Romance in the Laundry Room

 Boy meets girl in the basement laundry of the apartment building. They fall in love. 

Or depending on which genre you enjoy...they could be banging on the sorting table.

Sounds a bit cliché doesn't it. I'm sure it happens though, but not in my world. At one point I had three boys at home, all playing school football AND I washed one of the team's jerseys every week. Talk about a mountain of stinky laundry.

So where does romance come in? 

Get your honey to help sort, fold, and put away laundry. Pour an adult beverage. Put on your favorite music. Have a little fun. 

Beware of voyeurs such as a cat in a basket.

What's it like at my house these days? 

You might me stacking neatly folded, warm towels with Flyboy's hands on my hips as I sway to the rhythm of the music. His breath tickling the back of my neck as he places kisses upon my neck.

You get the picture.

A Few Moments of Massage

 A massage is wonderful, but most of us don't engage in it due to lack of time. 

Flyboy Jr's girlfriend gave him a gift card for a massage at her parents' gym, Iron Athletics. He loved the hour-long experience and plans to make time for one every time he comes home from school. He said it's very relaxing and plans to schedule a massage every time he's home from flight school. 

With a wink in my direction, Flyboy Sr. said he's rather get a massage from me. 

(Oooo... I love that man!)

An erotic massage is wonderful for a couple, it relaxes them from daily stress, strengthens their bond, and can be very, very sensual. But again, many will complain of lack of time. Plan ahead for a five minute pre-bedtime massage. This little bit of time is adequate. Just start touching! Relieve a little stress, enjoy the power of touch. Who knows, it might led to something more.

Copyright Getty Images

Keep in mind, massages are like orgasms... there are really no bad ones. Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you will become. Your lover would certainly enjoy a five minutes of touching tenderness from you!

Dr. Evelyn demonstrates some extremely helpful tips to not only improve your couples massage but how to benefit someone who experiences back pain, sciatica, pinched nerves and more. CLICK HERE

A Kiss Is Not Just A Kiss

 No matter how long you've been together as a couple, don't stop kissing. 

The "surprise kiss" gets a fun reaction.

Kissing:

- is the simplest route to seduction

- shows how much you still really care about your partner

- is one of the easiest ways to show your honey you don't take them for granted

- lets your boo know you still crave the magic you felt when your lips touched for the first time

"No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you! You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." -Rhett Butler, Gone With the Wind

Volunteer From Home

Was your New Year's Resolution to volunteer more? Maybe give back to your community? Get involved?

Due to Covid, so many opportunities have been put on hold. You can still volunteer at a church food dispensary or local food bank, they always can use extra hands. You could pack boxes to go to the armed service men and women around the world. 

Due to my health issues, I'm still living in my own little bubble. I found a few places where you can do good without leaving your home.

Change.org - petition for a better planet

DoSomething.org - browse causes and get involved with ones that matter the most to you

VounteerMatch.org - find a volunteer group you can really connect with, maybe within your own community.

LearnToBe.org - sign up to be a tutor

CatchAFire.org - connects professionals  with opportunities to do pro bono work

DonorsChoose.org - donate supplies and electronics to public school teachers for their classrooms

Feel free to call your local schools to see what they may need. Several have their teachers plugged into Amazon with wish lists. You pick out the items on their lists, pay for them and they are shipped directly to the teacher! 

Check with your local animal shelters. Many of them will have Amazon Wish Lists for public to purchase much needed items from.

When it comes to volunteering and getting involved at any level to improve your community or the world, encourage your honey to get involved with you. Nothing makes the heart feel so full as when you do something good together. 

Give A Sexy Gift

You've already picked up a practical gift for your honey, now it's time to pick up a little something, something to add some heat to your winter nights.

 

I often recommend my beloved Lover's Lane shop where the ladies know my name and tell me I'm their favorite author. They certainly know how to schmooz me.  But in all reality, the ladies certainly take good care of me. They have ordered in research material, answered my millions of questions, helped me select special prizes for giveaways, and fitted me for personal lovelies. The women are trained to measure your figure while helping you feel at ease with your own body as you select a soft little number that makes you feel amazing. They also will help you find products to support physical limitations or allergies.

Attending or hosting a Pure Romance holiday party is a great way to have some sexy fun with gal pals, win free stuff, and pick up some awesome tips. Products include a wide range of oils, scents, bath & beauty products as well as fabulous toys.

Have the best holiday with gifts that keep giving.

Find Couple Time During Holidays

During the month of December, there will be many demands on your time. 

Stress levels may rise. At the end of the day, exhaustion sets in. 

Even Santa and Mrs. Claus make time for alone time.

