Fitness Friday - Everyone Deserves a Massage

An athlete training for an important race should consider getting one to two massages per month to help aid in training recovery. But you don't have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of a nice massage. A warm bath followed by a little muscle manipulation will help not only post workout aches but also aid in every day pain. A good massage promotes relaxation, well being and a great recreational activity. (*wink, wink)

A little touch goes a long way.

Fool For Love Blog Hop - Don't Stop Being the Fool April 4-6

The characters in romance often do foolish things while they fall in love. They say things they don’t mean and hurt each other. They leave things unsaid that should be said. One often lets the other walk away “because it’s for the best”. Sometime she insists he chase her, despite the fact she checks her phone for texts from him every twenty minutes. He may drop by her office “because he was in the neighborhood”. My favorite is when he sends her flowers but forgets to sign the card or sends them to the wrong place then gets discouraged when she doesn't fawn over his gesture.

I don’t mean to burst your bubble but in the real world people in love do foolish things. Many of you know I am a huge fan of strange studies regarding sex and love. So I did a little research and found studies have shown intense, passionate feelings of love really can mess with your mind and body.

1.  People who are passionately in love are less able to focus and to perform tasks that require attention. -  Leiden University in The Netherlands
2. When you fall in love, the same neural system in your brain linked to cocaine addiction becomes active, giving you that feeling of euphoria. – MRI scan study, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
3. Forget the Vicodin, love eases physical pain. Some of the areas of the brain activated by feelings of intense love are the same areas that drugs use to reduce pain. -  Stanford University

Here are a few other facts I found:

1.       Men adjust their walking stride and speed when they are in love with the woman they are walking with.

2.      When a couple is in love, their hearts beat the same rate.

3.      Sometimes a partner is willing to take unnecessary risks for their lover.

After being married for almost 23 years, I appreciate my honey making ridiculous gestures and doing silly things. The fool in him makes me smile from my heart to my face. They are simple signals that make my body hum. Nothing is better than a good laugh followed by a passionate kiss.

Whether you are falling in love or have been in love for a long time, 

don’t stop being Fools In Love.

Be sure to leave a comment. 

I will be giving away a FREE download of Crow Magic during the blog hop.

Thank you for stopping by and please be sure to continue with 
the Fool For Love Blog Hop 

and check out many amazing authors and chances to win super cool prizes.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Tips for a Romantic Bath

I LOVE baths! 

 I bet you can't guess what inspired today's post.  LOL

Taking a bath together in winter is as sexy as skinny-dipping.

It's also a great idea for a "cheap date night".

1. Rose Petals
   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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6.  Skin Care Take care of each others' skin and try new exfoliation products or other skin improving products. Pay special attention to each other's elbows, knees, hands and feet. Make your own product with sugar and lick it off.

7.                    7.  Hair Care  The scalp is an erogenous zone. Give each other a complete hair washing, including combing out their hair during the conditioning process. 

8.    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. I'm not going into detail here. *wink, wink*
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.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside Blog Hop - Jan. 3-5

Here’s a little tease from a work in progress, Eagle Dance. This book is part of a collection of Native American shifter stories that take place in a sweet little log cabin on Cherry Lane, at the Mountain Castillo Resort. The scene opens with our couple arriving at the cabin with some takeout pizza and other “necessities” for some hot romance on a cold winter night. I’ve taken the liberty of breaking the excerpt into smaller tid-bits to wet your appetite.

*This is from a WIP/not professionally edited*

She hated storms of any kind. He held her hand while effortlessly plowing through the storm. The simple gesture spoke fathoms. He pointed out the splendor of nature cloaked in a blanket of snow. Within moments, his deep voice lulled her nerves.

After traveling down a winding lane deeper into the woods, they found the cabin. Trudging through a foot of snow from the truck they found seasoned wood stacked neatly on the quaint porch. She carried their dinner while he brought in their overnight bags. Burgundy drapes covered the windows lining log walls. Hardwood floors covered with Turkish rugs and woodland décor gave the place a cozy atmosphere. River rock formed the new fireplace and chimney. A bar made from logs and rock graced one end of the room with a small refrigerator located underneath.

