Exclusive Stories!
Top 5 Summer Dates For 2018
It’s easy to become complacent in your relationship as time goes on. In the beginning, most couples go on a variety of dates while everything is new and exciting. After a while, Friday nights turn into wearing pajamas and watching Netflix (I know I’m guilty of this). Part of keeping a relationship exciting is continuing to go on dates. While going on a date every week is not realistic, couples could aim for a date night at least once a month. Instead of binge-watching shows, get dressed up and try one of these summer dates.
1. Attend A Music Festival
During the summer many bands and music groups are touring, making it a perfect time for experiencing a music festival. In the New York City area, there are always festivals going on in the summer. This weekend in New York City, there is a Panorama Music Festival in Randall’s Island Park. The dates of the festival are July 27-29, 2018. This style of a concert is similar to Coachella which is always in Indio, California. Music festivals allow you to experience music in a different way. Having the music blasting around you is incomparable to wearing headphones. Dance with your partner, listen to new music and meet new friends.
2. Visit The Zoo
If you and your partner love animals, then take a trip to the Bronx Zoo. The Bronx Zoo is open year-round and has free general admission on Wednesdays. Even with free admission, they hope you donate to the animals. This is a free and amazing find for locals. Or people who have a day off and are looking for something to do. Of course, the rest of the week there are fees to get into the zoo. Their attractions include Tiger Mountain, Himalayan Highlands, Congo Gorilla Forest, and World of Reptiles. Also for summer, they have a Sea Lion Pool. The summer hours for seeing the animals are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Go To The Movies
Going to the movies will always be a great option for a date night. No matter what the season is, who doesn't love seeing a movie on a big screen? The experience of getting ready for the movie is almost better than the movie itself. From buying the tickets, buying the snacks, and seeing the previews if you’re early enough. Especially when seeing a movie in IMAX. That far exceeds watching a movie from your couch at home. Usually, movie theatres are heavily air-conditioned in the summer which feels amazing. I loved the new reclining chairs when I saw Jurassic World.
4. Bonfires & S’mores
Who doesn’t love s’mores? Sitting at a bonfire and roasting marshmallows is one of the best summer dates. Not to mention messy so I wouldn’t suggest wearing your nicest dress. This is a bonding and tasty experience to have with your partner. Instead of finding ways to catch a cheater. Just don’t forget the graham crackers and marshmallows. I think of s’mores as the ultimate dessert for summer. This is the only season of the year that people really make them. As much as I love ice cream it is available all year. You need the nice and warm weather to make this snack. Unless you wanna make it in the microwave.
5. Finding A Food Truck
Food trucks allow you to try diverse and delicious food you might not normally have. Usually, most food trucks park in the same venue or street. Giving you the option to try different types of cuisine that are made fresh. While going out to eat is always an option, getting lunch or dinner from a food truck is a whole different experience. You’re likely eating the food with your hands and enjoying it a lot more. Next time you’re in a big city, try finding or even renting a food truck like Wafels & Dinges. Skip the restaurant and try one of these exciting summer dates.
You May Also Like: The Relationship Roller Coaster
Make sure to check out our other relationship blogs on TheGrapevineGossip
4 Reasons Sexual Compatibility Matters In A Relationship
Salt-N-Pepa, an amazing music group of the ‘90s and fearless leaders of women everywhere, said it best: Let’s talk about sex. I don’t necessarily mean you and I should talk about sex (although that is what we’re about to do). I mean you and your potential life partners should talk about sexual compatibility. It’s arguably one of the most important parts of a relationship. Of course, the most important aspect of a relationship is communication. Here’s a little math equation for you: Communication + Intimacy = Talking about sex.
Why Is It So Important To Discuss Sexual Compatibility?
1. Learn What He Likes
You might be surprised by some of the things your partner is into. Perhaps it’s something you like yourself but were too shy to bring up. Or maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try but didn’t think he would be open to. Once you learn what he likes, you can focus part of your time making sure your man is satisfied. After all, you get what you give. On that note, you can also use sexual communication to follow the next tip.
2. Learn What You Like
You deserve to be more than satisfied in your sex life. If any woman takes away a single piece of advice from my writings then I hope it’s this one: You should never have to fake an orgasm. Don’t let anyone ever convince you otherwise. And communicating your sexual preferences to your partner can help you accomplish this. If you’re with someone that you are sexually compatible with, you will always be satisfied.
3. Expand Your Horizons
When you talk about sex with your partner, you might learn a little something. Perhaps you’ll discover a kink or position you never would have guessed that you'd like. Be bold and don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for what you want. If you try something new and realize you don’t like it, that’s one thing you can both cross off your lists for next time. Becoming bored is part of what causes people to stray from their partners.
