Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

I am very proud of myself.  This weekend saw the tenth anniversary of the first couple that I ever set up.  Yup.  That’s right.  Ten whole years!  I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing Ben Croft and Liza Smith huge congratulations, I hope that the next ten years (and beyond) will be equally brilliant.  Now I have a feeling that we can all learn a lot from these two and their tale, so I’m going to tell you a bit more about them.  Brace yourselves, given that this is my finest achievement as a matchmaker, it’s going to be a long one…

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Of course, the simple answer is yes. We all know couples who have done it. Perhaps the question should really be should you…? My Iranian Grandpa used to say “never go backwards, always forwards”, he learnt this the hard way losing everything he’d ever worked for and known in the Islamic Revolution of ’79. I used to think he must be right, since unlike most of his contemporaries he managed to cope with his new life, despite it being unlike anything he’d ever known in his 80 years of life until that point. This mantra must have helped him to move on. I held it almost sacred through my formative years, constantly thinking of progress as essential and that any glance to the past must have negative consequences. The attitude permeated my education, my relationships, my career choices.

Papajoon was not alone, various versions of “don’t go back” are heard far and wide. I’ve already been told this by innumerable other people whenever I’m at some life cross-roads. However, I’m beginning to wonder whether I perhaps misinterpreted my dear Grandfather’s words and that this adage doesn’t always hold water. I think in my context, he said it because he knew his life could never be as it was before, so as a source of comfort it helped to see it as a positive life-affirming journey, therefore such a maxim propelled him into his new future. However I don’t think the notion should be so readily embraced.

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We know from speaking to a lot of you that the demise of England in the world cup was a bitter pill to swallow.  Trust me we feel your pain.  Not only that, but now Fed’s out of Wimbledon too.  Nicky (his REAL wife) is not a happy bunny at all.  Whilst these developments may be shambolic, we’re not known for moping and think that actually, maybe they could be blessings in disguise?

Sport in general is SUCH a good topic to start a conversation with.  There is so much of it around at the moment, that even if you don’t know what’s what, you can ask the right kind of questions to find out.  Also, aside from providing a handy ice-breaker, this summer’s sporting overload means that pubs and bars are fuller than normal, so it’s a great way to meet people too.  Get yourself out there and get chatting. Read the rest of this entry »

I recently went to see the Noisettes at the Camden Roundhouse with my good buddy, Blankie.  It was without doubt one of the best gigs I’ve been to in a long while.  The lights were low, the atmosphere was electric and the music was outstanding.  I must stress at this point that no, Blankie and I were not on a date.  Firstly he has a gorgeous girlfriend who might have a problem with that, and secondly he’s a bit too weird, even for me.

Had we, however, been in the early throes of dating, it would have been the perfect location to get those butterflies fluttering.  Now I’d say that a gig is a good second date choice, so let’s take a step back and think about that all important date numero uno. Read the rest of this entry »

We wish you an eggcellent Easter!

Treehouse Tipples, this Brixton bar may not be the easiest to get to, but it’s worth it. With the days getting longer, what better way to spend the evening than in a cosy cavern, sipping snifters…? Grand Union

Trees for Cities, we clearly love trees, but we also love cities, so we particularly love trees in cities: they break up the concrete jungle, freshen the air and remind us that nature is wonderful. So imagine our delight when we found this charity right here in the big smoke. Read the rest of this entry »

Having met well over 1000 singletons for a lot of tea and way too much cake, we can safely say that we have a good idea of what your average 20/30 something is looking for in their ideal other half.  I thought I’d share some of our insights, seeing as you might find them surprising – we certainly did.

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Hello there Tree-dwellers,

The recent article in the Metro, coupled with the kind praise and endless forwarding from our friends, has resulted in a hive of Tree populating activity.  We ruddy well love it we do!  Thank you, thank you all for spreading the word.

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