Commitment — Comments Off
21
Dec 11

How Your List Affects Postage Costs

HOW YOUR LIST AFFECTS POSTAGE COSTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!

The quality and accuracy of address information in mailing lists is one of the areas least understood and largely overlooked by most businesses using direct mail. chat ave adult To get an advertising message delivered the address must be correct! chat ave adult Many firms that use direct mail neglect this vital aspect. Is there a “printing” mentality of creating “one” and reproducing it “thousands” of times? The “one to one” aspect of valuing each individual’s information must be applied to every single record in a list.

Quality data entry and following input guidelines consistently generates accurate street, city, province and postal code information. Consistent data entry also improves the ability to match records and eliminate duplicates. Every duplicate mailed results in a poor company image and costs double in printing, mail processing and postage to reach the same person twice. Direct marketers need to be concerned about how many duplicates are in the list, determine how much it is costing and ask what can be done about it!

What may look like a correct address may not be true when compared against the Canada Post master list of all addresses in Canada. To receive the reduced postage rate for mailings of 5,000 or more, a list will go through a computer process to verify or “validate” that the addresses are deliverable. It must show a 95% rate of accuracy to qualify for the usual postage. A penalty of 5 cents each will be added to the regular postage cost for those records below 95%. What does this mean? On a mailing of 20,000 records, attaining an accuracy rating of 75% is 20% below the required percentage. 20% of 20,000 records is 4,000 invalid records x 5 cents = $200 additional in postage to send out mail that may not get delivered.

If it costs approximately $1.00 per record for printing, mail processing and postage for 4,000 addresses that may end up in the recycle bin anyway, you have now spent $4,200 more on your mailing with no sales results. It is cost effective to look at those records deemed “invalid” and correct or eliminate them before your next mailout.

Records are deemed “invalid” when the street, city, province and postal code information do not reflect a “deliverable” destination and can be caused by any of the factors listed below.

Common Errors Affecting Address Accuracy

Obsolete postal codes

Invalid or missing postal codes

No street direction included in address

Numbered street name entered incorrectly

Station qualifiers missing for post office boxes and rural routes

Non address information in address fields

Unusual characters and unnecessary punctuation

Obsolete postal codes

Many rural delivery services have been restructured by Canada Post and now include the civic address and/or a new postal code. Re-development and growth of older urban areas, amalgamation of towns and growth of urban areas can create restructuring resulting in new postal codes being assigned. Therefore, addresses that were once correct may now be out of date and undeliverable.

Invalid or missing postal codes

Data entry of postal codes could be incorrect or not included at all! The postal code can be tricky to input. Here is how a postal code should be input: V6P 2K7. There should be no hyphen between the first 3 and the last 3 characters, simply put one space not two or none and use capitals for the letters.

No street direction included in address

You must specify the complete direction of an address. Examples:

34 AVE NE 800 GEORGIA ST W 24 ST E

There may be a 34 AVE NW so if it is input as 34 AVE or 34 AVE N, the postal code will not match. There could be an 800 GEORGIA ST E so without the full address and the right direction the record may be deemed “invalid”.

Numbered street name entered incorrectly

Treat numbered streets like any other street name and enter them like this: 468 23 ST

Do no put “23rd St”. That is old fashioned and confuses computer programs. Same goes for 25th, 22nd and 1st. Numbered streets with a letter attached to it like “23A ST” should have the “A” right next to the number.

Spelling errors

Street names, city names and provinces must be spelled correctly. Streets like “Georgia” often appear as “Georgai”, cities like “Mississauga” or “Tsawwassen” can easily be misspelled. And provinces should be two letters only, with no punctuation. This has created confusion as previously there were province abbreviations like Alta for Alberta which is now AB. Nfld for Newfoundland which is now NL (and this has recently been changed from NF)!

Station qualifiers missing for post office boxes and rural routes

A postal station is identified by a “station qualifier”. Example: PO Box 436 STN C. The station qualifier “STN C” must be present along with the PO Box 436. There could be 20 postal stations in a city with a PO Box 436, but STN C tells the post office in which outlet the PO Box is located. Be sure and include that part!

There are also retail postal outlets in office buildings, 7-11 Stores, etc. The qualifier is usually an “RPO” designation. Example: PO Box 457 RPO Bentall

Rural addresses must include the “station”. RR 4 STN MAIN

Non address information in address fields

Non delivery information such as the name of a building like “The Pender Building” is not considered to be “delivery information” and will confuse the Address Validation and Correction program. If you wish to include the building name, place it in the field above the actual street info. Computer processes read addresses from the bottom up starting with the postal code, province, city, street2, street1 information in that order.

