Best Love Songs Ever

Entertainment Weekly has compiled their list for Best Love Songs Ever. See who made it from 50-26 and from 25 to #1 on two separate lists.

Our favorite on this list is the classic "Wild Horses", which is originally by the Rolling Stones. However, we much prefer the bittersweet modern version done by the Sundays (see video below). Guaranteed tears and fuzzy feelings after you listen to this.

New Print Ad

We just finished a nice looking new print ad. If only we had the budget to print this on more magazines... =)

Dating Trends for the Future

What will the future of romance look like? Yahoo! has compiled a diverse collection of answers to this question. Here are some of our favorites (love the anonymous phone line idea!):

"Safety will be on the minds of online daters in 2007," says Jeff Cohen. "In an effort to protect identities as long as possible, more and more singles will turn to anonymous phone numbers. Companies like AliasLine now offer anonymous numbers that automatically redirect to your home, business or cell number." -- Cohen is the author of "Dating, Inc.: Recruit, Select, and Retain the Right Man for a Relationship" and is About.com's Guide to Dating.

"With the competition for dates rising online, singles will need to be bolder in their profiles to invite more responses," says Liz Kelly. "Watch for more creative headlines, interesting short stories and funny photographs. More singles will also post voice and video greetings online as this technology takes off in 2007. " -- Kelly is a dating coach and author of "Smart Man Hunting" who also helps people with profile makeovers. smartmanhunting.com

"In 2007 more and more people will look online for love -- searching everywhere from social networking sites to alumni sites to online dating services," predicts Susan Mernit. "For the most casual daters, social networks will continue to be great spots to meet friends of friends, but social networks will start to 'graduate' to more focused online dating sites as social network users -- and younger daters -- hone in on finding longer-term relationships." -- Mernit is Yahoo! Personals' relationship expert. personals.yahoo.com

"Women will be taking more of the lead in dating and relationships," says Toni Coleman. "More women will be asking men out, making the plans, picking up the tab and proposing marriage. New services and products will cater to this new trend -- engagement gifts for men (rings?), first date tokens of affection, male-oriented venues for proposal weekend getaways, and more books and classes designed to teach women the how-to of courting and romancing their guy." -- Coleman is a licensed psychotherapist and dating/relationship coach. consum-mate.com

"Immediate gratification is where it's at in '07. First it was speed dating, then it was fast tech (cell phone dating, anyone?) and now it's REALLY fast, as in, 'Are you free...in five?' I-dating is going to branch out into handheld services and specialized Web sites where users can find mates for 'right now,' no chatting/courting/deciding time required. Get that IM loaded up and ready to go: Chances are, there's someone trying to page you." -- Gemini and Scorpio are co-authors of Gemini and Scorpio's Fabulous Guide to Online Dating.

"The honeymoon period with Internet dating and social networking is ending and people are becoming turned off by the safety concerns as well as the disingenuous nature of 'friending' hundreds of people you may never meet in person," says Sharon Gaffney. "In 2007 people will embrace the idea of using the Internet to make plans to meet new people while hanging out with friends -- groups of friends meeting other groups of friends." -- Gaffney is the co-founder of LetsMeetOut.com.

Senior Online Dating

Check out this site called LavaLife Prime. Even the generation of our parents are into online dating these days! Amazing!

Match.com reports that online dating for the baby boomer generation (aged 42 to 61) has grown 340% since the year 2000.

Video: "I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie

If heaven and hell decide
that they both are satisfied
illuminate the "no"s
on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
when your soul embarks
then I'll follow you into the dark

Warning Signs for Relationships

A lot of relationships end unexpectedly because the warning signs sometimes can be so subtle that there won't seem to be anything seriously wrong for one partner while the other is already about to breakup. Author Elina Furman (pictured above) has an article on Yahoo! that lists five behaviors to look out for that signal your relationship is in danger. If you spot them soon enough, you might be able to save you both from a lot of heartbreak. Note that it usually takes a combination of these five behaviors to determine for sure whether your relationship is in trouble. Here are those freaky five:

1. Picking fights over small issues (your partner's looking for an excuse to end it).
2. Forgetting to call (feeling about you has changed).
3. Changing their stripes/having a major makeover (your partner may be preparing to be single again).
4. An increase in criticism (your partner is less tolerant of you).
5. Losing sexual interest.

Happier Home

Our Thai designer friend Tarn (AKA: Sugar Lullaby) sent us some great pictures of homeware that she wants to bring into Manila. We don't want to spoil the surprise when they do arrive, but we can't resist sharing this pic of happy flower pots. Talk about super cute!