She slid the pizza box on the coffee table, set the bag of syrups on the counter then placed the ice cream in the tiny freezer. Hanging her coat on a hook behind the door, she slipped off her boots onto a matt. A fruit and cheese basket including two bottles of wine rested on the bar. Picking up a note, she quickly scanned it.

“The basket is from Madame Eve.” She noticed Dyami paused from building a fire to listen as she read. “Take a step into the past before you dance into the future. There is not greater feeling in the world than moving together to a piece of music and letting the world around you disappear; except for looking into the soul of your partner and seeing yourself.”

“For some reason she reminds me of a shaman.” He shook his head.

“Yeah, this makes her sound like a real mystical lady.” She put the odd message down and picked up the bottles. “Do you prefer red or white?”

“Let’s start with the red.” He shucked off his coat and wet boots, then proceeded to light the fire. “The white might be sweeter and perfect for later.”

Her body trembled with anticipation of what later would entail. “Would that be before or after dessert?”

He kept his back to her and answered with a deep chuckle. Squatting over the hearth, his baggy pants pulled tight over his thighs and revealed a squeezable butt. Biting her lip in frustration, she turned her attention to their dinner. The man oozed sexual aura. On the other hand, something about him seemed familiar. 

A click of the stereo launched music creating a melody with crackling flames, she swayed her hips in rhythm. She opened the wine. Dyami stood behind her and set two glasses on the table next to the open pizza box.

Without a word, he slid his hands around her waist and moved with her. Leaning into him, he drew her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck sending shivers of excitement along her spine.

“Do you like to dance?”

“I love to.” She turned to face him and rested her hands on his chest. “When I was a little girl, I’d dance with my dad by standing on his feet. Now I can’t find a dance partner tall enough.”

“I think we are a perfect fit.” He pulled her tight to emphasize the truth to his words.

His voice dropped and the richness struck a chord of arousal. A faint aroma of musk tempted her to kiss him. His soft lips responded to hers with the casualness if they’ve kissed hundreds of times.

Under her palms, his heartbeat echoed hers. He picked up the beat of the music. She followed his lead and slid her arms around his neck. Catching one hand in his, he led her into a dance. She floated on air until the song finished. He stopped and his hands gripped her waist. His pale eyes sparkled in the firelight.

“I would like nothing more than to continue dancing with you, but I’m starving.” His voice deep with regret reminded her of the pizza cooling on the table.

Moral to the story: when it’s cold outside warm up with pizza, wine and dancing with your honey.



Dyami Schafer is a Chippewa Eagle shifter.

Stay tuned for a release date on Dyami and Amanda’s story, Eagle Dance.

 

Here's a little eye candy...

 

Feel free to enjoy Seth and Lucy’s story in Crow Magic, the same little cabin but in warmer weather.

Now available. Click here to buy or read an excerpt.

Join the fun of Baby, It's Cold Outside Blog Tour
for a chance to win a FREE Download of Crow Magic.


Brought to readers and book lovers by JustRomance.me

Thursday 13 - Sexy New Year's Resolutions

So many New Year Resolutions are made and quickly forgotten. Not only are these promises easily forgotten when we are caught up in the hustle of everyday life, but also we can forget about the love in our lives. Try making a few resolutions that won't be forgotten and easily obtainable. Make your relationship with that special someone a priority, put pleasure first on your resolution list.

1.  Plan to have more sex. We schedule time to shop, get our hair done, and take the kids to soccer... Being spontaneous is not always easy and by some simple plans to be more sexual, you'll actually end up having more sex. 

2. Get away from it all. Send the kids away for the weekend or escape for a night alone. Grab a movie, dinner and a romp in a cheap hotel. Use this time to NOT talk about family, friends or work. Focus on each other.

3. Do some redecorating in the bedroom. Our surrounding have a significant impact on how we feel. Turn your bedroom into a sensual room. Add some sexy satins, new pillows, mirrors, incense or candles, artwork to create an environment to bring out your sexual animal.