Here a few tips to "keep it together" during the holiday season.

* Try not to schedule to many things to do right after each other. Give yourself time between each one.

* Take time to sit with your honey and make a list of things you enjoy the most about the holiday. This will not only give you quality time together, but also help keep you in the Christmas spirit.

*Schedule certain things from your list to do together. Yes... write it down! Make a date of it.

*Speak with family members in advance. Schedule family face time or Zoom gathering with those you won't be able to be with in person.

* Plan meals in advance. Do meal prep with your honey.

*  Fight gifting stress. Limit gift giving, promote thoughtful giving. Take a day for you and your honey to visit local shops. Grab an adult beverage or hot cocoa and sit together to do online shopping. 

*Help each other. Spending time together and taking care of a "chore" at the same time.

*As a couple, think of a new family tradition you can create this year.

Give Me Some Sexy Cinnamon

I love Cinnamon. 

Did you know it is not only warming, comforting and healthy, but also SEXY?

Cinnamon is a scent commonly known to seduce with it's aphrodisiac qualities.

It is said that the Queen of Sheba used cinnamon to mesmerize King Solomon. 

So it has power. 

Gram cooked with cinnamon often and would always say, "The way to a man's heart is through is stomach." Maybe that old saying holds more truth than we thought.

Bread Pudding is a popular item at my house.

However, this delightful treat can be a sexy food.

Try serving this as breakfast for your lover but expect to spend the day in bed.

Prepare this bread pudding ahead of time so that in the morning, 

all you have to do is turn on the oven. 

Cinnamon-Swirl Breakfast Bread Pudding

4 eggs
1½ cups milk
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ loaf day-old bread, cut into cubes
¼ cup pecans, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
Maple syrup

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and whisk until all the ingredients are completely incorporated. Stir the bread and pecans into the egg mixture. Coat an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in the bread pudding, and cover with foil. Let sit in the refrigerator at least one hour and up to overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the bread pudding, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the pudding is browned. Serve hot with maple syrup.

 

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My favorite cinnamon is Vietnamese Cinnamon. It's a bit stronger with an amazing flavor. (Rumor is... it's the same cinnamon used in the famous Cinnabon rolls.) AKA Cassia Cinnamon. Quality cinnamons are available per ounce online. However, some health food or natural food stores will bottle it. I pick mine up from Those Nature People. I visit the Frankenmuth location of Those Nature People for my bottle. 

They also make a Cinnamon Roll Blend that is suburb!

#Thursday13 – Have a Sexy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with our friends and family; to be thankful for all the wonderful aspects of our every day lives.  Keep in mind, even in a house crowded with guests; you and your honey can still indulge in a little romantic pleasure.

1.     Wear a cute outfit and something sexy underneath.  Make sure your honey knows there is a surprise under wraps for him.

2.     Wear a spicy or vanilla fragrance.  It will work with the food odors instead of against them.  We all know how men love their food!

3.      Share a glass of wine while doing meal preparation.  I know white is supposed to be served with fowl, but one can bend the rules a bit for a little dose of red wine to spark the romance.  After all, red wine is tied into a strong sex drive.

4.       Make sure you use celery and fennel.  Most Thanksgiving recipes call for these ingredients.  Celery contains a male hormone that stimulates female sexual arousal.  Fennel boosts the libido and is also alleviate that after dinner bloating.

5.      Make some oyster stuffing.  Oysters are a natural aphrodisiac.  When you eat an oyster, make sure your honey is watching… put on a little performance.

6.      Try some innocent flirting across the table and try not to get caught by the other guests.  Kind of like a teenager’s game.

7.      Don’t forget the sweet potatoes!  These are high in potassium, vitamins A & C, as well as iron. Rumor has it that it also increases the female sex drive.

8.      Gotta have some pumpkin pie!  This olfactory sexual aphrodisiac also contains zinc and increases testosterone production and blood flow by 40%. 

9.      Make sure you resist that 2^nd or 3^rd helping.  This will prevent that miserable bloating.

10.   Go for a nice walk, alone with your honey after dinner.  Hold hands, kiss, and talk about what you want to do to each other when you get the moment to be alone.

11.   Cuddle on the couch together while watching the game.  Cover up with a throw and let your hands wander.

12.   Sneak off to the guest bedroom.  If that won’t work… slip into the bathroom together.

13.   Hide a can of whipping cream in your purse for later.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tips For Autumn Romance

 Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Michigan. I love the incredible palate of colorful trees and shrubbery. Nature’s pure fragrance of leaves and earth as well as the temptations of pumpkin pie, baked apples, and hot mulled cider create a wonderful setting. This time of year is also the time to pull out the winter woolies and time for some old fashion cuddling. It is a time for Autumn Romance.

