Romance Away Winter Blues

The beauty of winter and the long nights may offer many opportunities for romance but it also affects several of us by placing a grey cloud over us. For the single person, loneliness and fatigue may set in; for couples, the romance may become stagnant. It's time to turn the season around, make your own fun, add some romance into your life. Instead of avoiding the cold, call up some friends and get outside. Act like a bunch of teenagers again. Go skiing, sledding, ice skating, or simply have a snowball fight. After an outdoor adventure, cuddle up with a cup or cocoa (add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps) and watch a movie. 

 On a sunny weekend afternoon if the weather is too cold for your taste, check out an audio book and hop in the car for a scenic drive. 

For a bit of fun after a busy day, pull that special someone into the kitchen and heat things up. Pick out a recipe together and spend the evening preparing dinner. When the meal is ready, enjoy it next to a warm fire or by candlelight. Spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. 

Another way to spend an week day evening is playing a board game. If Monopoly isn't your thing and you want to steam things up a bit, pick up a fun sex board game from your local adult store.

 Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from your local Bath & Body Works or order online. Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.

Tasty Tuesday - Blueberry Cobbler for Couples

This post is in honor of the Montrose Blueberry Festival that wasn't.

For the first time since it began, The Montrose Blueberry Festival did not happen. All over social media people posted photos and memories of past events. The Montrose Orchard still hosted some small blueberry events and made blueberry sweets. The local ice cream shop still offered blueberry ice cream. I purchased my berries, did you? 

August is blueberry season.  Grab your guy and head out to the fields for some ripe, juicy berries waiting for you to pick them.

When you get home, put on a cute apron and invite him to help.

Pour a glass of blueberry wine

while you make this delicious recipe.

EASY PEASY BLUEBERRY COBBLER

Ingredients for 8×8 Square Pan
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
Fruit filling of choice - 1 1/2 cartons of blueberries (her favorite is 1 carton of blackberries and 4 peaches, thinly sliced)
1/2 cup melted butter
Cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350˚
Spray baking dish
Combine flour and sugar
Spoon 1/2 of the dry ingredients to cover the entire bottom of the dish, keeping the dry mixture loose, not packed
Spoon have the butter over dry ingredients (it will just sit on top)
Add your fruit filling
Combine the remaining dry ingredients and butter to create a dough
Place the dough in cobbles over the fruit
Sprinkle with cinnamon
Bake for 45 minutes
Enjoy warm with ice cream!

I recommend trying blueberry wine.  

My favorite is Blueberry Splash from Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw, MI.  

Support your local blueberry growers.

Poet's Corner

I Wonder

I wonder if you know
how much you mean to me.
I wonder if it shows
how wonderful I think you are....
or how many times a day
I think of you
and look forward
to holding you close.
I wonder
if you can read my mind
or see into my heart
and know just how happy I am
to be sharing this life with you.

Sometimes I don't know how
to let you know,
and it keeps me from telling you
as often as I should....
Because you are the one
I want to live with
and dream with
and laugh with every day
for the rest of my life...
and I just wondered if you knew

- Anonymous

Fancy Pants - A Lesson on Panties

What's the first thing you put on when you dress? 

Ever give it any thought?

What you wear under your clothes should make you feel good, happy, maybe even sexy.

Origins of underwear date back to 4500 BC in Egypt. However, origins of women's underwear are not exactly known but is estimated to have begun around the 18th century. Pant-like garments were documented being worn during the Renaissance  and then the French put their spin on design to make them more appealing. Softer material, ribbons and lace made for lovely panties. As dress lengths shortened so did the legs of the under garment. By the 1902's the design became more of what we know today. 

In 1949 an American tennis player named Gertrude Moran or Gussie Moran (1923-2013) caused a sensation when she appeared at Wimbledon wearing frilly panties. She was known as Gorgeous Gussie and it was very daring in 1949! Pantyhose was invented in 1959. - A BRIEF HISTORY OF PANTIES By Tim Lambert

By the 1960's panties became a part of the fashion world with disposable panties. bikini briefs, and thongs. Panties are available in a wide range of material and design.

