Thursday's Thirteen - 13 Stripping Tips

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner get creative and give your honey something other than a box of candy, a stuffed animal, or a sweater. Give an extra special treat that will be unforgettable. Don’t worry… any woman can do a little strip tease. When you do it, you’ll find it makes you feel feminine and sensual.

1. Choose the right kind of clothing. Something that accentuates your most beautiful body parts. This can be a lovely gown or sexy lingerie; just make sure it can be easily removed… avoid too many buttons, or hard to reach zippers that you might have to fidget with.

2. Pick the right panties. The top of the back of your panties should reach no more than two inches above your cheeks. Any higher than that and they give the illusion that your caboose is a lot longer than it is. Try on booty shorts, full bottomed panties, thongs, and g-strings to see which you feel best in. Also, if they leave lines on your body after you take them off, they are too tight.

3. The choice to wear shoes or not is a personal preference, as both looks are sexy. If you do choose to wear shoes, choose them wisely. Stilettos are the perfect choice if you can handle them, as the high heel makes your legs look much longer. If moving gracefully in stilettos is too daunting, dancing with bare feet can also be very seductive. You should stay away from short, one-inch heels. They look great with pants and skirts, but give the illusion of shortening naked legs. Shoes that are too high will also inhibit your movement and may make you fall, so choose shoes that you feel confident wearing. Strapless shoes can be removed gracefully, but if yours need to be buckled, you'll probably want to remove your clothing without taking off your shoes. Almost anything stretchy can be taken off over your shoes, but it would be a good idea to practice first.

4. Add a prop. During your dance, take a large feather and gently tickle him from his cheek and neck down his shoulder to his fingertips without letting him touch you back. Use a nice shawl, wrap, or piece of sheer fabric, to tease him. Wrap it around yourself while giving him peeks. Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or any other "dessert on you" accessories are great if you want to let him be more than a spectator. If you want to try using a retractable pole, you can also purchase a how-to video for tricks.

5. Set the stage. After you choose the songs you want, make a mix CD or playlist and pay attention to the order of the songs so that you can choreograph your routine and not have to change songs in the middle. Use low, indirect lighting because it is both flattering (making you more comfortable) and more intimate. Achieve the perfect lighting by mixing candles with lamps and colored bulbs. If your room is lacking intimacy, dress it up by draping deep colored valances or adding velvet or satin throws and pillows to your furniture.

6. Get ready. Practice in the mirror, or better yet, videotape yourself dancing so that you can look at yourself and see which moves you like.

7. Dance on your feet and on the floor. On the floor, try opening and closing your legs or leaning your knees from one side to the other. Experiment with different angles.

8. Try caressing yourself when you don't know what else to do. Skim your fingertips over any part of you and he'll be begging for more. Try caressing your breasts the way you like him to do. It will blow his mind.

9. Move in time to the music. Turn around and walk seductively. Give yourself a little spank and wink at your guy. It's naughty, but cute.

10. Use your hair. Men love women's hair. While standing up, kneeling, or sitting, stretch your torso while you pull your hair up and let it fall again. If you have really long hair, arch your back while standing and tilt your head back letting your hair swish your backside.

11. Removing your clothes gracefully can be a challenge. Avoid taking your top off like a man takes off his t-shirt. While it may be sexy to watch them do it, it is quite the opposite for a woman. If you chose something that needs to be removed by slipping it over your head, seductively slip it off by pulling it from the bottom on the sides while standing up tall; don't hunch over.

12. When taking your bottoms off, try slipping them off over your shoes or bare feet while standing straight-legged. Do this by bending over from the waist and guiding them off all the way to the floor and then stepping out of them. If this isn't easy for you, try bending your knees or taking your bottoms off while lying on your back. t is not imperative to remove all of your clothing. Stripping down to a little something sexy is equally as alluring. Remember to do as much as you are comfortable with.

13. Do a lap dance. You can sit next to him and then lean over him with your chest touching his, turn toward the ceiling and caress yourself a little, or turn face down with your shoulder and side rubbing across his tummy and chest. Position yourself on top of him, sitting on your knees on his thighs. This allows you to rise up and down. When rising up, let his nose graze your chest and tummy. You can give him a little squeeze with your breasts as well. When you come down, bring your legs together and slide down to the floor. "Dancing" close to him like this is great fully clothed, partially clothes, in the nude, or partially covered with a wrap. Move your body in time to the music. Simulate what you might do in the bedroom once in a while to really heat things up. Turn around and sit in his lap. Pull up your hair and let yourself lean back to where your shoulders and neck are close to his face. Stroke his hair, the back of his neck, and his chest. Kiss him and let him kiss you.

