Monthly Archives

April 2020

best friend best friend trip Book of Us friend advice friend communication friend gift gift ideas girlfriend getaway keep friendship strong long distance friendship tips long-distance best friend long-distance friend long-distance friendship personalized book social media travel ideasvacation ideas video chat appweekend getaway

5 Ways to Keep Your Long-Distance Friendship Strong

Keep your friendship strong when your best friend moves long-distance with these simple and fun tips. When your best friend moves away, it can put a strain on the relationship. But when you set aside some time each week and put in the effort, your friendship can become stronger than before. Avoid getting stuck in your own head, thinking about miles and separation, and focus on your strong bond. These ways to maintain your friendship will make a powerful impact in the long run.  

Use a video chat App like Marco Polo.  

Find creative ways to communicate with a video chat app like Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, or our recommended app: Marco Polo. These video chat apps make communicating simple and easy. Use an app on your phone for talking on-the-go. The Marco Polo app is especially easy to use because it enables you to record and send videos to your friend—like a friendship YouTube channel! Access your phone anytime and watch the latest video from your best friend, without having to live chat. With the ability to record videos around your schedule, you’ll maintain your friendship with ease. It’s also fun having a video to look forward to after a long work day!  

One of Book of Us’ employees personally uses Marco Polo to send videos to her long-distance best friend every day! She says, “I’ve known my best friend for fifteen years. When she moved to a different state years ago, we started using a video chat app to stay in touch. We are now better friends than we ever were living in the same state. Like making a video diary, I feel like I can send her videos about everything happening in my life. Any time I watch a video, it’s like she’s in the room with me.” 

Talk weekly, even daily, by email, phone, or social media.  

 Schedule time to chat weekly, or daily, to maintain a strong and healthy long-distance friendship. It’s easy to be discouraged by the lack of proximity or feel jealous that your friend might be forming other friendships. These feelings will subside, and things will feel more “normal”, the more you communicate with your friend. Regular chats will maintain a solid foundation and strengthen your bond.   

Be honest in your communication. Don’t sugar coat your feelings!  

In the same way it’s easy to “fake it” on social media, it’s dangerously appealing to pretend with long-distance friends and gloss over our true feelings. Stay honest and tell your friend what’s bugging you or stressing you out. Tell your friend how much you miss them—don’t be afraid to communicate your sadness or frustration. This line of honest communication will bring you closer together.  

Send surprise packages and presents.  

Surprise your best friend with fun packages of goodies and presents! Include your friend’s favorite candy, movie, and popcorn. A personalized book such as Book of Us™  is a thoughtful gift, customized with your memories and photos— a loving reminder of your friendship. Holidays are also a perfect time to connect with our best friends. Send handwritten holiday cards at Halloween and Christmas. If your friend is sick, care packages show you are thinking about them on the daily. The occasional best friend gift is a thoughtful way to stay connected in a long-distance friendship and bring a smile to your friend.  

Take a best friend trip.  

Travel with your best friend on an epic best friend trip and make new memories together. A best friend trip doesn’t have to break the bank either. Travel to where they live for a quick weekend getaway and spend time together doing all the simple things you can’t do now, like chatting over coffee, getting a mani-pedi, catching up over lunch and drinks, or taking a hike or a walk. If your budget is more flexible, take an exciting girlfriend getaway or guys vacay at a destination spot. If you need inspiration for traveling with your bestie, here are some vacation ideas to travel with your best friend:  

San Diego, California: Bike, hike and swim on a warm and sunny weekend adventure. 

New York, New York: Take in a Broadway show, eat a slice of pizza in Times Square, and visit the museums.  

New Orleans, Louisiana: Enjoy a guided tour of the city while munching on beignets and po-boys.  

Nashville, Tennessee: Rock out to the best live music and dance in your finest cowboy boots.  

Miami, Florida: This sunny destination spot features stunning beaches and pools. Pick a hotel with a spa and relish a tranquil day of pampering.  

Las Vegas, Nevada: Vacations at Vegas are fun and inexpensive, with plenty of hotel deals year-round. Splurge on a Cirque du Soleil show, spend a day shopping at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, and relax by the pool for some best friend R&R.  

Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida: Release your inner Harry Potter nerd and geek out at the most magical place on earth! Harry Potter World at Universal Studios is a perfect best friend vacation, with detailed theme rides, Butterbeer (try the soft serve Butterbeer ice cream!), and shopping galore.  