Skivvies, Knickers, Panties, Underwear... whatever they are called should fit comfortably and not be distracting. But who says they have to be boring? Just because they are "sensible" doesn't mean they need to be "granny panties".

Shopping for pretty panties can be classified as quality ME TIME. #1 rule is to always pick something that fits your body shape. Here's a nice video that explains how to do it.

Pick panties that are an expression of you. Flowers, ribbons and silly prints to reveal your girlish charm. Bold patterns and bright colors to shout you are a girl who likes to laugh. Soft cotton, bright colors, sparkles? 

Select something that speaks to and makes you feel sexy when you are striping them off.

For more magic, buy a simple style and decorate them yourself with ribbons, lace or sparkles.

Couple Fun – Make a Wish Jar

Flyboy and I enjoying junking together. Using the ads in the paper, we carefully plot out our adventure visiting yard, garages and barns. We find all sorts of treasures. I love to collect jars... clear, glass jars to display candies and cookies. I found a unique and fun idea using jars.

Couples often look for ways to entice a partner to expand his or her perspectives on the possibilities in or even out of the bedroom. Often planning a special romantic evening as a surprise for your honey often doesn’t go as arranged. Kids, pets, families, work… so many things may interrupt. It would be much easier to plan something with your partner rather than planning a surprise.

Keep two “wish” jars in the kitchen, one for each or you. Next to them keep a stack of index cards. Whenever something comes to mind that would be fun to do together, it gets written down on an index card and dropped into the appropriate jar.

Create a ritual for the “big drawing”. At the beginning of each month, sit down at the end of the day with a glass of wine and some cheese. Pick five cards at random from each other’s jar. Read them over, talk about them and maybe even negotiate a bit.  The only rule is you have to agree on two activities to be done during the next month.

Start your jar today for some fun!

Great Gift Ideas - Candles = Romance, Love & Meditation

I love candles. I often use them on my porch or around the bonfire for soft lighting. A candle lit during meditation or while soaking in the bath is soothing and lifts a tired spirit. Candles are a great way to pamper yourself, add a bit of ambiance to a room as well as make a perfect gift.

Attention gals... I'm hosting a PartyLite Party.

Attention writer pals...

there are some awesome items perfect for author contests and give-aways.

Forbidden Fantasy
Indulge your fantasies with provocative fragrances that seduce the senses.

Forbidden Fruits
There is a tempting fragrance for every mood

Forbidden Sensations with Fig Fatale, a sensual massage candle. 
Set a romantic mood with the candle's soft flicker and the rich scent of Fig Fatale. Burn for at least 10min to create a luxurious pool of natural wax, coconut oil and almond oil. Snuff out the candle, then drizzle warm oil onto skin and massage in for a silky sensation. 

For a lighter touch and gift ideas check out the new fragrances and exclusive decor.

Check out the link, shop online!!! www.partylite.biz/sherriebrown2 

Just type in Mary Quast as your host.

Visit the party page on FACEBOOK 

#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. 
   

Sensual Saturday - How to Have a 1 Night Stand

I love writing and reading books from the 1 Night Stand series. I'm sure by now many of you are hooked on these stories. But how would you like to have a 1 Night Stand of your own with the honey you've been with through thick and thin, tears and laughter, kids and pets?

 

Pick a nice quiet night when it’s just the two of you.  

Cold autumn nights are perfect for a fire in the fireplace.

Here's how to start... darken a large room, perhaps the living room. Be sure the room is lit by firelight and/or candles. If you use scented candles, select vanilla or spice. Toss some fluffy pillows onto the floor. (I suggest satin in jewel tones.)  Spread a soft blanket or two next to the pillows.( Blankets should be fleece or Indian blankets. Avoid busy designs, itchy wool or children’s patterns.) Bravo if you have a fur rug and use it for what it's meant to be used for!

