Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Feminine Wiles... at Work

Remember when you were in school and nervously sent Valentine's day cards to that special person who got your attention?

Well, at work I recently had that opportunity...and took it.  Rather than cards, they sent cookies out with notes to people at work and I sent out cookies to a man in a different department than I'm in.  Simply because I think he's handsome...and has a fabulous smile.

He doesn't know me at all... I don't know him at all.  But it's nice to remind people that they are 'admired'...and no..not in a creepy way!

My note simply read: "Happy Valentines Day!  I hope these cookies are as sweet as your smile."

I watched them being delivered and him being very surprised (I can see him from my desk) and all his coworkers trying to determine who sent them and him trying to guess if it was them.  I did add my name to the card, but he doesn't know what department I'm in (obviously)...it just made me smile to see him smile for the rest of the afternoon.

Sometimes people need to be reminded.

In other news, the boy (BCBound) whom I've been spending time with over the past month or so has decided to scale back our blossoming relationship.  I can't do anything about it, but accept it.  It makes me very sad as things seemed to be going very well...but he has an ex that has resurfaced and would like to handle things there.  So...I have to let go...
(And yes...he is thinking/dreaming about moving to BC still...at some point)

It's a shame though because how do you compete with someone who knows him better and vice versa than you do?

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Whoa Is Me...Feminine Wiles & Football

I admit it....ever since I watched Down with Webster (Yay Toronto band!) perform in the opening ceremony for the Grey Cup this weekend past (the rest of the game I missed as our cable cut out for 2 hrs. Ironic? Perhaps.) I've had this song on repeat.  Love it.  Have a listen...




How Feminine Wiles & Football Relate:
At some point in your dating history you will meet a man. End of story. Ha!
That man will undoubtedly like SOME sort of sport...no matter what sort of man he may be.
Hell, it may be beer pong or ultimate frisbee (something a lot of kinda geeky guys I know get into (not a bad thing, just an observation))..but most likely it'll be something seen on your major network television stations.

Myself, I've dated men who were into car racing, snooker, football/soccer, hockey, fishing..but never CFL or NFL. Now don't get me wrong, most men I know will not pass up a grey cup party or superbowl, but that doesn't mean they'll spend every weekend in front of the television for every single game.  That said, many will..and really...it's only a couple of hours, so what's the harm?

Appreciating what your man likes sounds so.... 1950's.  But really?  Is it? I mean, we hope that they'll enjoy the things we do too (or at least not roll their eyes when we discuss our sport of choice -shopping, baking, gardening...whatever it may be), so it's a bit of a tradeoff.  

You really have a couple of options when it comes to using your feminine wiles and sports.

1. You can leave your man alone to really enjoy the game with friends. That means NO checking in with texts or calls to 'see how the game is,what he's doing, etc'.  Because girl, that is REALLY annoying...and not cute at all. Let him do his thing & enjoy it without feeling guilty for not wanting to talk or worrying about what you are doing.  He'll come around when the game is done.

2.  You can learn as much as you can about the sport (without harrassing him about it during that big game..there are tons of articles on the internet that will help you with the basics and all the stats) and his favourite team/players.  You may find that watching the game together might be fun...now that you actually know what is going on!  Again, the less said is generally better.

3.  Run with the 1950's stereotype...make some sporty snacks, wear team colours and poke your head in from time to time to see how the team is doing, but don't hover.

In other news...I just finished making a smallish pot of celery & cauliflower soup with white wine.
Maybe not hearty enough for football, but certainly okay for watching Mantracker.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

How to Be Alone



It's true.  I enjoy time by myself.  Being alone does not equal being lonely and truth be told, I'm used to being alone, and sometimes I am too used to being lonely.  As a single gal, we have these moments of feeling lonely it's true, but that doesn't mean I need a man to save me from it.  I simply ride it out.  I do enjoy my own company however! I am a great, fantastic and fun person to be around. :)
I have in the past gone to the movies by myself, sat in coffee shops by myself, gone for walks in abandonned woods by myself (that can be a little creepy), travelled overseas by myself, travelled in general by myself on my own schedule, shopped by myself, worked on projects all by myself.

I think you'll enjoy the clip. :)

Thursday, December 31, 2009

How To : Taking the Perfect Online Dating Profile Pic

We all acknowledge the famous saying that "A picture is worth a thousand words", and nowhere is that more relevant than on your online dating profile.