 >Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Make a special breakfast using flavors of the season...apple turnovers, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread to name a few. Add a little pumpkin spice creamer to your coffee. Try in it cocoa!

 >  Rake a pile of leaves and yes…. Jump in!  It’s not just for kids.  Let your hair down and play!  Laughing is great foreplay.

>  Hit the trails. Go for a walk holding hands or a nice bike ride. Stop periodically to enjoy the view. This is a great way to stay in shape and relieve tension as well as giving you a chance to talk.  However, if you come to a hill… I dare you to roll down it!

> Enjoy the patio at night and build a bonfire for two. Curl up together under a blanket and sip a cup of hot apple cider.

> Have a night in and start up your fireplace. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

> Make time to simply sit and share a drink together. Try a spiced wine or an apple whiskey.

Leelanau Cellars
has a variety of wines perfect for Autumn.

Take Time for Romance

Can couples find the time and energy for romance 

and still cope with commitments, tress, and even fatigue?  

Absolutely!

"Being over-scheduled is the biggest killer of romance, because when we're tired and frazzled we have nothing left for each other." - D.P. Washington

Flyboy and I goofing around.

Establish priorities and set goals by making better use of the time they have by creating time they thought they didn't have.

*Make a lunch date together

*Take a shower or bath together

*Make time for pillow talk

* Set aside one night a week - no interruptions, no appointments

*Plan your weekends in advance - put them on your calendar in ink

*Take control of your time - unplug the electronics

Hot Apple Cider For Cool Autumn Nights

A lovely fall day is perfect for you and your honey to visit a local orchard. 

Go on a hayride, nibble on some pumpkin doughnuts and drink fresh cider. 

Enjoy hot cider under the stars at night.

I picked up some fresh apple cider during a recent visit to my local orchard (Montrose Orchards). Mulled Cider is a perfect warm autumn drink to enjoy while snuggling under a blanket on the porch.  This hottie toddy gives a quiet opportunity to warm up with some spice and romance. 

 

Ingredients

1 apple

2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 orange, thinly sliced

2 quarts apple cider

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon allspice

Pinch grated nutmeg

1 cup dark rum

Cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions

Stud the apple with the cloves. In a medium pot, combine the studded apple and remaining ingredients except the rum. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Check with local orchards regarding current covid restrictions.

#Thursday13 - Favorite #Couple-time Ideas

Flyboy & I celebrated our 29nd anniversary on Monday. We aren't "empty nesters" yet and we had to plan an evening around our 15 yr old's football practice. However, Flyboy made a couple of  "to die for" steaks on the grill, broiled lobster tails while I whipped up some yummy butter beans. Sharing a meal and wine while listening to OUR music was a delightful treat.

Anyways... this week's TT is some of my favorite things to do with my honey. 

 

1. Go junkin'. We love to drive around and find garage sales. The best treasures are found at barn sales. 

2. Go for a walk. We live in the woods and take the dog with us. We walk on the road or in the back, it's nice to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.


3. Exploring farmers markets.

4.  Visiting Traverse City or any small, quaint town in Norther Michigan.

Visiting North Peak Brewing Co.
Traverse City, MI

5. Visiting local wineries, breweries and distilleries.

6. Cooking outside. Grilling. We work together to create the best marinade or try out new recipes. Cooking over the bonfire. Sipping wine while sitting near the bonfire.

7. We love cooking anything together in the kitchen. Sometimes it turns into a family event. I'm proud to say my boys enjoy cooking almost as much as they like to eat.

In the kitchen - aprons on!

8. Visiting neighbors. In our neighborhood it's common for neighbors to grab some drinks and head to each other's homes.

9.  Heading to Frankenmuth for a mini adventure; wandering through the quaint shops.

10. Snuggling on the couch reading while he watches the Tigers or Lions play.

11. Sitting in the bleachers with our friends watching our son play football or baseball. (Yeah, we still have one at home.)

12. Cuddling on the couch watching a funny movie.

13. Well.... yeah... of course THAT!  But I didn't want to brag or make anyone jealous.

They are not listed in any particular order. I would say top couple-time things to do are cooking together and exploring quaint towns. (And of course, #13.)

What do you like to do with your honey?

Visit more amazing Thursday 13 lists HERE

Michigan Fun for Couples in Autumn

Summer has been awesome and we manage to have some vacation time. I have two football players so we have to plan short little trips when we can. Hubby and I always try to make time for just us...you know...for a bit of adventure with a dash of romance.

