7 Tips to cope when your partner is away

When you care about somebody deeply, the most awful thing you can experience is being separated from them. Whether they are in a job that requires them to be away from you for a long period of time or are away for education purposes, living without your partner for a considerable quantity of time can be excruciating. Do not permit your partner's absence to put you in a bad place. Alternatively, learn how to survive with your partner being away until you can be with them once again. This can be a challenging mission that can take time to perfect but as the saying goes, “Missing someone gets easier every day. Because, even though it is one day further from the last time you saw each other, it is one day closer to the next time you will” As hard as this is to imagine in the beginning, here are some steps to follow to prevent yourself from feeling worse then you have to during a period of absence from your partner.

1. Acceptance. Although it undoubtedly feels like it is, it is not the end of the world. Accept this undesirable reality as something that you cannot change. If it is not possible to follow your partner, there is no point dwelling on something beyond your control. All you can do is make the best of the cards that you and your partner have been dealt. Allow yourself time to accept what is and do not automatically think that your relationship is over just because their is now distance between you. Relationships have been known to develop a new sense of appreciation after being divided, as every second you have together is cherished all the more.

2. Do not alienate yourself from your friends and family. It becomes hard to socialise while you are feeling down and lonely. But there is nothing worse than locking yourself up and avoiding your social life. You may feel as if you wouldn’t be much company while you are feeling so low, but your friends will know how the distance from your partner is making you feel and will more than likely do their best to get your mind off the fact that your partner is not there. Also the people you know who have been there before or are going through it too, could also offer support and suggestions on coping during this complicated time that you may not have thought of before.

3. Find a new hobby. Try and keep busy. Too much time on your hands to think of the absence leads to frustration and anger, which are never the answer. The more hours of each day that are taken up from something that makes you preoccupied, the less likely you are to sit in front of the TV with a carton of ice-cream drowning in your sorrows. It is important that you recognise that while you deeply care for your partner, they are not the only thing in your life that can incur happiness. Do not count down the days till they return. This is not an admirable pass time when you are separated from your partner. However look at this as the perfect opportunity to try something new. All the things you have always wanted to do but never quite had the time or courage to make it happen.

4. Do not let your mind get the better of you. When you are away from your partner, especially when you are unable to contact them, your mind can play tricks on you with assumptions of where they are, who they’re with and what they are doing. Do not listen to your insecurities as they will only lead to stress and heartache of which is more often then not unjustified. If your partner truly cares for you, then they are anticipating their return as much as you yourself are. To convince yourself otherwise will just drive you insane. Trust is the key to a successful long distance relationship.

5. Communicate with your partner. This will make the distance easier to handle and at times feel like they are not really gone. Do not allow the distance to disconnect you both from each other’s lives. But do not permit yourself to sit by the phone and wait for their call or message either. This will only make it harder on you. Instead of being disappointed, let the occurrence happen when it does and you will be all the more appreciative of it. Let them know that you are missing them like crazy; it is surprising how much of the sting is extinguished knowing your partner is hurting and missing you just as much.

6. Take this time to focus on you. Spend a little extra time on yourself. With all this spare time on your hands, there is no better moment to put yourself first. Get a new haircut, spend a few days pampering yourself. Plan an outfit or lingerie for the return of your partner. Anything that prevents you from being alone and feeling sorry for yourself. This is no way to handle a long distance situation and will only amplify the hurt you are feeling.

7. Do not make promises you can’t keep. Sometimes there are unforeseen bridges that get in the way when a couple is distanced from one another. Do not make any promises. If you do not make promises they cannot be broken and this will allow for fewer disappointments. Just take each day as it comes and above all, be honest with each other every step of the way.

Being apart from each other is never painless, but for those who are committed, there is nothing more comforting then the belief that “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” You may not have your loved one in your arms today, but that’s why the tomorrows are worth waiting for.

Keeping With Tradition

Society holds many traditions, keeping old beliefs and rituals alive in our present day lives. One of the many traditions is the giving of anniversary gifts. There is a certain theme for each anniversary. Not only is this romantic and customary, but it also gives a guide line to those who are not so superior at gift giving.

Not everyone decides to stick with the traditional gift giving ideas which is why I have also added the official modern day gifts as well. The great thing about these themes is that you can personalize them however way you like. There are many gifts that can be given to follow the theme, the only limit is your imagination.

Here are the official modern and traditional lists of gift giving for anniversaries:

Year	Traditional	Modern
1	Paper	Clocks
2	Cotton	China
3	Leather	Crystal or Glass
4	Fruit or Flowers	Appliances
5	Wood	Silver or Silverware
6	Candy or Iron	Wood
7	Wood or Copper	Desk Sets
8	Bronze or Pottery	Lace or Linen
9	Pottery or Willow	Leather
10	Tin or Aluminum	Diamond Jewelry
11	Steel	Fashion Jewelry
12	Silk or Linen	Pearls
13	Lace	Textiles and Furs
14	Ivory	Gold Jewelry
15	Crystal	Watches
20	China	Platinum
25	Silver	Silver
30	Pearl	Diamonds and Pearls
35	Coral	Jade
40	Ruby	Ruby
45	Sapphire	Sapphire
50	Gold	Gold
55	Emerald	Emerald
60	Diamond	Diamond

Others choose to opt for a much more personal touch and buy something that they know their partner will love or alternatively something that they know their partner wants. The great thing about gift giving is there really are no rules or limitations. It is a personal act that is often just as enjoyable for the giver as for the receiver.