 Romantic lighting, sensual fabrics, you just need skin to skin contact and you are all set for a deeply intimate encounter.  Hmm…sounds nice doesn’t it? 

Truly enjoy that special alone time with your honey, pour a couple glasses of wine and drop your clothes. It’s time for some Floor Play!

Lie down and get comfortable. Spend some time slowly exploring each other.

Time to heat things up a bit. Blindfold your honey and straddle him, letting your legs rest along side of his body.  Begin by dripping warmed massage oil over his body, rubbing it in with long sensual strokes.  The key to sensual massage is to adore every inch of your partner’s body.  Enchant his senses by varying the intensity of your touch and being creative.  Use your fingertips, knuckles, and the heel of your hand, your elbows, and your forearms. 

Tease him with an ostrich feather from head to toe, and then pleasure him orally for a few moments.  Go back to massaging him.  Slip a piece of ice into your mouth and let it melt.  Delight his senses with your cold mouth on his hot body.

Rip off his blindfold (or not) and have your way with him. 

Repeat this process only with you wearing the blindfold.  Ask him to drip wine down your back then lick it off for an erotic effect.

Enjoy your 1 Night Stand with each other!

 

Be sure to enter my contest for a chance to win a copy of Handcuffs & Silk

or

Bed of Roses Seduction Kit

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday 13 - Date Night Ideas

 Fall is a busy time of the year, especially if you have kids. Unfortunately couples have to schedule time together. I asked the gal in my coffee club what they like to do with their honey when they have a Date Night. Here's some of their ideas. 

1. Go to a movie. The movie theater is a great opportunity to relax, hold hands, and unwind.

2. Go out to eat, sit and talk. Catch up with each other without any interruptions.

3. Have a picnic at a lake or in a park under the moonlight. Bring along an extra blanket to add a little romance.

4. Go for a walk in a different neighborhood.  My honey & I used to enjoy walking in a ritzy area of town and pick out our dream homes and cars.

5. Go to the mall, grab a cup of coffee and window shop.

6. Holding hands while walking in the park.

7. Visit a coffee shop you've never been to.

8. Attend a poetry reading or a special event at a local bookstore.

9. Cuddle in the back of a truck on a back road under a starry sky.

10. Laying by the fireplace with romantic music and candlelight.

11. Go out dancing.

12. Have a candlelight dinner, and dance in your own living room. 

13. Sit on the porch sipping wine, sharing a snack and talking.

 

Sensual Saturday - History of Kissing

 

Humans have a long history of kissing. Europeans kiss both cheeks. Parents kiss their child's cheek. The Intuit rub noses. The French kiss by... well… you know. Kissing, both casual and romantic, is a common practice, but we really don't know where or how it began.

There are several different theories as to how kissing all began:

       * In ancient times, a mother would chew up food and pass it directly to the mouth of her baby. What started as a sign of affection between mother and child most likely spread to romantic relationships. However, some cultures had the same practice of passing food to their children, but knew nothing about kissing.

       * Some believed that our souls lived in our breath and that kissing brings your soul together, thus combining you together for eternity. This is a romantic theory, but not really one that can be proven true.

       * Kissing gets you close enough to your partner to smell their scent, giving you knowledge of the person. Animals practice a similar behavior by rubbing against each other.

 

The theories are just that though. There is no proof or record of where and how kissing originally began. We do know that Europeans were kissing during the Greek and Roman times. It also appears that some form of kissing may have started in India as there are texts from around 1500 B.C. that describe the custom of rubbing noses together, now commonly referred to as 'Eskimo Kissing'.

While we don't know for sure when or where kissing first began, the reference to 'Eskimo Kissing' supports the theory that kissing gets you close to your partner in order to pick up on their scent. When you inhale your partner's scent, you subconsciously learn a lot about the other person by their smell. As we previously noted, most animals engage in a similar behavior.

