2013-05-20T08:50:32-04:00 Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=suzi-dixon Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Suzi Dixon Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2524123 2013-01-22T03:30:42-05:00 2013-03-23T05:12:01-04:00

Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzi-dixon/
Research by American psychologists, published earlier this month, studied the sleep patterns of 1,200 children from birth to three years. Marsha Weinraub, professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, said that alongside regular bedtimes, it was best for parents to not respond when their children call out or cry, especially after nine or 10 months of age. She said this will help them learn how to "self soothe" and settle themselves.

Of course this is harder for some babies than others - and almost impossible for some parents. Critics of the study suggested it encouraged hardline parenting best left in the 1950s. But Weinraub points out that the research also showed that mothers of babies who woke persistently were more likely to suffer from depression, which of course doesn't make the challenges of new parenthood any easier to overcome.

Thankfully, there is a compromise. Linda Geddes, author of new parenting tome Bumpology, points out that less severe methods have also been shown to be effective.

"For example, instead of ignoring cries, they can leave progressively longer intervals before going in and reassuring the child, or they can stay in the room with the child but ignore its cries," she said. "The main goal aim of all of this is to teach children to comfort themselves, rather than relying on a parent to do it for them."

There is also a method known as scheduled awakenings, where, if the baby is often waking up at the same time in the middle of the night, setting an alarm clock for 15 to 30 minutes beforehand, rousing them then lulling them back to sleep to break the habit.

"Strict controlled crying may work faster than scheduled awakenings in babies that often wake up at night, but in terms of getting babies to fall asleep in the first place, the research suggests that all forms of controlled crying were on a fairly level playing field, along with establishing positive bedtime routines," Linda said.

For all the mums' armies and expert studies, goodness knows parenthood is tough enough without confusing mothers with conflicting advice. By all means read the studies, read the books, arm yourself with the knowledge. But moreover arm yourself with the confidence that your motherly (or fatherly) instinct that bonds you with your baby is the most important thing and any parenting decisions start from there. Most experts agree that controlled crying shouldn't be used on babies under six months old - use that time to establish a routine that works for you.

Bumpology: The myth-busting pregnancy book for curious parents-to-be]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2314941 2012-12-17T08:32:03-05:00 2012-12-18T06:37:47-05:00

Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzi-dixon/
Sophie McCorry Day, editor of The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide, says women can be proactive but smart to secure a proposal before New Year's Eve.

Body language accounts for 55% of persuasive communication (often misquoted, this is when it comes the likeability of what you're trying to communicate), so it makes sense to dress up and use your most cracking bits to their best advantage. Remind them on a daily basis with a game of conceal and reveal how gorgeous you are; finish up by appearing on Christmas morning dressed only in a red silk satin bow and stockings. Even if they don't propose, they might start thinking seriously about it...

Dr Cecilia d'Felice, clinical psychologist and relationship expert, says that cool, calm and collected wins through everytime - keep your eyes on the prize.

"If you need to persuade someone to propose there are basic commitment issues that need to be addressed," she said. "This should be a spontaneous act of free will based on a really strong relationship where you both know each other well enough to have got past the infatuation stage of a relationship where you have idealised each other to the stage where you see that neither of you are perfect but you still love each other whatever."

In a straw poll of 10 married men in the Quintessentially offices, not one mentioned beauty, ability to cook, saucy behaviour or any of the usual suspects as being their reasoning behind their proposals. Rather, a shared sense of humour - "I knew when said she liked Alan Partridge that I should marry her" said one very senior member of the team - the easiness of their company and sense of their being a kindred spirit made for the most voiced catalysts of a visit to the nearest jeweller.

As Cecilia says, "This is an intuitive moment in a man's life. Rationality rarely plays a part, although there will be tick box effects such as age, background, common interests and values that will create the foundations of a successful union. ust as when we 'know' we have fallen in love with someone, we 'know' when the time is right to make this special commitment."

Take matters into your own hands and cunningly makes him think it's his idea, as you've just taken away all of the fear factor and pressure.