The most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Having fun being sexy for him is more arousing than any of the particular moves or tricks. Pick and choose the tips from this guide that help you to feel confident and go for it!

Lonely Soul

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Synopsis:
The eldest of the McAlister siblings is responsible and always putting his brother and sister before himself. Now that Erick and Elizabeth were enjoying their married lives, the time had come for Michael Casey McAlister to find his soulmate. A man with a deep sense of family and honor, yet at times could be manipulative and very controlling, always doing what he thought was best for others.

Featured on The Most Dangerous Bachelors list with his brother, but for his love for daring outdoor activities; he searched for a woman who wasn’t a high society princess. With his good looks, wealth and sexual prowess, he has attracted many ladies but when the one he thinks is Miss Right doesn’t like his dog he shows her the door. Lonely and discouraged, he dedicates himself into a New York City community garden project with his friends and busies himself with his comic strip he has created under the name of Mike Casey.

Mike meets Lauren “Wren” Avery with the help of their dogs in the park while he’s working on a cartoon. He sees her as a chance to improve himself and not follow his father’s path of unhappiness. He certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with the graphic artist. Wren falls in love with him as the cartoonist not knowing he is the co-owner of McAlister Enterprises, the same company she works for. He knows he’s being wrong in not telling her the truth but his world falls apart when his love is transferred to the London base and she finds out who he really is. He realizes that in while building the company and interfering in other people’s lives he may have lost control of his own life and what truly matters.




The package arrived that morning before he left for work.

He didn’t bother opening it because he knew it was the portrait Andrew Somerby began painting of him a couple of months ago. Michael had spent the holidays with his family at Hampton House in Sussex, England and stayed while his brother was gone on his honeymoon. During his sojourn he visited the London base of McAlister Enterprises and spent some time with Andrew in his studio. Andrew was in charge of the two Somerby banks in England but was also the famous underground artist known as Puzzola.

Michael was hesitant to open the package. He had seen the portrait before he left London but Andrew would sometimes work on a piece after the model was gone. The fact that artist Puzzola was known for capturing the essence of a person on canvas was what scared him. Andrew had done a self-portrait titled Painted Soul that was sexually charged with emotional frustration. He then did a portrait of Erick titled Tormented Soul which captured the emotional torment Erick held inside as he searched for a normal life.

Michael was afraid to face his soul.

When he got home that night, he changed his clothes and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Michael stared at the box for a few moments before he opened it. Carefully he unwrapped the canvas from its protective plastic and placed it on the couch so he could step back to look at it. He picked up a small note card that had fallen out.

“Lonely Soul,” he read out loud. “Oh, boy.”

Raising his eyes to the painting Michael took in the image. He was seated on the floor sketching in a book with his dog Ariel cuddled along his leg; his hand lay on her back, with her head resting on his thigh. His affection for his pet was strong and it showed in the picture.

When he looked into his own eyes he recognized the emotion. Andrew definitely titled it appropriately. He was drawn into his own soul and it was empty, except for a sense of isolation, and loneliness.

He tilted his head as he viewed the piece more intensely. His elbow balanced on his bent knee, his hand held a pencil close to his mouth. While he was in London, Michael decided to quit shaving his face and was pleased with the appearance; Andrew
used soft brush strokes to suggest the facial hair. In the portrait, his head dipped, navy blue eyes looked at him under dark brows, looking as if he were in contemplation.

Knowing Andrew like he did, Michael was sure there was a deeper meaning in the details of the painting so he began to look for clues. Noticing the jeans and cotton shirt, was definitely him. He wore fine suits but preferred to be in jeans and sweatshirts. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, a symbol that he wasn’t afraid of work.

The sketchbook and pencil represented his artistic self, something his father discouraged but Mike pursued anyway. Eventually, his father accepted the artistic sides of both his sons and actually began to encourage it. Michael felt the time spent at his drawing table kept him grounded as he built the company. His sister, Elizabeth, had a successful career being a professional painter and owned galleries in Chicago, New York, and London.

Erick painted portraits for relaxation. His style was similar to Andrew’s, probably because they were as close as brothers.
Michael, on the other hand, had a more sketch-like style. He preferred to draw than paint.

Michael continued to scrutinize the picture for symbolism. White shirt, truthfulness and honesty, worn open in a relaxed state; tanned skin, good health and outdoorsman. No jewelry, not even a watch meant that he wasn’t materialistic but the pillow behind him carried the McAlister plaid to show his family honor.

