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

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 

Key to Love - Gratitude

Love is a powerful thing but it is tested. It is surviving the tests that makes love strong.

According to one study, 80% of couples who stayed together through marital problems were asked five years after the problem was resolved, reported being happier than before the issue.

BOOK SUGGESTION

Why Good Things Happen To Good People written by Dr. Stephen Post and Jill Neimark 

is a great book to read in regards to the keys to longevity in a relationship.

According to the book, GRATITUDE is an important key for Love that Lasts.

Being married to a pilot can be trying at times. Most people ask how the fact he's gone every two weeks affect our marriage. The time he's gone doesn't affect it, we stay close via phone, video chats, little love notes, etc. I believe the hardest part about being married to a pilot these days is the moment the plane takes off. It today's world the chance of him not coming home is always there. That thought scares the hell out of me but for my sanity, I don't dwell on it. Saying goodbye is the hardest. As I watch his plan take off, I always say a prayer for his safety and gratitude that's he's part of our lives. I'm thankful for the time we spend together no matter if it's weeks, days, hours or minutes. Saying goodbye when the jet leaves the tarmac or "TTFN" via video chat, is still a farewell. The feeling of gratitude strengthens our bond.

As my son's grow older, I've learned to say the same prayer for safety and gratitude when I hug them goodbye. I'm so thankful for my guys!

Think of the things you appreciate about your honey. Think of big things - how hard he works for his family. Think of small things - quiet time tucking the kids into bed.

Take a moment to write them down. Share them with your honey. Strengthen your love.

Wake Up With Yoga, Go to Bed Happy

Today was day #6 of doing yoga.

I've been doing yoga every morning outside and I must say it feels great!

My doctor highly recommended yoga to ease the pain of fibromyalgia. The stretching is very important the the benefits of relieving stress is a plus. At first yoga and all the poses seemed complicated and overwhelming but I quickly learned it isn't. By simply breaking down poses and finding easy routines on YouTube, I built up my confidence. I'm not doing fancy handstands or sweat producing flows... just easy, mindful movements.

I love doing yoga outside. Living in the woods has a calming meditative effect. Being on my deck in the woods connects me to nature. On a rainy day, I was on my front porch. 

Maggie hasn't tried yoga yet, but hovers close by.

My hour long morning routine includes: 

      doing 15 minutes of yoga (I do the video plus some poses I like from a night time video)

      eat breakfast with coffee or tea

      write in my diet journal or write list of things I want to accomplish that day

      sometimes I jump in the pool for a quick workout, sometimes doing more yoga in the water

      fill the feeding stations (bird feeders) and take my dog for a walk

I find doing morning yoga has increased my energy level. I'm ready to face the day! It certainly has reduced my stress level and I've improved how I handle stress. I've found it helps me focus on the day. While doing yoga, I focus on the moment; my breathing, the music, the sounds of nature. When I sit down at breakfast I easily make a to-do list for the day which keeps my focused on tasks all day. (I'm easily distracted and often overwhelmed with daily activities.)  

The one thing I've noticed is how my sleep has improved, I feel rested when I wake. I'm happier all day, able to take on the cantankerous moods of my guys and have energy for my honey at night.

Yoga doesn't have to be done along either; have your honey join you. It can be good for your relationship and sex life. Check out this article regarding Poses for Building Intimacy and Trust. Here is a great article from Yoga Journal regarding The Truth About Yoga and Sex.  I told you, I like that Yoga Journal group! If you're feeling adventurous, check local listing of yoga studios near you for classes and special events.

My favorite videos include a morning one by Sarah Beth. Check out her You Tube channel for more info. She suffers from an autoimmune disease so she's sensitive to needs of those challenged. My morning choice is 10 Minute Morning Yoga for Beginners.

My favorite night relaxing yoga video comes from Yoga Journal. I like the 15 Minute Relaxing Practice with Jason Crandell. It's so good, sometimes I almost fall asleep on the floor!

I like the way I feel and I'm hoping to continue my journey with yoga.

Do you do yoga?

What is your morning routine?

Benefits of Waking Early #Healthy #Romance

Starting the day early can be good for your health and relationship.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Greet the day. Maybe make a ritual of positive thinking or being thankful for your blessings. Or simply give your honey a kiss. Let your heart feel light. Don't lay in bed for long, get out and get started.

Enjoy the peace. The quietude of the morning is good for the soul. Use the time to breathe, mentally and physically.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the sunrise. If you've missed the sunrise then take in the wonderful colors of the morning. Use your senses to smell, feel and even taste the day. These are little things often overlooked in our busy lives. 

MORE ORGANIZED

Use the quiet of the morning for thinking and organizing. Plan your day. If you are with your honey, discuss plans for the day. Decide on meals and activities. Use a few moments to share a memory of love...maybe something you did together on a similar morning... a memory of why you fell in love. Dream a little... talk about future plans, trips, etc.

HEALTHY

The morning is a perfect time for mediation, yoga, and any form of exercise. Breathing deeply increases oxygen in your body and is good for the brain. Morning stretches helps improve flexibility all day. Take the dog for a stroll with your honey. Go to the gym together. Morning cardio is great for the heart. 

Prepare a healthy breakfast and enjoy the meal together on the patio. 

ROMANCE

Quiet time in the morning is perfect for soft kisses, flirty smiles and lots of eye contact. Have a laugh over crazy hair. Laughter is important in a relationship and giggles in the morning makes the heart light all day. Touching is important, so start the day off right with lots of it.    

And... if you have time, enjoy a little morning lovin'.   