4.  Exercise more. I'm talkin' the horizontal mambo three /four times a week. Not only are calories being burned in a super fun way, but with each orgasmic session your endorphins (the chemical in your brain that makes you happy) will do miracles for your mood and zest for life!

5. Stop the sensory deprivations. Get off the computer; turn off the cell phone, put down the e-reader. It's time to get your hands into life! Cook with your honey and savor every tasty moment. Inhale life's scents and enjoy the fragrance of the world around you whether it is a sensual perfume or the way the air smells after a rain shower. Gaze into your partner's eyes and drown in the lipid pools of desire.  

6. Save your money and give each other full body massages. Invest in some scented massage candles and let your inhibitions fly out the window. Pick up some edible massage oil. Don't leave out the happy ending!

7. Eat in bed. Whipped cream, chocolate body paint, honey dust! Decadent and suggestive foods coupled with steamy sex make a rather delicious combination.

8. Make food a sensual part of your life. Forget the chips and go for the juicy, creamy and succulent stuff. Fresh strawberries, ripe peaches, and bananas can be cut into bite sizes. Finger food can be very sensual; take your time eating to experience the textures and flavors. Savoring food can be great practice for savoring sex.

10.  Make yourself feel sexier every day. Go through your panty drawer and buy yourself some new sexier styles. Lose the flannels, the old rugby jersey and stop lounging about with holey socks. Try some sexy silk pajamas or simple lingerie you can wear under your clothes. Treating yourself to sexier underclothes will help you tap into your sexy side. Indulge in a new fragrance that makes your partner hot. Wax, shave, work out... whatever makes you feel good about yourself and sexy.

11.  Have an affair - with your partner of course!  Here's your chance to have fun with a sexual fantasy.    Share your fantasies with each other or create one together then act on them.  Dress  as a seductive stranger and meet at a secret location, hotel, or bar.  Have fun with costumes, they can be just what you need to get started.

12.  Get back to the basics.  Rediscover the art of kissing.  Spend a night simply "making out".  Just be careful if you go "parking".  Be open and honest with your partner by sharing what really turns you on.  Be romantic by leaving notes with hints and sexy suggestions where your honey will find them.  Take time to explore each other's bodies to learn likes and dislikes.  Be open to pleasure.

13.  Be more playful and creative.    Try something sexually new.  Play with sex toys.  Visit a swingers' club.  Get a book on sexual positions and try all of them at least once.  For a more spiritual sex life, study Kama Sutra.  Take a class on strip tease or belly dancing.  Pick up a couple sex games and play.  Feel free to visit your local adult store, the staff is very discreet and helpful.

CLICK HERE for more Thursday 13 from some amazing authors.

Tasty Tuesday - New Years Eve Dinner for Two

 

So, you’ve decided to skip the crowds and spend New Year’s Eve at home with your honey. These suggestions should go well with most types of champagne (in general, when serving champagne, it’s best to stick with lightly spiced Cantonese cuisine, particularly seafood dishes). If you’re serving wine, a German Riesling would be a good choice.

Start with some Spring Rolls as an appetizer. Feel free to nibble on them with some wine while preparing the main dish together.

Main Dish – Shrimp in Lobster Sauce

Ingredients:

• Fresh shrimp, deveined and butterflied, 10 - 15 per person
• 4 to 8 spring onion (green onions, scallions), chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped or minced
• 2 cups of chicken stock (2 cups water with chicken bouillon powder, or chicken broth)
• 4 tablespoons of sweet white wine, such as sweet Glen Ellen White Zinfandel
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of Cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water
• 4 egg whites, beaten with 1/4 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
• 1 to 2 cups pork fried rice (1 cup for 2 people, 2 cups for 3 or more)
•  

Preparation:

Rinse the shrimp in warm water and pat dry. Rinse the spring onions, drain and chop. Chop or mince the garlic cloves.
Combine the chicken stock, white wine, soy sauce, and sugar and set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into 1/2 cup water. Whisk the egg whites into 1/4 cup water and set aside.
  Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok, large pot, or frying pan or skillet on medium high to high heat.
Stir fry the garlic and spring onions for about 30 seconds to a minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Add the shrimp and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth mixture, bring to a boil and boil about 1 minute.
Re-stir the cornstarch and water mixture and stir it into broth. Immediately afterward, slowly pour in the egg whites, breaking them up by gently stirring them with a fork (the author recommends stirring them twice across and then twice across again in a tic tack toe pattern). Be careful not to over stir the egg whites.
 