4. Avoid Complacency
A cheating boyfriend or a cheating husband will often state unhappiness in their sex life as a reason for their infidelity. There are ways to catch a cheater. Of course, this can all be avoided with a little communication. Talk about sex and be honest with your partner to avoid feeling this way or going through such a horrible experience in the future. Of course, this responsibility is on the both of you. If you or your partner is unhappy, you need to be able to express that to each other in order to remedy the problem.
If you have this discussion and find that you aren’t sexually compatible with your partner, it’s better to know now. Of course, some couples are able to work on this issue and make compromises in their sex lives to make it work for both of them. I can assure you, though, that two people who are sexually incompatible will not last forever. At least, not monogamously. And if a healthy, monogamous relationship is what you’re after, you need to have this conversation and you need to have it early on.
Allow yourself to be happy in your relationship and your sex life. You deserve only the best!
xx Amelia, Relationship Expert
You Also Might Like: 4 Ways To Be More Confident In Bed
5 Best Places to Celebrate National Tequila Day in NYC
Tequila lovers rejoice! National Tequila Day is coming up this Tuesday, July 24th. Before we get ready for that much needed afternoon drink, let’s find out what tequila is actually made of. What makes tequila taste like, well, tequila is the blue agave plant. The best tequila drinks have 100% blue agave like Patron. Even though Tequila Day winds up on a Tuesday this year, party like it's a Friday. Go out with a friend or a co-worker and celebrate the day with some shots!
Here are the best places in the NYC area to get tequila shots for National Tequila Day.
1. Boulton And Watt - East Village, NYC
If you’re able to travel to New York City, there will be some great deals for National Tequila Day. Boulton And Watt is known for great food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Their bar has industrial accents with wood walls and furniture. Creating the perfect night time venue for drinking tequila shots. For this upcoming holiday, they are offering $7 shots of Altos tequila and $10 Mexican Revolvers. These specials start at noon and last for the rest of the day. So, you can start drinking at lunch to celebrate the day.
2. Del Fuego East - Long Island, NY
This Tex-Mex inspired restaurant, located on Long Island, was voted the "Best Tex Mex" by Long Island Press. All of their Mexican dishes are made in-house and are delicious. The restaurant is having an event specifically for National Tequila Day. Del Fuego is offering a variety of tequilas and margaritas. Let’s not forget that this happens to fall on a Tuesday. Making this the most epic Taco Tuesday Day of the year. Nothing tastes better than tacos and tequilas. I can attest to that!
3. Park Avenue Tavern - Murray Hill, NYC
Park Avenue Tavern is a retro-style restaurant with a famous Barrel Room for drinking. The tavern will be hosting an event with a tequila brand for National Tequila Day. Although the brand name hasn’t been announced, it’s sure to be a fun night. This festive event will take place in the Barrel Room in the basement. Because who doesn’t want to drink tequila in a basement? To access this event you must purchase the $30 tickets on their ticket buying website. You cannot enter the event without it.
4. On The Border - Long Island, NY
This Mexican Grill & Cantina restaurant is having tons of deals for this year's event. In fact, they are starting two days early for the event. On The Border will be celebrating July 22-24 at their restaurants. Starting with $2 Classic ‘Ritas this is sure to be a party. What tequila do they have? Well, for starters Hornitos for $3, Altos for $4, and Patron for $5. Besides alcohol, you can listen to DJ Boogie Butt who will be playing between 7:30 and 11:00 pm that night.
5. Drexler's - East Village, NYC
Another great spot in East Village is Drexler’s. For some really amazing deals on alcohol and food, I suggest stopping here. This is a good option for drinking and dining on a budget. They are offering Milagro tequila and huge discounts on tacos. Their promotions include 1 taco for $3 and 2 tacos for $5. Of course, they will have a DJ to accompany all the drinking and taco eating. If you can get there before 7 pm for happy hour, there are $7 cocktails and $5 wines.
Have a great National Tequila Day, but please remember to drink responsibly! Which venue will you celebrate this momentous occasion? Let us know what you’ll be up to in the comments below.
For more lifestyle related content check back at TheGrapevineGossip.com.
A New Milestone For Billy Joel: 100 Performances At Madison Square Garden
Many well-known and reputable singers have performed at Madison Square Garden, from Taylor Swift to Rihanna. Yesterday at MSG, the legendary Billy Joel had his 100th performance! His first concert at the venue was on December 14th, 1978 (way before I was born), and he holds the record for the most performances at The Garden.
I was lucky enough to go to this historic event and finally see my first Billy Joel concert. Before the event, Gov. Cuomo honored Billy Joel by proclaiming July 18th as “Billy Joel Day” and unveiling a permanent display at MSG.
Watch the coverage of this below:
Now for the good part! Here are some highlights from this spectacular event!
The Set List
At his 100th MSG performance, he, of course, played all of his greatest hits. Below are the songs he performed.
- “Big Shot” (He opened with this!)
