Guest Post: Big City Dating

Living as a single in a large city can be a lonely existence for someone who doesn't have a family or community support system. Many singles don't find it easy to meet other people in a big city, whether they're interested in friendship or dating. In addition, singles looking for a committed relationship may be reticent about expressing that sentiment. Yet if they can't make it clear that they're looking for a serious partner, they may attract people who don't share their goals.

Some singles appreciate their friends who try to "set them up" while others are offended, but in the best of circumstances, friends have their own lives and can quickly become weary of trying to find dates for their single friends. Singles can also weary of hearing their married friends tell them that they're being "too picky" or "not doing enough" to meet a partner.

Internet dating can also be frustrating. Dating sites are not always secure. Some online dating sites may include profiles of people who live across the country or even outside of the country. Profiles are often misleading, either intentionally or unintentionally so if a single wants to identify a person that will be a good match, the online profiles can create more problems than solutions.

The final option, meeting people at events, bars or parties often feels awkward and superficial. Singles often say that they feel pressured to make a connection at venues where the lights are low, the music is loud and the conversation feels shallow and phony.

The bright lights and excitement that big city living offers can bring new opportunities for singles of all ages but for those who are looking for a meaningful relationship, living in a large city can bring a certain level of loneliness that's not always easy to overcome.

Sarah is a professional matchmaker at Table for Six, a unique dating service based in Los Angeles. Table for Six has years of experience matching like-minded single professionals together. A policy of caring about their members above all, has produced many happy Table for Six reviews.

(Photo from Awesome People Hanging Out Together)

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard receives interior design award, and Absolutely Not Martha goes to the ceremony.

One of the perks of blogging and living in Los Angeles is having the opportunity to go to various parties and events. Last Monday night I was invited to a star-studded awards gala (at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood) honoring Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award.

A little background on Martyn: He was named one of the world’s top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest and will be featured on Bravo’s new program, “Million Dollar Decorator”, set to debut at the end of 2010. His client list includes Cher, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Eva Mendes, Ellen Pompeo, Kid Rock, Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne and Tamara Mellon, founder and President of Jimmy Choo. Very impressive.

I love his work on Ellen Pompeo's classic 1920s Spanish-style home in the Hollywood Hills...
Back to the gala. Wolfgang Puck catered the affair, and I definitely enjoyed my share of miniature grilled cheese sandwiches, thin pizza mini slices, chocolate-covered Ho Hos and teeny tiny (maybe 2 inches tall) vanilla ice cream cones.

While the majority of the previously mentioned celebrities were not in attendance, with the exception of Sharon (and Kelly) Osbourne and Ellen Pompeo, I did see Shannen Doherty, Lance Bass, Cheryl Tiegs, Taylor Dane and Camille Grammer (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). The evening's highlights for me: telling Shannen that while we were dating, my husband and I never missed an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210; chatting with Camille and letting her know I can help with any real estate needs (I just passed the California real estate salesperson exam!); and watching Taylor Dane perform "Prove Your Love". Photos of celebrities at the red carpet event are here if you'd like to see.

(Camille, call me.)

(Photos via Elle Decor and Google Images)

Babs and Jen

For several years now, I've been telling my family how much I think Jennifer Aniston resembles Barbra Streisand. Well, apparently someone at Harper's Bazaar thinks so, too. (Fun fact: Jennifer's "Streisand-ification" took place in an old Los Angeles theater surrounded by iconic images of Barbra and with "People" on rotation.)

Did anybody ever tell you that you look like a certain celebrity?

I'm so excited to go see this tonight, I can barely breathe.

Justin and Jessica in New York

Last week, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted taking a stroll through the West Village, having brunch in Tribeca and checking out two Broadway shows. (I just noticed how they share the same facial expression in each photo! Neat.)

Bag ladies

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are stylish as usual--both wearing a large scarf and shades and carrying not one, but two huge bags while clutching a cup of coffee.

(Photos via People)

A gluten free recipe and a photo of Johnny Depp.

Random I know. But it's all I have for today.

Click here for the Curried Sweet Potatoes With Apples recipe.

(Photo via Ffffound!)

Sameness

Angelina Jolie with her parents.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt with their children.

(Photos via weheartit)

Weekly links

This is a photo of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly backstage at the Academy Awards in 1956! Will you be watching the Oscars tomorrow night? (If I'm feeling adventurous, I may go to catch a glimpse of red carpet activity--perks of living in L.A.) Hope you're having a fabulous weekend. The links...

make a bed out of pipes at Instructables via Curbly

make gluten free zucchini ricotta cheesecake at 101 Cookbooks

make a tin can star curtain at Sol y Sombra via Curbly

make a rope necklace at ...love Maegan

make a tied tissue box cover at Curbly

make a string tree wall mural at Re-Nest

prep your bathroom for company at Apartment Therapy

(Photo via weheartit)

Did you know that Saints quarterback Drew Brees is allergic to gluten?

