bluelabellife Blog (All)

How is fitness and Dating related?

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:52:26 GMT

How is fitness and dating related? Can a fitness buff stand the test of time with someone that doesnt exercise?

Keep fit this winter with top secrets from Bondi Vixen

Tue, 01 May 2012 01:33:20 GMT

A chilly morning is a sure sign that winter is coming, but it doesn’t mean that you totally embrace the extra layers and let it all hang out underneath.

Bondi Vixen shares her top three HOT tips this winter that could help you fit into those skinny jeans all winter long!

How gratitude can change your life?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:07:15 GMT

Is Gratitude the essence of happiness? Studies have revealed that gratitude increases happiness by 25%

Last night at the Sydney University sports awards I had a life changing moment about the realities of gratitude and how it could impact you..

Are you dating one of your parents?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:53:50 GMT

Ever wondered what mysterious force drives us into the arms of one person, while pushing us away from another?

Why do women have a type when it comes to men?

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:04:54 GMT

What mysterious force drives us into the arms of one person, while pushing us away from another ?

Is it nature or nurture? Daddy issues, social trends or just because...find out for yourself!

Are you a claimer or a blamer?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:40:33 GMT

“It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it.”
Sophocles

Jersey Shore: project self-confidence

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:14:31 GMT

Australia’s leading matchmaking duo, John Testa and Samantha Jayne of Blue Label Life offer a male and female perspective of the dos and don’ts of dating.

What are the benefits of having great self-confidence when you are looking to attract the opposite sex?

Singles need only apply!

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:40:53 GMT

Review of Blue Label Life's Singles Event - 19 July 2011.

As I skipped through the rain dodging puddles in my leaking ballet flats, I wondered what the night would bring. I’d coaxed one of my only single friends into being my ‘wing-wo-man’ to a Blue Label Life singles bash at Sydney's ECQ Bar. We met underneath Circular Quay station where we swapped flats for heels and huddled under our only umbrella – Sydney hadn’t seen this kind of weather for over sixty years!

Are you Jamaican? Because you're Jamaican me crazy!

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 01:01:45 GMT

According to research at the University of London, people really do fall madly in love.

Falling in love causes serotonin levels in the brain to drop, causing obsession. This in turn increases the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes high blood pressure and loss of sleep.

It’s not only that, but when we see and touch our new flame, the neural circuits that control social judgment.

Shy Simon

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:09:12 GMT

I wouldn’t call myself a shy person. I mean, I’ve never struggled to keep conversation with people I meet, but I’ve recently encountered a problem. For whatever reason, every time I see a girl, it’s like my brain and feet freeze. I simply can’t go up to talk to them. Any tips on breaking the ice?
Simon, via email

20 Interesting Love Facts

Fri, 27 May 2011 05:03:43 GMT

Here's a fun fact: Men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don't.

Cleo - The New 'Cougar'?

Wed, 25 May 2011 04:35:38 GMT

There’s a new cat in town, according to American entrepreneur and author Donna Estes Antebi.

In her new book, The Real Secrets Women Only Whisper, Antebi has dubbed the term ‘Cleo’ as the next phase in the highly publicised ‘Cougar’ phenomenon.

Inspired by Cleopatra, former ruler of Egypt, Cleos are smart, powerful women who are sought after by men from all demographics for not only their looks, but also their ability to proverbially ‘bring home the bacon’.

“It looks as though the cougar craze has evolved to the next level,” says Samantha Jayne, director of Australian matchmaking company, Blue Label Life.

Get me out of the 'friend zone'!

Fri, 27 May 2011 04:23:02 GMT

I’ve always been the guy that’s friend to all, but lover of none. I hang around hot, single girls all the time and watch as they get used and abused by every bloke with a set of abs and a Hollywood smile. And the worst part is I’m not that bad looking myself. How can I break out of the friend zone once and for all?
Zac, via email

I don't see no ring on this finger

Thu, 19 May 2011 04:37:16 GMT

I’ve been dating my partner on and off for seven years. He says he loves me, and has always thought that one day we would get hitched. When I’m with him, he is the perfect man. Funny, witty, makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, but he doesn’t seem to want to take the next step. I really love him and would love to get married and start a family. What should I do?
Susan, via email

The Cougar: An endangered species?