For those of you that loathe buying gifts, instead of going with the impersonal voucher idea, consider taking your partner away for the weekend and spoiling them any way you see fit. Quality time can often be the best gift to give or receive.

Think Red for Valentine's Day

With the countdown to Valentine's Day 2012, here at Confidence Is Key Lingerie we have a few designs that would be perfect for your night romancing your Valentine. Browse through the below styles for something that would make your night complete. I have chosen the theme red in true Valentine's Day fashion.

Delicate Sexy Corset Set

The Delicate Sexy Corset Set is available in M and L. This set is a red and black delicate corset set with matching g-string, complete with spaghetti straps and suspenders. View this product.

Bustier Corset with Panty

This 3 piece mesh embroidered corset is bound to impress your Valentine in more ways than one. It is available in M, L and XL. View this product.

Oriental Collared Corset

This 2 piece Asian inspired collared corset features soft boning and a front zipper. It is available in M, L and XL and comes with a matching g-string. View this product.

Sexy Red and Black Babydoll

If you are looking for something on the raunchier side, this sexy red and black babydoll set is perfect for you. It comes with a matching g-string and in size M only. View this product.

Black and Red Kiss Babydoll

This sweetly cut black and red babydoll is a very romantically styled babydoll with matching g-string. It is available in M and L. View this product.

If you are looking for something in particular to show off to your partner this Valentine's, you can find many more to suit your fantasies.

Visit www.confidenceiskeylingerie.com.au and plan your evenings under garments.

Lingerie Styles Explained

BABYDOLL

A babydoll is a short, loose fitting nightgown intended as nightwear for women. The most common babydoll is fitted around the bust area and then loose flowing on the bottom. Typical babydolls are trimmed with lace, ruffles, fur, bows and ribbons. They usually have spaghetti straps and come with a matching g-string. Nylon, chiffon and silk are mostly used for making this style of Lingerie. The babydoll is generally short enough to visibly see the underwear and expose the legs. The babydoll is one of the most popular forms of Lingerie and the modern versions have changed dramatically from the original, which are now considered to be collectible vintage items.

View Confidence is Key Lingerie’s assortment of babydolls available.

BUSTIER

A bustier is a structured form fitting styled garment that pushes up the bust and shapes the waist. They often come with additional boning and are popularly worn as outer wear as opposed to an under garment. Bustiers are often mistaken for the corset. Bustiers differ in the way of things such as length and degree of shaping. The bustier only reaches the hips where as the corset is that smidgen longer and although the bustier is flattering to the figure it does not shape it to the point of the corset. Similarly the bustier is often laced up the back much like the corset, but more often than not long row hooks are used which provides a more breathable shaping.

View Confidence is Key Lingerie’s assortment of bustiers available.

CAMISOLE

A camisole is a very feminine sleeveless undershirt for woman that is often made of nylon, satin or cotton and is regularly referred to as a cami. Over the years they have often been worn as shirts underneath jackets for business attire, but are becoming more popular as pyjama tops. Camisoles are generally extended to the waist but can also come in versions that expose the stomach. Camisoles are much like singlets but often come with a built in bra for support and thin spaghetti straps. With factors such as heat, this loose fitting style is becoming more popular as outer wear.

View Confidence is Key Lingerie’s assortment of camisoles available.

CHEMISE

The chemise was originally worn close to the skin to protect clothing from sweat. Nowadays the loose-fitting and sleevless undergarment is popularly worn as sleepwear. The chemise is unfitted at the waist and often of a silky material trimmed with ribbons bows and lace. Being without buttons or fasteners, the chemise acts as a ‘slip dress’ and is easily put on by stepping into it or placing over the head.

CORSET

The original corset was a very constrictive garment that shaped the woman’s body into the hourglass figure. Although it is not nearly as restrictive as it once was, the corset still remains the most structured style of lingerie. In today’s society the corset is just as popular as outer wear as it is as an undergarment. Most corsets have lacing up the back that is tightened to gain more shape. Hook and eye are also a form of fastening up in the front. The corset comes with boning that aids the shape of the waist and flattens the stomach.

View Confidence is Key Lingerie’s assortment of corsets available.

TEDDY

A teddy is basically a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit, covering the torso and crotch with one piece of clothing. This style often comes with an open crotch area to save having to take the entire under garment off. The teddy came about in the year 1910 but was most popular during World War II when women in the military wore pants instead of shirts. The teddy is a combination of the camisole and panties all in one and in newer versions are often transparent or riddled with lace.

View Confidence is Key Lingerie’s assortment of teddies available.