Austin, Texas: If you and your bestie are foodie fiends, Austin boasts some of the best barbeque and Tex-Mex. Enjoy the beautiful weather, take a food tour around the city, and enjoy the city’s live-music scene.  

Along with these long-distance friendship tips, remember: friendship is an ever-evolving relationship. Friendships will change over time, and distance can make an impact. But speaking on a weekly basis, staying honest to your true feelings, and finding time to travel together will further your friendship.  ​

 

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9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

For this year’s New Year’s resolutions, focus on overall health and wellness, making yourself a priority. Here are nine ways to practice self-care for a better you. By focusing on self-care this year, you will become stronger physically and mentally. Build your self-esteem and confidence with these self-care tips you can practice throughout the year.

The trick about self-care is that it’s all about practice. It requires focus and effort. You may find yourself falling into familiar patterns, focusing on tasks and responsibilities. But it’s equally important to make time for yourself. Self-care is the effort of putting yourself first. This year it’s all about you! We hope these self-care suggestions give you a daily dose of happiness and peace.

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

1. Focus on getting enough sleep.

Sleep can have a huge effect on your emotional and physical state. Consider your nightly routine and ways to improve. Try to avoid caffeine and sugar before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark—blackout shades are life changing! Stay away from your computer, phone, and tablet before bed. The stress of being an adult can sometimes mean it’s harder to self-soothe compared to when we were children. Find ways to relax and decompress. Listen to music, read a book, or meditate. Above all, establish a sleep schedule. Go to bed the same time every night and wake up the same time every morning. This steady routine will help you stick to the schedule and get plenty of rest.

2. Eat healthy and get into a self-care eating routine.

Eating healthy can boost your energy level, improve your physical health, and enhance your overall happiness as a result. Try to eat healthy meals regularly. Create a schedule and eat meals at the same time each day. Avoid eating or snacking after 7pm because your body is less likely to break down and process the food. Take care of yourself by taking care of your food health.

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3. Say yes to fun activities weekly without the guilt. 

Put yourself first and do things that make you happy every week. Avoid guilt-tripping yourself like, “I should be working” or “I could be cleaning.” Push aside those negative thoughts and make yourself a priority. Do things that you love—either alone or with friends—like reading, bicycling, watching your favorite movie, eating dessert at a café, visiting a museum or the zoo. Set aside time to have fun!

4. Make a list of fun to-dos each month.

If you love lists and checking boxes, this self-care practice is for you! Journal a list of activities you want to do each month. By listing them out, you’ll be more likely to do them. Cross them off or check the box every time you finish one. Create a list of activities big and small. For example, here is a possible list for February: eat a piece of chocolate cake, join a fun run, host a Galentine’s Day party, watch a favorite movie, sleep in on Saturdays, knit a scarf. Don’t make a crazy list you can’t finish. Instead, try listing activities that are simple, easy, and fun. When you look at the completed list, you’ll feel good knowing you devoted time to self-care.

5. Make time for self-care trips.

Take a self-care trip every now and then to disconnect and rejuvenate. Whether you go on a big bucket list trip or a mini road trip, a self-care vacation can make a big difference in your mental health and wellness. Schedule weekends when you can get away. Nature and beach trips are perfect for unwinding. City trips introduce new cultures and amazing sights. Even a trip to another local town helps you escape your regular routine. Boost your health and happiness with some dedicated self-care time.

6. Show up for others to build a healthy community.

An important part of self-care is providing support to others. If you want positive, healthy support from others, you also need to reciprocate. Healthy relationships are two-way. By giving and receiving, you will build a healthy community of friends and family who care. They will show up for you when you need them. Self-care isn’t about isolating yourself. It’s about giving time to yourself as well as spending time with others who build your confidence, self-esteem, and healthy mindset. You will also feel good when you provide support to someone else.

Doing something kind for someone else is a great way to provide support. Surprise a friend or romantic partner with a thoughtful gift, such as the Book of Us™. This custom book about love is full of kind, sentimental messages that will make your loved ones feel special and valued.

