Mr. Love From Lila, Post 1 of 3: What Good Is A Talent If You Don’t Use It?!

Hi everyone, over the next three weeks I’ll be sitting my final exams for my degree so I’m taking a little break and letting my other half take over the blog! It’s a risky move, I know, but I thought you’d all appreciate hearing something from the other side. So now, it’s all down to him – good luck and I’ll see you all again soon, I have some great ideas lined up so make sure you pop back and read them!

Welcome to the other side!! The dark side!! AKA Love From Lila’s better half…

Whether you’re a man or woman, you can always rely on what you’re good at when it comes to doing something nice for your other half. I’m not just talking about presents on special occasions but as men, that tends to be when we actually do something! You know, when the pressure’s on, and everything…

But if you’re just sat around doing nothing and somehow you’re hit with the urge to do something creative then there is nothing easier than doing something you’re good at. Why spend so many agonising hours wandering from shop to shop in a desperate search for something nice to give to your girlfriend (and yes most men find shopping agonising regardless of how much they enjoy hanging out with their girlfriends – P.S. you should already know this women!), when you can make or do something for her using the things you’re good at!

Now I’m not saying that most men are particularly sentimental and creative, but most men are practical and we all have talents. Of course this doesn’t just apply to men; women can make use of these ideas too.

Here is a small selection of things you can make or do for your partner...

1. Hand Crafted

Women tend to be better at making things look nice and frilly – men don’t tend to do this… if we end up making something, we’re better actually making an object and this isn’t really too difficult, just time consuming!

Whether it’s card, woodwork, metalwork, or high-tech, men are good at building things. This could be pimping out your girlfriend’s computer, making her jewellery, or simply making something out of wood. Here’s one I made earlier.

When this was finished, it was a sanded, buffed and varnished section of log with the dates of our three year anniversary on it. I’m glad to say that she absolutely loved it!

2. Look, I’m an Artist!!

Sometimes we’re gifted with the ability to draw or create an image, be it drawing, painting, photography or graphic design. We may be exceptional or just simply good but when in doubt, something important to your relationship or a memory from it is normally a good place to start.

3. Music Maestro!

Singer songwriters might sound cheesy with their love songs for the other half and it can be a painful experience for all involved if you’re about as eloquent as doorknob. The best bet unless you’re good with words is to adapt or cover a favourite song of hers, record it on video or mp3, and maybe surprise her with it (you can find some potential ideas from this youtube playlist). Sometimes composing something without lyrics is a good way to go, you can’t do anything wrong if there are no words, and interpretation is a wonderful thing. A lesson learnt, stick to something that at least sounds like there’s some feeling in it – thrash metal is not a good way to go, unless she’s into that sort of thing!

4. Are you a Wordsworth?

If you happen to be an eloquent writer, sometimes a poem is better than having to say something directly. Although horrifically tacky in the wrong hands, a poem is normally regarded as a good thing when it’s about someone you love, regardless of how good it actually is.

5. The way to the heart is through the stomach…

You don’t need to be a professional chef to bake or cook up a dish that she’ll love (check out these other posts for Berry Tartlets, Box Mix Cupcakes, Basic Biscuit Dough and Easter Eggs). Baking can be a surprise gift and with everything you need to know online, even an amateur could do it. My favourite’s Banana Bread…pity she doesn’t like it. Remember whatever you do, don’t burn it!

I hope this has been helpful. Just stick to what you’re good at and you’ll find loads of cool present ideas. And make sure you comment below, don’t be lazy now!! If you can read, god knows you should be able to write, even if it’s just to say “Fudge”. Let me know what you think and maybe you’ve already made use of your talents. Click that lonely “No Comments” link below and write a comment, you can be an anonymous stranger or you can add a name, whatever you feel like doing.

Best Wishes, with Love From Lila’s Better Half xx