Proposing marriage at Christmas – It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

December 19, 2017 by admin

Christmas marriage proposal

 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to propose marriage. With all the decorations, Christmas lights and the fact that a lot of family and friends will be home to share in the joy of your engagement, it is an ideal time to pop the question and ask “Will you marry me?”

I’ve created an anagram to help you create a winning marriage proposal. If you can tick off most of the following, you are on to a winning proposal!

And the anagram couldn’t be easier to remember at this time of year!

C.h.r.i.s.t.m.a.s.

  • C – Cheerful. Christmas is a time of good cheer. Make sure your proposal is cheerful.
  • H – Happy. It’s a happy time of year. Embrace the happy Christmas spirit.
  • R – Romantic. It goes without saying, ensure your proposal is romantic.
  • I – Initiative. Show some initiative, use your imagination, brainstorm a few ideas.
  • S – Surprise. A proposal works best when it is a surprise. Lay a false trail if you must, book flights to Paris for  Valentine’s Day if planning to propose at Christmas.
  • T – Tale to tell. Everybody asks ‘how did he/she propose?” Make sure you have a tale to tell.
  • M – Memorable. Make it memorable or you won’t have a tale to tell.
  • A – Authentic. Try and be authentic and come up with an original idea (see I above)
  • S – Silly. Why not be silly if you are both jokers and enjoy a laugh.

For more inspiration visit our sister site at www.willyoumarryme.ie

One4all Valentine’s Day Survey Reveals That When It Comes To Matters Of The Heart – Irish Are More Renaissance Than Romantic

February 5, 2014 by admin
  • ‘Snookums’ voted Ireland’s most cringe-worthy pet name
  • ·         Underwear is the most popular new garment purchase for the day
  • ·         Over half will spend between €1 – €50 on a Valentine’s gift
  • ·         37.1% of survey respondents would most like to receive a gift card on Valentine’s Day
  • ·         Household goods would be the worst present imaginable for 49.1% of participants
  • ·         Almost 40% will stay at home with their loved ones this Valentine’s Day
  • ·         Almost 20% of Irish men and women have received a V-Day card from their parents!

 

On Valentine’s Day the air turns pink and sweetly scented and cupids bow strikes the hearts of passers-by making them fall madly in love – or so the traditional card companies would have us think! This February 14th, One4all, the seriously smart gift card company, have taken to the polls and asked over 2,500 people in Ireland how they really feel about Valentine’. The results explore cringe-worthy pet names, why chocolates aren’t always best and who should be spending the most this Valentine’s Day!

 

Lovers not Stalkers:

We’re a nation of old romantics at heart and it seems that when we mate we mate for life! 85% of survey participants admitted to being either in a relationship, married or on the dating scene. Only 16.6% of our respondents considered themselves single, but not ones to mope or wallow alone on the romantic occasion, the majority of Irish singletons said that they will hit the town with friends on February 14th (16.1%) as opposed to looking for love on an online dating site (1.1%) or cyber-stalking an ex-partner or current crush (0.9%). Perhaps friendship is the best relationship to be in!

 

Unrequited Love:

Although the cinemas are filled with soppy love stories and tales of long lost loves, it seems that those of us in relationships will be staying far away from the pictures on Valentine’s Day! Whilst less than 5% said they would opt for a cinema date, Almost 40% of respondents are planning to create their own love story by preparing a romantic meal for their partner at home. The old saying declaring food is the way to a man’s heart, may be pointing in the right direction.

 

 

Short Changed:

When it comes to spending money, over half of our survey respondents (51.6%) admitted that they won’t be spending big bucks this year and that between €1 and €50 was the ideal amount to spend on a partner for Valentine’s Day. And while most believe that gift giving should be equal between partners (55.9%), close to 30% still believe that men should be spending more than their partners and taking the larger share in the gifting. It’s not all bad news for the men though, more than 2/3rd’s of survey participants said that they would prefer to have a night out than receive a gift so that night on the town can be mutually beneficial!

 

Lucky Pants:

When asked whether they would buy something new to wear especially on Valentine’s Day, survey respondents answered with a resounding no (82.6%). However, of those who were considering a new purchase, new underwear was the garment of choice for the majority of men and women (10.8%).