7. Create a hygge space in your home that’s just for you.

Design a corner or small spot in your home that has all your favorite things. Create your space with “hygge” in mind. If you haven’t come across the hygge trend yet, “hygge” is a Danish word—without a direct translation—that generally means a feeling of cozy contentment and enjoying the simple things. Embrace hygge by designing a spot in your home with warm blankets, a good book, candles, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, twinkling lights, pictures of friends and family, and self-care products like nail polish, face masks, and body lotion. This inviting space will encourage you to relax and enjoy a few self-care hours in cozy happiness.

activities better you Book of Us bucket list trip confidence cope with stress creative activity get more sleep health healthy community healthy eating healthy lifestyle hygge home mindfulness New Year Resolution personalized book practice self-care reduce stress say yes self care self-care self-esteem self-talk sleep schedule stresstherapy wellness stress management

8. Find a creative outlet.

Discover a creative activity you love that also helps release emotions. Self-expressive activities focus your mind, pushing out negative or persistent thoughts. They also help manage stress. If you are looking for a creative outlet, you can paint, draw, crochet, craft, write poetry, or take up an instrument. Express yourself through creativity to work out problems, cope with stress, and embrace the beauty all around you.

9. Schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Counselors can help teach mindfulness and self-talk techniques for making a better you. Therapy isn’t just for those who are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression. Therapy is for everyone, to help establish a positive state of mind and to handle day-to-day frustrations a little lighter. Speaking with a counselor is self-care for your mind and emotions. Consider therapy to build an even greater love for yourself and those around you.

Resources :

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/

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9 Romantic Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

Whether you are commemorating your first kiss, first date, or wedding anniversary, here are some romantic and thoughtful ways to celebrate your special anniversary day. These creative tips will help you bond even closer to your special someone in a memorable way. An anniversary is meant to be spent doing activities that are unique and personal to your relationship. Find one of these anniversary date ideas and mark the milestone by making memories to last a lifetime.   

Anniversary Celebration Ideas

Sign up for a rum tasting and cocktail class.   

Spend an evening sipping rum from around the world and learn how to make your own cocktails, like a rum old fashioned. Many rum tasting events also include appetizers and live music. This unique and interactive experience is a fun way to celebrate any kind of anniversary.   

Spend the night at a local Bed and Breakfast.   

With such a special occasion as an anniversary, it’s time to splurge and have a luxurious, romantic weekend at a Bed and Breakfast. Unlike a hotel, a Bed and Breakfast has a more intimate, “homey” feel and comes with a homemade breakfast. Fewer bedrooms mean more privacy for you and your other half to relax comfortably.   

Spice up your night in the bathtub.  

Anniversaries don’t have to mean expensive gifts and elaborate trips. Sometimes, the best anniversary date night means cuddling in a warm bath. Busy schedules don’t always leave time for intimacy. On your next anniversary, spend a quiet night at home giving each other the attention and affection you both deserve.   

Hold a couple’s photoshoot with a professional photographer.  

Capture your special anniversary day with a couple’s photoshoot. Decorate a home wall with a collage of the photographs to remember the anniversary for years to come. These photos can also be used for future Christmas cards, engagement announcements, a tenth anniversary party invitation, and more.   

Do something exciting and unexpected.   

Maybe you’ve always wanted to go skydiving, zip-lining, or white-water rafting. Maybe you’ve dreamed of belting out tunes at a karaoke bar or playing hooky at work to spend the day watching Netflix in bed. Stop saying “if” or “when” and take a spontaneous couple’s anniversary day you both will never forget!   

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Take a trip to a vineyard for a wine tasting weekend.   

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or someone who just likes a glass of house red, a wine tasting is a romantic way to celebrate your anniversary. Raise a glass to toast many more years of a happy relationship and watch the sun set against the beautiful landscape of a vineyard.   

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See a favorite band in concert.   

Kick off your anniversary celebration with a concert and rock out all night to your favorite songs. Great music at a live concert leads to unforgettable memories.    

Visit a comedy club for a night of drinks and laughs.   

If you and your partner love to laugh, a comedy club is the perfect place to spend an anniversary date night. Share love and laughter—with a few drinks on the side—and have a feel-good time.  

Take a cooking class for couples.   

Enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking class for couples, to learn how to cook a restaurant-quality dinner for two. Get closer to your partner by learning a new skill together (or laugh at each other’s cooking fails) and get to know other couples in the class. Take your skills home and impress your partner the next time it’s your turn to do the cooking by replicating the meal.   

Go swing dancing.   

Look up swing dancing events in your area and dance the night away! Many events feature a beginner’s dance tutorial, for those who still need to finesse their swing dancing skills. Swing dancing is perfect for any anniversary and for couples of all ages. Have a uniquely fun anniversary date at a club, studio, or dance hall.   