Unusual characters and punctuation

The post office uses high speed scanners to process machineable mail. A number sign # should not appear in the address.

Rural addresses like “R.R. #5 STN MAIN” should be input as “RR 5 STN MAIN”.

COMP 52 SITE 13 RR 5 is more easily scanned and matched than

COMP. 52, SITE 13, RR #5. This format also saves keystrokes on data entry!

Commas and unnecessary inclusion of the period (.) should be avoided as scanners are looking for letters and numbers only.

Preferred input style for apartments: 345 MAIN ST APT 301

Acceptable style: 301 – 345 MAIN ST

When an address relates to a “4th floor” rather than a suite input it as: 400 – 341 MAIN ST

or else place the “4th floor” in the street1 field and “345 MAIN ST” in the street2 field.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

1. Create quality data entry guidelines and maintain consistency of data entry.

2. Keep your list current and have it run through the Address Correction and Validation program at least once a year no matter what size your list is. This procedure will “correct” or “reformat” most addresses and generate a report showing your percentage of Address Accuracy. The updated list will include a new field coded in such a way to show which records were “corrected” and are “invalid”. You may then take action to update your database.

3. Eliminate duplicates with your updated, refreshed and reformatted addresses to save yourself lots of money on your next mailing.

Singles — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

Sexy and Romantic Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men and Women

Now Christmas is over – that time of year when we spend our time and money on our family and friends. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching – the time of year to spend time and money on yourself and your lover.

Sexy lingerie is a Valentine’s Day gift that pleases both of you. What makes lingerie such a sought after and much-given Valentine’s Day gift – more treasured than chocolates, flowers, stuffed animals and even jewelry? Lingerie says, “I love you and I want you.” It says, “You are beautiful and deserve to wear beautiful things. I think you are desireable.”

Sexy clothing is not THE only Valentines Day gift you should give her. If your lover is a chocolate fiend then you better get her some fancy chocolates too – and flowers are never a waste, but opt for two or three smaller boquets around the room instead of one big overbearing grouping. Choose different types of flowers – daisies, wild flowers, carnations – with maybe one rose tied with a ribbon. The rose will be romantic and the hardier flowers will last longer. Think about adding a slim book of erotic stories, some massage oil, adult toys or a special piece of jewelry with an encrypted romantic inscription.

Take the time to write a note to tell her or him exactly what it is about your relationship that turns you on. Don’t be afraid to get a little naughty – it will be remembered for many years to come.

From a practical standpoint, it can be hard for guys to know what kind of lingerie to choose or what size to buy. If you make a purchase at a lingerie store the clerks can often help by showing you what is popular or suggesting lines in your price range. They may even have size guides to help, but try to sneak into your gal’s dresser beforehand and check out the size on something similar to what you want to buy.

A short internet search for “Lingerie Shopping Tips” can also give you many pointers and ideas. If all else fails, a gift certificate for a shopping trip date to Victoria Secret can help you make your own decision for her birthday – or anniversary – or Christmas. You get the idea.

Many lingerie stores on the web have people qualified to help too. Try using the customer service or “contact us” buttons on a lingerie website. Usually an honest description of your gal with size ranges or measurements can help the sales person narrow down the selection for you. Most people in the lingerie business are very accustomed to helping men and women pick just the right sexy lingerie outfit from the hundreds of thousands available.

Whatever you decide to do, make it personal. Take time to think about your girl or guy and what romantic times you have had in the past or have discussed as fantasies. You do not have to spend a lot of money to make the day unforgettable. The thought that you put into doing something unique and loving is much more important than the price tag.

Reconnecting — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

How Can I Get My Ex Back – Do I Even Want To?

After a relationship break up, the first thing many people want to know is “can I get my ex back?”or “How can I get my ex to fall back in love with me?”

This is a natural response to a painful situation of course, but before you figure out how to go about getting your ex back, you need to ask yourself a question. A very serious question, and that is “Do I really want my ex back?” Now, I can already hear you saying “Are you NUTS? Of COURSE I want my ex back!” but just hold on a minute and have a think about a few things.

First of all, you broke up for a reason – right? And whatever that reason was, it’s still going to be there in one form or another, even if you get back together again.

