Romance Roundup 2.27.09

• President Obama credits Stevie Wonder for his romance with First Lady Michelle Obama
• Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer still in love, one year later
• Speed dating starts sparks!
• Tom Brady marries longtime girlfriend

Kissing or Cuddling or Sex?

A Marie Claire male columnist recently reported that he prefers kissing and cuddling over having sex!

Surprised? Check out Rich Santos’ kanoodling pros and cons and see why he’d rather get snuggily than get sexy. You might even agree!

“It's fun to lose yourself in a kiss,” he writes.

Still not convinced? Perhaps you can use Santos’ reasoning as an excuse to determine which lovey dovey expression you like best. Grab your sweetie and have a high-school style make out session or devote an hour on Friday night to just snuggling. Either way you’ll be spending quality time with your sweetheart in your arms.

Romance Roundup 2.24.09

• New research says wearing red may make you more attractive!

• To make your honey happy, just smile, smile, smile! Happiness is said to be contagious according to reports from British Medicine Journal.


• Here comes the bride…23 times! Indiana Women Breaks World Record with Most Marriages!


• Supermodel Adriana Lima and NBA Star Marko Jaric Elope!

Award Worthy Amore

Angelina and Brad romanced the red carpet and Kate Winslet won best actress for the steamy drama The Reader.
Last night’s Oscar celebration was filled with power couples, sexy dresses and heartfelt screenplays.
So, has all this talk of Oscars give you a hankering for some snuggle time with your sweetie on the couch with a really GOOD romantic movie?
YourTango.com recently posted a list of 25 Romantic Films Oscar Missed – films that should’ve and could’ve won a shiny Oscar man, but whose love stories simply went unnoticed by the Academy.
Check out the list to find old and new stories to pull on your heart strings and to give you a perfect reason to stay in on a snowy night with your one and only.
My favorite from the list? #16 - “Say Anything” hands down. Lovesick John Cusack serenading his love with a boom box over his head? It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Romance Roundup 2.20.09

• Wondering who should pay, when? Check out The Frisky’s thoughts on dating money etiquette.



• Looking to step it up a notch? Check out Oprah.com’s 5 best things you can do for your relationship.



• Sexy stats are in from Chattanooga’s The Pulse! Get the full report on this year’s sex survey here and see how you compare!



• Stressed? Maybe you should think about a trip to Scotland – recent survey says over three-quarters of Scottish women say that they’ve had a multiple orgasm!

How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways...

Could you sum up your lust, love and longings in a short six words?

Recently, HarperCollins published Six-Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak, a collection of proclamations describing love, loss and everything in between, all in six-word sentences.

Check out the New York Times article discussing the book, and then create the perfect six word story for your sweetheart. Or, if you’re experiencing writers block and find yourself at a loss for (six) words, scroll through the Times discussion board for some poetic inspiration from everyday people. My favorite posts from the boards include:

• I’m more because you’re beside me.


• It’s the little things that matter.


• We race to the same thought.


• There’s a passion; then there’s love.


• At last I found THE one.
  

How about, “to love love, is to blog” or “I woo thanks to the interwebs”? Hmmm.
Anyway, good luck with your six word sweet nothings…and if you come up with something truly inspired, please share!

Romance Roundup 2.18.09

• How you kiss matters, according to a new survey!


• Pay Phones, Punch Cards, Personals! The Wall Street Journal takes a looks at how sending romantic messages has changed throughout the years.


• Canadian study says one third of workers have dated a colleague!


• Check out The Nest’s 10 barely legal tips for keeping your romance red hot!

Celebrity Sightings of the Day:

Romantic Tip of the Day:

• Surprise your partner by doing something, especially a chore or something you wouldn’t normally do, like cleaning the house or doing the dishes.

Keeping Cupid Around

Cupid’s arrows have been used, surprises revealed, kisses exchanged.
Now, it’s Monday and back to world where hugs, kisses and the love’s intoxications so alive on Valentine’s Day can be lost as easily as car keys.
But does love really need to be moved to the back burner after the candy is gone?
One Colorado couple has recently published a book, “Romancing the Moon,” revealing their secrets of how they keep Cupid – and romance- around year round.
The Broomfield Enterprise recently profiled Larry and Norah Hendershot, married for 45 years, who have spent the last 20 years “romancing the moon” together – making a commitment every month to go on a special date within in three days – before or after – the full moon. Taking turns planning the special days, the Hendershots have gotten creative in their special time together. Dates have included everything from a special sleigh ride to a mountain cabin to a simple, quiet ice cream treat watching the moon rise together.
Check out The Broomfield Enterprise's romantic report on the Hendershots and find out tips of how can Cupid can take up permanent residence in your relationship, with just a little effort.

A Heartfelt History

On this Valentine’s Day Eve, as you finish shopping for your loved one and make the final revisions to your sentimental love note, you may wonder where all this Valentines stuff comes from anyway…

You’re not the only one!

Recently, National Geographic took an in-depth look at Valentine’s Day – the history and the hormones behind this lovey-dovey, hanky-panky holiday. Check out the article and discover fun facts like:
· an estimated 8 billion candy hearts will be made in 2009
· the first Valentine's Day card was sent in 1415 from France's Duke of Orléans to his wife when he was a prisoner in the Tower of London following the Battle of Agincourt

The article also has some great extras like the “Love on the Brain Valentine’s Day Video” explaining the science behind why being in love feels so very good. Or, you can also test your knowledge of international Valentine’s Day traditions with National Geographic’s Traveler magazine Valentine’s Day quiz. So, grab your sweet heart, snuggle up and explore the science and history of why your heart beats especially loud for each other on the 14th of February.

Roses are Red…or Orange…or Peach!

Thinking about giving the classic gift of roses to the one you love on Valentine’s Day? Before you do, make sure you are sending the right message with the right color roses. Thanks to the 1-800-Flowers.com’s Definitive Reference Guide to rose colors…you can send the perfect sweet or spicy message to your Valentine by selecting the perfect color rose.

It’s no surprise that, according to the flower experts, the red rose symbolizes love and for occasions such as Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, there is no other way to send the romance message. But why not spice up the romance and send a rose that symbolizes desire or love at first sight! Can’t keep your hands off your honey? Send a rose that says “passion.”

Check out the color guide and surprise your sweetie with a special message of why you selected the color you did. You’ll be surprised at the difference a choice of orange versus peach can make…and at how impressed your sweetie will be with your savvy flower knowledge.

The Fastest Way to His Heart...

Planning to stay in and don your biggest white hat and apron for Valentine's Day?

Got the perfect romantic, heartfelt, delicious meal planned for your partner?

Well what are you waiting for?

Some people are just naturally gifted in the ways of culinary wooing--others of us, not so much. That's why when I stumbled upon this awesome Romantic Meal Planner from Epicurious, I just had to share. Input info like your event, prep time and skill level and the meal planner produces directions for your perfect dining experience.

Bon appetit!

Taking Time-out Turns

Have you or your partner ever dreamt about taking a year off to write a novel? How about heading back to higher education to finish up that master's degree? Are you convinced that these goals will always be just dreams?

For some couples, the notion of balancing income and interest is as simple as waiting your turn!

According to an article from Tango, couples can survive on a single income and take turns earning and learning -- being both the breadwinner and the pursuer of their passions.

Of course, there are sacrifices associated with slimming down your earnings, but imagine the benefits of stepping out of the daily grind to explore your interests with the support of your partner. Plus, you avoid getting stuck in the role of money maker, free spirit, provider or home maker. Why not be all of them for a bit?

Would you and your partner ever consider working out a similar type of employment/education rotation? Tell us about it!