Last week I examined how to write the perfect online dating profile, but what I neglected to mention was your primary photo, or selection of photos you are deciding to include. This article not only looks at what photos to include on your dating profile, but the simplest ways to take these photos.

It cannot be stressed enough that the primary photograph should be of you. Not of you and your friends, you and your dog, you and your car or you and the exboyfriend or girlfriend that you have scribbled out with Photoshop or Paint. Trust me, I've seen a lot of these and they are hilarious! Your primary photograph should only be a picture of you! It's fine to include a photo later on of you with your friends, but unless you are smack-dab in the middle of the photo, tell me which one you are!

There is enough technology in the world these days, that not having access to a camera is a valid excuse. Ideally, this main profile pcture will be a close up of your face. A clear photo of your face, in which your eyes and mouth and personality can shine through. Preferably smiling!
After that, feel free to take photos of you in action doing the things you love to do. Keep YOU as the main subject of the photo though and only select photos that are clear, rotated and resized properly, and have you looking your best. This does not mean naked or in partial stage of undress; this goes for men or women.


If you are unable to take this photo yourself, there is always someone who can. Don't be afraid to ask for help! If you really want to take your photo yourself however, here are a few tips and tricks that will help!

1. Use natural lighting
Try taking a photo outside in the natural light. Try to do this before the sun is at its peak and will cast unflattering dark shadows on your face. On a sunny day, take your photo before noon or after 3 pm or wait for an overcast day.


2. Use a tripod (tripod/timer combination)
Using a tripod that is adjusted to eyelevel will keep both your head in the frame and the camera steady so that your picture comes out as clear as possible. This goes for any camera! If you do not have a tripod, nor a camera with a timer, try and brace the camera against something sturdy (a wall, a railing etc) to take that terrific picture!


3. Wear a complimentary outfit or colour
Odds are, someone at some point will have said, "Wow, I really like that shirt or colour on you!" Take this advice to heart and try taking a photo wearing this outfit or this colour. Dress up for your photo, but still remain true to yourself. Don't dress up more than you would normally, but do make an attempt to look your best. Take off that ballcap, fix your hair, shave your face, brush your teeth and apply makeup if you are a woman. You'd be surprised at how much younger and fresher you look with a little bit of blush.


4. Avoid anything too revealing
For women, try to stay away from cleavage revealing sweaters or miniskirts. Save those for a few dates in with that special someone. Don't advertise ALL your assets upfront. For men, try and keep your shirt on in your profile pictures. Although you are proud of those 6 pack abs you've worked so hard for, putting a shirt over them leaves a little mystery for the woman lucky enough to see them in person. Be a little mysterious and leave something to the imagination.


5. Ask a friend to take the photo
Don't be nervous about asking a friend or coworker to take the photo for you. Try to take more than one photo so you can be selective about what images you like best. Ask someone who makes you feel relaxed and at ease so that your natural attitude comes through in the photos.


6. Don't forget to smile!
Perhaps the most important part of your online dating profile picture is this...smile! Be genuine, happy and approachable. Moody photos are fine if your profile reflects that you are serious. But, if you have touted yourself in your profile as fun and energetic, show it!


Good luck and happy dating!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

How To: The Online Dating Profile

Because this blog's title is: Feminine Wiles & Urban Survival 101, I feel that maybe I should include some dating how to's here. (God knows I've had my fair share of bad dates!)

I must admit I have online dated for a while...and although I no longer want to meet men online(I'm going to attempt to meet more offline!) I can definitely offer up some advice for profile writing!

1. Stay positive and upbeat!
You would be shocked at the number of dating profiles I have seen that have either outright slated women or questioned whether there are 'decent' women out there. The same goes for women..don't diss men as a group! Your dating profile should be about how wonderful you are, not about how horrible your dating history has been, save it for your girlfriends (or your blog. ;) )


2. Use proper English and good grammar.
Even if your English leaves a lot to be desired, you know that 'UR' is simply text-speak for You Are. Stay away from short forms and text-speak, even moreso if you are dealing with women/men over the age of 25. Have your online profile proofread. You wouldn't send out your resume without making sure everything was as it should be, same goes for your online dating profile.


3. Stay away from generic likes/dislikes.
Sure you like long walks on the beach, holding hands and comedy flicks. But really, who doesn't? Try and be very specific in your likes and dislikes!
If you've seen every Hitchcock film or think Canadian films rock...say so. If thrash metal is your thing and you once sprained your neck in a particularly awesome moshpit, I wanna know and odds are... someone else will really like the same thing!


