10 Tips for Better Sex

Looking to turn up the heat but aren’t sure where to start? Check out SheKnows.com’s “10 Tips for Better Sex” and you’ll be well on your way!

1. Start early
2. Pay attention to touch
3. Look good
4. Smell good
5. Master the art of good conversation
6. Share activities
7. Schedule time for romance
8. Be spontaneous
9. Take care of yourself
10. Let go in bed

Holiday Romance in the Movies

For many couples, watching a movie together is a long-standing Christmas tradition--squeezed somewhere in between opening presents, eating and celebrating with the rest of the family.

Aside from the obvious, what better way is there to wind down for a few hours, all cuddled up?

I know I'm in the warm and fuzzy festive mood! Care to turn the lights down, pop some popcorn and light a fire right now?!?

It's the perfect time to rent a romantic holiday movie and, despite the mass quantites of them out there, a few of our all-time favorites come to mind...

Love Actually
White Christmas
The Family Man
While You Were Sleeping
The Holiday
Bridget Jones Diary
The Bishop’s Wife

What are yours?

Romance Roundup

A new study has shown that true love really does stand the test of time. A comparative brain scan of couples married for over 21 years to couples newly in love has shown remarkably similar results – proving romantic love can really last!

We hear Johnny Depp may be tying the knot! The actor recently had a high-end jewelry store in Southern California shut down so he could shop privately for an engagement ring!

Check out this article on LovingYou.com for great romantic Christmas ideas!

Apparently Burger King thinks the way to a woman’s heart is through a new meat-scented body spray. The company rolled out their new fragrance, Flame by BK, on Sunday.

Nominations for the 15th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced this morning. Both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie received Best Actor nods for their films, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Changeling. What a lovely pair!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:







Romantic Tip of the Day:

#113 During the winter, light a fire, turn off the TV and put on some of your favorite romantic music while cuddling up together.

Romance Roundup

We hear Ryan Gosling still loves Rachel McAdams….and we’re secretly hoping they get back together, too!

Congratulations are in order! Naomi Watts & Liev Schreiber welcomed their second child, Samuel Kai Schreiber, on Saturday!

Looking for a recap of the best weddings of 2008? Check them out here!

Apparently little Suri has been talking up a storm! According to daddy Cruise, she has an “incredible vocabulary!”

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day:

#120: If you don’t have time for a real island getaway, make your own at home. Get tiki torches, make frozen drinks, find some island favorite treats, put on some Reggae in the background and enjoy.

Romance Roundup

Hugh Hefner says “he can't wait to walk ex Kendra Wilkinson down the aisle at her wedding next June."

Ryan Phillippe and actress Abbie Cornish took to the streets of Sydney over the weekend.

Check out US Weekly’s “Babies of the Year” to see some of your favorite celeb’s adorable bundles of joy!

In less romantic news, we hear Madonna will be paying her ex Guy Ritchie between $76 million and $92 million in their divorce settlement.

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:







Romantic Tip of the Day:
Bundle up in a warm blanket and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride for two.

Romance Roundup

Did you know that more than 50 percent of American adults say they are unsatisfied with their sex lives? Dr. Laura Berman offers tips on Oprah.com for sexual satisfaction.

We’re so happy to hear that the latest Bachelor Jason Mesnick is engaged and happy. We fell in love with the 32-year-old Seattle single dad when he was vying for Diana Pappas heart on The Bachelorette last season.

Ricky Martin’s 4-month-old twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, made their debut this week.

Check out this great article on More.com for real couples secrets for marriage survival.

Brad and Angie step out for a double date!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:








Romantic Tip of the Day:
#167 - Send your partner postcards at work of places you’d like to travel to together some day.

Romance Roundup

According to People Magazine, Jessica Biel considers Justin Timberlake her “private present.” Can’t say we blame her!

We hear Shania Twain arrived in NYC with a surprise companion!

Rumor has is Brad and Angie are looking to add to their already large clan of six this Christmas!