Tue, 10 May 2011 06:19:21 GMT

Older-woman-younger-man relationships get plenty of attention. One only has to look as far as celebrities like Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher or classic films such as The Graduate or more recently, Courtney Cox’s hit television series Cougar Town to see that the cougar fiasco has unleashed its claws on society.

But will it last?

Should you be friends with the 'ex'?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:55:18 GMT

What are the factors you need to look at when you are deciding whether or not to stay friends with an ex? Does it matter which party broke it off? What is the etiquette if you and your ex are in the same social circle? What is the etiquette if you and your ex are in the same social circle? How should you conduct yourself around an ex if you are in the same workplace? What happens if you find yourself in a cycle of seeing each other, sleeping together, trying to make it work then breaking up again? Should you just make a clean break? Would being friends with an ex hamper your motivation to find a new relationship? Answers within!

The old 'ex switch-a-roo'

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:19:25 GMT

Dear John,

I had been seeing this guy for almost 4 months. We hit it off from the beginning, so much chemistry and compatible personalities.

After 4 months he tells me he is getting back with his ex-girlfriend, whom he had been with for two years prior to meeting me.

I was disappointed and told him this, also told him I'm ok with it. I too had been in a long term relationship - 12 years! (including 6 year marriage) which ended last year. He told me he was very confused whether or not to get back with his ex. So the best thing for me was to leave him and let him do what he wants. He told me he wants to remain friends, he likes me, finds me attractive and that we get along so well etc.

We have been talking and texting more than we did when we were 'dating' and we have become friends on Facebook and chat all the time. I like this guy. There are so many qualities I like in him, though he is with someone else. I have and still am going through something myself.

I'm confused as there is something between us, though I know nothing can happen whilst he is with someone. As I have been out of the dating scene for 13 years, I do not know what to do in this situation? Do you have any advice, suggestions or tips for me?

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Theresa, via email

The woman who wanted it all

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:59:40 GMT

One of my favourite anecdotes is about the woman who wanted to find the perfect man. She came across a tall building that said; “Men Inside”.

She thought this would be a good place to start her search.

When she went inside, there was a man standing by the elevator. She asked about the sign; "Men Inside".

The man responded that, yes, this building was full of men. He told her that there were five more stories (levels) in the building, and that each story had men on it.

He told her that she could select any man in the building, or no man at all, whatever she liked. He also told her that she could start on lowest floor, look around, meet the men, and decide if she wanted to select one of them.

What Not To Wear - 3/4 pants

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:43:45 GMT

Don't think about. Not for a second.

Are you too picky?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:41:59 GMT

When looking for a partner, the best place to look is at yourself. No, I don’t mean stand in front of a mirror and hope the best, but think about who you are. Think about your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Now think about the person you want to be. If these two people don’t match up, do something about it!

How do you know if you've met the one?

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:34:35 GMT

I hate this question. I hate asking it, and I hate the answer I receive from happy couples. You know the one. “You just know”.

What kind of help is that? You just know. What kind of fortune cookie did they pluck that nugget of wisdom from?

At the risk of sounding like the end to a John Hughes film, here’s my take on knowing when you have met The One:

The three date rule

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:07:18 GMT

Calling all single men and women, I have a challenge.

Those of who you know me will know that my number one piece of advice when meeting someone for the first time is to meet them again.... and again. Yes, the three date rule is no secret. It has a proven track-record of bringing together countless couples for many years – couples who, let’s be honest, came to me because they were a little picky about choosing a partner.

Studies show that 2/3 married couples originally fell in love with someone they’ve known for some time, rather than someone they’ve just met.

28 days, four weeks, one month. That's all it takes.

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:51:09 GMT

No matter how long you’ve been single, I truly believe anyone can find the partner of their dreams in 28 days or less.

I know what you’re thinking; "Woah woah, hold up a second. I’ve been single for months - even years - how do know the magic password to the kingdom of love?"

Ever heard the expression; “in order to love, you must first love yourself?” I have, and let me tell you, it’s true. Self actualisation is numero uno in the steps to success. If you don’t value your own company, how do you expect anyone else to?

Is Mr Big a waste of time?

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:31:41 GMT

Sarah Jessica Parker had one. Have you?

