Couples magazine

THE SUMMER EDITION

COOKING FOR COUPLES

ROMANCING THE SALAD

VACATION with the kids: TIPS ON MAKING IT GREAT

MONEY MATTERS FINANCE FOR COUPLES

WIN AUGUST 2017

EDITOR’S N TES

EDITOR’S NOTES

It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it? In the midst of planning magazines, scheduling interviews and hitting deadlines, I had quite a health scare over the past nine months.

This is why, in the coming months, you’ll see a change in our approach.

We’re proud to welcome Natasha Hall to our team, whose responsible for the lovely new layout of the magazine.

We’re always grateful to our partners - Regus, Armstrong Manufacturing and Veoma Ali - for their input into this issue. The magazine will now be published every two months, and you’ll have more time to digest the content, while we continue with daily activity on our Facebook page.

We’ve recently launched an Instagram page as well @couplesmagazinepage - so please go over and join us! In this issue, we look at the very real possibility of love after a break-up. Most of us have had separations before; and this Cover Couple also had a horrible time.

How did they get through it? You’ll find the answer in the cover article.

As always, you have a chance to win as well! So, relax, turn the pages and enjoy, as we welcome you to the new edition of Couples Magazine...love in any language!

Love always, Patricia Standford

www.facebook.com/CouplesMagazine @couplesmagazinepage

&Gwen Blake FINDING LOVE AFTER LOVE

Shelton Stefani Who says love can’t blossom at the workplace?

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton met as co-judges of NBC’s The Voice and their relationship went to the next level, with each of them openly stating that they were ‘saved’ by the other.

you’re a child of the eighties, chances are you may have been one of those teenagers rocking to Gwen Stefani, with crazy-coloured hair; or you may know about Bush frontman, Gavin Rossdale, one of the coolest guys of the times back then. Yes, Gwen and Gavin was a rock and roll love story and they made a life together, with three children and thirteen years of marriage. Then. Came. Divorce.

The ‘D’ word to which Blake Shelton could certainly relate. Miranda Lambert – a beautiful country crooner – was his wife; and he’d announced unashamedly to everyone that he was divorced. While Gwen was hiding her separation, Blake was broadcasting it, it seems.

But how did they get together?

Who says love can’t blossom at the workplace?

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton met as co-judges of NBC’s The Voice and their relationship went to the next level, with each of them openly stating that they were ‘saved’ by the other. This is perhaps a Dickensian irony of sorts – the best of times and the worst of times. Both had horrible heartache, but both were able to come out of the rubble of divorce with hearts filled with renewed love.

Last year, Blake and Gwen released a song together. Go Ahead and Break My Heart is a mixture of country and pop, with some lyrics that reflect both their pasts and the horrid feeling of heartache and heartbreak…which leads us to the harsh truth that, sadly, some relationships do not work out as initially planned.

But then there are stories like this; and their story has given hope to many a couple on the edge of a precipice and not being able to turn back.

But how do you embrace another fully into your life after years of being with another? Gwen

seemed to have done it slowly with her sons, having Blake with them on some outings and obviously letting them get to know him better away from the prying eyes of the public. And now, it seems that things couldn’t be better! So much so, that Hollywood is wondering about the couple and pregnancy, claiming that it’s about time!

But the couple is not one to be rushed.

Between making music and magic together, theirs is a love that has not been rushed; and one that seems to have the foundation of a friendship – a jovial jesting of sorts, too – and one that is dictated by no one else but themselves.

Gwen is 47 and a mother of three, so a baby would surely be a well thought-out plan by the two. According to sources, there’s absolutely no pressure from Blake.

The future looks brilliant for this couple, this absolutely adorable couple; and we look forward to getting more music from them, but also more of the great tweets and Instagram posts of how great each thinks the other is. Because love after love is sometimes the truest, purest love of all.

.

FINANCE FOR C UPLES

FINANCE FOR C UPLES

FINANCE FOR COUPLES

Sometimes in relationships, we choose certain tasks which we may repeat over time; and these tasks or chores or assignments automatically become ours. You know, like the husband washing the car each Sunday morning; or the wife cooking up a storm on the same day. Week in, week out. Couples usually tend to behave in this way when it come to money matters, too. There’s a widow named Sarah whose husband dealt with all the financial matters for the household: paying the bills, taking care of taxes and even saving money in various accounts for the children. When her husband, Ron died, she was at a total loss with regard to how to even begin when it came to money matters for her family.

Sarah didn’t realise that Ron even had a life insurance policy until much later, after it had sadly lapsed, due to non-payment. She lost out on about $50,000 which was supposed to have gone to her…and is still battling the insurance company to retrieve the monies.