BBC's Relationship Section

The BBC has a great online relationship guide which provides a broad overview on the many issues a couple may face over a lifetime. Our favorite section for couples is the seven secrets of successful relationships feature, which honestly lays down the basic essentials for love that lasts. We were surprised to see "Argue Well" as one of the seven secrets, but it did make a lot of sense. Here's a sample cut:

Couples who argue well don't have to worry about not always agreeing. A good argument is an opportunity to share your feelings and strengthen your bond by reaching a decision you're both happy with.

We also love the oh-so-scientific explanation for secret #6, "Touch Every Day":

Touching is a vital human need. Studies have shown that without touching, many animals - including humans - will die in childhood. Being caressed also lowers blood pressure and releases natural opiates in the brain, as well as the chemical oxytocin, which is essential for human pair-bonding.

For singles, our favorite section is the flirting and body language feature. The hardest part in trying to start a relationship is lighting that first spark and writer Tracey Cox provides a major assist with this one. We discover that words have a very minor role in making that first impression:

Fifty-five per cent of the impression we get from someone comes through our body language

Thirty-eight per cent is from the tone, speed and inflection of our voice

and a mere seven per cent is from what we're actually saying!

The most amusing secret flirting signal for us is "Pointing" because of how unconsciously people do it and how easy it is to catch once we know how to spot it:

Pointing. Sneak a peek at what their feet and hands are doing - we tend to point toward the person we're interested in. If we find someone attractive, we'll often point at them subconsciously with our hands arms, feet, legs, toes.

Finally, this flirty feature ends with a useful safety tip list for cyberdaters. We found the last tip the most practical:

Give the details of your date to several friends - where you'll be, the time you'll meet, the person's name, phone number and address. Get them to phone you an hour into the date to check you're OK; you phone them a few hours later to report in again.

Cute Evil (Part 2)

We were kinda surprised about how well our first line of toy devils did. Apparently, a lot of girls bought them for their boyfriends =)

We decided to create a new design and we're planning to release this little guy in time for Halloween.

Tarn's Toys

The days when designs turn to actual toys are always magical moments for us. This time around it's extra special because the designs were brought to us by our Thai friend Tarn. We were so excited about these that we didn't even bother to take the time to take proper studio photos of the toys =)

Video: "Oh My God" by Mark Ronson (featuring Lily Allen)

We confessed our unconditional admiration for Lily Allen on a previous post. Now she's back as a sexy cartoon bombshell backed up by the catchy beats of Mark Ronson in this fantastic video.

After the Morning Show

We got some great messages after our segment on the TV show Kabuhayang Swak na Swak. Thanks for everyone who took the time to get in touch! Here are some samples:

"hi..good day.. im irish from bacoor,cavite..napanood ko po kanina ang its cool sa kabuhayang swak na swak..gs2 ko po sanang malaman kung san un pinaka malapit na branch niyo..gs2 ko po sanag bumili one of diz days e.. and gs2 ko lng po sanag itanong kung meron ba kayong stuff toy na mayroong picture frame na attached? un pwede po sanang lagyan ng pictures? thank you po..and more power.."

"nyZ..cOngrAtz pOh..snA dumAmi pa pOh brAnch niO pOh..cute pOh ng mgA tOys niO.. =)"

"Hi sir gudmrning,kau poh b myari n ITS COOL,ung tedybear?turuan mo nmn aq gumawa nun,thnks"

"just want to say na your products are really cool and very cute and your shop looks really nice...keep up the good work and more success as well..."

On ABS-CBN's Kabuhayang Swak na Swak

We'll be featured on the TV show "Kabuhayang Swak na Swak" at 8 am tomorrow (Sunday, July 15, Manila time). Here's a summary of what the show's about:

Bayan Productions introduces its latest offering, Kabuhayang Swak na Swak (KSS) is a daily half-hour program which aims to help Filipinos by teaching them practical tips about business and life.

Let hosts Amy Perez and Chase Tinio take you on an informative yet equally entertaining trip as they tackle everyday Pinoy concerns regarding business, money, and life. Being entrepreneurs themselves, they’ll also be able to provide their own insights on the show.

From learning good business strategies, buying a new car or house to how to cope with the rising cost of living Chase and Amy have got it covered. This dynamic duo will make sure that their viewers will learn a thing or two from their 30-minute show.

Ever wondered how to turn your hobby into a lucrative business? What about ways to earn a little extra money? Kabuhayang Swak na Swak will give you all that and more!

Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to in KSS:

Biz 101

Learn the ins and outs of having a successful business! This caters to small and medium sized entrepreneurs who want to make the most out of their investment.

Negoserye

Thinking about starting a business? Here’s your daily fix on which business are hot in the market - and only need as little as P10,000 for capital!

Boss na Po!

Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Here’s your chance to take a peek into the lives of successful men and women who have already made it to the top!