Mr Big is painted as a knight in shining armour. A successful, emotionally unavailable man that fills SJP’s life with hope and adventure, only to leave her shattered on all kinds of levels.

He’s an unhealthy addiction. The minute she showed interest, he would run for the hills. And when she pulled away, he would chase her down.

Sound familiar?

Man drought: Revisited

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:47:34 GMT

Do you believe there is a man drought? You mention in your ‘Man Drought’ post that women still have the power. Is this still the case when the numbers are tipped in men’s favour?
Miranda, via email

The Rule of 8

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:26:12 GMT

What are the best places to meet men that want more than just a hook-up?
Miranda, via eail

Pick up lines: Brilliance or stupidity?

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:01:28 GMT

What are the pick up lines that deliver most success?
Miranda, via email

How to find love after heartbreak

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:34:22 GMT

When your heart gets shattered after a breakup or divorce, how do you put the pieces back together again? Many heartbroken individuals fear opening themselves up to another relationship because they don't want to get hurt again.

The good news is with time, many do find that the heartbreak passes and they are able to love once again. Here we will discuss how to love again after heartbreak:

Is there more than one Mr/Ms Right?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:40:06 GMT

Time and time again, people keep telling me that I should be looking for ‘The One’ – the soul mate that dot’s my proverbial I’s, crosses my T’s and makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. We’re taught at a young age that among the six billion souls on earth, only one can be our mate. But here’s a question; is there such thing as more than one perfect partner?

Turn-offs you should avoid

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:20:54 GMT

Many single men and women write to me expressing confusion, uncertainty and frustration regarding the whole dating scene. Their stories are often filled with tales of broken dates, unanswered emails and/or phone calls and guys just disappearing for no apparent reason. They are looking for answers about what qualities the opposite sex look for when choosing a partner to date, and what single professionals really want from their relationships. and want to know what single Most of all, they want to know how to find and build mutually satisfying and lasting relationships.

It's been said that in order to know where you're going, you must first acknowledge where you have been. Below are five turn offs that have single handedly led to the demise of relationships all around the world. Avoid these and happiness awaits!

How to propose to your girlfriend

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:24:25 GMT

I have to say to all you men out there, I’m glad that it’s you, not me, who has the responsibility for this one! Proposing to your girlfriend is one of the most overwhelming, gut-wrenching, stomach-churning, yet fulfilling moments of your life.

So you it’s finally hit you that she’s the one. How do you propose without making it look or sound like a crummy coming-of-age chick flick staring Mark Ruffalo?

I’m a big believer in standing out from the crowd, but the number one piece of advice I can pass down woman to man is to remain calm. I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve received from former female clients who are worried that the relationship is in dire straits as a result of their beau’s strange behaviour. If only they knew what was really going on!

Relaxing is easier said than done, right? After all, you’re about to ask the single most important question in your life. What could wrong? What if she says no? What if the thought of committing sends her on the first plane out of there?

Haha, I’m just kidding around! But seriously, here’s a couple pointers that will help alleviate stress and anxiety:

To kiss, or not to kiss?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:47:00 GMT

To kiss, or not to kiss. That is the question! Quite a big question really, and one which is often over analysed by single men and women out there on the dating scene. If you ask me, I think kissing on the first date is a very personal thing. Some like to do it, others like the anticipation waiting a few dates.

The idea of playing tonsil hockey with a complete stranger is not my idea of a great night out. I love mystery and anticipation. There is nothing like getting to know a person first and keep them guessing. “The old does he/she like me?” raises anticipation levels to their peak, which ultimately pays off once the question is finally answered.

Wires crossed

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:46:45 GMT

I was doing a bit of pro bono work for a friend of a friend not too long ago and I received this hilarious email this morning. I just had to share it with you. This is what happens when people gets their wires crossed:

Received 26 November 2010 at 9.46am from Jayd:

Ok, so I'm always up for meeting new people, and I can't thank you enough for helping me find someone, but I think we got our wires crossed. Facebook can be a grey area at the best of times, and having an ambiguous name like Jayd, it's easy to see how people can get my gender confused on paper.

I'm a guy, and my profile picture is me with one of my female friends. You suggested that I speak to a guy by the name of Darrel. Like I said, I'm always up for meeting new people, so I took you're advice and sent him a message.