 

Don’t Call Me Baby:

Ireland’s cutest couples have come out of the woodwork and admitted that more than half (52.6%) have given each other pet names. Whilst ‘Babe’ (33.3%), ‘Honey’ (26.1%) and ‘Sexy’ (14%) are proven to be the most popular terms of endearment, ‘Snookums’ has been voted Irelands’ most offensive pet name, stealing 34.2% of the vote. Although earlier proven to be a nation of food lovers, other unpopular pet names amongst Irish participants include the food related ‘Baby Cakes’, ‘Sugar Lips’ and ‘Sweet cheeks’.

 

Secret Admirer:

Are the Irish really the shy and retiring type? 51.4% of survey participants have been sent a card from a secret admirer and over a third were the ones sending the cards. 52.5% of Irish people would choose to send an anonymous romantic card or gift to their celebrity crush but over 30% would choose a colleague as the recipient of their secret affections. Love really does blossom at the photocopying machine! In slightly more shameful news however, almost 20% of survey respondents admitted that they’ve received Valentine’s Day cards from their Mum and Dad!

 

Hint Hint:

When asked whether they would state clearly their desired Valentine’s Day present or wait for a surprise, almost 3/4 ‘s of survey respondents said they would say nothing and wait patiently for what they were given. This has proven both good and bad for some!

 

When asked about the best and worst presents they have ever received, one unfortunate respondent said the best present they ever got was “just a simple pot of yogurt, it was the thought that counted and it was my favourite one!” and another said “ I received a Joker bobble head”. More romantic answers included a Gucci watch, an Ireland Rugby jersey and a weekend away to Spain.

 

Of the less appealing gifts received for Valentine’s Day, some of the worst included a Wok, an electric mixer and chocolates long past their expiry date!

 

It’s no surprise so that our survey respondents rated household goods (49.1%) and petrol shop flowers (24%) as the presents they would least like to receive whilst dinner and drinks (31.3%) and a gift card to spend in a store of their choosing (37.1%)  proved the most desirable  of all!

 

One4all Gift Cards

This year One4all Gift Cards have a special edition Valentine’s Day card available online at www.one4all.ie and you can now also personalise gift cards with your own image and message for that extra special touch. The One4all Gift Card is a regulated multi-store gift card so you can be sure you are giving your loved one a gift that will be appreciated this Valentine’s. The One4all is available at your local Post Office and in selected PostPoint and Topaz Service Stations nationwide.

 

 

* This survey was conducted by One4all on over 2,500 respondents.

New app reveals just how well you know your partner (so you’d better be good)

May 2, 2013 by admin

Try the newly launched For Better or Worse app to find out just how well you know your partner; be careful though, as your answers could lead to a night of passion … or daggers at dawn!

Live at www.osbornes.net/forbetterorworse  the new app asks questions such as: Where was your first date? Where did you have your first kiss? What is your favourite restaurant?  What colour are your eyes?

When you have answered the questions yourself, invite your partner to answer the same questions about you in order to compare results.  If you want, you can share your results on Facebook.

There is a list of 40 questions to choose from so you can also share this quiz with your siblings or best friends.

 

The fun new app comes from the mediation department at law firm Osbornes Solicitors.  Partner Julian Beard said:  “The app offers couples, families and friends a light hearted quiz to test how well they know one other.  You simply send your answers to them and wait for their reply – for better or worse.”

Visit www.osbornes.net/forbetterorworse

Live Lip Sync Marriage Proposal

May 30, 2012 by derryo

When it comes to marriage proposals it doesn’t get much better than this one. The amount of effort that went into it not to mention how everyone must have prepared and managed to keep it all a secret is truly amazing. What a great video!

Honeymoon tips for a destination that suits you both

March 15, 2012 by derryo

By Catherine MaGuire

Your honeymoon should be the most magical holiday of your life, giving you time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company after all the excitement of your wedding day.


And just as your choice of venue for your wedding day reflects your own personalities, you’ll want a honeymoon destination that suits you both. Remember – there is no obligation to lie on a beach for two weeks!


‘A quiet, relaxing time together – anywhere would do’

If all you want is time together and the stress of long-haul flights isn’t your scene, then a beautiful cottage in Tuscany may serve you just as well as an all-inclusive Far Eastern beach holiday.


‘A little bit of luxury and privacy’

If you want something glam and gorgeous, then saving on travel in favour of a top-class location may be the best bet. You could fly to France, but then stay in a succession of luxurious chateaux and hotels.