It seems then that the modern romantic kiss most likely evolved as a way of unconsciously testing the genetic fitness of a potential mate. While this may be the underlying reason as to why we began kissing, it's not really the main reason as to why we continue to practice it. The reason is simple: it feels good, it evokes feelings of passion, and it's a physical connection between us and our partners.

However the kiss began, we're thankful. :)

Thursday 13 - Tips for Successful Flirting

 

1: Don't Come On Too Strong

Flirting is all about subtlety, and being too aggressive when pursuing someone can turn him off. Levine agrees: "Women are more likely to strike out when they try too hard, act too available, or take the mystery out by making the outcome obvious," she notes.
Likewise, it's not smart to play too hard to get either. Although most men enjoy some degree of a challenge, if you continue to discourage or reject them, they will give up.

2: It Takes Confidence

Although you may be secretly quaking in your boots anytime he even looks at you, it's important to project a confident attitude. If you are a naturally shy person, this may be easier said than done, but Levine recommends wearing a new outfit or something that makes you feel good about yourself. "Sexy shoes can make you feel especially powerful!" she adds.

3: Drop Physical Clues

If the object of your affection is at a distance, making eye contact and smiling are sure-fire ways to grab his attention. Within closer distances, try gently touching him on the arm or chest while he's talking, but be careful not to linger too long and create an awkward moment.

"If time is flying by, you're both having fun, and neither of you is wasted, he'll likely ask you out and follow through. If not, and you want to see him again, tell him in a flirty way. If he's doesn't ask for your number at that point, leave it be-you're saving yourself a headache later on. And, most importantly don't take it personally."

4: Don't Forget to Be Yourself

Lastly, "to have a relationship that's real and lasting, the bottom line is to be yourself," says Levine. "To get to that point, it's trial and error. What doesn't work with one guy will work on another. Your heart is on the line, and until you make your move, you won't know the benefits or the ramifications."

5: Smile.

It seems obvious, but one of the best moves is a big smile. Do you smile enough? Practice smiling in the mirror -- your smile needs to get noticed. For the most impact, it should be a genuine smile, not forced. Make sure your teeth are white and your breath is fresh.

6: Hold eye contact.

See that cute guy across the room? One of the best ways to let him know you are interested is to get caught looking. Look him up and down, stare and wait until he notices. Then, make eye contact and hold it until it's almost uncomfortable, then look down and away.

7: Make "accidental" contact.

Touch is powerful. Touch his back as you walk by his desk. Brush his hand as you sit at the bar. Touch his shoulder briefly when you are introduced. If he's interested, he'll welcome this type of non-intrusive touching. If you feel him pull away, don't do it again.

8: Do the foot jiggle.

The dating advice book, Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love, suggests the foot jiggle move. And it works. While sitting down, cross your legs and then jiggle your foot in his direction. If he's interested, he'll get it.

9: Whisper.

At a crowded party or club, where everyone is yelling to be heard, lean in and whisper. It's a great excuse to get closer. Whisper softly, so he'll have to lean in even closer to hear you. After a few minutes of intimate whispering, don't be surprised if you hear, "Do you wan Talk about sports.

A hot woman who knows about sports is a guy's dream. Brush up on your sports knowledge and then take your flirting game to a sports bar or sporting event. Just a few (correct) observations about his favorite team will get his motor running.

10: Rub your shoulder.

Rub your shoulder or neck like you have a crick, then just sigh. If he's interested, he'll find it sexy and probably offer you a quick massage. While he's massaging, be sure to compliment him on his strong hands.

11: Laugh a little.

Laugh at his jokes if they are funny; be a little sarcastic if they aren't. He'll enjoy the banter. Relax and laugh a little, but don't laugh at everything he says or try to be a comedian yourself. Just act natural and comfortable.

12: Have a line.