- “My Life”
- “She’s Always A Woman”
- “Only The Good Die Young”
- “Don't Ask Me Why”
- “Half A Mile Away”
- “Allentown”
- “The River of Dreams”
- “New York State of Mind”
- “Movin’ Out”
- “The Downeaster Alexa”
- “Vienna”
- “Zanzibar”
- “Nessun Dorma” (Performed by Mike DelGuidice, Frontman of the Billy Joel Tribute Band Big Shot)
- “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”
- “Uptown Girl”
- “We Didn’t Start The Fire” (My Favorite!)
- “You May Be Right”
- Cover Snippets of “I Will Survive” and “Summer in the City” (He's not a fan of disco.)
- "This Is The Time"
- "Sometimes A Fantasy"
- “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me”
- “Piano Man”
Here's a clip of him singing “New York State of Mind”
The Raising Of His Honorary 100 Performances Banner
In honor of Billy Joel’s 100th performance, MSG presented him with a permanent banner that will be displayed in the stadium. The crowd stood up and cheered to honor and congratulate the Piano Man. His daughter Della Rose, wife Alexis Roderick, agent Dennis Arfa, and other longtime friends joined him on stage to celebrate this momentous occasion. Here is a short clip of it.
Here’s to 💯 more. #BillyJoelMSG100 pic.twitter.com/ibef2pJd88
— MSG (@TheGarden) July 19, 2018
Bruce Springsteen
The surprise guest for this special event was none other than… Bruce Springsteen! The crowd was ecstatic and chanting "BRUCE" when he came up on stage. He sang his two hit songs “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and “Born To Run”. This is one memory concert-goers (including me) will never forget.
Here’s a video of him singing those songs:
Song For His Daughter
To send his daughter Della Rosa off to bed, Billy Joel sang her favorite song, “Don't Ask Me Why”. It was such a touching moment to see him incorporate his family into his milestone performance.
To sum-up how epic this concert was, watch this video to see what Billy Joel and others had to say about his 100th performance at Madison Square Garden.
No words can describe the overall feeling I had attending this Billy Joel concert. The one thing I can say is that he’s a one-of-a-kind musician and entertainer that everyone should have the chance to see perform in-person. If you want to see this legend sing live, here are his tour dates.
What’s your favorite Billy Joel song? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to check out our other music blogs on Grapevine!
Trending Story
The Relationship Roller Coaster: How To Balance Life And Love
Every relationship has its ups and downs. Some have more ups, while others have more downs. And you know, if you’re in a relationship with more ups, you’re one of the lucky ones. You may have found the right person to spend the rest of your life with. However, if you’re in a relationship where the downs outweigh the ups, then you should probably think twice about continuing on with it. Figuring out how to balance life and love is one of the toughest challenges for any couple.
Every relationship starts off wonderfully (or at least it should). The beginning stages of love are wonderful. It’s like the first day of spring every single day. You wake (maybe next to that special someone) with a smile, thinking about all the wonderful things you’re going to do that day (and the next...and for the rest of your life). When you're at work, you are constantly texting and Facebook messaging them because you just can't stand to be apart. When together, you hold hands everywhere you go, kiss, cuddle, and have passionate, mind-blowing sex oh, I don't know, three times a day at least.
Eventually, the euphoria that comes with new love tapers off and reality begins to set in. Things aren’t necessarily bad, but they aren’t all fairy dust and googly eyes every single moment of your life anymore. You both wake up and begin your daily routine, head off to school or work, meet up for dinner or drinks at night, then have sex (only, not as often and probably not as passionately), and go to sleep. Many people spend the rest of their lives living that way, and in all honesty, that’s not a bad way to live.
Other relationships fare worse, often due to two common reasons: children and money. Kids—as wonderful as they can be—are romance killers. When your day is spent taking care of children, there’s very little time or energy left for a romantic interlude. Honestly, the motivation to even try to do so becomes an afterthought or, worse, another task on the already too-long to-do list. Money is even more difficult. Nothing stresses people out more than financial issues. I assume you’ve heard that money is the root of all evil? Well, you'd better believe it. Money problems are love’s biggest enemy—the number one cause of arguments—and they’ve led to more than their fair share of divorces and break-ups. In fact, being secretive about money can be a sign of infidelity, another major cause of broken relationships.
Getting through life with one person takes work. It requires a great deal of trust. You need to have faith in fidelity, finances, and, well, basically everything! You can’t spend the rest of your life with someone you don’t think has your back. When the downs start to rise above the ups, you need to know that your “soulmate” will be there for you. That he will stand there with you and face whatever life is throwing your way.
If he's not, it's time to start rethinking the matter. Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be. You will find better. You are worthy of better. Trust me on that.
xx Amelia
NOTE: For more life advice from Amelia Crane, check out her related blog post: How Do You Do It All? Time Management For Busy Lifestyles
