The life and times of three
love mad Tree bloggers!

I am very proud of myself.  This weekend saw the tenth anniversary of the first couple that I ever set up.  Yup.  That’s right.  Ten whole years!  I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing Ben Croft and Liza Smith huge congratulations, I hope that the next ten years (and beyond) will be equally brilliant.  Now I have a feeling that we can all learn a lot from these two and their tale, so I’m going to tell you a bit more about them.  Brace yourselves, given that this is my finest achievement as a matchmaker, it’s going to be a long one…

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Of course, the simple answer is yes. We all know couples who have done it. Perhaps the question should really be should you…? My Iranian Grandpa used to say “never go backwards, always forwards”, he learnt this the hard way losing everything he’d ever worked for and known in the Islamic Revolution of ’79. I used to think he must be right, since unlike most of his contemporaries he managed to cope with his new life, despite it being unlike anything he’d ever known in his 80 years of life until that point. This mantra must have helped him to move on. I held it almost sacred through my formative years, constantly thinking of progress as essential and that any glance to the past must have negative consequences. The attitude permeated my education, my relationships, my career choices.

Papajoon was not alone, various versions of “don’t go back” are heard far and wide. I’ve already been told this by innumerable other people whenever I’m at some life cross-roads. However, I’m beginning to wonder whether I perhaps misinterpreted my dear Grandfather’s words and that this adage doesn’t always hold water. I think in my context, he said it because he knew his life could never be as it was before, so as a source of comfort it helped to see it as a positive life-affirming journey, therefore such a maxim propelled him into his new future. However I don’t think the notion should be so readily embraced.

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Our picks for this month:

Inspirational, one of our lovely members sent us this link in response to the news that we were shutting up shop. She told us it would inspire us to great things. Have to say, we thought it amazing. It makes you look at your life afresh. If you watch one thing on YouTube this year, let it be this, please: Steve Jobs

Nice Knickers, we reckon this sweet, little company is doing a marvellous job and we think they represent a much bigger idea. Most of the clothing we get in the UK comes from factories where you can’t assure the conditions of the workers. It’s time to pressure the fashion industry, this is a start: WhoMadeYourPants

Magical Music, we were introduced to this venue by a couple I matched, who then got hitched there. It’s since become a favourite. There’s a constant stream of fun events, listed here are the free ones. Check out what they have on offer. I personally recommend Fernando’s Kitchen; they played me down the aisle and entertained our guests with music as they attended our zoo wedding. They’re outstanding: Rich Mix

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The start of a sizzling summer…?

Our picks for this month:

Fitness Fix, this is an unusual one to mention, as you’re all fabulously formed.  However in case any of you are hoping to hone your six-packs or tone your pins to perfection, we thought you might want to meet Nick.  He’s everything you want in a personal trainer, effective, effusive and effing funny:  Nick Crispin

Open-air Opera, one of our favourite things to do on balmy evenings is to have a picnic in the grounds of the Holland Park Opera house.  While a ticket to get inside is rather costly, as it’s open-air you can hear the gorgeous music Read the rest of this entry »

We know from speaking to a lot of you that the demise of England in the world cup was a bitter pill to swallow.  Trust me we feel your pain.  Not only that, but now Fed’s out of Wimbledon too.  Nicky (his REAL wife) is not a happy bunny at all.  Whilst these developments may be shambolic, we’re not known for moping and think that actually, maybe they could be blessings in disguise?

Sport in general is SUCH a good topic to start a conversation with.  There is so much of it around at the moment, that even if you don’t know what’s what, you can ask the right kind of questions to find out.  Also, aside from providing a handy ice-breaker, this summer’s sporting overload means that pubs and bars are fuller than normal, so it’s a great way to meet people too.  Get yourself out there and get chatting. Read the rest of this entry »

World Cup Fever:  Helping you avoid red cards…

Naked Bike Ride, this is right up our street.  Not that we’re exhibitionists, mind.  It must totally break the ice and it also encourages people to cycle, two things we feel strongly about.  So if you’re free on Saturday 12thJune and you’re feeling brave, join in: Bare-Back Riding

Dr Demartini, we don’t usually promote self-help things because you folks don’t need them.  But I recently was given a free ticket (we do get some perks!) to hear this guy speak.  He was genuinely outstanding.  The crowd were very rational, bright, professionals.  He does a lot of stuff about relationships.  The organiser has offered SIAT a 20% discount, if you enter the code “Tree”:  Love Guru Read the rest of this entry »

I recently went to see the Noisettes at the Camden Roundhouse with my good buddy, Blankie.  It was without doubt one of the best gigs I’ve been to in a long while.  The lights were low, the atmosphere was electric and the music was outstanding.  I must stress at this point that no, Blankie and I were not on a date.  Firstly he has a gorgeous girlfriend who might have a problem with that, and secondly he’s a bit too weird, even for me.

Had we, however, been in the early throes of dating, it would have been the perfect location to get those butterflies fluttering.  Now I’d say that a gig is a good second date choice, so let’s take a step back and think about that all important date numero uno. Read the rest of this entry »

Election Issue: Who’s getting your backing..?

Real Treehouse, if this sunny weather brings out the child in you and, like us, you feel like rolly-pollying on the grass, licking ice-lollies and climbing trees (gently!), you should spend an afternoon here, where you can walk among the beautiful tree canopies: Kew Gardens

Tree Aid, last month we helped plant trees in London, this time we’d like you to help us plant them in Africa.  There they can make a huge impact on the livelihood of entire communities.  Read more: Tree Aid Read the rest of this entry »

We wish you an eggcellent Easter!

Treehouse Tipples, this Brixton bar may not be the easiest to get to, but it’s worth it. With the days getting longer, what better way to spend the evening than in a cosy cavern, sipping snifters…? Grand Union

Trees for Cities, we clearly love trees, but we also love cities, so we particularly love trees in cities: they break up the concrete jungle, freshen the air and remind us that nature is wonderful. So imagine our delight when we found this charity right here in the big smoke. Read the rest of this entry »

Spring is in the air, let’s put it in your step too!

Victoria and Albert, Buckingham Palace is celebrating one of the greatest love stories ever to have blossomed on Britain’s shores, that of our past monarch.  This exhibition is meant to be inspiring because their passion is almost palpable in the displays: This couple really had a fire in their belly for one another:  Art & Love

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