Part 2 of Linda's new series on Online Dating available now!

https://youtu.be/frdQVLInbOs

https://youtu.be/kQX1dERmrbo

This past Saturday, a man called 911 to report that he had been kidnapped and robbed by someone he met on a dating app.

The 30-year-old victim told deputies that he had met a woman on Plenty of Fish and drove to an apartment complex in Parkland to meet her in person. He said he was in her apartment for about five minutes when a man appeared and pointed a gun at him. The male suspect ordered the victim to remove his clothes and give the suspect his money. The female suspect then took photos of the victim.

The suspects ordered the victim to unlock his cell phone and then instructed him to transfer $6,000 to their account using an app. The transaction failed because it was flagged as fraudulent. The suspects made the victim attempt numerous other transactions via various apps and even posed as the victim over the phone to try to get an account unlocked.

The victim was finally released after three hours. The suspects threatened to send the nude photos to everyone in the victim’s contact list if he told anyone what happened.

Deputies worked with the victim to try to identify the suspects using social media apps and other means.

The following day, deputies were dispatched to the same apartment for a domestic violence assault. When they arrived, they recognized the male suspect from the robbery. As deputies attempted to handcuff him, the suspect reached for a gun inside his pocket. Deputies acted quickly and were able to prevent him from drawing the weapon. The 22-year-old suspect was arrested and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle.

According to the patrol car’s rear-facing camera, the suspect moved his handcuffs to the front of his body and broke the interior door panel in an attempt to escape. He also broke the top of the seatbelt fastener and used it as a tool to aid in his escape efforts. The car had to be taken out of service until repairs can be made.
Prosecutors charged the male suspect with robbery in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, extortion in the first degree, unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree, and malicious mischief in the first degree. His bail was set at $125,000.

The male suspect has multiple prior felony convictions, including a juvenile conviction for robbery in the first degree, and convictions for assault in the second degree and residential burglary as an adult. He also has a prior conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm and is currently on supervision with the Department of Corrections.

The 19-year-old female suspect was charged with robbery in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, and extortion in the first degree. Her bail was set at $50,000.

Never and I repeat, Never go to a persons home on a first date!!

From Washington State Pierce County Sheriffs Office: 

We encourage everyone to review our online dating safety tips to help lessen your chance of becoming a victim. We also encourage parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of meeting people online. Always do your research and trust your instinct.

Hello friends,
Today I want to talk about dating during and after Covid 19. Do you need to be concerned about this while online dating? Regardless of your opinions about Covid 19, it has now finally been acknowledged that natural immunity is stronger and even better than getting a vaccine.
What about your Online Dating Profile? Do you need to mention anything about Covid 19? Here is my opinion on the subject.
If you have had Covid 19, with or without a vaccine, there is always a chance of getting it again. I would treat it like the flu or an STD.
I do not think you need to call it out in your Online Profile unless you are very sensitive and only want to be around vaccinated people. With that being said, there is about a 100% chance you will be around someone who is positive at any time if you leave your home for any reason. I think you should ask yourself if you had the flu or a cold, would you put that on your online profile? My guess is NO because I have never seen anyone call that out on their online dating profile. So, why would you call out anything about Covid 19 on your profile?
This is something you would discuss on the phone before you actually meet someone because it is a hot topic of conversation among everyone these days. This is what I do recommend you put on your Online Profile though:

• Put your religious and political affiliation on your profile, my advice would be in the first or second sentence. By doing this, you are
weeding out anyone that you may not have the same mindset. This is highly important and by doing this, a lot of your concerns will be
answered because you should only attract people like yourself.

• Ignore the hate mail you will get, and you will get some. Life is too short to banter about these things that are important to you.

This my friends will set you off on the right way to meeting someone you could truly fall in love with.

I would love to hear your comments and concerns on this topic so please contact me at Linda@Lindasdatelist.com

XOXO,
Linda

Nationwide Casting: Up and Coming Social Media #Influencers with under 10K Followers online. SUBMIT HERE: http://followme.castingcrane.com #talent #casting #TBThursday #ValentinesDay2020 #Singer #comedian #YouTuber #Host #brand #adulting Please share or nominate a pal!

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XOXO,

Linda

How to Plan a Sober Bachelor Party on a Budget

Contrary to what popular culture may lead you to believe, bachelor parties are not all about the alcohol; they’re not even about the guests, the decorations, or the food. They’re all about the groom. For some time there’s been a myth circulating that the words “non-alcoholic” and “fun” simply can’t coexist in the description of a bachelor party. Not only is this myth completely untrue, but it leaves no room for our betrothed brethren that are recovering from addiction.