4. Be honest.
Don't say you are of 'average' weight when you know you are thinner or heavier, don't say you have brown hair when you are bald. Don't say you are 6'2" when you are 5'9". Same goes for your profile picture, try to keep it fairly recent (ideally within the last 6 months) and update it frequently.
Being successful in online dating means meeting people...offline. So don't look like a stranger to the person you are meeting.


5. Know what you want: Be specific.
Have a pretty good idea of what you want. If you are not interested in dating a drug user, someone who is divorced or someone who has children, know it and don't be afraid to say so. It will help weed out the people who contact you and you'll avoid getting into any situations down the line that you don't want to be in. Don't be afraid to say what you are looking for either!
You want a man who can recite the alphabet backwards, flip pancakes and has one green eye and one blue....bring it up! You never know who is out there perusing your ad.


6. Go after what you want.
Don't be afraid to start your own communications with people! Send that first email. Be brief, be polite and definitely mention something about their profile that you found interesting and why you chose to write...oh, and don't forget to introduce yourself with your first name!


7. Go offline.....
Try not to make too much of your dating life 'online'. Get out there and actually meet the person at the other end of the computer within a short amount of time. Don't chat for hours online or on the phone without arranging to get together. If you talk for weeks on end, but never actually make plans to meet, something about that person does not ring true...listen to that inner voice in your head.

So there you are! 7 tips for your online dating profile. Not bad huh? Maybe I should give it another go.

What are your tips for writing an online dating ad?

Monday, August 10, 2009

Something You May Not Know




1. I once lived in a flat with a hot pink kitchen AND I have vowed that my next kitchen will also be hot pink! Oddly enough, pink was not one of the colours I would have called 'my favourite' before then.

2. I auditioned once for what can only be called an Alannah Myles Tribute band. I didn't know at the time that was the only music that they performed but I knew they were fans, so I only memorized 'Black Velvet' to perform and they were disappointed (and I was relieved).

3. I think I my be addicted to Rockstar Energy Drinks. They just make me feel good and happy.

4. I have HUGE crushes on male leading men from 1950's musicals,in particular: Gene Kelly (be still my heart) and Howard Keel (swoon)

5. I still miss Mats Sundin. :(

6. I wanted to be a marine biologist and study great white sharks, but my chemistry marks were horrendous. I still love anything to do with sharks and would LOVE to cage dive!!

7. I still feel like I am 16 most of the time and am having a rough go at realising that I'm actually 35 and that my life really needs to get started!

8. I have owned 5 cars since I was 16. Blue Pontiac Somerset, Blue Buick Skylark, White Grand Am, Black Suzuki Tracker and a Blue VW Cabriolet. My dream car is STILL a 1956 Corvette and has been since I was a kid.

9. I am hoping to relocate back to the UK next year.

10. "If I could eat just one thing for the rest of my life? That's easy. Pez. Cherry flavoured Pez." (I remember quotes from movies I adore. Guess the movie!)

Monday, May 04, 2009

Things I Know Too Much About.

  • Gregory House's ringtone is Mmm Bop by Hanson.
  • I believe that my horoscope for May 2009 may actually be accurate!
  • The Chinese Government needs to get a bit of a grip............ seriously.
  • I can sing Alanis Morrisette's 'You Oughtta Know' on expert level in Rock Band with 100% accuracy.
  • My computer is set to UK time, so I always know what's going on overseas.
  • I know the best place to have Pad Thai.
  • I'm not afraid to jump into things unknowing of what the outcome may be.
  • I know how to fill out job applications...but it still takes me FOREVER.
  • I still manage to burn my nose at least once every summer.*ack*
  • I have Ayr beach completely memorized.
  • I can probably tell you anything you want to know about Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge.
  • I am going through a 'use it' or 'lose it' phase! This includes coupons, samples, crafty supplies, and clearing out closets, cupboards, life. Get rid of the cobwebs!
  • I know far too much about Second Cup's seasonal flavours...and that if it's regular coffee, I am a Paradiso Medium.
  • That running is probably not for me...but I'm cheering those on who are in training! :) Goooo Sharon!!!
  • That I am a procrastinator...and need to come up with more things, because as soon as I hit publish, I'll remember a bunch!