Let’s say it was cheating that broke you up. Whoever did the cheating promises to dump the other party (or parties) and never do it again. OK, that’s all good, but there are things here that need to be examined first.

Things like:

* What was it that caused the other person to cheat and is that going to be an issue?

* Trust. Will the one who was cheated on ever be able to trust again and what is the cheater doing to try and win back that trust?

Let’s take another reason you may have broken up like, constant fighting. Ask yourself these questions:

* What did we fight about and are these issues resolvable?

* What steps can we take (if any) to better handle conflict in the future?

It’s important to look at these issues before you decide whether or not you really do want to reconcile with your ex partner. You broke up for a reason and whatever that reason is, needs to be addressed and dealt with correctly. The only thing worse than a break up is putting in all the effort to get back together again and then having it fall apart all over again.

Post Divorce — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

My First Love – My Teacher

I remember those days when I was in six standard. This is very tender age in all angles and a child is not much grown emotionally at this stage. Same was true for me at that age. I was not very clear about love and sex. I had never experienced love for any girl. All the girls in my class were same for me as boys. There was no restriction on sitting with them. We play with them and some time even touches them also. However never any feeling of love or sex came in my mind.

Every thing was going smoothly, one day a beautiful English teacher came to our class. She was our new English teacher. This was her first assignment. She had recently passed her masters in English. She was approximately 22-23 years old. Her body is average type. She was a clear example of how a beautiful and adult woman should be like. Her every body part is in mature state. This was my first experience of seeing a so beautiful woman. I could clearly see a huge difference between her and the girls of my class.

She started taking our class. I first time in my life had seen some kind of attraction for a girl. A strange feeling started taking over me. Whenever I seen her then I likes to see her even more. Dreams of her started coming in to my mind. I started attending her class and doing work given by her more seriously. I wanted to come in her favorite’s lists. I felt bad when some one talks to her. Day by day my madness for her started growing. I wanted to be remaining more and more with her.

I started dreaming of marrying her. These were my true feeling first time for some one and some kind sexual attraction was also present in it. I had first time realized the difference between a man and woman. I wanted to touch her and sleep with her. I wanted that she should take over all of my responsibilities. She made food for me, wash my cloths and remain with me for ever. These are unknown feelings which had gripped me. I had never encountered them before.

One day came when she gave us a test and told us that she would give surprise gift to the topper. I don’t want to lose this opportunity. I worked very hard for the test and stood first in it. Will announcing the numbers she came near to me and kissed on my face. For some minutes I was in sky. For me this was like winning a big battle. With this my feeling for her become stronger. Feeling of her lips on my face was making me mad. I started wanting to kiss her also.

One month before our exams news came that my favorite teacher is going to married this week and see would now never come again to school. I felt like that some one had taken ground away from my feet. My dreams were looked shattered to me. I felt very bad about the guy who was going to marry my teacher. First time a desire to grow early and propose her arises in me. However with the passage of days everything starts coming into normal. Again I became a normal child. But defiantly she was able to teach me the difference between a woman and girl.

Marriage — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

What Most People Don’t Realise About Breaking Up

1 in 3 people in the United States, and 1 in 2 people in continental Europe will go through a break up at some point in their lives. Break ups are tough, they often seem to come out of the blue, and many of us struggle to deal with them in a mature and reasoned manner. Often allowing our emotions to take complete control over the situation, which is always a big mistake, particularly if you want to get your ex back.

Young people are by far the most adept at dealing with break ups, going through them many times during their adolescence, sometimes as often as once a year. However, despite this, many people still have difficulties working out what actually happened in the relationship, and find it difficult to pin-point the actual route cause of the break up. Which will in turn, lead them to make the same mistakes over and over again in the future.

Lack of Attraction

This is the number one cause of all break ups, no doubt about it. You may be thinking to yourself “that’s not right Steve, my girlfriend left me because I didn’t spend enough time with her” or “my boyfriend left me because I took him for granted”, etc. These may be truths, but no matter how bad a relationship gets or how many mistakes you make, as long as there is attraction that couple will invariable stay together. Attraction is a VERY strong bond, but once that attraction has gone, there is very little left that will keep you together.

Your boyfriend or girlfriend may well have been happy to put up with your bad habits while the attraction was strong, but once it goes these issues and flaws (that we all have) will only add more fuel to the fire.