Staying sober can be difficult, and the groom should be celebrated in a way that fits his sober lifestyle. If you’ve been tasked with the honor of throwing an alcohol-free bachelor party, grab a notebook and jot down a few potential plans, like these recommended by LindasDateList.com. There are loads of exciting ideas that can fit your budget and your soon-to-be-wed friend’s sobriety.

Coffee Shop Hopping

 Instead of bar hopping all night, hit the coffee shops during the day! Map out a trip to the city of your choice that includes all of the best coffee and pastry shops. With this type of party, you won’t be buying expensive shots of alcohol, but enjoying smooth, delicious shots of espresso. If too many trips out in one day don’t quite meet your budget requirements, you could also host a chic, in-home coffee tasting party. Coffee is the perfect substitute for alcohol. Different coffees have unique tastes and they won’t cause the groom-to-be to crave old habits.

Trip to a Theme Park

 If you live within a day’s drive to a theme park, turn this party upside down by catering to the roller coaster enthusiast’s dream. Be sure to look for promotional deals for large parties. Research discounts before you go. While some theme parks serve alcohol, it’s usually restricted to specific park areas. If you plan on making a theme park part of your bachelor party adventure, call ahead to learn where those areas are so that you can avoid them throughout your visit.

Take In a Baseball Game

If your groom-to-be is a big sports fan, particularly for major league baseball, consider an outing to see his favorite team play. For example, you can find Los Angeles Dodgers tickets through sites like TickPick, which also offer tickets to spring training games. It’s true that alcohol is served in the stadiums, but you can circumvent issues by lining up a suite or bowling your friend over with plenty of baseball park eats.

Grooming with the Groom

 Ladies aren’t the only ones that deserve a little pampering before their big day. Schedule an afternoon just before the wedding for your best man and his best men to get the hot towel treatment, a close shave, and trim at a swanky barbershop. When researching a barber for your outing, Taylor Andrews suggests looking for barbers that maintain a clean environment, are good conversationalists, and have a capable knowledge of styling. Whichever barbershop you choose, plan your outing so he can avoid old drinking stops, and pick a lunch spot that doesn’t have a drink menu on the table. These little things can be triggers for relapse.

Dance the Night Away

 The upcoming wedding reception is a great opportunity to flex your dancing muscles. But If your man of the hour needs to polish up on his dancing skills, consider taking a private dance class with your groom’s party. Call a few of the local dance studios and ask for a private lesson. If it isn’t overbooked, they might be willing to negotiate on the cost of admission. Alternatively, you can use an online resource like takelessons.com to find the perfect dance instructor. Keep in mind that making it a private event is ideal for avoiding alcohol because you get to decide what types of food and drink products are served.

Planning a sober bachelor party is a big responsibility, and doing so on a budget can add to your stress. The good news is that you won’t be spending loads of cash on drinks at the bar. Your groom’s party is a great opportunity to save money by finding sober activities like coffee shop hopping or day-tripping to a theme park. Whatever you plan, your groom will be grateful for friends that take his sobriety into account for his bachelor party.

Compliments of guest blogger - Michael Stephenson <info@theentrepreneurhub.com

Guest Blog provided by Michael Stephenson

Move Over, Cupid, Singles Rule this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in some shape or form for centuries. But it can seem as though there’s very little to do if you’re flying solo. However, that’s not true, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the spirit of love, no spouse or partner required. LindasDateList.com has a few ideas on how to spend your Valentine’s Day when Cupid’s arrow has yet to hit its target.

Take the day off

Your daily obligations can make it difficult to find time for yourself. This is especially true if you are a single parent and trying to juggle the responsibilities of work and family. Give yourself the gift of a day (or night) without having to change diapers, do laundry, or mediate arguments between siblings. Fortunately, it is easier than ever to locate a babysitter you can trust. If you think you might like to spend February 14th kid-free, don’t wait too long to book your childcare since this is one of the busiest days of the year for babysitters.

De-stress

Stress can have an adverse effect on your overall health and well-being. This Valentine’s Day, show yourself some love by making an effort to lower your cortisone levels. Little things, such as taking a long bath, going for a jog, or reading your favorite book can all help you reset, recharge, and revitalize your mental health. There are also plenty of options for health supplements that can help your body regulate itself. PsyPost notes that CBD oil is an excellent example and may help alleviate anxiety, depression, and systemic inflammation, each of which can send your stress levels through the roof.

Boost your confidence

Investing in yourself can increase self-confidence in healthy and meaningful ways. Go for that bold hair color you’ve always thought about, or treat yourself to a manicure. You could also go shopping for a new outfit, one that’s comfy and versatile. No matter what season of life you’re in, you deserve to feel confident.