The ladies from Sex and the City are in negotiations for a sequel – and we can hardly wait!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:







Romantic Tip of the Day:
Set out with the one you love, grab some hot cocoa and head to your local tree lighting ceremony.

Romance Roundup

Supermodel Miranda Kerr speaks out on her relationship with elf-wonder Orlando Bloom.

We hear Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have been turning up the heat! Apparently the two were all over each other at the Qunicy Jones Q Prize awards. See where 25 years together can get you!

Jessica Alba had no problem getting her post-baby body back into shape. From the looks of her 2009 Campari calendar, you’d never guess she just had daughter Honor Marie Warren in June!

A-Rod says he and Madonna are “just friends.”

We’re happy to hear Anny Hathaway is bouncing back after her Italian real-estate developer boyfriend Raffaello Follieri was arrested for fraud.

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day:
#126 – Orchestrate your own personalized candlelit dinner. Pick out your partner’s favorite wine, dinner and top it off with a decadent dessert. The more candles the better, and play your favorite background music.

Romance Roundup

has it Fox wants to bring Romancing the Stone back to the big screen.

Looks like new baby Max isn’t enough. Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman hope to add to their clan soon.

Last night’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show sure did turn up the heat! Try putting on a fashion show of your own for your man. We promise he’ll love it!

Twilight Star Robert Pattinson says he has “been known for a little nibble" when he’s out with the ladies. Oh my!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day:
#119 – Buy an aphrodisiac cookbook and find something the both of you would like and could experiment with by making together!

Romance Roundup

Things are heating up between A-Rod and Madge. Sources say they were both in Mexico City recently on “business trips.”

Happy birthday Britney Spears! The pop sensation turns 27 today.

Looking for some tricks to live a longer life? Take care of your spouse!

Congrats to Without a Trace star Roselyn Sanchez and actor Eric Winter! The couple tied the knot this past Saturday in Puerto Rico.

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:










Romantic Tip of the Day: Wake up a few minutes early and surprise your favorite someone by starting their car and cleaning the windows off for them.

Handling the Holidays

With the holiday season upon us, the additional stress that comes with getting the perfect gift, making large dinners and spending lots of time with the family is inevitable. One thing that shouldn’t stress you out is your relationship.

With that extra time off you’ll be spending more time with your partner than usual. So how do you handle the holidays and keep your relationship healthy? Check out this article on MSN for some great advice!

One bit of holiday relationship advice from us, hang-up mistletoe for impromptu kisses all holiday season long!

Relationship Dish--Thanksgiving Dinner

One of the most interesting parts about being a couple during the holiday season is the required face-time with your partner's extended family.

Whether you've divvied up special days among your family and their family or you plan to do a massive multi-family tour across the tri-state area, you and your partner should be on your best familial behavior!

Check out this article on MSN, care of the folks over at The Nest, on what holiday table topics are fair game and what conversations should be left for the car ride home.

(Better to put some pumpkin pie in your mouth than your foot!!)

Hope everyone has an excellent Thanksgiving!

Romance Roundup 11.25.08

Has the tough market pushed your planned nuptials to the back burner? Here are ten reasons why marriage in a rocky economy makes cents. (Sorry, bad pun!)

Teen romance thriller Twilight takes a big bite out of the box office. (Plus, there’s a rumor that stars Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart could be an item). Ah, young vampire love.

Preaching the good word...Pastor’s Advice for Better Marriage: More Sex

A special congratulations to newlyweds Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag of MTV’s The Hills. They recently eloped to Cabo San Lucas. The newly Mrs. Pratt said, “The minute we said our vows, I couldn't stop crying." Go figure—we’d be crying too.



Celebrity Sighting of the Day:



Romantic Tip of the Day: #192—Create a fantasy box together. On separate pieces of paper, write down your fantasies, fold them up, and put them in the box. When the mood strikes—pull one out at random.