Would you choose love or money?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:26:48 GMT

As the saying goes, money can’t buy love. While this statement holds true for some, for others, it's not the case.

Recently, we conducted a poll that found 25% of people would choose money over love. The same figures have changed significantly since our last survey back in November 2009 where only 5% of people chose money over love.

Seems that times have changed in only 12 months. Has the recovery of the recession had an impact on our natural selection of finding the one? Maybe those green notes do keep us warm at night and give us that warm fuzzy feeling when we, well... buy our new shoes, live in that gorgeous house and travel around the world.

Call me old fashioned, but I’m still a big believe in L. O. V. E Love! Maybe that is the romantic side of me coming out, but there is nothing better than being captured in bubble of love! Don’t know about, you but it puts a huge smile on my face and pep in my step!

When it comes to finding the love of your life, what's more important to you; love or money?

Something borrowed, something blue

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:45:52 GMT

I have just returned from my big Wedding Day! And yes girls, you really do feel like a princess. Women (and their mothers) have had a long tradition of planning their wedding, but I have to admit, my husband was behind the success of the day. I am very lucky!

I know a lot of you are going through wedding preparations at the moment, so I just thought I’d share a few experiences that might help the big day run a bit more smoothly.

Transform your smile and your life... with a snap!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:03:22 GMT

Smiling is a winner when it comes to first impressions and there’s nothing like a warm and confident smile to create a great one. With the advances in dentistry and technology, straight teeth and an attractive smile are more attainable than ever.

Some of you may have seen the footage on Today tonight about Snap-On Smile, which is new dentistry that can give you a Hollywood Smile.

Snap-On Smile was invented by a dentist who realised that not everyone can afford many thousands of dollars to get a Hollywood smile make-over.

Should you date someone you work with?

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:09:24 GMT

It makes sense, doesn't it?

We are spending longer hours at work early starts late nights often lots of travel in between whether it be overseas, interstate and to and from work not to mention the odd late night corporate function. All this has a huge impact on our lifestyles let alone the dating landscape in Australia reducing social circles significantly. So after a few failed attempts of not meeting the right person at a bar or club and the concerns for privacy online, exhausting your current network and nowhere else to look the next natural step for most people would be to look for someone from work, after all you’d obviously have some common ground. Well maybe on paper but what are the consequences?

What is a relationship? A psychotherapist's perspective

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:12:17 GMT

Most of us enter into a “Relationship” expecting it will make us happier, more fulfilled, safe and secure than being single. We often believe that our life will become more enriched and exciting when we are involved with someone.

Yet many of us discover that after the infatuation has past our “Relationship” makes us less happy or even miserable. Why does something that starts so good often end up being flat, bad or even nasty? In this series of articles Jim O’Connor explains the reasons why this happens and what to do about it.

Eat Fit Food: Your guide to attracting the one

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:16:06 GMT

Are you not feeling your absolute best after putting on a few extra kilos over winter?
Eat your way to looking and feeling amazing and finding the one!

Like sand through the hourglass.

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 10:32:30 GMT

The French have a saying, “Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas.” – The heart has reasons that reason does not recognise. When it comes to love, the heart often does not recognise race, culture, skin colour, religion or language. But that’s not to say it can’t get in the way.

Pet Habits

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:24:06 GMT

What better wingman than man’s best friend. No, I’m not talking about Lachlan, your never-loved-never-will chum from work, or Gary, the newly divorced emotional train wreck from down the road. I’m talking about Buddy, the canine with charisma, Timmy, the turtle with timing, and Pauline, the parrot with poise.

For years, pets have provided the perfect segway to meeting single women, but have we utilised their complete pick-up potential?

Here are five ways your pet can help you land the girl of your dreams.

Man drought: Uncovered

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:49:30 GMT

It’s easy for Beyoncé to say. Here’s a woman who’s perhaps the most sought-after artist on the planet. A woman who’s currently dating perhaps the most powerful hip-hop mogul and all-round superstar in Jay-Z. And a woman who has, at one stage, played a starring role in the wet dreams of every man on planet. Why not tell other suckers (whoops I mean, “single ladies”) to put our hands up?