The dish is ready when the sauce begins to boil and thicken. Serve over the pork fried rice and steamed Snow Peas.

Be sure to have some Fortune Cookies for after the meal.

 

 

Monday Mistletoe

"The mistletoe is hung up near a doorway or in the kitchen and young men have the privilege of kissing girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases."

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is one of my favorites and I believe a lot of kissing under the mistletoe has been going on for ages.  In today's tradition the part about plucking the berries (which, incidentally, are poisonous), and then all kissing under the mistletoe ends when the berries run out!

As a little girl, my mother told me how a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she cannot expect not to marry the following year.

I found references of "kissing under the mistletoe" in Celtic rituals and Norse mythology. In Gaul, the land of the Celts, for instance, the Druids considered it a sacred plant. It was believed to have medicinal qualities and mysterious supernatural powers.  (Hmm... I wonder what kind of "power" I would have if I wear a piece of mistletoe on my coat.  After all... I am Scandinavian.)

The Norse myth of Baldur. Baldur's death and resurrection is one of the most fascinating Norse myths and stands at the beginning of the history of mistletoe as a "kissing" plant.

Baldur's mother was the Norse goddess, Frigga. When Baldur was born, Frigga made each and every plant, animal and inanimate object promise not to harm Baldur. But Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant -- and the mischievous god of the Norse myths, Loki, took advantage of this oversight.

Ever the prankster, Loki tricked one of the other gods into killing Baldur with a spear fashioned from mistletoe. The demise of Baldur, a vegetation deity in the Norse myths, brought winter into the world, although the gods did eventually restore Baldur to life.

After which Frigga pronounced the mistletoe sacred,
 ordering that from now on it should bring love rather than death into the world.

Happily complying with Frigga's wishes, any two people passing under the plant from now on would celebrate Baldur's resurrection by kissing under the mistletoe.

I have my mistletoe hanging. 

Do you?

 

 

 

it a sacred plant. It was believed to have medicinal qualities and mysterious supernatural powers.  (Hmm... I wonder what kind of "power" I would have if I wear a piece of mistletoe on my coat.  After all... I am Scandinavian.)

The Norse myth of Baldur. Baldur's death and resurrection is one of the most fascinating Norse myths and stands at the beginning of the history of mistletoe as a "kissing" plant.

Baldur's mother was the Norse goddess, Frigga. When Baldur was born, Frigga made each and every plant, animal and inanimate object promise not to harm Baldur. But Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant -- and the mischievous god of the Norse myths, Loki, took advantage of this oversight.

Ever the prankster, Loki tricked one of the other gods into killing Baldur with a spear fashioned from mistletoe. The demise of Baldur, a vegetation deity in the Norse myths, brought winter into the world, although the gods did eventually restore Baldur to life. After which Frigga pronounced the mistletoe sacred, ordering that from now on it should bring love rather than death into the world.

Happily complying with Frigga's wishes, any two people passing under the plant from now on would celebrate Baldur's resurrection by kissing under the mistletoe.

I have my mistletoe hanging. 

Do you?

 

 

 

Friday Fantasy - Board Game

Sexy games can enhance the romance of any couple.

Enjoy an evening of fun, laughter and love.

 

Is your lovemaking a bit too reality based? Soar to erotic heights with this couples game that suggests a variety of x-rated fantasies that you can choose to enact... or improvise. It's also a comfortable way to express your own secret fantasies to your mate.

BUY THE GAME NOW

Sexy Board Game for Couples

Who doesn't love chocolate?

 

Chocolate plus a game to play?