This tragic experience occurs many times across the globe, when one partner dies and the other has no clue about their finances. How do couples avoid this? Simply put, it is absolutely important to discuss money matters together. Some partners don’t want to think about losing the other; and others may shy away from facts and figures, budgeting and bank-books. But it is vital that both partners are aware of how much is available to them and what their financial standing is, in case one partner were to suddenly pass away.

Here are a few simple tips on how to ensure both of you are in the loop:

1.Designate a time on a monthly basis where you discuss the bills, debt, savings and investment.

2.Ensure each partner knows the status of a life or insurance policy and where documents may be found.

3.Keep each other up-to-date with any new accounts that may have been opened and ensure that the account numbers, names of banks and even friendly bank tellers’ names and contact information are accessible; 4.Always discuss any lending to third parties (even siblings or parents) with your partner.

Of course, we never want to think about a dreadful time when we may lose the person we love the most. But it’s better to be prepared than to be lost if or when that difficult time rears its head.

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the

One of the natural wonders of the Caribbean, The Pitons have been designated a World Heritage Site and is indeed one of the most idyllic destinations in the Caribbean.

Gros Piton – the larger of the two mountains – is a wonderful hiking experience. Warning: do not attempt the hike if you have health issues, since it takes a certain amount of stamina (and resolve) to get to the top. There are official guides who can take you as part of a group or just you both. We recommend the group tours, since they are safer and you also get to meet new people. Also, remember to walk with your water. An added plus: some tour guides

even offer you a refreshing Piton – the local beer

named after the geographic gems – after the tour has been completed and you’re back to lower ground.Can you imagine kissing your sweetheart at the pinnacle? This would have to be one of your ultimate romantic moments! (Gros Piton Mountain Tours is highly recommended on the Internet).Although wherever you choose to stay in St. Lucia would be beautiful, since the island’s topography naturally lends itself to romance, there are several hotels located nearer to The Pitons; and from which you have the most picturesque view possible. For example, Jade Mountain Resort or Ladera Resort are very high on the Couples List, but there are others which will offer you weekend packages for exploration.

Some of you may simply wish to hire a car and drive. Be careful, as the roads can be

very winding and may take more expertise than simply driving in rush-hour traffic on a well-paved highway. If it’s not on your bucket list, you may want to consider one day visiting together. If you’ve been to St. Lucia and never visited The Pitons, you need to come again… see you soon!

Roasted

ONIONS BEETS & with blue cheese Now, we know you may be wondering, “What kind of dish is this, exactly?”

Let’s just say that it’s one that both of you can make together, from the very incep�on. Shopping can be exci�ng when done as a pair, especially when done at a farmer’s market. Make shopping for your vegetables a date, find out the loca�on of the nearest farmer’s market; and walk with a basket!

A�er you’ve shopped for your onions and beets, go to the cheese sec�on of the supermarket and pick up some blue cheese and a bo�le of something, while you’re at it. Here are the instruc�ons as you make this dish together, with the most important ingredient of all…love!

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion 1 tablespoon of olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil two small beets

DIRECTIONS

2 ounces blue cheese 2 tablespoons of bu�er 2 tablespoons of fresh chive Balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not peel the onion, but trim the top and bo�om.

3

Cover the onion in the oil.

Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a baking sheet.

Wrap beets in foil and place onto baking sheet. Roast until vegetables are tender for approximately 45 minutes.

While beets are cooling, halve the onion and discard the outer layers. Peel the beets and chop into quarter-inch pieces. Slightly spread open the onion layers and drizzle with oil.

Sprinkle with blue cheese in the shape of a tent. In a saucepan, bring the beets to simmer in a quarter cup of water.

Add salt, pepper and butter and swirl until sauce thickens, for about 5 minutes. Spread this over the onion and cheese. Top with chives and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

There you have it! A healthy side dish or a salad as a prelude to a romantic dinner! Remember the wine…or if you prefer, some sparkling water with lemon will add some zest to your culinary experience!

Simply check page f our Fa o ceboo r the p ask ab k osting out yo s whic ur favo in this h urite a issue. rticle Respo nd and have a you chanc e to w in!

CON

TEST

WIN ENDS SEPT NER CHO EMB S E ER 2 N RA GOO N D LU DOM 5, 2017 CK!! .

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THE

Bar chef

Recipe by Jamaal Bowen, Barbados

1 1/2 oz Claytons Kola Tonic 1 1/2 oz Spiced rum (optional) 3/4 oz Passion Fruit Juice 3/4 oz Bajan Cherry Juice 3/4 oz Pomegranate Juice 1/2 - 1 oz simple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS Place all ingredients in shaker with a scoop of ice.

Shake vigorously , then strain into a tall glass. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

REFLECTIONS

This poem has been on my writing desk for over ten years; and I thought I’d share it with you as a parting gift from this issue. It’s a life map of sorts and I hope you enjoy it!

PROMISE YOURSELF To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” ― Christian D. Larson