You need to keep the relationship fresh to BUILD and MAINTAIN the attraction levels:

Don’t let yourself go, keep on top of your appearance

Don’t let things become boring, be spontaneous, suggest new and exciting things for you both to do

Keep the sex interesting, don’t be afraid to try new things

Lack of Communication

A relationship is a fragile bound, held together by trust, attraction and love. Over time people start to take their partner for granted. As time goes by and the honeymoon period of the relationship passes, it’s more crucial than ever to communicate your feelings to your partner. Think of a relationship like a garden, but instead of water and sunlight, your relationship needs honesty and communication to flourish. Once a couple stops communicating, without intervention, the end is nearly always in sight, and like a garden without water and sunlight, that relationship will slowly wither away and die.

You need to communicate with your partner DAILY on:

What your plans are for the day/week/month/year

What you find attractive in them

Conflict resolution, talk through any issues that arise

Don’t let this area of your life suffer because you were too afraid to open up and discuss the things that make you happy or the things that make you unhappy in your relationship… It’s too important. And please remember, it’s never too late to put things right and to get on the right path. It’s never too late to open up and communicate with your partner or with your ex.

Friendship — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

The Benefits to a Hydrogen Generator for Cars

If someone approached you and said that you can actually run a car on water, you might look at him funny. But wait, it is actually possible to make a car run by using water – well, actually using the hydrogen in the water. You can use electrolysis to sever the bonds between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water to extract just the hydrogen gas. And then you feed the hydrogen gas into your car’s combustion chamber to make it burn fuel more efficiently.

Did you know that your car’s engine can only convert about 25%of the fuel it burns into energy to drive the car forward? The rest is lost in escaped heat and exhaust; your car’s engine is not really as efficient as you think it is. When you use water4gas you introduce hydrogen into the air-fuel mix, this makes the engine run more efficiently because it will not need as much fuel now because of the additional flammable hydrogen gas. This makes your car use up less fuel than before and greatly improving the gas mileage;sometimes the gas savings are as high as 50%, saving you thousands of dollars in fuel costs per year. And less fuel consumption means less toxic emissions as well, and the only emissions that you will get from burning hydrogen is water vapor, not dangerous at all; you will also receive carbon credits when you run a car on water.

So not only are you saving a lot of money when you run a car on water, the government will reward you as well when you make a hydrogen generator for cars (your cars). How can you make your car into a water-gas hybrid? It is not as complicated as you think; in fact the tools and materials that you need are all available in any hardware store, you just need to download some simple plans off of the internet and you are ready to turn your car into an earth-friendly machine. If you are not really confident about the quality of your handy work then just buy any of the ready-to-install systems that are available over the internet such as water4gas which shows you how to make a hydrogen generator for cars (it’s easy). It is quite simple to create your own water4gas system; even someone with rudimentary skills in electronics can do it. I built my hydrogen generator in about 3 hours. In the process I fixed a ton of my on going car ticks.

Engagements — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

Wedding Poems Create A Lasting Memory

Wedding poems are unique and also a beautiful way of conveying your ever-lasting devotion, love and commitment to your partner, in a poetic way. A poem is a glorious way to pen down one’s emotions or thoughts or express oneself in a very beautiful manner.

Poems for weddings can reflect many shades of love and the real significance of solemnizing this perfect celebration of unity, new life and love in the company of your friends and family.

Though some wedding related poems can have spiritual overtones and religious character, however, this theoretical layer isn’t a necessity. Wedding poetries express a profound reflection on love, marriage, groom, bride or their families too, evincing the vision of a married life the couple would share, as a long blissful journey which would be strengthened each day and not vitiated by hurdles or sorrow.

For example wedding poems could be used to depict the love, respect and care you have for your partner, via words which perfectly express your emotions. A poem in such a case becomes a way of conveying your feelings.

This kind of a prose should be suffused with personal touch and emotion. If the poem you’re writing is meant for the to-be-wedded couple where you’re the bride’s ‘maid of honor’ or the ‘best man’ of the groom, then the poem ought to be venerating and stressed on the existing friendship you share with the groom or the bride.

In case the poem is being written for the near and dear ones attending the celebration, then the poem can be a decent length prose, nor too short or too long and it should cite the closeness between you all and it can also include a few gags to keep the atmosphere cheerful.

There are many other places where these wedding related poems can be used, for example cards, invitations, as wedding favor poems, gifts, party mats etc. You can use them in toasts and speeches as well.