Sources:
GemEx
L.A. Times
Examiner
New York Times
E! Online
People.com
AreYouRomantic.com

His Body Language Revealed

You don't always need words to know what your partner's thinking. From the experts at Cosmo, check out "What His Cuddling Body Language Reveals" and you'll have him figured out in no time at all!

Romance Roundup

Sources say Vogue Empress Anna Wintour may be retiring soon. With her contract about to run out, it may be time for the reigning queen of fashion to throw in the towel!

We hear Ashlee Simpson-Wentz may be forced to induce labor.

Ashley Dupre, the infamous madam of former Governor Elliot Spitzer, is set to speak with Diane Sawyer on “20/20” Friday. We hear juicy details from their paid pastimes are up for discussion!

Debbie Matenopoulos, host of E!’s Daily 10 tells People she is hurt – and surprised – by her husband's divorce filing, which she learned about from Internet reports.

No need to give up hope just yet! Former Bachelor Charlie O’Connell and Sarah Brice are giving their relationship another shot. We wish them luck!

Looks like A-Rod isn’t holding Madge back. The pop icon is set to be the face of Louis Vuitton’s 2009 marketing campaign. Madonna is raking in $10 million for the gig!


Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day: #104 – Create a photo album of pictures of the two of you and leave the rest empty with a note that says “to be continued.”

Romance Roundup 11.14.08

Despite "everyman" poster child Joe the Plumber’s recent foray into the limelight, he’s still having trouble finding a date. Thankfully (!) Date.com and Matchmaker.com have some helpful dating tips for America’s Average Joes.

Speaking of relationship advice, apparently AMC series Mad Men is providing “romantic” inspiration to a collection of guys in search of the perfect pick-up technique.

Finances taking a nose dive? That doesn’t mean your marriage has to. Recession-proof your relationship (and bond despite your budget)!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day: #138 Find time to play together in the snow.

Sources:

Wikipedia
PRNewswire

AMC
St. Joe News

iVillage
Celebrity-Gossip.net

Time Inc.

OK Magazine

Romance Roundup

Elton John says Prop 8 failed because they went for marriage and not civil partnership. Looks like Ellen and Portia just beat the buzzer!

A new social networking site, ShareTheLove, launched today with the hope of creating the largest database of “poems and expressions of love in lots of languages.”

Jennifer Aniston opens up about Brangelina in the December issue of Vogue. I’ll be checking my mail daily!

In baby news, we hear Gossip Girl’s Matthew Settle is excited about becoming a dad. The two are expecting a girl but have yet to decide on a name.

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day: #136 –The next time you’re out to dinner, take out a pen and write a note on a paper napkin—letting your partner know what he or she can look forward to at home.

Romance Roundup 11.11.08

A new study shows waiting until your 30s to get married is the way to go. “Couples who married at older ages were less likely to report thinking about divorce or that their marriage was in trouble.”

This explains the demise of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey or Britney Spears and Kevin Federline.

In happier news, another survey suggests that men reach their romantic peak at the age of 53....maybe Carla Bruni is onto something!

Sources say A-Rod is planning another vacay with Madge. Rumor has it he’s planning to head south of the border with the Misses.


Celebrity Sightings of the Day:








Tip of the Day: #203 –The next time your partner is away on business, pick up the phone and give them a late-night ring. A little dirty talk will go a long way—and have them anxious to get home to you.

Sweet and Simple Ways to Share the Love

Looking for a sweet and simple way to show the one you love just how much they mean to you? Check out this article on Redbook.com for 30 great suggestions from real readers on how to share the love!

What Men Want

According to an article on AOL Personals, when it comes to relationships, there’s something that men want even more than sex. I’m sure you’re thinking “yeah right” and rolling your eyes, but it’s true!

“A recently completed survey presented the results of phone interviews with nearly 28,000 men age 20-75 from the North America, South America, and several countries in Europe. The survey queried men's attitudes regarding life and sex.”

You’ll never believe what they found!