He is also allergic to dairy and eggs. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints on Super Bowl win!

(Photo via Google Images)

"When you think of raising money with singing, obviously I'm going to be sitting there." (Vince Vaughn)

Apparently it was a surprise participation by Vince in the "We Are the World" re-recording for Haitian earthquake relief. I love him.

(Photo via People)

Weekly links (Late Edition)

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Links...

learn how to use Craigslist to find the perfect apartment at Apartment Therapy

make gluten free and vegan Three Sisters Posole at Gluten A Go Go

make cherry blossom garlands from disposable tablecloths at Creative Jewish Mom via Craftzine

make a flowery pom-pom pendant lamp at Craftynest via Curbly

use old jigsaw puzzle pieces to create a heart pin or recycle crayon pieces into swirly, usable Valentines at Family Fun (Twenty-three more Valentine's Day crafts here.)

create your own rub-on letters at Can't Stop Making Things via Craftzine

learn 4 new indoor ways to grow a little green at Apartment Therapy

(Photo via People)

Celebrity encounter

I know you must be thinking...Oh, no. Here she goes, with yet another celebrity-themed post. But I just HAD to share with you that last night whilst picking up a few groceries at Whole Foods...I saw, and spoke with, actress Marion Cotillard. She only happens to be the star of one of my most favorite films EVER, La Vie En Rose. Not to mention she's currently in new fave Nine. LOVE her. (That's all I'm telling.)

(Photo via weheartit)

Fashion inspiration: Angelina Jolie

Recent posts seem to be all about the fashion and/or celebs. Nonetheless, I really like how this mom of six rocks a Loro Piana cable-knit sweater dress and Ferragamo knee-high boots.

(Photos via Jezebel and People)

Stellar performance and style in An Education

I watched the movie An Education two nights ago and while it's not my fave, I was happy to discover relative newcomer Carey Mulligan. (I was already familiar with Peter Sarsgaard whose performances are always good.) Carey's charm plus 1960s period detail make it worth seeing. Do you think she resembles Audrey Hepburn a little?

This just in...Carey Mulligan secured the No. 92 spot in AskMen.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women 2010 ranking.

(Photos via Flickr)

Weekly links

Last night my husband and I watched Up in the Air starring George Clooney. Both of us really liked it. A little trivia about the movie: With the exception of the famous actors, every person we see fired in the film is not an actor but a real life recently laid off person. The filmmakers put out ads in St. Louis and Detroit posing as a documentary crew looking to document the effect of the recession. When people showed up, they were instructed to treat the camera like the person who fired them and respond as they did or use the opportunity to say what they wished they had. What do you think of that?

This weekend we're planning to visit Babycakes' new digs in L.A.--I can't wait for my son to have this bakery experience alas! Here's to a delicious weekend, and here are your links...

though New Year's has passed, you still can learn 20 ways to pump up your next party at Delish via Curbly

make gluten free orange fennel salad at Food Network via Cupcakes and Cashmere

make a vintage-inspired 70's style string lampshade at Instructables via Craftzine

make a modern statement ring at The Swell Life via Curbly

make a chocolate iPhone using the iPhone packaging at Craftzine

discover 5 new uses for old t-shirts at Apartment Therapy

dust and dust mite proof your bedroom at Apartment Therapy (Beware of photo as you click through.)

(Photo via weheartit)

So do you think Emma Watson's right leg was Photoshopped?

No leg.Leg.As New York Magazine puts it: "Either she's been horribly disfigured in a tragic ski accident, or someone on Burberry's Photoshop team is in trouble."

More photos of the Burberry spring 2010 campaign can be viewed here.

One premium customer security entrance, please.

Do you have travel plans this week?

(Photo via Olsens Anonymous)

Weekly links

Have a fab weekend! Here are your links...

live like stylish vampire Edward Cullen of The Twilight Saga: New Moon at Apartment Therapy (The house is for sale and movie opens today!)

make gluten free Thanksgiving cranberry cobbler at Ginger Lemon Girl

crochet flower fridgies at Salihan Crafts via WhipUp

learn the art of giving good directions at Apartment Therapy (Useful if you will be entertaining during the holidays.)

stump your guests with turkey trivia place cards at Martha Stewart

make a beefy bolster pillow from old towels at Curbly

use drinking straws to make a contemporary pendant light at Addicted 2 Decorating via Curbly

(Photo via weheartit)

This is it.

We went to see the movie (documentary?) This Is It last weekend. Michael Jackson's talent was pure genius. It's still so hard to believe that MJ is really gone. (Director Kenny Ortega calls him MJ in the film.) Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song? Mine is Rock With You, but unfortunately it's not in flick.



(Photography by Albert Watson via Door Sixteen)