Mingle with other singles

You don’t have to have a date to enjoy an evening out. There are events across the country that cater to singles and will provide you an opportunity to let loose, and possibly even find love. If you’re not particularly comfortable mixing and mingling with a room full of strangers, check your Facebook (or other preferred social media) for lovelorn friends and host a singles-only dinner party. Have everyone bring a dish to share, grab a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates, and play some fun games. You may even start a yearly tradition. 

Start a “secret cupid” exchange

Santa isn’t the only one that can give gifts on the sly. Consider starting a “secret Cupid” exchange with your friends, family, or coworkers. MemorableGifts.com recommends practical items, such as photo albums and business card holders, but feel free to get creative and assign a theme to your incognito gift giving. For example, gifts that can be purchased for $2.14 or things you wish your ex had given you.

Give back to the community

Finally, consider showing your community some love and appreciation by volunteering for a charity or organization that’s near and dear to you. Not only can volunteering make you feel good inside, but you never know when you’ll have a positive and long-lasting effect on someone else. Teleflora suggests checking with your local school or visiting a nursing home.

If you’re single, you’re in good company. More than 45 percent of American adults have yet to mate via matrimony. That’s 110.6 million people in your shoes. Don’t let being alone on Valentine’s Day get you down. Remember, you don’t have to do anyone else’s laundry, share your bed, or fight over the TV. And if you want to get out and celebrate the season of love, you can do it on your own terms whether you want to volunteer or spend the day alone or with friends; do it your way to enjoy the holiday.

LindasDateList.com helps online daters and people in relationships to find love, identify people who are deceiving you or better ways to help you in your online pursuits or in your relationships. Connect today for more info! Linda@Lindasdatelist.com

Michael Stephenson - info@theentrepreneurhub.com

Image via Pixabay

For people in recovery, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy social life. Many of us associate being social with going out at night, having a few drinks, or partying with the help of substances, and while that can be true in some cases, it doesn’t have to be for you.

Being social and having healthy relationships with friends and loved ones is imperative when you’re in recovery; it can help the process go more smoothly because you have a support system, but it’s also simply good for your mental and emotional health to get out and have fun. The key is to find ways to interact with others that won’t interfere with your recovery; think of places you can spend time that won’t involve temptation or send you down the path of a bad memory.

Often, it can help if you make plans during the day. Going out for coffee, heading to the park, or spending a day at the spa can all be great ways to bond with your friends and family without feeling uncomfortable. Here’s some additional advice from LindasDateList.com.

Go shopping

Many people in recovery find that they have lost confidence in themselves or in their ability to make a new, healthy path for themselves. One way you can boost your self-confidence is to go shopping for some new clothes. Find some things to wear to work, or buy a cute outfit that makes you feel pretty. Ask a couple of friends along and make an afternoon of it, stopping for breaks to grab a bite or have a coffee.

Go to the park

Getting out into nature is great for individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, three common issues during recovery. If you have a dog, he can help you get more social at the local park; take him for a long walk and strike up a conversation with some others in your community who have pets. Or you might take him (on a leash) into a nearby pet store for a treat and let him socialize with some of the other animals there. Having a dog is a great opportunity to find common ground with someone and possibly make a new friend.

If you don’t have a dog, consider taking on a part-time job as a dog walker. Not only will you earn extra cash, but you’ll be doing it while spending time with a sweet animal who can give companionship in return.

Start a club

If you’re an avid reader, an artist, or are taking your workouts more seriously, think about starting a club to get like-minded people together. You can meet once or twice a week to make art, talk about the latest good mystery novel, or take a run through the neighborhood. Gathering small groups of friends to engage in something fun is the perfect way to keep your social life healthy and strong.

Take up a hobby

Many people in recovery find that they are interested in things that never occurred to them before, such as painting, writing, photography, sewing, or cooking. Being creative is wonderful for individuals in recovery and can be a useful therapy for those who are battling depression or other mood disorders. Taking up a hobby can help you be more social, especially if you find a class that pertains to it.

Keep in mind that many of these practices are going to require that you create a work-life balance in your life. ZenBusiness explains that this means prioritizing boosting your social life (if that’s what’s most important to you), delegating when your plate is too full, and saying “no” so that you don’t take on too much. With a work-life balance, you’ll be able to give attention to all aspects of your life without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Once you’ve put in place methods to help you achieve work-life balance, you can think about the best ways to get out and meet people in your area; sometimes, you may have to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just take it slow and remember to enjoy yourself.

By Guest Blogger,

Michael Stephenson

 how-to-improve-your-social-life-when-you-re-in-recovery-by-michael-stephenson 

XOXO,

Linda