Corny lines actually work sometimes. Ask if you can have a look at his cell phone. After giving it the once-over, say, "It's pretty nice, but it's missing one thing" -- which is, of course, your number. At least, you'll get a laugh. At best, you'll have given him your number.

13: Be straightforward.

Sometimes, the best flirting move is the boldest one. Being straightforward is especially effective if you are looking for a one-night stand. Place your hand his knee, make direct eye contact and tell him he's hot. If he's interested, you'll be between the sheets before you know it.

 

Humpday Help - Gypsy's Advice for Winter Colds

I have a special gypsy friend who is wise and has many wonderful tips to share. She recommends the use of a Simmer Pot during the cold, dry winter months.

A Simmer Pot is any large pot of water placed on the stove to simmer for many hours. Of course one can make a pot of soup, which will fill the home with awonderous, welcoming aroma that will also fill a body with nurishment.

Here are many Simmer Pot recipes I like to use when I'm cleaning.
*add orange slices, whole cloves, and a few sticks of cinamon
*lemon slices, slices of fresh ginger
*lemon slices, sage leaves
*dried lavendar, sage leaves
*lemongrass, dried lavendar, sage leaves
*a handfull of pine needles, couple of cinamon sticks
*a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few drops of peppermint

Now, if you make a pot of soup that simmers all day... make sure you share it!

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Date Night Ideas

Juggling jobs, kids, after-school activities, and more, it is hard to find time together as a couple.  Setting aside one night a week as a Date Night helps relieve stress and keep the flame burning.  Consider not leaving the Date to just nights, include any free time during the day or weekend.

Here are a few ideas.

Ideas for staying home

1. Give each other a massage.

2. Cook a meal together.

3. Have breakfast in bed.

4. Have a movie marathon.

 

Ideas for going out

5. Go out for dinner.

6.  Skip dinner and just do dessert.  Try sharing a huge banana split!

7. Visit a local bookstore or hobby shop.

8. Stop in your favorite coffee shop.

9. Bowling or ice skating.

10. Go for a walk at midnight and go stargazing.

11. Take a winery or brewery tour.

12. Balloon rides.

13. Attend a festival together.

Monday Mojo - Weight loss

Things that make you go Hmmm....

WEIGHT LOSS

Fascinating Fact: Sexual acts lead to weight loss

The average human loses 26 calories when kissing for a minute. Furthermore, vigorous sex for half an hour burns 150 calories (you can lose three pounds in a year – if you have sex 7 to 8 times a month). Kissing is also very good for your teeth: the extra saliva released during the act helps to keep the mouth clean – reducing the risk of decay.

 

Thursday Thirteen - Find Time for Love

In a recent weekly poll, statistics showed that most people believed a typical couple should have sex three times a week if not every day.   How does this compare to you and your significant other?

If you feel you'd like to improve the amount of sensual time you spend with your partner here are a few ideas to help you!

1. Make it a point to go to bed at least an hour to a half-hour before you normally do.
2. If you're a morning person, try getting up an hour to half-hour earlier.
3. On days you have an hour or so lunch or mid-day break, meet each other at home or at a hotel for a fun quickie!
4. When you or your partner comes home, don't speak to them. Just grab their hand, drag them to the bedroom (or stay where you are) and make love.
5. Take your showers together.
6. Order out for dinner and make love before your food arrives.
7. While your children are taking a nap or engrossed watching a movie, steal your partner away and make love.
8. Hire a housekeeper to free up "needless" time.
9. Take a "sick" day from work and spend the day recovering together!  (My personal fav!)
10. Clean the house together while sipping wine, and then relax.
11. Go for a drive and park.  Just be careful not to get caught.
12. Send your kids off to a sports event with an older child, friend or relative.  That will give you at least 2-3 hours alone.
13. Whenever you're alone together... make love!

 

1 Night Stand Blog Hop - Handcuffs & Silk

Handcuffs.