I love living in Michigan. The changing seasons create many opportunities for adventures. During every weekend, a festival is going on someplace. Couples traveling to Michigan can find scores of activities and destinations perfect for falling in love,
sharing a special moment or rediscovering what you love about each other.

The weather also creates a perfect growing environment for wine making grapes. Michigan wineries are fun to visit. Nothing spells "romance" like visiting a vineyard and opening a bottle straight from the source. Enjoy wine tasting and "wine trails" through Michigan's wine country, which stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan along the lower peninsula's northern and central shores. 

Our favorite place to visit is Traverse City. I LOVE the shops downtown! Stop in Cherry Republic to try some cherry salsa while sipping cherry wine! The girls and I like to hit the resale shops in search of treasures. (Sometimes the guys tag along, if we promise to involve food.) We follow the Resale Trail. (Download your Traverse City Resale Trail Map HERE.) 

Michigan offers a wonderful selection of breweries open all year round for tours and tasting. Hubby has a Bucket List of craft breweries he wants to visit. We always seem to stumble upon local wineries or brew pubs. Several offer wonderful food along with their beverages. 

We're heading up north for Beer Week, Nov. 13-20. 

 As temperatures drop, activities don't stop. Frankenmuth is our favorite spot as it is only a short drive for us. Getting away for a weekend is easy. This quaint town explores German heritage with Oktoberfest, and the Holiday Balloon Fest takes place in December. We enjoy walking along the streets to visit our "regular shops" anytime of the year.

In today's busy world, it is very healthy for couples to spend some quality time together. Hubby and I think Michigan certainly provides many romantic opportunities.

Visit Pure Michigan for more information or to plan your weekend getaway.

The Power of Touch

 I don't know if it's the weather or the season or just simply romance, but Flyboy and I have been enjoying our time together; simply BEING together. We aren't empty nesters and having a teen boy flitting about doesn't allow for much romance. However, a little PDA is fun to do with the purpose of "grossing out" the boy.

We sneak in a little romance via simple non-sexual touches. 

A simple touch is reassuring and uplifting. Even if it is a fleeting moment, it feels like someone else understand and relates to us and most importantly connects with us. Think for a moment... have you ever felt like hugging your honey or just cuddling for a few minutes for no reason at all? 

Non sexual touches are a sign of love and trust. They reduce anxiety and reduce depression. While sexual touches keep a relationship fresh and exciting, non sexual touches help keep the relationship strong, healthy and happy. 

Be sure to touch someone you love today.

Sexy Games Lovers Play - Guess What This Is

Sexy games can bring the spice back to any relationship. You may have had a terrific sex life before, but the hassles of day-to-day existence have made sex less of a priority. Maybe you and your honey are looking for a little something different, something to add some zing to your love life. Perhaps, you simply need an exercise to encourage intimacy.

Shutterstock image

Sexy games don't have to be confusing or complex. Find a game that both of you would enjoy to have fun and created intimacy.

Discuss the need to set some ground rules before playing sexy games. Be sure to respect each other's vulnerability, especially when trying something new in the bedroom. Both partners must be able to end the game at any time, for any reason. 

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A fun game is GUESS WHAT THIS IS

 This game requires some thinking and planning. Have two baskets, one for you and one for your honey. Start by thinking tactile and have your honey fill his basket with items and you do the same. Do not tell each other what your baskets hold! 

Item suggestions: What could be used on your lover’s skin to create goose bumps? Gather things such as feathers, ice, a piece of fur, light string or rope, a length of silk, wool, and a knobby fabric. Other items to use might include a soft ball, a back scratcher, or a damp sponge. Let your mind go wickedly wild. Assemble all the textures and place in a basket. 

Take turns blindfolding each other and lay in a comfortable position. Begin by massaging your partner with an item from the basket. Massage or tickle his body and let him guess what is touching his skin. Ask your lover to describe how it feels.

Enjoy your time together and enjoy each other!

Take Time Together

 

Home is where the heart is, so take time to spend together at home. You can find many delightful ways to spend time together around the house. Morning coffee in bed is one of my personal favorites or breakfast on a sunny deck. A card game or watch a video on a rainy day. Unplug yourselves from the electronics and quiet time at home can be simple. Just sitting together watching a ballgame is cozy contentment. Go for a walk or take a nap. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine, play soft music and give each other a massage.

 

Take a break from the daily grind and revive that feeling of being relaxed and close.

Friday Food Romance

So you're planing a sexy dinner with your honey.  

Candles? Check

Playlist? Check

]Sexy lingerie? Check

 Hooker heels? Check

You have desert covered, let's focus on food and wine.

  

Have you ever eaten a meal where the wine and food were so good that you could not forget about it? Then, did you later have that same wine with a different dish or the same dish with a different wine only to be disappointed?

