http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html The personal development blog will keep you informed on all the latest news at Wealthnuggets4u.com en-us personal development Sat, 05 May 2012 03:46:49 GMT Sat, 05 May 2012 03:46:49 GMT wealthnuggets4u.com http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-May-3rd-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-May-3rd-2012-(Part-1) RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED MON 31ST/JAN/11 Yahoo Love and Sex's latest piece of illuminating advice comes in the form of this fascinating piece: 'Things that men lie about' - so here goes: YS&L state that men lie about lots of things. Or more accurately, men tell lots of lies to women.' Here are some of the most popular: 1. Exercise: 'I know many men who never exercise but they wouldn't tell a woman this.' - So what? 2. Interstingness: strange word but I suppose that girls could never be accused of trying to be more interesting themselves could they. I am almost comatose YS&L, I hope this gets better for both our sakes. 3. Penis: This could be more interesting! Wed, 02 May 2012 14:22:19 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-May-3rd-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-May-3rd-2012-(Part-2) 'If you ask a man how big his willy is (disgusting YS&L!), and he's got a small willy, he will tell you it is "just above average." Excuse me we've only just met YS&L, what a rude question but for your information mine's just above average. Why are you smiling? 4. Age: Now hold on a minute, I know you said you'd had an hard life but surely you're older than 25? Me, oh shucks, I know I don't look it but I turned 28 this year. Yes I said TWENTY EIGHT! 5 .Fancying your mates: 'If you have female friends or relatives that are 'hotter' than you, there's a good chance that your boyfriend fancies them.' Hold on a minute girls don't judge us by your own standards, I must admit though that cute little feline over there looks quite hot... Thats your mum? Er, I was only kidding, your mum's a fine looking woman for her age but her face is a bit big, not like your gorgeous, kissable face, hun. 'However if you question him about any of these girls he will deny an attraction and invent some ridiculous reason for not being keen such as "her face is too big"' This goes on and on... I used to think I was cynical until I discovered skepticism, now I know who I really am. Expect the worst of someone and guess what YS&L... Listen, men are just cuddly little teddybears and are as honest as the day's long. We would never fancy any of your relatives...ME-OWWW. Andy. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:22:19 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No85)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No85)-Part-2 Rather than purchasing a wedding suit, you could always hire one. Apart from being a lot less expensive, it makes choosing an outfit much easier for the groomsmen. Okay, you don't get to keep the suit, but considering, as a man, about to share a home with a woman you are likely to be granted about ten percent of the overall wardrobe space, this may turn out to be a blessing in disguise! If, for whatever reason, you don't want the groomsmen to wear the same, or similar, suits to the groom, I would recommend they at least wear matching ties, or something that sets them apart from the rest of the male guests. Everyone likes to get dressed up occasionally, and what better occasion than a wedding. We all have our own tastes, but as long as everyone dresses in order to please the bride and groom nothing else truly matters. M - "Dress code: Hawaiian beach party theme. Are they having a laugh? They're getting married in Manchester, in the middle of September, for god's sake, the chances are it'll persist it down all day!" W - "That's what I love about you, you're just so romantic." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 01 May 2012 10:43:28 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No85)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No85)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: Wedding attire: (cont) Even though the bride and her dress rightfully take centre stage at a wedding, what the groom decides to wear, or what he's told to wear to be more precise, sets the tone for the whole occasion. Weddings can range from formal black tie affairs to more informal events, where smart casual is the order of the day. However, most people tend to settle for something in between. If you are a fan of top hats and tails then go for it, but I think the majority of men would feel much more comfortable wearing a smart, but conventional, suit. W - "Okay honey, I get your point, you do look as though you've been stuffed into that tuxedo, and they don't have a big enough top hat to fit your head, but little Wills is going to look so cute with his gloves and cane, so you are just going to have to make the most of it ... I'm only kidding, but I had you going there for a moment, a smart suit it is then, besides I simply adore cravats." Tue, 01 May 2012 10:43:28 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No84)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No84)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: Wedding attire: How does that rhyme go again? Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue, and a silver sixpence for her shoe. Not that I'm superstitious mind. Hold on a second, there's a magpie on my lawn, I must salute it, and find it's mate for that matter. I mean, I can't just have one for sorrow, no way ... Phew! There it is, you little beauty that makes two for joy, TWO FOR JOY. Sorry, where was I, oh yeah, according to, let's say, tradition a bride is supposed to wear something old, something new etcetera. Possibly, the most expensive thing that she is going to wear is her wedding dress. There is a wide range of wedding dresses available, and the choice is virtually endless, but the average dress costs from about £200 up to £2,000. My advice to the girls on this one is if you and your partner are funding the wedding yourselves, then this is the one item where you should totally blow the budget. Why? Because as soon as you are married hubby will start to scrutinise every penny you spend, particularly on clothes, so go for it! W - "Oh, that's a lovely top, but it's £115. I think I prefer this one, actually, and it's only £35. Which one do you prefer honey?" M - "They are both beautiful, sweetheart, but I agree with you, the one at £35 does have a certain something about it." Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:47:50 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No84)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No84)-Part-2 All brides do look beautiful, but they look even more beautiful in a stunning wedding dress. Thus, it is vital to allow as much time as possible firstly to choose the dress, and then attend the fittings and have any necessary alterations made. There are many decisions to make when choosing a wedding dress, such as colour and type of gown, length of train, whether to wear a vail or not and so on. However, you should always consider practicality and comfort when choosing any outfit, particularly one you are planning on wearing for a special occasion. There's no point looking like a million dollars, if you are unable to move around freely and with confidence. The same goes for shoes, it's wise to break them in before the big day, because there is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable, especially at a time when you'll have more than enough to worry about. As well as choosing the wedding dress there are the bridesmaids out fits to consider, but this will be an absolute breeze, for the bride to be, in comparison to making sure that their partners and their groomsmen get kitted out correctly. Maybe that's a little unfair on men, and even a tad patronising. I mean, when you think about it men ARE perfectly capable of choosing smart co ordinating out fits for themselves and their groomsmen. So what is there to worry about? W - "Oh my god, oh my god, I've just had the most horrible dream, all the men, turned up to our wedding wearing lime green suits and pink top hats, it felt so real. That does it, tomorrow we're going shopping for your wedding outfit. The last thing I need is you and your mates ruining my big day. Wake up, we've got so much to do and so little time. Darling wake up, WAKE UP!" To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:47:50 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-26th-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-26th-2012-(Part-2) A spokesman for leading recruitment agency 'Michael Page' which carried out the research of 3,000 Brits said 'It seems our jobs are the biggest cause of stress in our lives - even little things like the computer freezing - is enough to get us worked up.' This damned egg timer come on, COME ON! COME ONNNN!!!! "Err, is that IT...yeah, yeah, my computer just kind've...imploded? No, no, it, it's a total write-off...there's smoke everywhere...thanks." North-eastern US and Canada are currently in the grip of a massive snowstorm. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, urging New Yorkers to stay off the roads and suspending parking regulations and rubbish collection. A luxury hotel in Suzhou City of East China is offering a dinner package priced at 388,888 yuan ($59,080) for the Chinese Lunar New Year, making it one of the most expensive New Year's Eve dinners in the country. "Did you enjoy the meal love? yeah, nice wasn't it." "I'm just going to the bathroom waiter, I won't be a moment." "Right Mandy...Leg it!" Have a great weekend. Andy. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:22:51 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-26th-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-26th-2012-(Part-1) RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED FRI 28TH/JAN/11 A survey for the Daily Telegraph suggests that Tuesday at 10am is the most stressful time of the working week. The majority of workers said they coast through Monday getting their brain in gear and catching up with gossip from the weekend. But on Tuesday reality sets in as staff spend the first part of the day going through emails they ignored on Monday before planning the week ahead. So in other words Mondays are a complete write-off and thus we are faced with a mountain of work come Tuesday. Personally, I believe that getting a good start in everything is vital, I'd rather save the coasting until the end of the week when the majority of the work is done. Gold star for me then. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:22:51 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No83)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No83)-Part-1 FAMILY: Family Photographs: (cont) If you are the one tasked with taking a family photograph, say something funny just before you take the picture so that you achieve genuine smiles, as opposed to the cheesy grins most people reserve for having their picture taken. People don't tend to go on multi generational family holidays any more, so you will have to utilise other occasions, such as Christmas time and family parties, to obtain your family photos. For the best results take unstaged photos, as opposed to the staged variety where people are likely to offer you their standard photograph poses. If you are happy to let you partner select which pictures are worthy of being framed, and subsequently displayed in your home, do not be surprised if they pick unflattering ones of you. W - "Look honey, I've framed that photo we had taken at your dad's birthday party." M - "Why did you choose that one? I've got my eyes closed, and I'm grinning inanely. In fact, I look like the village idiot." W - "Oh, honey stop being so vain, besides which, it's a lovely shot of me." Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:28:59 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No83)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No83)-Part-2 Of course, the advent of digital cameras has made the art of photography so much easier. Nowadays, if you don't like a particular picture you can simply delete it. The only trouble is, this improved technology has encouraged us to take even more photographs of ourselves and our families. W - "It's wonderful to see you both, it's been way too long since our last get together, let me take your coats. John's just setting up his laptop in the lounge, we've got two holidays worth of pictures to get through before dinner. We took 748 in Corfu and at least double that in Vegas! Would anyone like a drink?" We all have our own opinion about having family photo's out on display, personally, I think the odd one is okay, but I don't feel the urge to decorate the house with innumerous pictures of distant relatives I last met when I was wearing short trousers. Don't get me wrong, like most people, I am a sucker for nostalgia and there's nothing I love more than looking through old photos, but I prefer keeping them in an album but then again I grew up in the 80's when fashion was, well let's say, going through a strange kind of phase. C - "Is that you mum, the one with the long blonde hair and frilly blouse? W - "No honey, that's your father, I'm the one on the right." C - "You both look weird. You look far better now, even though you are a lot fatter." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:28:59 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No82)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No82)-Part-2 It's funny, though, how you always look for yourself first when looking at photos that you've featured in. In all honesty, no one else cares if you had a bad hair day that day, or if a particular camera angle didn't do you any favours. The reason being, they're all too engrossed in studying their own likenesses! Taking a family photo can be quite a disorderly process, though, that is until someone, usually the matriarch of the family, takes charge of the situation. W - "Right Molly, you stand at the back, but Grace you're way too small to stand there, so come to the front. David, please take your hands out of your pockets and can you at least pretend that you're having a good time." When I was a boy, I holidayed with a friend, whose mother instructed us to act as though the weather was sweltering whenever we were posing for photographs. This was not an easy task to perform, considering the actual temperature was about ten degrees centigrade. But we did our best, she made sure of it. Perish the thought, that anyone back home should discover we had crap weather on our holiday! To be continued ... Andy Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:12:54 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No82)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No82)-Part-1 FAMILY: Family Photographs: With the invention of the camera, in the mid 1800's, came the desire to immortalise oneself on photographic film. Even people of modest means were not deterred by the considerable expense of the original photographic process. A photograph depicting a person in their best attire became a symbol of prosperity, and it was not uncommon for people who had moved away from their hometowns to send such pictures, to their friends and family, to give the impression that they were fairing far better in life than they actually were. Likewise, today, most of us are occasionally a trifle self indulgent, and posting photos of ourselves on social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace is just a way of expressing it. W - "Honey, come and look at the photo's of us that I've posted on Facebook." M - "You can see my bare bum in that shot, what the hell do you think you're playing at?" W - "Oh, don't be such a prude. Besides, my mum thought that one was hilarious." Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:12:54 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-19th-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-19th-2012-(Part-1) RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED WED 26TH/JAN/11 It's official: Women are more likely than men to take sick days and are happier to give an embarrassing excuse for taking unplanned leave, according to a new survey. I just Knew it 'Manflu' is just a figment of the female imagination. 'A poll carried out by 'Sovereign Health Care 'found that more than half (a MASSIVE 56% in fact) of the female participants admitted to pulling a sickie when not really ill, compared with just a third (a teeny amount) of men.' 'Furthermore women are less likely than men to believe a colleague who phoned in sick was GENUINELY ill.' There's a picture building here, on one side you have individuals who are hard-working, honest and trusting and on the other a bunch of suspicious, skiving so and so's. I'm naming no names girls... 'Both sexes agreed that using "women's issues" was the most common embarrassing excuse to a boss for being off.' What about 'men's issues'? - Stop and consider those for a moment... Thanks for that, now where were we, oh yeah. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:47:06 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-19th-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-19th-2012-(Part-2) The poll also highlighted some extreme - perhaps far-fetched - reasons for absence. Sovereign don't make it clear here wether these excuses were made by men, women or both, I'll leave it for you to decide... They include; # There's a squirrel in my lounge # I can't find my shoes! # I'm locked in the house # My car has frozen to the ground # my boyfiend has just been shot in the foot. # I've been away for the weekend and needed to stay at home because my cat has missed me. Okay, okay, I'll admit it, I've actually used that one myself but as for the rest of them, pah, no way. We are men: hard-working, honest, trusting, caring, wet-nosed, loyal little puppy dogs. I'm beginning to realise why you girls love us so much. I'm sure those are squirrel droppings on the sofa, it's either that or coco-pops...? Andy. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:47:06 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No81)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No81)-Part-2 However, I do believe that women tend to win the majority of the arguments they have with their other halves. Predominantly, because men tend to be angry in short bursts, whereas women have gotten anger endurance down to a fine art. M - "Honey, it's three in the morning, please go to sleep, I've told you a thousand times, I'm sorry for not catching that porcelain figurine you threw at me, and for subsequently bleeding all over the new lounge carpet. I'll make it up to you, I promise ... Five hundred pounds, to spend on clothes, don't you think that's a little excessive? Okay, okay, honey bun, five hundred pounds it is then." MT - Finally, she's gone to sleep, thank f*** for that! Although everyone argues, I don't believe in washing your dirty linen in public. However, some people seem to revel in it. I suppose they're just repressed actors at heart, well they do say the whole world's a stage. Anyway, I can't stand around here chatting to you all day, Jerry Springer's on in ten minutes. This week's show's entitled "Wedding Day Explosions!" I can't wait, not that I'm a gossip mind. Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:47:21 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No81)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No81)-Part-1 COHABITING: Arguments: (cont) Unfortunately, because we spend so much time with our partners we learn exactly what irritates them and vice versa. Therefor, it can be a temptation, when we feel we're losing an argument, to revert to these old chestnuts in order to reattain the upper hand. The only trouble with this tactic is that it usually provokes a similar reaction in our spouses, and before you know it all hell has broken loose! W - "I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I H-A-T-E YOU!" MT - Hmm, that was a bit strong, considering all I said was that I was thinking of going down the pub later to watch the football." M - "You all right love, it's not that time of the month again, is it? That seems to have come round quickly .... Don't throw that at me!" Disagreements can be constructive, though, as long as you manage to retain your temper. Understanding each other is a vital part of any relationship, and if you never voice your true feelings your partner will never have the chance to consider them properly. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:47:21 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No80)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No80)-Part-1 COHABITING: Arguments: Even the most harmonious of couples disagree from time to time, and sometimes these disagreements turn into arguments. People argue about all kinds of things, but there are certain topics that are, shall we say, more popular than others. Irrespective of the fact that there are more serious issues in a relationship, the most common subject that couples argue about, is of course, money. Granted, having plenty of money helps you to lead a fulfilling life, but it does not guarantee you happiness. As the legendary Spike Milligan once said: "Money can't buy you happiness, but it can provide you with the kind of misery you prefer." Petty arguments can easily escalate into serious ones if you're not careful, and sometimes it's wise to pause for thought before things get out of control. W - "You never take me anywhere, in fact, you prefer spending time with your mates than you do with me. I knew I should've listened to my mother." M - "And what's that supposed to mean? That old witch has never liked me. In fact, now I think about it, you're becoming more like her every day." W - "Don't you dare call my mother an old witch, you know I hate you, so much, when you're like this ..." Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:08:59 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No80)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No80)-Part-2 Sometimes the original disagreement gets lost in all the anger and fury that follows it, and by the time you've finished, you've forgotten what it was that you started arguing about to begin with! W - "And another thing, I'm sick to death of you snoring, in fact, I don't even know what I saw in you in the first place. Just looking at you makes me want to scream! Mood and emotion are contributory factors to many arguments, and people often take their anger and frustration out on their loved ones. Mainly, because it is far easier to do this than it is to argue with friends and work colleagues. Furthermore, we have a tendency to expect our partners to make us happy, when in reality the only person that can truly fulfill this desire is ourselves. In order to achieve happiness it is vital to determine what, exactly, you want from your life, and then set about attaining it. Th only trouble is, we don't always want what we think we do, and being grateful for what we already have is a much quicker route to happiness. As the saying goes, "If you have a barrel full of lemons make lemonade." W - "Cindy's husband, thinks the world of her, you should see the eternity ring he's just bought her, and he's taking her on holiday to the Maldives. What do I get? A week in Benidorm, if I'm lucky." M - "I thought you liked Benidorm?" To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:08:59 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-12th-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-12th-2012-(Part-2) I speak sincerely when I say my voice is very deep AND huskeeee... ( sorry I was just clearing my throat there) it makes Barry Whites' sound like a cross between Joe Pasquali and Andy Kaufman." Hellllo baayybee, come on in I'll stick something slllowww and sexeeee...(sorry my throats gone again) on the stirrreo." YS&L states that 'if you have not been blessed with a kate Moss type of symetrical face then clever eyeliner, lip liner and blush application is an easy way to fake a balanced face' Oh thanks very much girls, you trick us into thinking we are going to bed with Jordan and we actually wake up with Gail Platt. (Maybe that's a bad analogy but you know what I mean) As if us guys would try pulling a stunt like that... "How dare you accuse me of having a sock stowed down the front of my boxers. It must've got stuck there during the laundry...what other explanation could there be?" A droning voice boring? think again girls YS&L states that 'a droning voice indicates authority and status.' "Did I mention it girls my mates used to call me 'Boring Barry White' not bad hey, that's before I changed my name of course, forget about the sock, that was just an accident I promise." 'Flaunt your curves' excuse me YS&L we'll have no curve-flaunting in here, Besides which women flaunting anything would be sure to make my glasses steam up. Maybe a little shimmy wouldn't be out of order though. 'Forget size zero, curvy girls give men a natural high similar to the one he would feel if he'd been indulging in alcohol or drugs.' Alcohol, drugs, throw in football girls and skinny OR curvy you wont see us 'till sunlight, we still love you though, but NO WAY should that goal have been allowed, NO WAY!! "I'm sorry love nooky's just out of the question, I'm knackered, wake me up at tea time though, in time for the highlights...NO WAAYY should that goal have been allowed." "What the hell is that smell by the way...?" Andy. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:23:01 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-12th-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-12th-2012-(Part-1) RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED MON 24TH/JAN/11 Yahoo Love and Sex has come up trumps again, with their latest article: Pulling by numbers; The science of attraction. YS&L states that 'According to scientists, our powers of seduction are at the mercy of our genetic makeup. But there are certain little tricks you can do to give science a helping hand to attract the opposite sex.' This is a load of crap but I will do my best, these 'experts' should be made to endure their own advice, either that or made to watch Jerry Springer on a continuous loop. 'A US study revealed that a man's testosterone levels are higher when they get a whiff of an ovulating woman...' No, I'm not making this up! 'So when you're half way through your cycle ditch your perfume and let your natural seductive scent do the work.' If this is true YS&L I'm surprised a major company hasn't already marketed it. 'Odour of Ovulat...' maybe not. Ditch the high-pitched shreiking voice guys (and girls), 'A scientific study in Pennsylvania recently revealed that both men and women were more attracted to the opposite sex when they spoke in a deep husky tone.' Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:23:01 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No79)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No79)-Part-2 I think that it's only fair to warn any dewey-eyed bridegrooms to be that the female love of jewelry, and rings in particular does not stop with the wedding ring. Oh no, there are plenty more excuses, sorry, I mean reasons, for a woman to demand companions for her engagement and wedding rings. For example, the eternity ring. No, an eternity ring is NOT the same as a wedding ring (nice try). Eternity rings are usually given as anniversary presents, to symbolise all the special moments that are likely to occur during the course of a marriage. The bad news, as far as men's wallets are concerned, is that eternity rings tend to incorporate precious stones around their entire circumference - Ouch! W - "Hon-ee-bun?" M - "What is it Donna kebab? You know that you always make me feel nervous when you use that tone of voice." W - "You know how much I adore the eternity ring you bought me for our first wedding anniversary? ... well I've been thinking, lovely though it is, it just looks so lonely sat there all on its own ..." To be continued ... Andy. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:20:11 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No79)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No79)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: Wedding rings: (cont) It's all well and good choosing a designer wedding ring, but you must keep in mind that fashions change, and what looks stylish and trendy today, often looks cheap and naff tomorrow. I prefer a traditional type of ring myself, something sturdy and classical that will stand the test of time. Another key consideration, when choosing a wedding ring, is the shape of it. There are flat rings, court (curved) rings and d-shaped rings. Court rings are the most comfortable, because they provide less contact with the wearer's skin than any other type of ring. The bride will obviously have to choose a wedding ring that compliments her engagement ring, and thus if her engagement ring incorporates diamonds it is wise to opt for a basic wedding band that sits snuggly against it. Working in a jewelry store must be a rewarding profession, because most people tend to buy jewelry when they have something to celebrate. Maybe that's why the assistants always seem to go that extra mile in order to guarantee customer satisfaction. W - "Would sir or madam like an inscription on the inside of their wedding ring?" W2 - "Well, I'd like my fiancee's pet name for me inscribing on the inside of mine ... it's, er, Donna kebab." W - "Hmm, well madam, that's just a few too many characters for this size of ring. How about 'hot dog' instead? That would fit." Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:20:11 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No78)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No78)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: Wedding rings: One of the most romantic parts of your wedding preparations is choosing the wedding rings. I suppose, in these days of the internet and e-commerce, it's tempting just, to buy your rings on line, but for me, there is nothing quite like the experience of, getting out and about, and shopping for them on the high street. Wedding rings were first exchanged between the ancient Egyptians almost 5,000 years ago when they were thought to have supernatural powers and symbolise eternal love. The tradition of wearing the ring on the fourth finger stems from the belief that this finger contained a vein that ran directly to the heart. The vein was named the vena amori, which is Latin for the vein of love. With all this history and symbolism linked to the exchanging of wedding bands, it seems only right that we should devote the necessary time and energy to selecting suitable rings for ourselves and our partners. W - "I've seen a beautiful pair of matching wedding rings at the jewellers in the village, I thought we could go and look at them this Saturday." M - "This Saturday? - United are at home to City, it's the biggest game of ... Don't look at me like that sweetheart ... Of course, I'm taking this wedding seriously. Listen, I'd love to come and look at wedding rings with you on Saturday - Besides which, I've just remembered, the kick off is not until half five." W - "Pardon?" M - "Nothing sweat pea. I was just saying that our wedding day is going to be the happiest day of our lives." Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:27:39 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No78)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No78)-Part-2 It's actually quite heartening to know that, in this day and age, marriage is still a popular institution (no pun intended). In fact, approximately 7,000 couples tie the knot every day in the US, and the total amount of gold used to make the happy couples' wedding rings exceeds 17 tonnes per annum! Considering the fact that (hopefully) you won't own any other possession quite as long as your wedding ring, it's all the more vital that you choose the most suitable ring at the outset. There are several fundamental decisions you must take when choosing your wedding rings. Firstly, you must choose the material. The most popular ones are; yellow gold, white gold, platinum, palladium and silver. If you go for gold, you must also decide on the karat. The higher the karat, the greater the ring's gold content. However, high karat rings are far less durable than low karat ones. So, if you want a gold ring that's going to keep it's shape and last a lifetime I would recommend you choose one of the nine karat variety. Platinum is also a popular material for wedding rings, but it is expensive. A more reasonable alternative is palladium which is lighter, but still part of the same group of metals. M - "Paris, choose any ring you like sweetheart ... Just ignore the cost, nothing is too expensive for my angel ... (gulp) you want that one, the one priced at $4.7 million? - Pssst! - Do you take Green Shield Stamps here by any chance? You do. Phew! - What a relief!" To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:27:39 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-5th-2012 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Apr-5th-2012 RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED FRI 21ST/JAN/11 A Tory MP apologised in the House of Commons on Wednesday night after he was interupted by his own 'musical tie'. In these difficult and uncertain times where many familys are struggling to make ends meet it is reasuring that our country is being run by professionals...mmm. Nadhim Zahawi was speaking about education cuts when his tie started playing a tune that continued for about 20 seconds. In a seperate incident during the same session the Deputy Speaker Dawn Primarolo had to tell MP's not to update Twitter from within the Chamber. Why should Britain tremble. A pint-sized Yorkshire Terririer named Peggy has been dubbed 'The Beast of Dorset Gardens' after several attacks on postmen and ressidents of the local community. From her picture she looks quite cute but I must admit she does have a look about her that says 'Dont mess with me'. The street on which Peggy lives has been denied post for over six weeks now after the latest 'repeated attack' on a postman and the streets' residents have faced a 14-mile round trip to collect their post from a sorting office. Peggy's owners describe her as 'good natured and loved by everyone' but unfortunately for Peggy the local council (them again) disagrees stating that ' It had received several complaints that Peggy was out of control and was seeking to rehouse the dog and/or it's owners.' How about a new pet for the House of Commons? I'm sure Peggy would give 'em something to really tweet about. GRRRrrrRRR... Have a good weekend. Andy. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:52:04 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No77)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No77)-Part-2 Admittedly, the car's pretty full, what with the kids, granny and the dog all crammed onto the back seat, but as you motor along everyone seems happy enough. It suddenly occurs to you that maybe you should do this sort of thing more often, and also that you don't spend nearly as much time together as a family as you ought to. C - "Dad, how much longer are we going to be, I need the loo, and can you tell Michael to stop pinching me. Oww!" W - "Come on children, just calm down, it won't be long now. You okay mum?" Eventually you reach your destination and everyone's relieved to get out of the car and stretch their legs. You give the kids their money, and they're off like a flash to queue for their all-day tickets. The weather is beautiful, so you decide to go and explore the theme park. You think about going on one of the rides but then think better of it. You content yourself with watching the kids becoming more and more hyper as they rush excitedly from ride to ride. You manage to reign them in for lunch and eat whilst listening to their garbled conversation about which attraction was the most frightening and what their plans are for the afternoon. Granny leaves most of her lunch and reminisces about when the kids were younger, and you just smile and enjoy the sunshine. C - "Say cheese everyone. Dad make sure Toby's in the picture. Oh that was a good one. Mum, take one with me in it." Eventually the kids tire out, and everyone heads back to the car. There's been the odd hiccup along the way, and more than one occasion when you've had to tell the kids off, but by and large, it's been a satisfying day. W - "Thanks, honey." M - "For what? W - "Nothing, just thanks." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:31:40 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No77)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No77)-Part-1 FAMILY: Family Outings: (cont) As I said earlier, forward planning is a crucial part of any successful day trip. So it's wise to check out a few basics before you embark on your fun-packed day out. Firstly, ascertain if the theme-park is actually open for business. Oh, you may scoff, but don't blame me when, after two nerve-jangling hours of family driving, you roll up at the site to be greeted by a set of locked gates and a sign saying 'Park re-opens at Easter time'. So you've established the park IS actually open, and it's hours of business, you have familiarised yourself with the route, everyone's wearing the correct clothing and possesses a change of clothing, the kids are carrying their mobiles, and your wallet is stocked with sufficient fire power to see you all through till the end the day. Feeling reassured that everything has been checked and double checked you load the family into the car before pulling out of your driveway to begin the journey. Somewhat surprisingly, you find yourself feeling decidedly upbeat and even considering the prospect that the trip might just turn out to be enjoyable and relaxing after all. M - "We're all going on a summer holiday, no more worries for a week or two." C - "Dad, put a sock in it!" Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:31:40 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No76)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No76)-Part-1 FAMILY: Family Outings: In a moment of madness, you promised the kids that you'd take them on a family outing at the weekend, but they've not mentioned it for a couple of days now, so hopefully they've forgotten all about it. In fairness, it wasn't actually a promise it was more of an idle thought, said out loud, that's all. C - "Annie and I have been looking forward to our day out all week mum, where are we going? I hope it's somewhere mega exciting." So that's it then, they haven't forgotten, and tomorrow's Saturday, so you'd better get planning that mega exciting day out because forward planning is the cucial ingredient to all successful family outings. First you must decide where to take them. The list of possibilities is endless, including many free or reasonably priced options, but wether these budget trips fall into the category of mega exciting is debateable. I doubt whether you'd get away with taking them shopping but, having said that, there is a cinema at the shopping centre. However, you'd probably end up falling asleep half way through the movie so maybe you'd be better off choosing something else. You could always take them bowling, I know, you put your back out during your last visit, but that was pure unluckiness, it could happen to anyone. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:01:45 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No76)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No76)-Part-2 How about a picnic then? I admit, this is the UK, a country that receives more than it's fair share of precipitation, but stop being so pessimistic, it's not bound to rain, and even if it does simply make the most of it. However, I take your point, eating soggy sandwiches in the rain isn't everyone's cup of tea, so maybe we'll scrap that one as well then. W - "Hi honey, how's your day been? Don't forget we promised the kids we'd take them on a day out tomorrow. Have you anything in mind? No darling, I do not think that a trip to Strangeways is a fantastic suggestion." I suppose you could try selling them a day out at the science museum. After all, it's educational, interactive and exciting, as for being mega exciting, well I found the Tesla Coil a real blast the last time I visited, but then again, I don't get out much. After considering ninety-five various options and trying to accommodate everyone's tastes, it always comes down to the same two choices. Either, a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach or a day out at Alton Towers. You console yourself with the notion that maybe one day they'll be more interested in stately homes and art galleries than they are in rollercoasters whilst resigning yourself to the fact that come this time tomorrow you'll be buckling up and holding on for dear life! C - "Mum, dad come on get up, we need to get there early so we've got time to go on all the rides." W - " Oh, oh, let me off, LET ME OFF! ... Honey, it's ten past five, go back to bed and come back and wake us at seven. Okay, okay half past six then, but not a minute earlier, do you hear me?" To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:01:45 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-29th-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-29th-2012-(Part-1) Well at least we've got past 'Blue Monday' - supposedly the most miserable day of the year - but a survey by The Daily Telegraph of what makes people happy promises relief from anyone suffering from a seasonal low. Christmas debt, bad weather and broken New Year's resolutions conspire to make January 17th the most miserable day of the year psychologists have calculated. But anyone feeling down can take heart from knowing that warm weather and a healthy bank balance are not necessarily the key to feeling good. I doubt Mandy, my wife would agree with that. She claims to suffer from 'sun deficiency disorder' and says she was born to live in the sun, I suppose the UK doesn't quite cut it on that front. Anyway the big advantage of living in a country that gets an annual rainfall in the region of 3-400 feet per annum is we never get hose pipe bans... WRONG, Last year after five days of continuos sunshine (which just so happened to be Monday to Friday) the predictable announcement came on the news... 'A hose pipe ban will come into force at midnight tonight and will remain in place for the forseable future...' I kid you not, over the course of the next two months, it lashed down every single day, my lawn did not need watering in fact I couldn't've watered it if I'd wanted to because it was submerged under three feet of water! But was the ban lifted? NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! it was not. Sometimes I hate this country. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:42:47 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-29th-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-29th-2012-(Part-2) Sorry, I was just having a moment there, us Brits get quite emotional about the weather, where were we, oh yeah... ActionAid a UK charity asked 1,000 people what made them feel happiest and they claim that 'most of the answers are things that can be done at any time of the year and not cost a penny' Let's see shall we, here is the list. 1. Helping someone who needs you 2. Receiving an unexpected compliment 3. Hearing the sound of the sea 4. Sitting in the sunshine 5. listening to music 6. Eating your favourite food 7. Hearing happy laughter 8. Winning money 9. Going for a walk on the beach 10. Having a snowball fight Hearing the sound of the sea, sitting in the sunshine, eating your favourite food, listening to music, hearing happy laughter, going for a walk on the beach...mmm Sounds suspiciously like a holiday to me. I dont know about you but I'm off down the travel agents. See you again come spring time. Andy. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:42:47 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No75)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No75)-Part-2 W - "Right, the clocks go-forward this weekend, so there are no more excuses. Don't give me that puzzled expression, you know exactly what I mean. For a start, the lawn needs mowing, the hedges need trimming, the decking needs staining. In fact, there's so much to do I'm going to go and write you a list." M - "Oh what a relief, I was dreaming, we are still in the middle of winter and the garden's two feet deep in snow. I'm not dreaming, am I? Men prefer to take things steadily, after all, there's no point in doing all the spring cleaning in one go ... on the other hand. W - "Left, left, left, left ... ABOUT-TURN. Shovel at the ready AND dig. I'll return to see how much progress you've made in one hour." As the saying goes "Behind every great man there's a great woman" (bending his ear) Men by nature tend to be more laid back than women, they don't need a project, something or someone to organise they're quite content with the simple things in life, especially the ones that don't cost any money. M - "How much did you spend? HOW MUCH? You said you were going to buy a few cushions to spruce up the lounge not totally refurbish the place." Although, planning is such a crucial part of life, it's unwise to plan too far ahead, because you never know what's waiting for you just around the corner. I advocate making plans for the future whilst living life for today. As john Lennon once said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:55:03 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No75)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No75)-Part-1 COHABITING: Making plans: (cont) W - "Okay-ya, Andy, I'll just enter that into my FILOFAX. Foll-ow up mee-ting on Feb-ru-ary the tenth. Oh, there goes my mobile again, I won't be a second ... Take a closer look at my FILOFAX Andy, the cover's made out of real leather, I don't know how I coped without it. You're still working out of that old diary, how quaint. Listen, I must dash, people to visit, and all that, I'll see you on the tenth ..." I am proud to say, that twenty years on from the heyday of the filofax I'm still working out of that old diary. Well you know what they say, if it's not broke, don't fix it. Whether you organise your life via a traditional diary or an electronic gizmo is a matter of personal choice, I recommend that you do whatever works best for you, because being organised gives a person a distinct advantage in most aspects of daily life. Lists are also a speciality of the fairer sex. Women write lists about making lists for heaven's sake! Lists, lists, lists. W - "F-o-o-d shopp-ing list. Don't shout anything out, I'm going down the aisles. Don't, besides, I'm not on the beer aisle yet. Cat bisc-uits, cat litt-er, cat food. DARLING, you just trod on Felix's tail! Nasty daddy. Cat trea-ties, cat toys." Making plans is never more enjoyable than when springtime is just around the corner, when you can look forward to the prospect of sitting out on the patio and sipping an ice-cold beer ... In your dreams more like. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:55:03 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No74)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No74)-Part-2 We start to plan from an early age, remember how excited you used to feel on the run up to your birthday, or a special occasion and we retain this feel-good factor, that making plans gives us, throughout our whole lives. Therefor, one way of making yourself feel better about your life is to keep planning ahead. Women may be better organised than men, but they take the art of planning to a whole new level. Although, we all love our holidays women simply live for them. I recently asked one of our clients if she was going on holiday this year and had to smile to myself when she replied that indeed she was, in nine weeks, and two days time to be precise! W - "I'm starting to panic, it's less than four weeks till we go away and I've still not got a single thing to wear." M - "Hmm." Although, technology is making us constantly contactable, on the upside, it is also making it easier for us to plan our lives. Unfortunately, I am old enough to remember the days when possessing a mobile phone marked you out as being a YUPPIE (Young Urban Professional) whereas these days most people could not function without one. Personally I'm not a fan of electronic diaries, I still prefer to use a pen and paper. Although, I was guilty of owning a mobile phone back in the dim and distant past I never owned that other yuppie must-have, the filofax. What was all that about? To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:38:36 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No74)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No74)-Part-1 COHABITING: Making plans: Being an effective planner can have a massive impact on your quality of life. In these days of 24/7 communication, it is easy to feel like you're drowning in your work commitments. W - "Honey, your phone has just buzzed again, who's emailing you at three in the morning?" If you want to retain your sanity, in this modern world, it is vital that you strike the right work-life balance, and yes, don't be afraid to turn off your mobile phone, you should always adopt the philosophy of working to live rather than living to work, besides which, six months after you've left a company, you'll be lucky if they remember your name. I believe that women are better planners and organisers than men, maybe it's because, they tend to have to juggle more commitments and therefor they have a greater need to prioritise than men do. PLanning effects every aspect of your life. You'll plan to get a career, meet the right person, get married, buy a house, have kids and settle down, and if you manage it in that order you deserve a medal! Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:38:36 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-22nd-2012 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-22nd-2012 RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED FRI 17TH/DEC/10 The next big freeze is set to bring chaos to Britain. Although the poor weather will start in the north and western regions, it is expected to move eastwards and by Saturday morning it will be snowing over a large part of the UK. We were in court Monday and Tuesday of this week but still no decision reached over wether a former customer of our's is liable to pay the outstanding balance of £30,000 on their prematurely terminated contract. Decision now due in the new year but there is a possibility that further proceeedings will be necessary. You know it's Christmas when stuffy intelectual shows such as Chanel 4's 'Countdown' (anagram gameshow against the clock) start being 'funny' The final conundrum offered to contestants on yesterday's show was: 'LARGEBAPS' - No I'm not joking. The blushes only increased when one of the contestants buzzed in to solve the jumbled word, which was: 'GRASPABLE' A spokesman for Channel 4 said: 'I think viewers will be aware of the tongue-in-cheek nature of the show...It's up to the viewer to construe whether they think the combination of clue and answer was inappropriate." "Disgusting Channel 4, I nearly choked on my afternoon tea and biscuits." Have a good weekend. Andy. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:29:30 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No73)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No73)-Part-2 The cost has increased over the last few years, because engaged couples are economising on items such as free bars and groomsman's outfits. However, this is still no excuse for sections of your guests to club together in order to make their gift seem larger than it actually is. W - "Oh, how lovely, your uncle Bill, aunty Marjorie, her sister and his brother gave us £5 towards our new kitchen fund. No, £5 between them!" Opening wedding gifts is such a terrific experience, though, and irrespective of what you acquire it will certainly be one of the highlights of your wedding day. You will receive many surprises, the odd disappointment, and undoubtedly a few duplicates. If you are both non-smokers it is not out of the question that you will be given a decorative ashtray, and being vegetarian is no guarantee that you will not start your married life as the proud new owner of a set of carving knives. Nevertheless, you will diligently write all your thankyou cards and make sure that whenever one of your wedding guests comes to visit their gift is out on display. W - "I was so upset when you told me that one of your cats had broken the ornament - of the clown juggling fruit - I bought you for your wedding, that I went and surfed the internet for a whole week, and guess what? ..." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:19:48 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No73)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No73)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: The present list: (cont) Apparently, happy couples-to-be are now let loose amongst the store's merchandise, armed with a zapper, to zap anything they fancy. The store then comprises a gift list from their selections, and guests can then go online, view the list and choose their wedding gift from it. M - "Honeybun, do you honestly think we will get that much use out of a combination apple-corer/cheese-grater/boiled egg-slicer?" Zap ...zap, zap ...zap, zap, zap ...... ZAP! The average cost of attending a wedding in the UK is now a staggering £300 per person, rising to £400 if you attend the stag or hen party. The most expensive elements are; accommodation, clothes, the bar bill and the present, With guests spending an average of £75 on the happy couple. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:19:48 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No72)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No72)-Part-1 MARRIAGE: The present list: One of the most enjoyable parts of preparing a wedding is undoubtedly composing the present list, it's the adult equivalent of writing to Father Christmas. However, it's easy to get carried away and become too unrealistic about what people are prepared to spend on a wedding gift. To achieve the best selection of gifts you should construct a list that has a wide range of prices. By doing this, you will minimise the chance of ending up with a load of cheap rubbish that you never asked for in the first place. W - "You should see Jessica and Tom's wedding present list. The cheapest item on it must be well over a hundred pounds." M - "They've got a damn nerve, they're two of the biggest cheapskates going. Give them one of those awful toast racks we received for our own wedding. Wrap it in expensive paper and no-one will be any the wiser." Maybe you should take a leaf out of Kate and Wills' book and ask for charitable donations instead of presents. But then again, it's not often you get the opportunity to be lavished with gifts. Besides, if I were a cynical person, I might suggest that presents the royal couple would have received may have been unwelcome anyway. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:49:13 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No72)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No72)-Part-2 W - "Darling Wills, the palace is becoming awfully cluttered with all your birthday presents, the latest to arrive was a set of hunting spears from the King of Tonga. It just beggars belief what kind of crap we're going to receive when you and Kate get married." Nowadays, most couples tend to live together first before tying the knot, and by the time they get married they have already accumulated the vast majority of the household goods, which used to make ideal wedding presents. Therefor, it is now common practice to ask for money instead. If you are in this position, but feel uncomfortable about requesting money as a present why not set up a major-present (such as new kitchen or bathroom) fund that your guests can contribute towards. This way everyone will feel that their money is going towards something worthwhile. Most department stores have caught on to the idea that weddings are big-business. Stuff the happiness of the occasion, we are talking cold, hard cash here, and any department store worth it's salt now employs a wedding planner. To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:49:13 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-15th-2012-(Part-2) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-15th-2012-(Part-2) YL states that if you've not had a relationship for a while you should 'decorate your bedroom' That's it then girls, problem solved, stick up a few rolls of anaglypta and you'll have them queueing round the block...simples. YL goes on to say you should focus on the colours red and pink but keep it subtle. 'Maybe a pink throw or a pair of red cushions.' I knew it, I knew it...what is it about women and bloody cushions, your obsessed with them, obsessed. You know We'll only trip over one of the wretched things when we get up to take a leak in the middle of the night and then what, a trip to casualty probably, forget the cushions, red or otherwise. YL states: 'so you know what his favourite film is and how many children you'll have...' Woah, woah, hold on a minute, who mentioned kids? I only asked if I could borrow your pencil sharpener, don't you think we should take things a little more slowly? Finally YL suggests that you shouldn't get wrapped up in just one guy but instead date many different people. I couldnt agree more, sound advice that, I've always thought Nigel from accounts was quite nice, how about you. Yes, I'm sure he'd love your mother... All rise. I could do without this on a Monday morning. Andy. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:35:00 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-15th-2012-(Part-1) http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#PD-Diary-Archive-Mar-15th-2012-(Part-1) RETRO POST: ORIGINALLY POSTED MON 13TH/DEC/10 I'm in court today, "Yes, your honour, I just said I WONT be a minute, just have a little patience will you." Sorry, these judges can be real pains, I'd better be quick. Oh, by the way, it's company business, I'm not up on a charge or anything, well not yet anyway, this could be a long day. If we win, I'll tell you all about it, if not this is the last you'll hear of it (I've always been a sore loser) I'm perusing an article by Yahoo Lifestyle at the moment: Tips on how to attract your soulmate, so I'll give you the lowdown on it. At first glance it seems to be advice for women but don't worry guys, apparantly, we have much to learn from the fairer sex. Well that's what it says in my wife's magazines anyway. One paragraph in and we've already had one 'I hate men' this is not looking good guys. YL says: 'So start changing your love tune by positively putting it out there that you're ready for romance, and looking forward to meeting an amazing man'. Well that shouldn't be too difficult girls. In fact I think you're going to be spoilt for choice. YL suggests that you should write a wish list of everything you'd like your soulmate to be and add to it as you think of new things. "Hold on a minute YL, us guys are sensitive, complicated creatures, you can't just order one of us off the shopping chanel, you know." YL says the best way to be irresistably attractive and attract 'that scrummy sex god' (Is this really how you girls speak to one another, or is it just a wind up?) is to convince yourself you don't need a man. Come on girls, really, what would you do without us? Dont answer that. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:35:00 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No71)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No71)-Part-1 FAMILY: Home entertainment: (cont) It's that dreaded time of year again; week one, day one, of the kids' summer holidays and, true to form, it's lashing down! The kids are bored and playing up, the start of the new school year seems like a life time away, and your nerves are FRAZZLED already even though it is only week one, day one and MORNING ONE of the summer holidays. - Aaarrgghhh! Fear not take the sound advice of our friends at Blue Peter (British kids programme) and get the little angels making something. The things Blue Peter have shown us how to make down the years, from just pieces of sticky-back plastic (whatever that is) and old odds and ends, is just astounding. What puzzles me though, is why do their efforts always look as though they've come straight out of a Toys 'R' Us box, whereas ours look er, slightly less impressive. W - "That's fantastic Andrew, you are a clever boy ... remind me again, though, what exactly is it?" C - "Mum, it's so obvious, it's an exact scale replica of Thunderbird Three. Thunderbirds are go! - Rrrr-aaaa-rrrr." However, no matter how desperate you become refrain from buying them any Playdough, it's the most revolting kids toy ever invented and furthermore, you'll be cleaning it up for months. Kids like to be creative, they like to paint (careful), they like to build, hence the mega-success of toys such as Lego, and they like to solve puzzles. In short, to keep them entertained you have to occupy their minds, and relate to them on their level, whilst remembering that their interests are bound to change as they grow older. For example, when I was aged eleven I thought my French teacher was fantastic. Unfortunately, the appeal of her 'Mars Bar races' which she held in order to add interest to her vocabulary tests, began to wane a little come the age of fifteen! Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:29:52 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No71)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No71)-Part-2 As I've mentioned previously, male-female stereotypes are much less evident in today's society, but instinct is an extremely powerful emotion and little girls still love to play house (start them young, that's what I say!) and little boys like to ... well play at anything that involves mischief and danger. W - "Tom! Come here this instant. When I said that it was okay for you and James to play soldiers, I DID NOT mean you could build a full-size assault course in our back garden!" Obviously, I totally agree with the local authorities in Britain who have banned schoolboys from playing football for health and safety reasons. Let them play hopscotch instead then, Oh I forgot, that's been banned, as well. How about I-spy? I think that one's a risk-free pursuit, well it is for now anyway, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before some stiff from the council comes along and tells us otherwise. I know kids love their Playstations and X-Box's, but every now and then it's still fun to have an evening of traditional family entertainment. I'm not the best at charades, but I do perform a mean rendition of Abba's 'Dancing Queen' on the karaoke - Don't ask! Kids love getting involved in things, even when it comes to the most mundane of activities. Put a positive spin on any task, such as baking or general housework, and they'll simply lap it up. M - "Emma, you've only got five minutes of hoovering left honey, and then it's daddy's turn ... No, not a minute longer love, besides which daddy's run out of beer ... Okay, if you get me another one from the fridge AND a fresh bowl of crisps, I'll let you carry on a little longer, just 'til mummy gets home." "What? She loves hoovering, I'd only be spoiling her fun by taking it off her ... don't look at me like that." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:29:52 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No70)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No70)-Part-2 Ever since, it's inception, television has had a massive impact on both children and adults. However, kids are (in most cases) far more impressionable so they tend to be more susceptible to what they see on TV. Broadcasters, being a caring and understanding breed by nature, realise this and try their utmost not to put out anything they deem unsuitable for children until after the 8pm watershed. Having said that, have you watched any cartoons recently? Talk about streetwise characters, bring back Scooby and Shaggy, that's what I say, Shhhaaggeee. Young kids have such incredible imaginations though, and never tire of asking questions. Macdonald's ran an advert, in the UK, a few years back, where a little girl quizzes her dad about the birds and the bees. To take her mind off the subject, he suggests that they go out for a happy meal. The little girl is overjoyed at the prospect, and her father looks both relieved and smug that he has succeeded in delaying this particular conversation for another time, preferably one when her mother is present to deal with it. However, the little girl's parting shot to her dad just before she goes to fetch her coat is: C - "Then you can tell me all about it ..." Kids, don't you just love 'em?! To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:01:31 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No70)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No70)-Part-1 FAMILY: Home entertainment: Thankfully, with each new generation, most of our society is becoming more affluent. Furthermore, technology is moving more rapidly now than ever before. Subsequently, kid's toys and games are changing beyond all recognition. I remember my dad telling me when I was a seven-year-old, how fortunate I was to get XYZ for Christmas, because all he used to get was one wooden toy (if he was lucky!) and a couple of pieces of fruit. In hindsight, I think he probably felt quite jealous of me; nevertheless, I can still see his point. Each new generation of kids seems to get more and more money spent on them, and whether this is beneficial for them or not is debateable. Can you imagine today's kids having the 'you are so fortunate' conversation with their own children? W - "Kids today don't know they're born. When I was a child all I got for christmas was a lap-top, a Pandora bracelet - complete with twenty four charms, hug boots, tickets to go and see JLS, a forty inch plasma - for my bedroom, horse riding lessons, a new winter wardrobe - all designer labels of course ... To be honest young lady, we knew the value of things back then, unlike your generation." Parents no longer send their kids to their rooms as a punishment; instead, they make them come downstairs and sit with the adults, well that's unless dad is playing on the X-box of course! Then, it's a case of - "We'll let you off this time, but do it again and woe betide you!" Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:01:31 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No69)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No69)-Part-2 However, the most annoying thing about the telephone is not being able to get hold of your partner when you need to speak to HER. How come it's possible, for her works phone, home phone and mobile phone to all be busy at the same time? Don't answer that, I don't want to know. Communicating with your parents, via the telephone, can also be something of a challenge, particularly if they are getting on in years. They panic if they can't get hold of you immediately, but just you try getting hold of them, I'm not exaggerating (well only slightly) when I say it's easier getting in touch with the Queen! On the rare occasions that you do manage to contact them, they inform you that the reason you've struggled to get hold of them is that they've either been out and not taken their mobile phone with them, or they did take it but didn't turn it on! They then fail to hang up properly so all you can hear for the next twenty minutes, or so, is them chatting about what they are going to have for their tea! M - "Mum, hang up the phone, HANG UP the phone mum, I need to make another call, MUM, MUM, M-U-M!! ..." W - "Can you hear anything Bill, I'm sure I can hear voices ..." To be continued ... Andy. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:58:18 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No69)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No69)-Part-1 COHABITING: The telephone: (cont) The telephone can, at times, be a source of annoyance. Let's face it, the last thing people need after a long day at work is to be bombarded by cold callers. Okay, modern technology, such as caller display and answerphone, make it easier to avoid speaking to these delightful people, but even so the odd one still manages to slip through the net every so often, and it's usually when you are at your busiest that it happens. M - "You're speaking to him. Listen, I'm on my way out, so you're going to have to make this brief ... No, I don't want to save money. How can I put this politely? I have no interest, whatsoever, in having the front of my house clad with 'Superclad Extra' or anything else for that matter. I don't care that you spent thirty minutes speaking to my wife yesterday, in fact, I'm amazed you got off that lightly, now goodbye." Other sources of annoyance are people that butt in on other people's telephone conversations. If the phone's not on speakerphone, it means it's a private conversation. Now that's not too difficult a concept to grasp, is it? Er, shush, not another word on the matter. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:58:18 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No68)-Part-2 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No68)-Part-2 M - "Right honey, I'm going to the match and then for a quick pint with the boys, so I'll see you about seven." W - "Sorry mum, I won't be a second ... okay love, but don't be late. Remember, we are going out with Vicky and Tom this evening ... go on mum you were saying ... M - "I'M HOME ... you on the phone again, you're never off that damn thing ... You were on the phone all that time to your mother, you've got to be kidding. What did she have to say then? W - "Oh, nothing much." The females of a household also tend to answer the phone much more than their male counterparts. Being curious by nature they want to know whose on the other end of the line whereas most men couldn't care less. The way they see it is that the call's probably not for them anyway, and even if it is it will most likely be someone either trying to sell them something, borrow something or someone intent on giving them grief. W - "Can someone, please answer phone. I can't get to it because I'm in the shower, I said can somebody answer the phone ..." To be continued ... Andy. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:29:35 GMT http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No68)-Part-1 http://www.wealthnuggets4u.com/Get-Rich-blog.html#Who-Wears-the-Trousers?-(No68)-Part-1 COHABITING: The telephone: Little did Alexander Graham Bell realise, when he invented the telephone, in 1876, just how popular his invention would become with the fairer sex. W - "You'll never guess who Gill from down the road is seeing now. I know, it's shocking. You'd think she would be totally embarrassed about it, but oh no, not her, she's as brazen as they come that one ... To be honest, I don't know what men see in her. I mean, she's nothing to look at, just all chest and teeth, but I suppose some men go for that kind of thing, unlike my Malcom. However, I guess it's nobody else's business, but her's, besides which, you know how I hate to gossip ..." Hmm, nice one Al, I think I prefer the rolling pin, one of your lesser-known inventions. Men like to know the facts about a situation whereas women like, or even need, to know the details behind the facts; hence they spend twice (I'm being polite here) as much time as men chatting to each other on the telephone. If a man makes a personal call to another man, the conversation will generally be completed within a couple of minutes. However, if two women are conducting a personal call, (invariably sisters, best friends or mother and daughter) the conversation will, more than likely, go on for a couple of hours. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:29:35 GMT