Hard, cold metal links used by cops to restrain criminals. - That doesn’t sound like fun.

May also be used for fun sexual games. - Now we’re talking!

 Handcuffs is an important items used by the characters in my book, Handcuffs & Silk. This 1 Night Stand story features a lady cop…thus the handcuffs. *wink, wink*

Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

Understanding your own sexuality and needs along with appreciating an amazing partner can lead to some wonderful adventures.

There are over 70 different models of handcuffs to choose from and that’s not even counting vintage sets collectors hold onto.  However, for sexual bondage and BDSM activities, special bondage cuffs with softer restraints are more comfortable.

The easiest and most common method of using cuffs is binding the hands to the bed, person laying on his/her back. It is also the most secure method of using as virtually zero pressure being put on your wrists. The pose grants high safety and full access to most tender parts of cuffed body.

Binding wrists in front of the body is almost as safe, and bound person can stand, lay and sit on his/her stomach and back with no or little discomfort. Pay attention to moving with handcuffs locked; do not make any abrupt moves. It's difficult to balance with wrists restrained together, and the "cop" should be ready to help falling body.

Hands behind the back is the best position if you wish to “control” the partner, it allows the least grade of freedom. Very difficult to keep balance and falling can cause bad hurt, so pay a lot of attention.

Tips:

            * At all times use cuffs that have double lock feature.

            *Avoid cheap handcuffs, they can jam or become too tight.

            * Use handcuffs with someone you completely trust.

            * Make sure you speak to your partner before hand.

            * Have a safe word in any kind of role-playing; use this word if any play becomes               uncomfortable.

EXCERPT:
Hunter moved into the other room and lay still on the bed with his arms at his sides, silently waiting when Steph walked into the room. His eyes focused on the ceiling, his erection jutting upward, and she thought his nakedness a tribute to the gods or a meal spread out just for her. Dropping her purse, she straddled him, forcing his cock to lay between her and his belly.

"You have the right to remain silent." She clamped a handcuff roughly onto a wrist and raised both arms over his head to hook around the headboard rails then attached the remaining cuff to his free wrist. "Anything you say can and will be used against you for my pleasure."

The room filled with heat, yet the only sounds were their breathing, the creak of the bed, and the rasp of her boots as they brushed against his legs. She slid her hands under his back and he arched, inviting her to taste him. She ran her tongue across his belly, pausing to nip at each ridge of muscle, testing his sensitivity along the way to his nipples. Even though he didn’t make a sound, she knew his reaction by his hammering heart and the tremor of his skin.

Not wanting to miss an inch of skin, she took time exploring his chest and neck. His eyes still closed, he wore a smile as she nuzzled his neck and nipped at his earlobe. Parting her lips slightly, she placed feather-light kisses on his mouth, softly brushing his lips then pulling away to tease him with deeper kisses following.

 BUY IT NOW

Leave a comment for a chance to win a pdf of Handcuffs & Silk.

Be sure to visit all these other super hot authors in the 1 Night Stand Series.

 

1.	Jessica E. Subject (INT)	17.	Zee Monodee
2.	Kerry Adrienne	18.	Angela S Stone
3.	Heather Long	19.	Clarissa Yip
4.	Lia Davis	20.	Emily Cale
5.	C.R. Moss	21.	D L Jackson
6.	Jenna Jaxon	22.	Kate Richards
7.	V.S. Morgan	23.	Olivia Starke
8.	Stacey Kennedy	24.	Valerie Mann
9.	Diane Dooley	25.	Deena Remiel
10.	Shiela Stewart	26.	Liz Crowe
11.	Mary Quast	27.	Cara Bristol
12.	Arlene Webb	28.	Erykah Wyck (Int)
13.	Dominique Eastwick	29.	Becky Moore
14.	Cate Masters	30.	Stephanie Beck
15.	Kali Willows	31.	Ashlynn Monroe
16.	Barbara Elsborg	32.	J.M. Madden