‘A taste of adventure’

Perhaps you’ve both always wanted to do something a little bit different and adventurous. Whether it’s an African safari, white-water rafting, snorkelling and diving or trekking, make sure, that you both have the same idea of what you’re letting yourself in for. Your Honeymoon is not the time to try somewhere unusual that you’re not going to like.


‘To see the sights’

Perhaps you can think of nothing more romantic than sitting together in a cafe in St. Mark’s Square, Venice or wandering through the ancient temples of Luxor. Make sure you do your research – there’s nothing worse than getting home and finding that the museum/gallery you’ve always meant to visit was literally just around the corner from your hotel!


‘Sun, sea and sand’

Walking hand-in-hand through the surf on a white sandy beach is surely the definitive honeymoon scene. Just be sure – especially if you are active types – that you really do want to be lazing around for all that time. You might consider combining the tropical beach with a week of…


‘Action’

An activity element – perhaps walking, skiing or cycling – can be perfect if you both love the activity involved. After all the stress of the wedding – and all that food and drink – some exercise can be invigorating and restorative. But avoid forcing your favourite activity on your less-than-enthusiastic new spouse.

‘Best of both worlds’

Honeymoons are supposed to be romantic – but even the most intense lovebirds need a break! The most popular choice nowadays is a ‘dual centre’ break, combining a week of beach-based relaxation with a more active or city-based week.


For more information and advice please contact: Catherine Maguire

Telephone0504 33333

Catherine.maguire@travelcounsellors.com

bordgáisenergybookclub.ie Reveals Book Lovers Favourite Love Stories

February 13, 2012 by derryo

Key findings:

 

  • o It’s all about the breeches! Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy sends hearts aflutter as 55% of those surveyed think he is literature’s most romantic leading man
  • o Almost half (49%) of Irish booklovers say that Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is their all-time favourite classic love story
  • o One Day by David Nicholls and Atonement by Ian McEwan polled equally as the number one modern day love story
  • o Tissues at the ready! A third of Irish people surveyed bybordgaisenergybookclub.ie think The Notebook is the best movie based on a romance novel, followed by Pride and Prejudice and Gone with the Wind, with 17% and 13% of the votes

Mr. Darcy is the ‘ideal man’ according to a new survey conducted by Ireland’s biggest book club bordgaisenergybookclub.ie.  To mark Valentine’s Day, the survey sought to reveal the favourite love stories and characters of all time among Irish booklovers.  Over half of those polled (55%) voted Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice as their favourite male character in a romance novel, Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights came in second (15%) and Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind followed as a close third (14%).

 

Pride and Prejudice was voted as the all-time favourite classic love story with a whopping 49% of respondents’ number one votes. However, only 17% of respondents chose it as their favourite movie so it appears the love for the book outweighed the love for the movie – despite that famous lake scene portrayed by Colin Firth. Gone with the Wind and Wuthering Heights were voted as the second and third favourite classic love stories with 20% and 19% of Irish readers’ votes.

 

When asked to choose their favourite female character in a romance novel, Irish literary lovers chose Jane Eyre with 28% of the vote.  Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind and Emma from One Day were also among the favourites with 27% and 24% of the votes respectively.

 

The results for modern love stories are not quite as unanimous, both One Day by David Nicholls and Atonement by Ian McEwan were voted joint favourites with each receiving 24% of respondents’ votes. These were followed by The Bridges of Madison County (20%), Twilight (18%) and Irish best-seller, PS I Love You (17%).

 

People love a good tearjerker and when asked to pick their favourite movie based on a romance novel the results were as follows: The Notebook (28%), Pride and Prejudice (16%), Gone with the Wind (15%), Dr. Zhivago (10%), Atonement (9%), Twilight (7%), Wuthering Heights (7%), One Day (8%), Jane Eyre (3%), P.S. I Love You (1.9%).

 

 

*This survey was carried out amongst 105 adults

 

How about an Underwater Marriage Proposal this Valentine’s

February 10, 2012 by derryo

Here’s a lovely opportunity highlighted by our friends at De-Stress 4 Life

You can try a scuba dive with  Atlantic Diving School based in Co. Clare, under the watchful eye of Chris Healy who recently broke a World Record

Discover Scuba diving is an experience designed for those who want to test the waters and who have a little adventure in their blood.

You will be shown the basic safety procedures for an enjoyable scuba dive under the watchful eye of a Qualified PADI instructor.

Please be aware that PADI Discover Scuba diving is not a diving certification but an introduction to diving in a safe environment.

