment rentals in Lisbon can be booked through wimdu.co.uk, an online service putting city visitors in touch with locals offering quality-checked spare rooms to rent out. It's a great option for visitors wanting to make the most of local knowledge to enhance their stay.

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What to do

While there are many options on a longer stay, for a short stay there are certain sites and activities that should be on everyone's Lisbon to do list.

The UNESCO world heritage site at Belém is approximately six kilometres west of the centre, and is worth the small effort to get there. The area is important as the place from which Vasco da Gama set sail in 1497 on his two year voyage to discover the sea route to India, thereby changing the balance of world economic and political power. The monastery built to celebrate his achievements is only one highlight of this area. At opposing ends of the human timescale, there are also the National Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Design.

For those with a sense of irony, check out the We Hate Tourism tours.

What to eat and drink

Eating and drinking in Lisbon is what many people come to do. Making the best of its coastal location, seafood is plentiful. The influence of Indian and African spices and French cuisine can also be can also be found in many of the indoor and outdoor restaurants. So even if you have a holiday apartment to yourselves, make sure you venture out for some local dining.

Resources:

• Visitors to Portugal - Official Portugal tourism website
• Lisbon turism - Find out what there is to do in Lisbon
• Vasco da Gama - Wikipedia information on the Portuguese explorer

Wonderbra Men

March 8^th is International Women’s Day. A public holiday in some countries, it is a great opportunity to reflect on how much you respect, appreciate, value and treasure the women in your life.

 

Female friends
Your female friends are very special whether you are a man or a woman. Men say their female friends often fulfill a more emotional role in their lives than their male mates. Not being romantically involved means that, with female friends, men often feel more able to let down their macho facade and show their vulnerability. Women are generally good listeners and can provide a valuable source of emotional support – especially in the area of relationships – while still being up for a laugh. 

 

 

 Mothers
It often isn’t until you lose your mum that you realise how special and unique your relationship with her is. It is a tricky role being a mum, especially to a son, because you naturally want the very best for your boy – and unfortunately most women leave something to be desired when viewed through the eyes of a protective mother. If your mum is very critical of your choice of women remember she only wants the best for you but she may not be the best judge of what that is – you are. 

As well as International Women’s Day, March also hosts Mothers Day on the 18^th. Use this opportunity to show your mum how much she means to you.

 

 

 

Sisters
If you are lucky enough to have a sister you will know that it can be a highly emotive, volatile relationship, with sibling rivalry and competitiveness coupled with fierce loyalty and a sense of permanence – your sister will always be your sister even if you fall out and don’t talk for a while. Sisters are the ones who really understand when you talk about your past and your parents and can challenge you if they think your perception is off. Sisters know and appreciate you in ways no other women in your life ever will. They are great people to ask when you need a female perspective on your online dating profile or a new match – they won’t pull the punches but they might be less likely to be possessive of you than your close female friends.

 

 

Female colleagues
Women have different energies, skills and aptitudes to men and as such are more likely to be able to work alongside you than against you in a competitive way, appreciate the differences. 

 

Author Kathy Lette once said: “It's good to remember that women are each other's human Wonderbras – uplifting, supportive and making each other look bigger and better”. I say men can be human Wonderbras too!

Posh English tackles Ginger Irish

Ideas for the perfect wedding meal

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and careful advance planning can ensure things run smoothly. You want the day to reflect your personalities as well as being a fun occasion for your guests.

One thing couples agonise over is the food. Trying to accommodate the tastes and preferences of all your family and friends can be difficult, so it’s best to keep things simple. A sit-down lunch or dinner is the typical wedding meal, but since most people have months to plan it, why not do something a bit different?

The great outdoors

There are many ways to make your special day stand out. For a summer wedding, the obvious suggestion is to go with an outdoor reception. But you can’t guarantee good weather, and particularly in the UK the climate can be temperamental. A marquee can create an interesting space in a garden party and will offer shelter if it suddenly starts to rain.

If you choose an outdoor option, a picnic on the beach is always a winner. You can spread comfortable seats out on the sand with picnic hampers for each group of chairs, equivalent to tables at an indoor venue. Food hampers are an interesting option, even if your reception is indoors. Use gingham tablecloths teamed with fresh flowers and grass around the dining room, and you can create the feel of a traditional picnic without worrying about being outside in your wedding dress.

Grub’s up

It is important to consider the dietary requirements of your guests. Most wedding venues will offer vegetarian options, but it's also worth finding out whether anyone is vegan, lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat. If you find that you have a lot of guests who will need catering for separately, a buffet may be a better option. Many people have pre-conceptions about buffets as being reminiscent of child’s birthday party, but they can be extremely sophisticated and enjoyable if you go with a good catering company and make sure you sample every dish.


The perfect cake

The cake is the ultimate treat everyone will be waiting for. A traditional iced fruitcake is always a safe choice, but if you want to be a little more inventive, there are many exciting alternatives. Cupcake or macaroon towers are popular and have the right mix of sweet-tooth appeal and decadence. For a bit of fun you could add an ice-cream sculpture or a chocolate fountain.

Personal touches

The most important thing to remember when choosing food for your wedding is that it should match the occasion in tone and style. If you have a small, intimate wedding with close friends and family, it may seem inappropriate to have a six-course sit-down meal after the ceremony. After all, your guests are not there for the food, but rather to share your special day. Something personal will go down better than a gourmet banquet.

Resource box

Designer wedding cakes  

Pan-European wedding planners

Wedding-day advice