Valentines Day 2012 Competitions

We have a few competitions running this Month in anticipation/celebration of Valentine’s Day 2012! The first one is for our website customers. Everyone that purchases something of any value in the Month of January will go into the draw for the pictured prize including a Heart shaped Bikini Set with eye mask, Red and white heart and bow stockings, Heart shaped bath confetti, Fleur D'Amour, packet of rose petals and 100 ways to say I love you Valentine’s day kit. The winner will have their prize express shipped to their door in time for Valentine’s Day!! Winner will be contacted early February!

Since Valentine’s Day is one of our favourite days in the calendar year and our Facebook fans are helping us get our name out to the public - we are also running a competition for you all as well!! All you have to do is comment on this post with your favourite Valentines Day memory and the person with the best one wins the pictured prize, including handcuffs, blindfold, muzzle, feather tickler and whip! Share your favourite Valentines Day memory and get this expressed to your door to get this Valentine’s Day off to a good start! Winner will be announced early February!

Follow this link and share your memory to be in the chance to win -https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=352193298130416&set=a.352144784801934.102933.259601310722949&type=1&theater

Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day falls soon after the greatly expensive Christmas period and due to this reason, a lot of couples choose not to celebrate this day of love. Here are a few ideas to make your next Valentine's Day one to remember.

Second to waking up next to your partner on Valentine’s Day there is breakfast in bed. If you don’t have the luxury of having the day off to celebrate, straightforward pancakes are inexpensive and quick to whip up. Heart shaped silicone rings can be inexpensively brought and stashed for further use for Anniversaries and future Valentine’s Days, not to mention any time you just want to spoil the one you love.

Instead of going out to an expensive and almost certainly crowded restaurant, surprise your partner with his/her favourite meal. This will allow you both to feel more comfortable and if truth be told, focus solely on one another.

Take a stroll on the beach or pier and take along desert and a blanket with you. This could be something you handmade yourself. Find a secluded spot and enjoy your sweets while watching the water.

While your partner is relaxing in a bubble bath that you have run, spread rose petals on the bed in the shape of a heart. This can be an expensive gesture, but you can make it affordable from buying artificial rose petals instead of tearing them from real roses.

Candles are also good to set the mood – just be sure to put them in a place that is impossible for the hot wax to drip down on places it shouldn’t. Unless it is something you have chosen to do. It can be quite a mood killer to unexpectedly have wax dripping on you.

Instead of going to the movies hire love themed DVD’s from the video shop, or choose a few of your partners’ favourites that you already have at home to save some money. You could also consider re-watching the movie you saw on your first date, could also be sentimental.

Inexpensive Gift Ideas

The acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day is more about commemorating your love then it is about buying or receiving expensive gifts. But if you like to spoil your partner here are a few ideas that will not break the budget.

Give your Valentine a Valentine’s Day Card. Not everyone is comfortable writing their feelings down therefore this is a guarantee that your partner will appreciate it all the more. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a Romeo incarnate to achieve this with success. It can be easy to neglect the little things when you have been with someone for a long time so a card with a mere Happy Valentine’s Day message is worth a thousand words. It may be a cliché but remember there is nothing more powerful then saying “I LOVE YOU.” Try making your own card to give it that extra meaning and save some money. You could also try leaving romantic messages around the house or anywhere your Valentine will be that day on heart shaped post-it notes or cut outs.

Although tradition/media leads us to believe that a dozen red roses is the way to go for such an occasion, a single flower can be just as effective. A sure winner would be your Valentines favourite flower – not always typically a rose.

A box of chocolates – it is a rarity that anyone can resist the incredibly delicious taste of this creamy milky goodness. You can easily dress up the packaging with a ribbon around the house.

When it comes down to it, the only thing that matters on Valentine’s Day is enjoying the company of the person you love and showing them just how much you care. Because whether you are an overly sentimental person or you don’t have a romantic bone in your body, it is how you feel when you are with your Valentine that you are both going to remember.

Joining the blogging world

My name is Ann-Marie Boland and I am the director of Confidence Is Key Lingerie. I have always been fascinated with lingerie and it has been an ongoing dream to have my own Lingerie store.

Early 2011 I began loading my cupboard with stock items in the hope that by the end of the year I would have my own Lingerie Website up and running. In November that year, that's exactly what I had achieved. Now it is just a matter of getting my name out there and spreading my belief that confidence is the key to sexiness.

I have decided to begin this blog to share my interest with others and ultimately touch on those subjects of importance to woman, whether it be how to be confident in the bedroom down to the types of Lingerie suited to each body type.

It all started with the simple thought that with a little bit of confidence every woman no matter their size could look stunning in Lingerie. At Confidence is Key Lingerie, we want you to feel and look your best. We try to offer as many designs as possible to suit your idea of perfect Lingerie. We offer a variety of lingerie styles to suit all shapes including Babydolls, Corsets, Bra and Skirt Sets, Teddies and even the Fantasy Play for when you really want to test your confidence.

Always remember, a little bit of confidence goes a long way!