Not since hydrogen and oxygen merged to form water have two more essential elements united. So put aside your anniversary edition of the "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" DVD and oompah-loompah this game, which is a delicious interpretation of Monopoly. Added bonus of playing Strip Chocolate-opoly at a B&B: Someone else washes the sheets. Who wins? He or she who devours the most chocolate, of course.

BUY THE GAME NOW

Friday’s Fantasy

 “Tell me your secret wish, your secret fantasy.” Sometimes going outside the norm and into a fantasy might be just what a couple needs to spice things up a bit. Some couples find acting out a story brings them closer together.

Some romantic fantasy tips:

*Share a story with your partner.  “Do you ever have a fantasy, sweet guy?” He will either say, “Are you kidding”?  Or “sure,” and that’s your cue.

*Think of two fantasies, one totally wild and the other quite mild.

*Share your fantasies.   “I’m thinking of a fantasy that involves being tied up in silk.”

*Touch his skin, and say, “Tell me your fantasy now.”  But, when you do this, be sure you are unbuttoning his shirt and slipping your hand inside to touch his bare skin.

*Whisper, kiss, and tell:  “Let me read you a few fantasies and tell me what you think.  But first you won’t mind if I snuggle against you passionately, will you?”   Sometimes, and don’t be shocked, it is moments such as these that your guy will tell you about a little fun fetish. And maybe he wanted something from you but you brushed him away. Here is how to help you both find pleasure in fantasy and fetish

 

Thursday 13 - 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.

Here are a few tips to help you leap into romance!

1.       Get football fever. As many of you know, I am a Football Mom to three boys and spend countless hours at their games.  Being at a game snuggled up to my honey under a stadium blanket while sharing hot cocoa helps us capture a bit of romance.  When I look around during the game, I see we are not the only couple using the opportunity.

2.       Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Make a special breakfast. Pack it into a picnic basket and eat outside or visit your local cider mill and enjoy some cider and doughnuts.

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

4.       Rake leaves. This is something the whole family can do. 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.

5.       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!

6.       Go camping. Try it in your own backyard.  Cook outside on a grill or over a bonfire.  Enjoy the fresh air and each other.

7.       Visit a carnival, county fair or craft show. Wander around holding hands and nibbling on Elephant Ears.

8.       Have a fireside picnic. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

9.       Go on a hayride. Many apple orchards offer hay rides through November. Night time hay rides are very romantic. Enjoy a scenic tour while sitting close to each other and holding hands like a couple of teenagers. 

10.   Visit a local vineyard.  Many offer tours through December. Take advantage of their sampling room and select a bottle to take home.

11.   Take a train ride.  In Michigan we have the Snow Train that runs only during the winter. However, many areas offer special color tours and dinners. Check with your local railroads for more information.

12.   Go apple picking. Whether it’s at an orchard or your own backyard, pick some apples together then head into the kitchen for some fun. Make an apple pie and crack open some whipped cream. Just make sure to leave enough whipped cream to have on the pie! *wink, wink*

13.   Go for a stroll in a park. Take time to let your inner child out. Play hopscotch or push each other on the swings.

CLICK for more Thursday 13 fun.

 

Tasty Tuesday - Beer Pizza Date Night

A night in making pizza can be fun, especially for a couple looking for a cheap date night. 
It has become a family event every Saturday. My teen boys love the homemade dough and creating their own pizza with too many toppings. Hubby and I remember the days when just he and I would pour some wine and enjoy the time in the kitchen with only each other.

Here is the recipe I used for my

Beer Pizza Dough.

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups water ( Or 1 Cup Water and 1/3 Cup Flat Beer for better flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Directions

1.   Add ingredients to machine in order.

2.   Set to “Dough” mode.

3.   Once completed, place in greased pan to rise about 20-30 min, and split in half.

4.   For easy storage, put in Ziploc bags, stack flat to be used as needed. Will be good for 2 days.

5.    When you are ready to make pie, slap the dough on a cornmeal/floured surface, roll flat, Hand spin if you are willing to trash the kitchen with flying pizza!  

6.   Add light layer of sauce and pre-bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

7.   Remove from oven and add toppings of your choice.

8.   Bake in oven at 400 degrees until done (approx 20 min, depending upon topping thickness).