Focusing on his hand holding the pencil, Michael noticed that a finger was resting on his lips. Many times when he’s deep in thought, he has the tendency to touch his lips with a finger. Because of the way his head was slightly tipped, he suspected that was the moment Andrew had captured. He must have been deep in thought, perhaps thinking of the sketch, and just looked up for an instant.

When he looked into his own eyes he recognized the emotion. Andrew definitely titled it appropriately. He was drawn into his own soul and it was empty, except for a sense of isolation, and loneliness.

Michael shook his head in attempt to view the painting differently. In the portraits Andrew had done of himself and Erick, there were ghost-like suggestions of a woman surrounding the subjects. Michael found no suggestions in his portrait. He was
alone, like he was in real life. Then he noticed a simple sketch made on the book in the painting.

Leaning toward the canvas, he tilted his head for a better view. It was a drawing of him and a woman in a lovers embrace. The woman had hair just past her shoulders and an athletic build. He smiled and wondered how Andrew came up with such an image. Perhaps he would find his soulmate through his own art. Michael continued to smile at the thought and picked up his gift.

A wall had been prepared for the special piece for months. He took a moment to pound a nail into the wall and then tenderly hung Lonely Soul. The painted eyes still made him feel uncomfortable because what the portrait told him was true. He was
lonely.

Ariel pawed at his leg impatiently. It was past the time for her daily walk in the park. Michael grabbed his backpack, tossed in a Frisbee and water bottle. As an afterthought, he added a couple of pencils and a sketchbook.


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Thursday Thirteen - 13 Places to Nibble

Everybody likes a kiss that is full of sensuality; but try turning up the heat a bit and add the spice of sensual biting. A kiss is more than a just kiss with a nibble, it becomes irresistible and a tantalizing key of seduction.

Imagine a soft kiss, running your lips over your lover’s skin. Opening your mouth only enough to allow your teeth to graze the area you are kissing. Take a small bit of skin into your mouth – don’t pinch or bite too hard. Give your lover chills not sharp pains… unless you’re both into that kind of thing. Balance kisses, licks, and bites…some gentle, some harder. Pay attention to your lover’s reaction.

Don’t drool or leave bite marks. Focus on the erogenous zones.

Good Nibble Places

1. Nipples
2. Neck – all sides
3. Try kissing & nibbling the neck from behind… hmmm….
4. Ear – just don’t breathe into the ear… the sound of loud, heavy breathing isn’t romantic


5. Inside of the thigh
6. Inside of the knee
7. Inside of the elbow
8. Underside of the wrist
9. The muscle along the backbone
10. Back of the shoulders

11. The hip bone and down toward the crease where your lover’s leg begins

12. Lick & kiss your way along the ribcage, under the arm, with little nibbles
13. In the peak of a heated moment, being bitten on the shoulder can be highly erotic


Where’s your favorite place?

Vote for Lonely Soul

Lonely Soul has been nominated for an award on Editors and Preditors. Visit P & E to place your vote. The books are listed in alphabetical order. Vote, then you have to give your name & email. You'll receive an conformation email which you have to respond to. I'd appreciate your vote.

Thank you!
Hugs & Chocolate,
Mary

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Hotties from my File

I woke up this morning and realized it's Thursday and I forgot to make a list. I couldn't think of anything so I'm simply pulling up some photos from my files that give me inspiration when I'm creating characters. I hope you don't mind my forgetfulness.

1. This yummy fellow looks like my character Chet Keller.



2. This would be the young Duncan McAlister in Fortunate Soul.




3. This has to be the body of Michael McAlister.









4.Erick McAlister can seduce a woman with a whisper.











5.Steve Keller is a man hard to catch, but when you do... lick him all over.










6.




7.Rob Ashton.RIP. I wanted him for the Painted Soul cover.



8.The Painted Soul










9. Puzzola's intense sexiness was the result of watching Queen of the Damn way too much.









10.
This pic makes me want to write something other than contemporary romance.


11. I'm a little tongue tied with this one.











12. Trent was the inspiration for Trevor Dillinger.










13. My muse.


*sigh* There are so many more...
My muse put his wings away and helped decorate for the holiday.

Uhm.... you'll have to excuse me now.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Romantic Fragrances for Him & Her

Tis the season for gift giving... la, la, la.
After a bit of research I found some yummy scents to add to your gift list. What better than to give the gift of fragrance! It's the gift that keeps giving. Just think... every time he wears that yummy scent, you want to simply rip his clothes off. Or... if you wear that special fragrance, you'll feel sexy and maybe he'll give you unlimited spending on his credit card. Now, if he does that... make sure you pick up some chocolate and whipping cream!