Count yourself fortunate to have experienced the perfect marriage of wine and food. When the wine balances with the food in flavor, texture and taste, both food and wine enhance each other.

These are a few hints to help make food and wine pairing simple. But remember that if you like a certain wine with a particular food that is all that matters.

1. Use the same wine in the recipe as you will be serving with the meal.

2. Mask salty dishes with slightly sweet wines.

3. Serve cool, sweet, low alcohol wines with hot, spicy foods. Higher alcohol accentuates heat.

4. Balance acidic foods with sweet wines or round, dry, low acid wines.

5. Combine sweet wines with desserts. Make sure the wine is always sweeter than the dessert.

Combos for Beef

Beef roast, steak, hamburgers

Classic Red

Merlot

Classic Blush

Cab/Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wild mushroom sauce

Merlot

Cab/Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red wine sauces, stew, short ribs, beef stroganoff

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Cab/Merlot

Stir fry, chili

Pinot Noir

Classic Red

Brisket, meatloaf

Merlot

Classic Red

Beef Wellington

Classic Blush

Cab/Merlot

Beef Bourguignon

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab/Merlot

#Thursday13 - Rewards of Romance

 We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.

"Real-life romance is something I encourage you to engage in every day. Just give it a try. Many times it's all about the little things and just going with your heart. Trust that your desire to create romance is enough to get things started, and give it your own spin." - Barton Goldsmith Ph. D, Emotional Fitness

Just letting her know you think she's wonderful can become a romantic moment.

Here are some key rewards of being romantic.

1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives

2. Hugs, kisses, caressing

3. Makes us feel sexy and attractive

4. Helps love grow

5. Helps a couple feel closer

6. Provides intimacy

7. Keeps things fresh

8. Makes daily routines bearable

9. Brings fun and joy into a relationship

10. Provides an atmosphere of mutual support

11. Let’s a couple hear the little things that are important

12. Makes us feel special and valued

13. Reminds us how lucky we are to be sharing life and love together

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Many people don't try to do anything romantic because they simply don't know how. 

Super hint: There are NO Secrets to romance. Most of the time, people are doing romantic gestures without even realizing. After all, anyone who has read a romance book or watch a romantic movie have a general idea about romance. Grand gestures are needed and simple things are appreciated. For example, a daisy freshly picked from a field is just as romantic as a dozen long-stemmed roses. 

My favorite romantic gesture is when my honey reaches out to hold my hand. 

It tickles me pink when I see Mom and Dad holding hands.

Check out more Thursday 13 posts from some of my amazing friends HERE

Romantic Dinner for Two

 What better way to wind-down from the week than a nice meal on Friday night. Preparing a meal together is good for a couple. It's a chance to talk, tease, laugh and kiss. According to some studies, cooking is one of the top activities couples can do together to strengthen their relationship. Cooking together is a soothing experience. It's great to relieve stress; think chatting and chopping. Using your hands to create the meal, maybe even sipping wine or sharing a beer, can easily turn into a sensual experience. Take a moment to hand feed a sample to your honey and follow it with a kiss.

A man who cooks is hot.

When you set a timer for pasta or veggies, use the opportunity to discuss something important or have a make out session. When the timer dings, the moment is paused.

Preparing a meal at our house is a family affair. We've always included our sons and each one enjoys cooking as much as he enjoys eating. Over the years we've included friends and girlfriends to take part of the fun. 

With eldest son now married, he and his new wife join us once a week for a meal. They often talk about meals they've prepared together.

Son #2 lives 3 hours away. He and his girl will go to market together then prepare the meal.

Son #3 is still underfoot, and tolerates our PDA during meal prep. However, occasionally hubby and I enjoy an evening alone.

The key to enjoy meal prep is keeping it fun, busy and communication is important. If you and your honey don't see eye-to-eye in meal prep you need to  communicate, compromise,or simply take turns in the kitchen.

Check out the article Couples Who Cook Together Stay Together, Says Science.

Check out this article on cooking together by Jillian Kramer 

Romance During Family Vacation

 A family vacation full of fun and chaos may be hard to squeeze in a little romance, but it's not impossible.

Letting Son #2 drive the boat while hubby & I play footsie.

Vacation time is the perfect time to break the every day routine and enjoy new moments of romance. Many couples find watching a sunset together every night during vacation as their romantic  moment. 

Hubby & I found waking before everyone to enjoy a cup of coffee together as our special romantic moment. 

We also found a lot of fun in tormenting our children with PG-13 open displays of affection. 

Needless to say, find a few moments every day during vacation time to add a little romance.