If your anniversary is coming up, try some of these anniversary date night ideas. And if you need a special, personalized anniversary gift, surprise your partner with  Book of Us™ —a customized couple’s gift that tells the story of your relationship.   ​

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7 Easy Pop Culture-Inspired Cocktail Recipes for Date Night

Impress your date with 7 easy cocktails you can make at home, inspired by everything pop culture! These date night cocktail recipes are especially perfect if you’re planning a romantic anniversary celebration. Specialty cocktails put your dinner over the top and show you’ve put serious effort into the date. Each cocktail recipe has a pop-culture twist. Your date will swoon at your creativity and delight in the fun drink names! Make your next date night a blockbuster smash with these pop culture cocktail ideas.

7 Easy Cocktail Recipes for Date Night

I Love You 3000

This cocktail hits you with all the feels (if you’ve seen Avengers: Endgame, you know). Show your unending love with a sweet sipper that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Combine 1 ounce ruby grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz. lime juice, 3/4 oz. grenadine, and 1 1/2 oz. orange liqueur. Add a glow cube to symbolize the arc reactor, or “proof that Tony Stark has a heart.”

Ocean Eyes Martini

Blue in color and sultry in taste, this cocktail will give your date serious ocean vibes. Fall in love even deeper as you sip on this smoky sweet margarita and set the mood: Alexa, play “Billie Eilish date playlist.”

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 1 1/2 oz. mezcal (for that smoky flavor), 3/4 oz. lime juice, 3/4 oz. blue Curaçao, a dash of bitters (orange bitters are best), and 1/4 oz. agave syrup.

The Deadpool™

Go with a bold cocktail that packs a punch—made with, of course, Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin.

Rim a martini glass with red sugar. Mix 2 oz. gin with 2 oz. cranberry juice. Add a splash of bitters and a dash of simple syrup. Pour a thin layer of black vodka over the top. Garnish with dark cocktail cherries and enjoy!

This bold and deadly drink features the anti-superhero’s iconic colors, black and red. For a quirky, to-die-for date night, try out this delicious drink!

Pink Potion

Themed after the infamous Amortentia™ love potion in the Harry Potter book series, this seductive drink will cast an irresistible spell over your loved one. Whether you’re a major Harry Potter fan or just “meh, saw the movies once. Draco is cool,” this strong, sparkling elixir turns your night into a magical one.

Combine 2 oz. sparkling rosé with 2 oz. strawberry lemonade and add a splash of cranberry juice. Mix in a few sliced strawberries. Serve in a goblet-style glass and drink in wizard-style!

Rainbow Road

Perfect for the video game lover, this Super Mario™-inspired cocktail displays a beautiful rainbow of colors and a fruity flavor combo!

Pour 1 oz. grenadine into a glass and slowly add ice cubes to the top. In a separate glass, combine 1/2 oz. peach schnapps and a 1 1/2 oz. can of pineapple juice. Then slowly pour over the grenadine. In another separate glass, combine 1 oz. vodka with 1/2 oz. blue Curaçao. Slowly pour this mixture to the top. This rainbow cocktail makes your date night take first place!

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The Sexy Smuggler

Radiate confidence making this Han Solo-inspired Star Wars cocktail. Rich and creamy, this drink is just as smooth as our favorite roguish smuggler. Just one tip: When your partner says, “I love you,” don’t answer with “I know” or find yourself frozen by metaphoric carbonite–aka, the ​silent treatment.  

Drizzle chocolate around the inside of the glass. Pour 3 oz. Irish cream over ice, followed by 1 oz. vanilla vodka. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top and chili powder for a wicked rebel kick!

I’m a Sucker for You

This caramel apple martini, garnished with a caramel apple sucker, packs a sweet and sour punch!  Serve up a spectacular date night as hot as the Jonas Brothers comeback hit.

Combine 2 oz. apple cider, 2 oz. caramel vodka, and 1 oz. vanilla vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass and serve with the sucker. If you’re feeling fancy, pour caramel sauce into the bottom of your glass first.

Try out these creative cocktail recipes for your next date night! Inspired by pop culture, these drink ideas are sure to impress.

Resources:

https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/delicious-blue-curacao-cocktails

https://tipsybartender.com/recipe/taste-the-rainbow/