“According to the numbers, fully one-third of respondents said being in good health was the most important factor, followed by a harmonious family life (26 per cent) and being in a good relationship with their wife or partner (19 per cent). Just two per cent put a satisfying sex life as their top priority.”

We’re glad to hear the stereotypes we’ve been reading into all these years aren’t really true! You can check out the story here for more details!

Go Vote!

Looking for a great couples activity? Go VOTE together!

Your time on line will fly by talking to your partner. Plus, you’ll both be warm and fuzzy with patriotism!

Bedtime Bliss

Ready to heat things up before hitting the sheets? Then check out LovingYou.com’s “Bedtime Romance” section, which lists several ways to enjoy some time with the one you love before turning out the lights. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Read to each other from a favorite novel, book of poetry, or erotica.

• Turn on some music and slow dance in your PJ's. If you really want to romance them, choose the song you first danced to as husband and wife.

• Talk about your favorite memories together. Remember your childhood friends, compare scars, reminisce about the stress of your engagement, or look through the photos of vacations you took together. If you are keeping a love journal, make a timeline of special times to tuck inside.

You can check out the rest of their great suggestions here!

Cute Couples Costumes

Whether you’re headed out tonight with the one you love or having friends over for festive fun, we’re sure a cute couples costume will be in order! HalloweenExpress.com has the “Top 10 Couples Costumes for 2008.” We think this plug and socket is a riot! Have a couple’s costume of your own? We want to hear about it!

Long Distance Love

No one said long distance relationships were easy – but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort the payoff may be worth it.

Check out these tips on MamasHealth.com on how to survive a long distance relationship even during the toughest of times. And, if you have any tips of your own, please share them with us!

Slumped Economy Sparks Creative Dating

Dating can always be a bit tricky, but dating in a tough economy can be near impossible! With recent market woes forcing us all to make some cutbacks, we have less money to spend on leisure activities. Opting for a less-expensive dates is a new necessity.

According to MSNBC, “a recent survey by Zandl of 300 people in their 20s and 30s found that singles are less interested in spending money on a night out, with almost half saying they are partying more at home.”

But that doesn’t mean your date has to be any less enjoyable! Opt for making a romantic dinner at home and check out your local listing for free events in your area. Look at this as an opportunity to find someone that’s truly into you for you not for lavish meals or big-ticket destinations.

Love Spell

With Halloween just a few days away, now is the perfect time to conjure up some romantic magic. Why not try casting a love spell or two? Whether you’re looking for love or looking to strengthen your bond, there’s a enchanting solution for you! Check out the spells at EverythingUnderTheMoon.net to charm your sweetie this All Hallows Eve.

Secret Love Lives of President’s Past

The 2008 presidential election is fast approaching, and of course we’re eager to know all there is know about our future leader. As intriguing as their opinions on foreign policy and tax reform may be, we want the good stuff! What are their relationships with their wives really like?

Check out this great story on Tangomag.com to find out what’s really going on behind closed doors for the future Mr. and Mrs. of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!

Men’s Secret Dating Rules

Ever wonder why the guy who just took you out waited three days to call you back? Ever think he must be really popular because everyone knew his name at that little bistro you went to for coffee?

According to AskMen.com, these are just part of the “Top 10: Secret Dating Rules” that all men should abide by to help them land the lady of their dreams.

Even though the list says to keep these rules a secret from women, we’re more than happy to share them with you! Check out the entire list here!

Rainy Day Romance

Nothing makes you want to cuddle up with your cutie like a rainy day. It’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors and enjoy some quality time together. And we’re guaranteed a few rainy days with the fall weather! Watch a movie, play a board game, run a bubble bath for two – the choice is yours! Or, if you dare, step out in the rain for some wet kisses!

Check out Lovingyou.com for more great ideas! Or, if you have one of your own, please share it with us!

10 Sex Tools Every Woman Needs

Check out Redbook’s 10 Sex Tools Every Woman Needs for some surefire ways to spice things up! The best part? You’ve already got most of them at home!