For Him:
1. Sean John I Am King: For the Over-the-Top Guy
Homme is phenomenal as well.

2. Calvin Klein CK One Summer: For Your Summer Fling
I’d count Polo Black by Ralph Lauren perfect for Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome.

3. Love & Luck by Ed Hardy: For the New Beau

4. Only the Brave by Diesel: For the Tough Guy

5. Euphoria for Men by Calvin Klein: For the Best Sex You Ever Had
For an alternative to this one, try Reaction by Kenneth Cole and you will certainly find yourself reacting! Hot, hot, hot!

6. Oceans Water Pure by Nautica: For the Beach Bum

7. Fuel for Men by Donna Karan: For the Metrosexual
Personally, I like a man in Armani Code and a scarf… nothing else.

8. Cartier Roadster: For the Guy Who has a Need for Speed
For Her:

9. Narciso Rodriguez Narciso for Her: the classic fragrance for the sensuous woman.

10. Chanel No.5 Eau Première: the iconic classic that Marilyn Monroe wore in bed.

11. Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison: works on guys like a magical charm!

12. Ralph Lauren Romance: very romantic and perfect for that special woman in your life!

13. J'adore from the Dior line of designer fragrances: a very sophisticated scent perfect for the working woman or mom.

Many of these fragrances run from $40 - $100, but if you're a smart shopper you'll hit the special sales and use coupons. Don't forget about those impostor fragrances too!

What's your favorite scent? What's on your wish list?

Thursday Thirteen - Have a Romantic 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 2nd or 3rd 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!

Tempting Tuesday

I was viciously attached by a rabid bunch of plot bunnies. While editing one book and having a WIP... I came up with some new plots for my next series. Meet the Keller Brothers.

Matt Keller - the eldest. Loved passionately, lost his heart and is now just a hard core playboy in New York... until a woman from his past returns and his world gets a little more than complicated.




Steve Keller - lives a fast live on and off the open-wheel race track in Italy... until a pesky but delicious reporter shows up and some one is trying to kill him. While hiding at his parents farm in Minnesota, Steve begins to wonder which will kill him first... the stalker or the sexual tension between him and the reporter.











Chet Keller - loves living in London... his Minnesota accent and cowboy boots are a hit with the ladies. But when a model is has a secret crush on is attacked and left with horrifying scars on her face, he steps up and becomes her only friend. After the slasher attacks two more models they work together to catch him before it's too late.




Bradley Keller - daring, darkly handsome and sometimes reckless... what he lacks in responsibility he makes up for over confidence on the Super bike circuit. The only road block in his quest for the championship is a pair of secretive twins. When one ends up in the hospital it's down to just the two of them. But there is something very odd and sexy about the other rider.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Ways to Heat up Some Passion

I love autumn because of the wonderful food so I end up spending quite a bit of time in the kitchen. Anyways, while I was making some pumpkin spice bread my mind started wandering about other ways to have fun in the kitchen… without kids around that is.

1. Wearing only an apron will stop any man in his tracks.

2. Be silly and wear an apron that says “Hot Stuff”…. Ask him to undress and put on one that says “Grill Master”.

3. Check at your local “lovers lane” type of store for an apron style teddy. Oooo… how about a maid or chef costume!

4. If you are clothed, the kitchen sometimes gets a bit too hot so try stripping down to your birthday suit one piece at a time. Sometimes it can be fun to let him watch but not taste… uh… I mean touch until it’s done.

5. Better yet… imagine your honey walking in to see you at the stove wearing only your birthday suit!

6. Hmmm…. Try sipping a glass of red wine while cooking. How about some special food such as anything dipped in chocolate?

7. Yummy scents such as pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla or even a batch of fresh cookies can get that blood flowing.

8. Make something with oysters or chili peppers – items known for being aphrodisiacs.

9. Cook with your honey. Use your fingers to mix ingredients, lick each others fingers, or have a food fight.

10. Blindfold each other and taste test foods prepared with a variety of textures, tastes, and temperatures. Take turns feeding each other.


11. So the heat is on, are you naked yet? Sit on the counter or lay on a table while he stands at the edge, wrap your legs around his waist.


12. Can’t stop stirring that sauce? No problem! You keep stirring while he snuggles up to your back for a rear entry position. Make sure you put in a request for extra neck nibbles.

13. Getting too hot? Oh, hell with it! Just throw him on the floor, poor the wine all over him and lick it off!


Excuse me… I need to run to the market for some more red wine. Do you have a kitchen fantasy?