Then again, Beyoncé, like every other American woman, isn’t faced with the same dilemma as single birds from the land down under.

The dilemma I’m referring to is the highly publicised, buzz-phrase, The Man Drought.

Bromance & the 'Emotional Switchboard'

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:00:22 GMT

Ever since my best mate started seeing this girl, I feel as though we’ve grown apart. He’s changed. Any thoughts on what I should do?
Macca, via email

You had me at 'hello'

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:22:20 GMT

I wouldn’t call myself a shy person. I mean, I’ve never struggled to keep conversation with people I meet, but I’ve recently encountered a problem. For whatever reason, every time I see a girl, not only does my brain go into meltdown, but my feet are frozen in motion. I can’t go up to talk to them. Any tips on breaking the ice?
Lachlan, via email

The day I got rejected

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:35 GMT

What makes me such an expert on dating? Here I am, this regular 20-something guy. There’s nothing particularly Hitch-like about me (other than my incredible dancing skills), yet I’ve made a career out of bringing people together. What gives me the right to tell people about the do’s and don’ts of dating? After all, I still catch myself making the same mistakes as everyone else.

Moving in, without moving on

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:02:07 GMT

I’m thinking of asking my girlfriend the big question; “will you move in with me?” Problem is, I fear my apartment will undergo a dramatic gender transformation as a result. What should I be prepared for is she says yes?
Colin, via email

Wedding crashers

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:45:38 GMT

I’m going to a friend’s wedding with my fiancée and my ex will be there. I haven’t told my fiancée yet, but knowing her, she’s not going to be happy about it. I need a plan of attack. How am I going to tell my fiancée, and how do I make it through the big day?
Carter, via email

Dating in your league

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:09:39 GMT

Somebody once told me that the key to landing a successful relationship is to aim for women either two "points" above or below oneself. Is there any truth to this “chain of hotness”?
Cristie, via email

The 'EX' factor

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:22:44 GMT

I’m interested in my friend’s ex-girlfriend. They have been broken up for a while and we have been flirting for years. Would I be crossing a line if I told her how I feel?
Damien, via email

First date chit-chat

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:28:00 GMT

I never know what to talk about on a first date. I either talk too much or not enough. How can I sound charismatic and confident when all I feel is a bundle of nerves?
Ian, via email

Balding Barry

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:32:54 GMT

I’m only 28 and I’m going bald. I hear most women love a man with a good head of hair. What should I do? I am considering plugs. As shallow as it sounds, I feel like my life with women is over if I don’t!
Barry, via email

Bad boys: Whatcha gonna do?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:38:21 GMT

I’d like to believe that I'm a nice guy, but it doesn’t seem to get me anywhere with relationships. Is it true that all women love bad boys? Should I start to treat women with no respect? It’s not in my nature, but I feel like there’s no other way.
Jacob via email

Not getting a second date? Find out why...

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:29:01 GMT

First dates can be nerve wrecking. I can’t tell you how many awkward/inappropriate lines have flown out my mouth – those lines that leave you red-faced and wanting to find the nearest bathroom window to climb out of.

As much as I’d like to encourage my clients to give people three chances to impress, others are not so forgiving. If you’re consistently getting bad feedback from first dates, chances are you’re making one of the five common first date mistakes.

When should waiting for 'The One' be done?

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:08:11 GMT

Technology has its perks, but what cost does it have to society and relationships. Think about it; for something that was designed to completely revolutionise the way people meet and interact, all its achieved is chaos.

Society’s newfound desire for instant communication has contributed to the growing number of single men and women. Finding love was so much easier 30 years ago. Boy meets girl, boy woos girl, boy keeps girl. Simple. There was no need to lie about your age or Photoshop your profile picture, no pressure to get plastic surgery to compete with millions of other lonely hearts, and second chances not only existed, but also were encouraged.

Chemical mystery: What puts the fire in your belly?

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:37:43 GMT

Chemistry is one of the great mysteries in life. Like the Seven Wonders of the World, UFOs or the Lady Gaga’s fashion sense, it puzzles society.

From a scientific standpoint, chemistry develops from a chemical reaction between our brain’s hormones – namely Phenylethylamine (aka the love chemical) and Oxytocin (aka the cuddle chemical).