Busy Couples Reconnect

Between work schedules, managing a household and juggling children, many couples are left with little or no extra time, often causing their relationship to suffer.

Mira Kirshenbaum, author of The Weekend Marriage: Abundant Love in a Time-Starved World, says that without quality time together, the connection between you and your significant other can wither. What’s more, it can become increasingly difficult to reconnect as time goes on.

Kirshenbaum says that in order to have a strong relationship, couples need to spend three types of time together: close time, relaxed time, and fun time (with an emphasis on the fun!).

So what can you do to help reconnect and have fun with your beau? Check out Revolution Health for surefire ways to help bring you and your partner even closer!

Love and Money

Given our country’s current credit crisis, it’s more important than ever to talk with your significant other about your financial situation. Your relationship could depend on it!

According to David Zinczenko, author of Men, Love and Sex, a recent national poll discovered that 38 percent of men and women say that money is the number-one cause of marital strife. (Which incidentally is way ahead of the second place “lack of sex” fight!)

One of the main reasons couples argue over finances is the disconnect between his and her financial goals. Avoidance and/or a lack communication about financial planning just exacerbates an already sticky situation! Managing a budget is tough enough—why not face the challenge head on as a team?

What should you talk about to prevent moo-lah from turning into marital issues? Check out Jeff Opdykem’s “Love and Money” column for nine questions all newlyweds (or any couple) should discuss.

What’s worked for you?

Googling Your Date?

Ever try and “Google” your date? According to author Laura Schaefer, eleven percent of women have gone online and done research on a person they were dating or were about to meet.

“Googling your date” can be a great way to do some research and find out things you both have in common before you meet. It can also be a great way to get the dirt on your prospective partner!

Be forewarned though, “Googling” is by no means fool proof! For example, if your date has a relatively common name, you’ll end up with millions of search results. Who knows if your Michael Smith is the one listed as Harvard alum or the one featured in the Metro’s Police Blotter.

And, while pre-date research can give you some info on your would-be beau, always remember that you often learn the most about a person by meeting them face to face!

Have you ever “Googled a date” before? We’d love to hear about it!

Does Size Really Matter?

Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m talking about engagement rings! It seems as though lately, perception is becoming flawed. Do women really care more about what’s in that tiny black box then the man that’s giving it to them?

“It’s not that women are necessarily getting bigger rings,” says New York City-based psychotherapist Debbie Magids, PhD, author of All the Good Ones Aren’t Taken. “It’s just that they’re talking about it more openly now — and guys can’t help but notice.”

Wondering how big the average engagement ring is? According to the Jewelry Information Center, “it’s just under half a carat, a far cry from Beyoncé’s blingtastic 18-carat stunner. And the average bucks expected to be spent nationwide in 2008 on that average ring: $4,332, according to Theweddingreport.com.”

Check out the latest from Cosmo for the scoop!

Fascinating Love Facts

Love is a crazy thing. It does things to the mind, body and soul one can never truly understand until immersed in it fully. Laura Schaefer, author of Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor: The Best and Worst Personal Ads of All Time, provides us with 25 fascinating facts that will leave the most noted love expert intrigued:

• Men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don't.

• Falling in love can induce a calming effect on the body and mind and raises levels of nerve growth factor for about a year, which helps to restore the nervous system and improves the lover's memory.

• A man's beard grows fastest when he anticipates sex.

• People who are newly in love produce decreased levels of the hormone serotonin — as low as levels seen in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Perhaps that's why it's so easy to feel obsessed when you're smitten.
  
  

Check out the MSN story here for all 25 fascinating facts!

Seven Steps to Happily Ever After

Many things go into making a marriage last a lifetime. That kind of commitment is no small feat. According to Redbook, “a great marriage isn’t just about what you have. It’s about what you have to do to make a relationship stronger, safer, more caring and committed”. Click here to read their seven steps to make your “forever fantastic”.