It will be unique to include short style poems in your invitation cards. Sit down with your partner-to-be, take some time out and discuss ideas. Recall the cherished memories which you both shared down the months or years until now, as a couple, for example the day you both first met, your first date and so on. Together you both can write an original piece of work, a poem that can be shared with everyone present at the event.

You both could also use these wedding poems in congratulation cards. It’s also lovely if you send across a card to a couple-to-be-married, with a heartfelt poem included, congratulating them on the beautiful journey called ‘life’ that they are embarking together. This would be a heartfelt way of letting the couple know how much you care for them. Otherwise, the poems can also be added along with the gift you intend to give the couple.

Look through the internet for ideas about using and writing these poems. You’ll find many wedding related poems over the internet; get your inspiration and ideas from here, as it’s always better to write something authentic. Poems for wedding favors which express thankfulness to all the guests present at the occasion are the best style of poems.

Everybody is not a born poet so don’t worry about perfecting the poem to the minutest detail, as long as it conveys whatever you want to say, from your heart. Wedding poems surely will make the occasion a memorable event and create lasting memories when you’d sit and watch these moments with your spouse, few years down the line.

Dating — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

Quadfever in the USA

Quads and All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are just that: vehicles that can be driven on any and all kinds of terrain. With four, sometimes three wheels, and a typical balloon-like design, they have a very distinctive look. Usually made for a single driver, they were originally used by forest rangers, farmers, and anyone in the profession of driving through muddy fields, over steep mountain cliffs, or in and around construction sites. ATV’s or Quads can trek over every imaginable obstacle that comes their way, hence the name All Terrain Vehicle! However, in spite of all their appealing attributes in relation to the above-mentioned professions, these days, Quads and ATV’s are being used more and more recreationally. They’ve become quite popular within the last few years and because of this, a small but attractive ‘Quad Scene’ has erupted.

There’s Quad racing, Quad trekking, Quad shows, and Quad magazines advertising Quad publishing, Internet forums, and Quad clubs. How did this development happen?

The history of the Quad started in the 1960′s. At that time, the German company ‘Faun’ developed the original Quad. At the same time, the US army was developing the Mechanical Mule M274, a Quad that was used as an air-land vehicle. Later, Honda developed its first ATC (All Terrain Motorcycle) and Yamaha moved in with a similar version called the ‘Tri-Z’. After a period of stagnation, Quads became somewhat of a cult and Quad Fever seized more and more people, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Quads in Traffic: Today in the United States, most of the Quads by foreign manufacturers are imported as All Terrain Vehicles. Adapting their standards to the US road traffic act is relatively expensive and lavish: indicators, head lamps, brake lights, speedometer and parking lights would have to be built in after the fact in order to drive legally on the streets of Germany today.

Driving quads has become an interesting spare-time activity: But nevertheless more and more Americans spend lots of time (and lots of money too!) into their quads: They meet in quad-clubs, read in special interest magazines about the newest developpements in technique or design and sometimes they even spend their holidays on a quad: Quad-journeys become more and more popular! Nowadays it is possible that “average guys” and family-fathers do not go to Club Med anymore. Instead of laying on the beach they decide to cross a desert. Strange times, but the US are obviously suffering (or enjoying!) a new kind of illness: The so called quadfever. Is it dangerous? No, you do not have to worry. But it is highly contagious! So stop reading and get yourself a quad right now!

Conflict — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

Positions That Enhance Sex (Men)

Sexual relationship between couples is a mystery and I always implore couples not to disregard this special gift of God. The creator who endowed them with this wants them to experiment with it to the best of their abilities. He also wants them to see it as special. Sex is a divine symphony and God himself is the one leading the orchestral. There are countless different sexual positions to be enjoyed, and it is good to experiment and find the ones that suit you and your spouse best. Great sexual positions have always been celebrated.

There are lovemaking positions that generate so much skin current and couples end up releasing much heat and energy. This explains why I often tell overweight couples not to waste so much money on work-out programs. Mere changing sexual positions are enough to bring about weight loss. Some of the most exciting, thrilling, invigorating and exhilarating lovemaking sessions transform lovers into glowing teachers of each other.

Well, for couples to reach these heights, they must be physically fit and emotionally stable, for the sake of energy preservation purposes. Of course, couples must be aware of the fact that good sexual positions are enhanced by fabulous foreplay. If good foreplay techniques and great erotic massaging are done, couples can then launch themselves into interesting sexual positions depending on their preferences. Couples should never feel constrained to carry out their sexual fantasies. For lovers that enjoy the conventional and predictable position where the man is mostly on the top, do all you can to experiment with your fantasies.