When it comes to dropping hints without actively mentioning the words 'ring', 'marry' or 'propose', you could take the route of a discussion about your future and give it a spin.

"Prior to making the big ask, conversations will have been had concerning future desires, goals and aspirations," said Cecilla. "Marriage, children, career goals, homes, education of children will all have been discussed previously either overtly or subtly. Gauging whether your potential spouse is ready to commit to you is a piece of detective work that is best done over a series of conversations over a number of months once the relationship is properly established and has lasted a significant amount of time."

Build up to Christmas Day as a grand finale by doing something unexpected each day that makes them feel treasured but isn't directly related to a proposal. Make their favourite cake and pop a slab in their work bag before they leave for work on Monday, take them to the cinema on the to see the Hobbit or whichever film they've currently been raving about but leaves you cold, wear the dress they always compliment you on, don't nag nor whinge about work at all.

There is some truism to the old adage that if you treat someone mean, it keeps them keen: if marriage or engagements come up in conversation over the next few days, simply adopt a tongue-in-cheek approach. "Get married?! The only meringues I'm interested in right now are edible and laced with brandy cream" - but do always finish with a "but if you ever asked..."

We do not condone feigning pregnancy, illness or you telling them about other men who've expressed interest in you to incite jealousy and elicit a proposal to get you off the market: but a few well-timed comments from someone else such as granny won't go amiss.

But avoid unkind game-playing. "Having integrity, honest and a genuine love for your man will always be the most effective way of consolidating your relationship to the point of a marriage proposal," says Cecilia.

One member of the Quintessentially Weddings team gently insinuated she wanted to marry her now husband by tipsily sort-of-proposing a few months before her husband actually did. It means that he was going into a no-lose situation, but as he says, he'd always been going to propose as it was "inevitable" - it was just a matter of timing.

As Dr Cecilia puts it, "if you are forcing the issue then you are not building a relationship based on integrity but one based on manipulation. For a relationship to thrive compassionate awareness, a deep and abiding respect, a harmonious and gentle environment, a passionate and sexy bedroom and an adventurous approach to cooking, eating and socialising are all wonderful marriage material calling cards." All of which take time to develop and appreciate - but if the foundations have been laid, this could be the Christmas that ends in a ring.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2211044 2012-11-29T09:15:07-05:00 2013-01-29T05:12:02-05:00

Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzi-dixon/
Suzi Dixon, who runs BournemouthNews.info, recommends some exciting things to do in beautiful Bournemouth. See the website for hotel, restaurant and nightlife reviews.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2198648 2012-11-27T12:18:08-05:00 2013-01-27T05:12:01-05:00

Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzi-dixon/
The great getaway sales are on and there are some excellent deals to be had. Top locations for warm weather this time of year include Dubai, Thailand, South Africa, the Canary Islands and Mauritius and prices are dropping as hotels rush to fill their empty beds. And a bit of smart shopping can slice the price of a ski break too.

Luxury needn't cost the Earth and the three-star Mauritius Le Grand Bleu Hotel starts from just 44 pounds per room per night via eBookers. It's a fairytale setting, tucked away in the picturesque fishermen village of Trou Aux Biches in the north east of the island. The Mauritius Le Grand Bleu Hotel is ideal for couples and perhaps the setting for a pre-Christmas proposal, too?

Staying at Shanti Maurice you can experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Mauritian culture with its mix of Indian, African, French and Chinese influences and a sumptuous spa. Luxury Holidays Direct are offering 7 nights from £1699 per person. Save 50% per person on departures from November 28 to December 13.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai may have a glamorous reputation but there are hotels were it is not overly expensive to enjoy some winter sun. The Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa is opposite the Dubai Museum and has won awards for its Arabic-style facilities. This award-winning hotel is also in the ideal location for shopping, close to the Meena Bazar Overall. Rooms start from 84 pounds per night via eBookers.