Sa Kabukiran

Thinking of starting a business in the countryside? Here’s your daily guide to businesses and opportunities in the rural areas!

Bayanihan

Sometimes all a person needs is a little help from his peers, learn the importance of joining cooperatives and their contributions to economic health.

Bago ‘To

Want to learn more about the newest trends in business? Find out which businesses have been creating a buzz lately!

Doon at Dito

Learn more inspiring stories about OFWs and their entrepreneurial spirit!

http://beta.abs-cbn.com/tabid/104/Article/932/Default.aspx

Video: "I See You, You See Me" by The Magic Numbers

We just really love this song. It puts us in such a good mushy mood =)

Moms Heart Sons' Girlfriends

We had an interesting meeting with the sales team yesterday. It appears that we have a lot of customers who are mothers buying gifts for girls on behalf of their sons. These purchases also represent a way for mothers to express their approval for the girlfriends/potential daughter-in-laws. It should be noted that moms tend to buy bigger and more pricier items as boyfriend proxies compared to when the boyfriends themselves are buying. So more power to you moms! Heaven knows guys need as much help as they can =)

On E Magazine

The latest issue of a new publication called E Magazine features some of our cutest looking novelty items and labeled them as "ultra cool steals!". Hope everyone else out there agrees as well =)

Fashionably Late for a Relationship

There's an interesting article in the New York Times about a project called "Fashionably Late for a Relationship". The production doubles as a live performance piece and as a film since it is being shot in the middle of Manhattan for all pedestrians to see. The concept is that a girl (actress Lian Amaris Sifuentes) is going through the ritual of preparing for a date but is going at a speed much slower than the world around her. For example, live in real time, the actress takes seven hours to drink a single glass of wine. In the film version, everything will be sped up to make it look as if the actress is going at normal speed while the rest of the world is rushing past her.

It's a great statement on how the pace of the world is becoming too fast for a lot of us to establish meaningful relationships with people. For any chance of real connection with another person, we have to rebel against this tyrannical speed set by the modern workplace and media overload. To bring the point home, the props and the set of the actress is intentionally old-fashioned so that even the girl's room joins in her rebellion.

Read People's Minds

On the latest issue of Wired Magazine, there's an article by Clive Thompson that talks about how the online small talk software program Twitter actually allows you to almost read the minds of your loved ones. Twitter has become a globally addicting phenomenon, but at first glance, it seems absolutely useless.

Twitter is basically an open-ended instant messenger with a short word limit. When you post something, everyone in the network can read it. This allows you to update everyone you know about the smallest things that you are doing or feeling (e.g. "I bought a t-shirt today.", "I feel suck-y.") by the minute.

Apparently, these usually boring bite-sized updates of each other's lives develops into telepathic links. An intimate sixth sense emerges as the accumulating Twitter messages eventually give you an intuitive pattern of another person's life. By reading about every small detail of a person's present, you might be able to better predict that person's behavior when you meet in the future. It's the kind of deep connection that you see in couples who are in long-term relationships when they reach the point where they can actually finish each other's sentences.

The fact that we have an online tool that gives this ability to anyone interested has some very interesting implications. Can this strengthen long-distance relationships (even at a stronger level than some short-range ones)? Can this allow us to short-cut getting to know someone? Can we multi-task falling in love with someone while we're working in an office cubicle? Should we even try?

Modern Romance

This month, we'll be introducing a new post category called "Modern Romance". This is inspired by the fact that a lot of our customers use our toys to score points with the opposite sex or as a small part in making someone feel more loved. Since we feel that we have become a unique part of the modern romance ritual, we have decided to take a look at the whole modern romance picture: how technology, cultural shifts and interconnecting globalization are modifying how we express love for each other.

We got the title off of a song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. As a tribute to them, here are two videos for the song "Modern Romance". One is the original by the band and one is a very interesting remake by TV on the Radio.

Cell Phone Txt

We got this text message last night that really made our day. It's always really great when a customer feels exactly the way you wanted her to about your product:

"Hi thEre! Im hAzeL frn cAgayan de orO ciTy..I saW ur nMbr frM this cuTe sTuff my bRothR bought me! WeL, i jsT wnt 2 say thAt iM tOtaLLy inLuv w/ uR pRoDuct..i keEp oN sTaring aT it cOz iTs sO cuTe.. iTs jst a sMaLL thiNg buT it diD stOLe my hArt!.. =O KeEp iT up..iTs cOoL!!! c",) gOd bLeSs..=O"

On Toy Kingdom Catalogue

We're featured on Toy Kingdom's latest catalogue. Just thought we should mention it since it seems that they forgot to put our logo on the toys =)

Cute kid model as usual though =)