Romance in the Air - Breakfast with the Turkeys

Hubby and I enjoyed breakfast on the deck this morning. He was in Seattle and I was home in Michigan. Thank God for video chats! While we enjoyed our romantic moments, Tom and Penny joined us.

The young, dashing tom turkey and his lovely hen meandered out of the woods to find goodies left for them at the feeding stations. A larger flock hangs out a few housed down the street but we are happy with our small family.

Tom knows he's a handsome devil.

Tom is one of three bachelor birds we've watched grow and mature over the years. He's young and this is probably his first family.

Perfect Penny

Penny visits the feeders several times a day; often is on her way in as I step away from filling the stations. She has a sister, Henny, who is part of the family but is rather camera shy and a bit skittish.

Watching drama of nature unfolding can be relaxing and sometimes better than TV. When he's home, hubby & I use the peace of the morning to sit on the deck. It's romantic and recharging as we share gentle touches and conversation.

Take a morning to sip a cup of coffee or tea, with your honey or alone, on a porch, deck or patio. Reconnect with yourself, your honey and nature. It's good for the heart and soul.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Tips for a Romantic Bath

1. Rose Petals
2. One of the most common symbols for romance, the rose is not only a beautiful addition to your bath water and/or bath area it is delightfully fragrant as well.
3. Bubble Bath
   Bubble bath comes in so many varieties it can be hard to choose the right one. If you know your partner has a special favorite, use that one. If not, try something a little creative like bubble bath in a champagne bottle.
4. Mood Music
   Initiate a romantic environment with a little calm and relaxing mood music. Many stores offer nature or mood themed music. Pick out a CD that will help you create the exact mood you desire.
5. Candlelight
   Restore that healthy glow with a liberal sprinkling of candlelight. Tea lights are easy to use, make little mess and are easy to throw away once cooled. Don't place candles where you may splash water on them.
6. Bath Loofah or Accessories
   Why not give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little skin pampering? Go shopping together and pick out a few fun bath products in a scent you both love
7.  Skin Care  Take care of each others' skin and try new exfoliants or other skin improving products.

7.     Hair Care Give each other a complete hair washing, including combing out their hair during the conditioning process

8.     Champagne
Celebrate your time together with a romantic toast. Use this couple time to renew promises or vows with each other. Or, just revel in actually having couple time.

9. Try a fun, sensual bath game.
10. Warm, Fluffy Towels
    Put your towels in the dryer for a few minutes for a warm and toasty after-bath treat.
    Take turns drying each other off for a more intimate experience.
11. Mood Inviting Bath Soak
    Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products.
12. Privacy
    A romantic moment is easily ruined with unwanted disruptions. Arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.  
13. Shower Power When you don't have time to take a nice bubble bath with your partner, opt for a nice, hot, candlelit shower with incense and music. This is wonderful for mornings because it refreshes the mind for the day.

Massage  Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.

#Thursday13- Rewards of Romance

1. We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.
2. 
   
   
3. Here are some key rewards of being romantic
4. 1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives
5. 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
   
   
6. 
   
7. 
   

Sex tips to boost your love life

It's important to remember that sex should be fun. Communication with your partner is the most important element in any relationship. Other keys are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seek out some of the may excellent self-help materials on the market, and just having fun can help you weather the bumps and keept things on track.

Here are a few points:

1. Be confident
It's the sexiest thing any woman can do to turn on her man - take control and be sure about what you want and how you want it done.

2. Enjoy each other's bodies
Give each other compliments, pay special attention to a person's less favourite bits, make them feel desired and sexy. Body confidence is sexual gold!

3. Talk.
Tell your partner what you're enjoying and why, even what could be done to make the sex better; faster slower etc.. The sure-fire way to better sex time and time again!

4. Engage in foreplay
It's easy to forget that foreplay is all part of your sex life. Make sure you have enough foreplay with your partner until you're both ready for intercourse. Prolong it by putting your clothes on, go out for a drink or a meal. Keep the evening going on as long as you can until you have to run home for the most intense sex ever!

5. Surprise your partner
Put on some sexy lingerie one evening after work and wait for him. Don't let him touch you, dominate and lead him to the bedroom.

6. Drink coffee
Research has indicated that a couple of cups of coffee could well boost the female libido. Even if that's not 100% guaranteed, the caffeine will improve your concentration - very important if you're getting hot and steamy in the bedroom.

7. Turn off the TV
You may love watching what Rita and Norris are up to in Corrie, but it's a bit of a passion killer. Hit the off button and pay attention to each other.

8. Do a strip-tease
It doesn't have to look professional, as long as you move seductively in front of him and slowly take off your clothes. Don't allow him to touch either - this will turn him on even more.

9. Choose the right music

Having the right tunes playing in the background can improve your bedroom experience. The right rhythm will make your lovemaking far more enjoyable. Try Dr. Amgad & Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing for starters.

10. Ice ice baby
If you're performing oral sex on your fella, try popping an ice cube in your mouth halfway through - the sensation as it goes from warm to cold will drive him wild.

11. Eat salmon.
Obviously, it's a great choice for dinner, but it's also known as a sexual powerhouse. The vitamins in salmon will help lift the libido, it contains mood-enhancing Omega-3 oils and is protein rich, which is good for stamina.

12. Turn off the lights
In fact, go one step further and blindfold each other. By getting rid of the sense of sight, you'll be forced to use your other senses.

13. Don't touch his private parts
By not going for the one place he's desperate for you to touch, you'll drive him wild. Delay it as long as possible and when you do get there, make only the faintest touch at first.