Flight sales are currently taking place with British Airways, EasyJet and Monarch. Lastminute.com are running their winter sale until January 2013, leaving you plenty of time to research and compare deals.
Winter sun routes in the Monarch sale start from just £39.99, including booking fees and card charges. Destinations include Malaga, Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Fuerteventura, Larnaca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madeira and Sharm El Sheikh.

Fancy some snow? Research shows there are a number of non-Eurozone countries for winter sports enthusiasts that with a stronger pound can be cheaper than the popular Eurozone destinations - so emerging ski destinations, such as Bulgaria and Romania, can shave hundreds of pounds of the cost of your break.

In the last 12 months, MyTravelMoney.co.uk found that the pound has risen strongly against a basket of winter ski currencies. The biggest movement has been Sterling versus Romanian Leu, where British holidaymakers get 10% more bang for their buck. Sterling has also been performing strongly against the Bulgarian Lev, with a 6.6% increase over the last year. Those wanting to stick to popular French or Italian ski resorts will take comfort, the Eurozone crisis meaning Brits get 6.5% more Euros for their Sterling.

And you can make your travel money go further with some savvy shopping before you depart. A mystery shop undertaken by MyTravelMoney.co.uk found savings of up to £57 on £600 worth of currency last month, comparing rates found online to deals at Heathrow and Manchester airport terminal 3. Many online travel money suppliers also offer next-day delivery on currency, so there is really no excuse to wait until the airport to buy your euros or dollars.

So pick your perfect winter getaway slot, get booked in then compare your currency. All that's left to work on after that is your tan... or your ski technique!]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2175221 2012-11-22T08:30:04-05:00 2013-01-22T05:12:01-05:00

Suzi Dixon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzi-dixon/
"We have noticed a rise certainly in extended wedding celebrations, what we term 'wed-kends'," said Sophie Day, author of The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide (out next month, free sample here www.quintessentiallyweddings.com/pre-order).

"It is something quite a few of the venues in the guide are increasingly offering so that couples and their guests have the chance to really revel in their wedding and enjoy spending rare time with their loved ones rather than just focusing on one fleeting day when it's often difficult to get around everybody and catch-up, make guests feel special or appreciated for coming."

Renting a villa is a brilliant way to make a wed-kend of it. BestWeddingAway.com have recently added a number of Italian vineyard villas to their books. The stunning Villa Mont will host an event of 130 people, with accommodation for up to 50 guests. And set up in the hills, there's no chance of paparazzi lurking in the vines.

But while no expense was spared at the Timberlake/Biel nuptials - helped with an investment from People Magazine, who bought the exclusive rights to the wedding photos - a wed-kend isn't beyond the budget of the average bride, either.

You can keep things simple with a picnic and garden games on the opening day - ideal when guests are arriving at different times. Afternoon teas and festival-style weddings, where guests have the option to camp, are also inexpensive ways of stretching out the celebrations.

"I think the wed-kends trends nods to music festivals and weddings increasingly being in destination venues, whether here in the UK or abroad - couples do not necessarily marry where they live, but often host their wedding in the idyllic English countryside, for instance," Sophie said. "This means couples want to make the most of escaping the daily grind."

Another advantage of the wed-kend is that it gives your wedding the opportunity to make its mark on your guests. If you are marrying in your 30s, chances are you've been to dozens of registry-office-and-marquee events, so it pays to be a bit more ambitious.

And if you opt for a wedding abroad, a la Justin and Jessica, it may not necessarily work out more expensive. Overseas weddings are the perfect excuse to cut the guest list down to the bare minimum and you can also combine your wedding with your honeymoon to save even more pennies.

"We are meeting more brides who want to save on the celebration and splurge on their jewellery," said Samantha Edwards, website editor at The Perfect Ring Company (www.theperfectringcompany.co.uk). "After all, the two lasting elements of your wedding are the photographs and your wedding rings. Why waste a fortune on place settings when you can upgrade your ring instead?"

So if the thought of a wed-kend makes your liver and wallet ache a little, don't dismiss it completely - it may be the ideal way to get your wedding exactly as you want it, be it at home or away.]]>