If you’re feeling confident enough why not propose marriage underwater? Bring a little sign with you or have the instructor carry it saying ‘Will You Marry Me?’. You could even bring the ring if you’re feeling brave enough. Tie a piece of string to it to ensure it’s not lost in the seaweed or sand though! You could also use a temporary ring, especially if wearing dive gloves. You could also ask Chris (or whatever dive instructor is going to be with you) to hide the ring in the box in spot where you can ‘find’ it on the dive. Most dive spots have well recognised landmarks by those who frequently dive them, so ‘finding’ the box shouldn’t be any trouble.

What You Need
 
A Bathing Suit
A Large Towel
A Sense of Adventure
All other equipment is provided
 
Cost
 
80€ Per Couple
 
Contact Chris Healy at 086 0570544
or chris@atlanticdivingschool

To make your reservation

Visit Atlantic Diving School on Facebook

Romantic Valentines Moonlight Walk Marriage Proposal

February 6, 2012 by derryo

For anyone planning to propose marriage this coming Valentines Weekend or maybe just would like a nice romantic walk in the open countryside under the light of the moon but with the safety of group of other walkers, a nice service is available through www.wildernessfitness.ie

This is from their website:

We can’t bring you to Paris, but we can definitely bring the romance to you.
Picture this, your partner and you on a romantic moonlight stroll through the beautiful Valley of Glenmalure in the heart of Co. Wicklow.
This Valentines weekend, strike all the right cords with your lover in the beautiful garden of Ireland. You both can relax while the team of cupids at Wilderness Fitness take care of the romance for you. Just show up with your loved one and we will do the rest.

The emphasis will be on enjoyment for you, and as such the walking route chosen is a moderate to easy in exertion levels.
It will take about 2 or 3 hours to complete and we promise to have you back in time to enjoy a drink by the fire!

Valentines Moonlight Walks are also available in Cork, Galway and Tollymore Forest Park, Belfast
Departure time for walks is 7.30pm on Fri 10th Feb 2012
Advanced booking is essential by calling (01) 6606 442 or (087) 095 8280
Price is only €60 per couple

So what are you waiting for?
Glenmalure is waiting to seduce!

Leap Year Proposals! Ladies what are you waiting for?

January 23, 2012 by derryo
Ladies this is your year to propose marriage! If your man is a bit slow to pop the question, why not take advantage of an old tradition which actually dates back to 5th century Ireland. The story goes that St. Bridget persuaded St. Patrick to allow women to ask their men to marry them. he was in favour of every seven years, but she persuaded him that every four years would be better. Hence the leap year marriage proposal was born.

In medieval times if the man proposed to turned down the offer he had to pay a forfeit of one pound and a pair of gloves or a silk gown. So if you are turned down perhaps you can invoke the old custom and end up (after inflation taken into account) with a tidy sum and a new wardrobe!

Of course in this modern age ladies can and do propose marriage whenever they want. But why not take advantage of this romantic tradition and choose 29th February 2012 to ask your man to marry you?

This year the 29th of February falls on a Wednesday so you can plan a weekend away afterwards, or book a hotel for the night, book a romantic meal in a nice restaurant or arrange a surprise at home for him.

There are many ways you can surprise him. It depends on your own personality types whether you go for something public and extravagant or something a little more private and low key. If he’s a sporty type check if there’s any matches on that he may be interested in. You may be able to contact whoever looks after the scoreboard to organise a pre-prepared banner to be draped over it at half time. Maybe he plays indoor sports, likewise you could organise a surprise for him in the squash court/indoor soccer hall etc. Even just go for a walk, weather permitting, through a local woods. You could organise a kind of treasure trail. Behind one tree place a bottle of his favourite beer, behind another tree place a ticket to a concert or match. You could even just post little love notes if money is tight. Eventually you end up at a nice spot where you may have a sign with the words ‘will you marry me?’ on it. To ensure things go smoothly you may need to enlist some help to place the items in the various prearranged locations.
Anyhow the possibilities are endless, the only limit is your imagination. You could have great fun planning and organising it.
Go on! Take the chance, he might be just waiting for it. Be romantic and creative and come back and tell us all about it. If he says yes make sure to revisit to plan your wedding. Good Luck!

Amazing marriage proposal that really raises the bar!

May 20, 2011 by derryo

This video has really raised the bar when it comes to marriage proposals. Watch and enjoy