Allow your lady to actively participate by using her legs to draw your body to herself in a deep intimate position to allow penetrative sex to be more electrifying. The man’s thrusting in and out should be aimed at bringing ecstasy to his spouse. The great advantage of this traditional position is that it allows both couples to get as close as possible. Body proximity is one of several factors that can stimulate penetrative sex.

Lips contain a few energy meridians. The more couples kiss while in deep thrusting the more the energy that flows between them. For overweight man, do all you can to reduce your body pressure on your partner with your arms. The joy of a man being on top is the variety it offers. In this position, couples can have the best of fun.

The woman can alter the positions of her legs and other part of her body. For example, she can use her legs to trap that of your, wrap her legs around your body, or raise her knee towards her chest, enabling you to penetrate her deeply. The man can raise the legs of his spouse and enter her while facing her in an upright kneeling position. The rule of the game is this: anything works, so far it is mutually accepted.

One thing about good sexual positioning is that couples can create one for themselves; the best lovemaking can be achieved when one’s full body is pressed against that of the other partner.

When a woman is on top, she is able to build up body and pelvic tension, which is always good for deep thrusting. The position is very effective because the tension gives room for the couple to treat each other to an upright sex maneuverings.

In another variation, the knees of the woman are placed on the sides of the man. The woman can also sit on your waist while the penis is firmly in her vagina, with her legs towards your shoulder while leaning back on her hand. The advantage of this position is that it allows the woman to be in charge, and most men are craving for this. Besides, the woman can better ensure her own. Women are encouraged to take the lead and be in control. It helps them to experience the act of gently dominating their partner, controlling the pace of proceedings and also introducing new variations. Have a feel of the moment, opt for the version of the back-to-front woman-on-top position. It is not only a highly erotic and novel alternative, it is also so easy to reach down.

Side by side is another perfect position for a couple who just had a new baby. All they have to do is to lie side by side like a pair of spawning fish bending their tails around each other. At penetration, the man lifts the leg of his wife onto his and just keeps riding noiselessly. The joy of this position is that both husband and wife are sexually fulfilled while both of them keep a watching eye on the new baby, without any disturbance.

Commitment — Comments Off
22
Nov 11

Remarriage & Step Families – The Glue That Sticks a Step Family Together

Step families are unique from nuclear families in that not everyone has known each other for the same amount of time. This brings with it some challenges. When a step family is created it functions as three distinct entities.

There is the newly created couple, and then there are the two original nuclear families. Each of these entities are comfortable interacting with one another. It’s when you try to mix these that discomfort and resistance can set in.

While the combination of these groupings needs to be a slow process, some progress needs to be occurring even from the beginning. The best way to do this is to create mutual memories. These memories are the glue that binds strangers into a step family.

All of us have memories from growing up in our family. These can consist of things as varied as different holiday traditions to silly nicknames. These memories created a sense of belonging and oneness. It’s these memories that are lacking in a step family due to their minimal time together.

The couple unit really needs to be the one to spur the family into creating these memories. “But how?” you might ask. You’ve got a couple of choices here, but creativity and flexibility are the most important ingredients.

1. What have you stumbled onto already? – Just by virtue of the amount of time you have been together, you may have found some activities that everyone seems to enjoy. As a couple take some time to brainstorm activities you’ve done as an entire family that seemed to have gone well. Figure out how you can repeat these.

2. Get input from the kids – Do a quick family meeting with “fun activities” on the agenda. Ask the kids what they enjoy doing. Make sure the kids understand, this doesn’t mean you’re going to do all of them. You’re just brainstorming for their ideas.

3. Try previous events that worked – As a couple talk about things you’ve always enjoyed doing with your own children. See what your partner thinks his/her children’s’ reactions would be. For example, if you and your children have always enjoyed going on nature hikes on Sunday afternoons, talk to your partner about whether his/her children might be interested in this as well and then give it a try. If it doesn’t work, at least now you know.

4. Create a collection – Finally, as a family, I encourage you to have a jar or a notebook where you keep little reminders of important memories that have been created. This will allow people to throw one in from time to time as memories are made.

Early on, things are tough in a step family. No one feels especially comfortable. Keeping a brief list of these memories to refer back to on really hard days can help you to remember why you continue to strive forward. It’s also fun as a family, to go back and look at these silly memories to see just how far you’ve all come.

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