by QuickieChick Laurel House

You've been going strong for months, years, or even mere weeks in some cases, and you are finally going to meet each others parents over the holiday. That's a pretty lofty step! One that can be simultaneously exciting, stressful, and fraught with expectations. By being prepared and planning ahead (even if that plan is only devised on the plane trip over) you can quickly take the edge off and make the meeting easy, and even fun for everyone!

BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Think about Staying at a Hotel
Why? You are creating a space for some privacy and some couple alone time.
2. Talk about the expectation of couple time with the family.
Why? Private couple time isn't about being selfish, it's about being conscious of your significant. If you set the expectation before you go, you minimize the risk of confusion and awkwardness.
3. Bring a gift.
Why? If you are meeting his parents, you should bring a gift. If he is meeting yours, he should bring a gift. But help each

Read More »from 10 Tips for Meeting the Parents Over the Holidays

Although it may seem that many of us found our knights in shinning armor, beneath that armor is a man -- a strong, intelligent, handsome, and yet sometimes oh-so-annoying man. Of course, we're all flawed, and surely there are things we women do that annoys our significant others too. But men -- no matter how many times we tell them -- seem to continue with their frustrating manners, sometimes seemingly out of spite. Or maybe they're just oblivious. I've rounded up 7 said habits, and as you browse the list, I'm sure you'll find at least one or two commonalities between my husband and your beau. Click through for 7 annoying things all men do! - By Krishann Briscoe

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Read More »from 7 Highly Annoying Habits of Men...But We Love Them Anyway

Survive Singledom on Christmas!





Posted by James Lane for Bounceback.com

On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me...

Nothing. Because I'm single.

The holidays are right around the corner, and those who are in relationships are busy hopping between department stores in search of the perfect tie clip or perfume bottle. And those that are single? Well, let's just say we are busy trying new cookie recipes and dressing our pets in Santa hats.

Just Kidding. But, if I had a pet…

Anyways, the month of December really makes being single difficult. First there is Christmas (or Hanukah) and then New Years Eve quickly follows. We don't get a minute to breathe from not opening a gift from someone special to not kissing someone special at midnight. Maybe the Mayans were right. And I am sure most single people are crossing there fingers.

But there is so much more to be joyous about this holiday season than not having someone to kiss underneath the mistletoe. Think of all the friendships you

Read More »from A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Six of Chalices card reversed suggests that the good old days may not have been that great. The process of letting go of the past could be long overdue, especially now that the flattery or romantic advances are no longer enough to allow yourself to be taken for granted or feel belittled, patronized or objectified. You may have been avoiding a confrontation with childhood pain, abuse, dysfunction, mistakes or abandonment. Acknowledging this youthful suffering, loss of innocence or rejection that might have taken on larger-than-life proportions or could be influencing your current relationships. It may also be the first step in a reality check that can ultimately help you to become more emotionally connected to your own desires and needs or to rekindle passion, beauty and simple pleasure in your life.

Free Sample Balancing Act Tarot Reading

Check your horoscope on Shine.

Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily Love Tarot - Tuesday December 18, 2012

We spend so much time trying to figure out how to get through to the men in our lives that we figured, why not just ask? Next time you're ready for a little something different, trot out one of these man-approved lines and see where it gets you! By Holly Corbett, REDBOOK.

"I love when you drink beer and watch sports on the couch." - Steve L., 46

"Dinner is ready!" - John M., 28

"Let me wash the dishes." - Ant V., 38

Related: 100 Gifts Under $50 for Everyone on Your List

"Thank you for helping with the kids today." - Steve V., 39

"Alright honey, we won't sell your truck to get a minivan." - Jeremy M., 34

"Why don't you take a man day for yourself?" - Mark K., 38

"The massage table is set up and the oil is warming." - Shane L., 35

"You mean a lot to me and I'm proud of how hard you work for our family." - Chris B., 43

Related: 25 Sweet Ways to Say "I Love You"

"Your penis is perfect." - Brandon C., 25

"It's so nice to be able to share my life with you." - Phil B., 37

"I decided

Read More »from 16 Phrases All Guys Love to Hear

In this high-stress season, it's no wonder you're ready to bite your hubby's head off every so often. But take a step back, and follow this expert advice to avoid a major meltdown and keep the peace in the long-run. By Holly Corbett, REDBOOK.

It may seem like you're hearing about holiday stress and relationship drama everywhere - with your friends, in the news, and at work. "Lots of anxiety gets created when you're bombarded with these negative messages," says Vagdevi Meunier, PsyD, a certified Gottman Couples Therapist and licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Austin, TX. "If you start thinking like this, every little thing becomes a fight with your partner. But if you go into the holidays with the attitude that you're both going to have a great time, you'll be much more likely to do so." Follow Dr. Meunier's tips to stay connected and avoid blowups - even when your mother-in-law tries her best button-pushing tactics.

The holiday fight: You hardly ever see

Read More »from The Holiday Fights All Couples Have

Kelly Clarkson is engaged!Kelly Clarkson received the holiday surprise she's been hoping for!

The Grammy-nominated pop singer, 30, confirmed her engagement on Twitter earlier this evening: "I'M ENGAGED!!!!! I wanted y'all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever," she wrote.

Related: 15 Hot Celeb Couples

Her new fiánce, Nashville-based talent manager Brandon Blackstock, 35, popped the question with a stunning canary yellow diamond ring by Johnathon Arndt:
Kelly Clarkson's engagement ring.

The former American Idol winner hasn't shied away from publicly declaring her desire to marry Blackstock, who she's been dating for about a year. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show last month, she gushed, 'We're totally gonna get married one day... I mean, he's gotta put a ring on it on some point. But I'll wait it out." She also predicted that "we will totally probably elope" and her ideal wedding will be intimate and low-key.

Best known for writing breakup anthems like "Stronger (What

Read More »from Kelly Clarkson is Engaged!

by Brides

Brides' editor Heather Lee has handpicked her favorite wedding cakes, from classic, modern creations to playful, whimsical confections. Whether you're tying the knot in a casual garden ceremony or a stately, glamorous ballroom, we've found a gorgeous cake for you.

More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
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The Most Beautiful Cakes in America
Read More »from Gorgeous Wedding Cakes for Any Season