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Humpday Help - Plot Bunnies

For the next several weeks, Humpday Help will attempt to explain Plot Bunnies. First of all, a Plot Bunny is an idea for a story that gnaws at the brain until written.

Some well known plot bunnies that have been positively identified. There are various breeds, thousands of them, and many aren't even tied to writing. Inventors and scientists have their own breeds of plot bunnies that lead them to discoveries where A leads to B which jumps to G or even Z.

Here are a few Plot Bunnies that commonly plague writers.

The Lop-eared Sitting Around Talking Shorthair

Physical Characteristics: Lop ears, short brown/grey flecked fur

How to identify his presence: When your characters inevitably come to a point where the plot simply won't advance, so they sit on a couch/the ground/ a golf cart/ a pirate ship and start talking about nothing in particular. Some couple thousand words later, a plot bunny pops up, grins, and heads off! It can always be discovered in this kind of plot stall, and it's known for waiting until the last possible moment (the moment when you are about to throw your laptop across the table) to come and create a diversion.

The Mystery Plot Bunny

Physical Characteristics: Black, short hair with small, pointed ears.

How to identify his presence: This bunny is attracted to plots which aren't usually intended to have any mystery. The bad guys are known, the goal is visible, but suddenly the Mystery Plot Bunny appears and there's a piece of information lacking, a lost object, or an unknown baddie that needs to be discovered and stopped.

This bunny is known to complicate plots far more than they need to be. Usually can be made happy with a missing item, but sometimes demands the more involved mysteries.

Killer bunny

Physical Characteristics: Small, white, red eyes

How to identify his presence: Not unlike the much-feared Monty Python variety, this little white bunny looks harmless as you're writing along, and then up close, abruptly kills off a character you weren't expecting to kill - at least, you didn't intend for it to go right THEN! In its wake, it leave behind a host of new plot opportunities... as well as some definite Closed Paths.

Thursday 13 - Flirty Quotes & Sayings

 

1. “I am not a sexy woman, I’m not beautiful, I’m not a sex kitten, I don’t flirt with people, yet I’ve been tagged more of sex symbol than women who truly are and I that’s solely because I don’t reveal too much: people are curious.” Anna Held

2. “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” – Albert Einstein

3. “To me, there is no greater act of courage than being the one who kisses first.” – Janeane Garofalo

4. “Stolen kisses are always sweetest.” – Leigh Hunt

5. “‘In love, there is always one who kisses and one who offers the cheek.” – French Proverb

6. “Kissing is like drinking salted water: you drink and your thirst increases.” – Chinese Proverb

7. “I’m fairly in control and I don’t like to flirt particularly. I mean, obviously if I meet someone who I think is hot, of course I’ll want to flirt with him, But in general I don’t use it in day-to-day life.” Katie Price

8. “You know, I’m not really any good at working out when people are flirting with me. And I think I’m too flirtatious with people I’m trying not to flirt with! What I am good at is making people feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to but it always ends up happening!” - Dee Dee Myers

9. “Whoever loves above all the approach of love will never know the joy of attaining it”. – Antoine

10. “The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous. It looks so bad. It is simply washing one’s clean linen in public.” – Oscar Wilde

11. “Women know not the whole of their coquetry.” – François Rochefoucauld

12. "Love is like a friendship caught on fire: In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable."
--Bruce Lee

13. “Smile... it's the second best thing to do with your lips.” - Anonymous

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 Natural Aphrodisiacs

Today's post was originally posted several years ago. With a few edits I've decided to share it again.

Many New Year's Resolutions include "eating and living healthy". This TT is for those who may want to add some "natural health" to their sex lives.

The word “aphrodisiac” comes from the Greek goddess of sensuality, love and beauty, Aphrodite. They are agents used to increase sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs can be foods, herbs and supplements, tinctures, teas for ingestion or bathing, or oils for massage or scent. Aphrodisiacs are a fun way to generate sensual feelings, enhance your sexual experience, and increase your level of sexual performance. Various herbs, spices, vitamins and minerals can be found easily at any health food store. Check with packages for directions or ask a specialist regarding organic herbs for advice on dosages and uses.

(Natural Herbs & Spices)
1. Ginkgo biloba – the “longevity herb”
2. Ginseng – increases sexual appetite
3. Horney goats weed – stimulates desire and gives you energy
4. Lovage – used in love brews for women
5. Rosemary – add to food and also good added to a bath

6. Sassafras tree – used to make MDMA, the root cortex of this tree is used in making sensual oils and is also ingested
7. Saw palmetto – promotes circulation – especially in the genitals
8. Yarrow – ingest tonic or chew on the raw stem 3 hours or so before intercourse – a stimulant

(Vitamins and Minerals)

9. B-Complex – increases energy, metabolism, and function of nerves – directly related to sexual fulfillment
10. Kelp – used to help an improperly functioning thyroid gland that causes fatigue and lowered sex drive, among other symptoms
11. L-Tyrosine – increases sexual drive, decreases reactions to stress, and helps depression
12. Wheat – strengthens sexual organs
13. Zinc – key for healthy sexual function

Try something new and natural to brew up a sensual love life.

Thursday 13 - Sexy New Year 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.

Author's Note: My favorite shop is Lovers' Lane.  I feel comfortable working with the staff and have enjoyed every purchase! 

HAVE A SEXY NEW YEAR!

Host a Holiday Cookie Swap

Too busy to do much holiday baking?

Then host a cookie exchange party.

 

 

 

Invite your girlfriends over and tell each to bring at least 2 dozen cookies to sweet treats.  Have a table set aside with empty trays and let your guest place their treats on the trays. Make sure there are plenty of treats to sample and some holiday beverages.

 

Plan to have a couple "door prizes" such as a cookie cookbook, a pretty apron, or a cookie jar.  Before they leave they can pick out and take home as many cookies as they contributed.from the wonderful selection.

 

 



 

The Visionary was the signature cocktail served at Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards

 

 

Ingredients
1.5 ounces Baileys® Original Irish Cream
3 ounces brewed Chai Tea
...

Raw brown sugar
Cinnamon stick

Directions:
Brew a pot of chai tea. Add 2 teaspoons of raw brown sugar for every cup. Stir until dissolved. Fill a coffee mug with chai tea and add Baileys. Stir with a cinnamon stick.

This recipe contains no more than 0.6 fl. oz. of alcohol per serving.

 

Offer this drink during a cookie exchange party with the girls. 

 

 

For more ideas on hosting a Cookie Swap, visit Robin Olson's page CookieExchange.com

 

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.

Wet & Wild Wednesday

The days are shorter and the nights are getting colder. Make time to pamper yourself with a bath.

 

 

Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub.  If you're not one for bubbles, try a 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. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB.  (wink, wink)

 

For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, 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.  Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local bath and body shop.  Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.

ENJOY!

Tasty Tuesday - BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM FUDGE

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
36oz white chocolate chips
½ cup raw pistachios, chopped

Instructions

Line a 9x9 baking dish with nonstick foil, parchment paper, or lightly grease.
In a heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate, condensed milk and Bailey's. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted--you'll need to watch it closely so that it doesn't get scorched. Remove from the heat and stir in the pistachios.
Pour into the pan and let cool until set. Once set, peel off the foil and cut into one inch squares.

OPTIONS:
You can add a half cup of chopped candied red cherries when you add the pistachios, for an extra bit of color.
If you don't like pistachios, add pecans or walnuts instead.