It’s a popular gift item to get gift certificates for a professional massage. That is a very nice gift. It’s sure to bring stress relief and significantly improves physical and emotional health. There is only one thing that is lacking with this gift. That is passion. My suggestion is to give her a gift certificate for a massage from you! That’s right, you are going to give her a nice, long, slow body massage that will completely relax and refresh her. It’s going to be sensual and loving and your imagination can lead you to how the massage will end up!

The first thing to do is to learn the techniques of a good massage. For an extra special gift, enroll both of you in a massage class that you can take together and then practice on each other. The rest of your gift can be your own special “graduation” party for the two of you when classes have ended.

If you don’t have the time to enroll in a class, or can’t find one close to where you live, do some Internet research. Go to your favorite search engine and type in “How to give a massage”. I ran the search and found dozens of sites that will teach you to massage like the pros do! I’m not going to spend a lot of time in this article describing the information I found, because I’m more interested in sharing the complete event with you.

Now, before you give the massage there are a few things you want to make sure you have on hand that will help set the mood and will enhance the complete experience. You want to involve all of her senses during your special time together.

Set a time where there will be no distractions. To make the time extra special, book a room at a nice hotel close by your house. There will be no thinking about the dirty dishes or a ringing telephone when you are away from it all. Otherwise, turn off the phones and make sure your time will be alone time without interruption from children or a barking dog.

The room you choose to be in should be warm with no drafts. Find some extra soft blankets and put them on the floor, or even a long sturdy table if you have one of those handy. Your goal is to provide a hard, but comfortable surface for the massage.

Next you’ll want to make sure and have some beautiful music ready. There is a big selection of romantic music you can choose from. Set it at a comfortable listening level, making sure it’s not too loud. My personal favorite romantic CD is Euphoria, Sensual Soundscapes. This CD is ideally suited for massage and passion!

Next, turn off the lights and have a variety of lighted candles around the room. The more candles, the better, without creating a fire hazard. Try to find unscented ones if the massage oil you will be using is scented. If the massage oil isn’t deliciously scented though, find candles that have an earthy, not fruity smell. The earthy smells are more relaxing and sensual.

Pick massage oil that is also healthy for her skin. This will leave her feeling scrumptious long after the massage is over. HappyHer Massage Oil contains Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E. It also comes in a huge assortment of light scents to pick one you think she will like the best. Remember, she may end up returning the favor someday, so get something that you can both feel good about having rubbed into your skin.

Now that you have the room ready, bring your partner in. You don’t want to start with the massage immediately and here is what a lot of articles fail to tell you. Setting the mood is the most important element of the entire time you spend together. Share a glass of wine, or gourmet tea. Look deeply in your eyes and talk about the things about her that you are grateful for. It doesn’t have to be too emotional if you aren’t comfortable with that, but talk about nice things and let her know in detail what you plan to do to her. Your goal is to establish an emotional and mental connection. She will feel more secure and loved and will enjoy the rest of the evening’s attention a hundred times more.

During the massage, don’t talk. Gently let her know that you don’t want any talking to interrupt her feeling the massage from the deepest levels. Now, take your time and enjoy using your hands all over her body. The last tip I’ll leave you with is to make sure and let her know when the massage has ended how beautiful she is to you. Massage can be very intimate and you both might feel vulnerable afterwards. Making sure you are reassuring to her will assure you that you melt her heart completely!

I hope this article has your creative juices running over what you can do for the woman who has your heart. If you would like more suggestions, please feel free to email me anytime!

The key to being romantic is thoughtfulness…so start being a little less selfish. Learn that mood, location, situation and ambiance can heighten romance with dramatic effect. Communicate with your partner on every level and anticipate their desires and needs. Look at your partner when they are talking and hold their gaze.

Try doing little things to get right at your partner’s soft spot. Phone just to say hello, I love you and give your partner a nice surprise. Send them notes and small cards telling them you are thinking of them. Be spontaneous and do little deeds that show you care. Bring home take out from their favorite restaurant or take them to their favorite ice cream shop. Flowers are always a nice touch at any time of year. Be creative and pick out their favorite colors and types for a personal touch. Remember birthdays, anniversaries and landmark days such as the day you first met or first kissed, and plan something…maybe a return to the first date location. Listen to clues that your partner might drop, such as their favorite dessert or books they like, and surprise them with little gifts.

Learn how to hug, cuddle and make physical contact. Dance together when the occasion arises. Hold hands and do anything to make your partner feel close to you.

Write him/her a letter and let them know that you love them and you mean it. Use nice stationary, or make your own card, which shows thought and inspiration.

In terms of dates, learn how to cook your partner’s favorite dish. Plan a surprise candlelit dinner followed by a romantic movie. Take your partner on a picnic to the park or beach and prepare in advance without involving them. This initiative is very romantic.

Once you have been together awhile and you are comfortable with each other or you are moving into a more intimate relationship you could start looking into some sexy lingerie. If the feeling is mutual you will make some bi brownie points not to mention create an atmosphere of excitement and sensuality by giving her a sexy lingerie gift for your first time together or vice versa if you are a woman you can really impress him by wearing something sexy for him, just make sure it is new. No guy wants his woman wearing lingerie another guy bought!

Creating quick, healthy meals at home might be easier than you think. The right equipment can certainly speed things up. For example, one blender, the Vitamix 5200, is so powerful that it can liquefy whole fruits and vegetables, including their peels and seeds, in seconds.

Those using the Vitamix 5200 can make homemade smoothies, sauces, pestos, hummus and soups in minutes, so convenience is no longer an excuse for choosing the drive-thru. And while high-end blenders aren’t inexpensive, they will eventually pay for themselves, as families stop buying jarred tomato sauce and canned soup — even peanut butter and mayonnaise.

As fresh, seasonal produce hits farmer’s markets, families should take advantage of the naturally delicious food available. Try serving a whole-wheat pasta with Pesto Sauce, followed by a healthy Peach Sorbet for dessert. If you don’t have a Vitamix, you can still make the recipes using a blender or food processor.
Pesto Sauce

Makes 1 1/2 cups (enough for one pound of pasta)
1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 medium garlic cloves

2 cups fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons pine nuts

salt and pepper, to taste
Place all of the ingredients, except for salt and pepper, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn on the machine and quickly increase the speed to Variable 7. Blend for 1 minute, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
Peach Sorbet

Makes three cups
3 fresh peaches, ripe, halved, pitted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup sugar

4 cups ice cubes
Place all of the ingredients into the Vitamix in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 30 seconds. The sound of the motor will change and four mounds should form. Stop the machine. Do not over mix or melting will occur. Serve immediately.

A healthy body will always make your love life easier because of the many effects that dieting has on your mind and body. Food is the key to boosting your metabolism and when it comes in its most natural forms, it can also be your best tool in maintaining a great weight for your body size and type. When I say natural forms I mean for example, when you eat vegetable and fruit it helps to eat them in the form that they naturally come in. if you eat fruit from a can, it is contained in syrup and sugars that will not be good for you so eating them raw is the best choice.

When you are eating vegetables it is best to eat them raw and steamed because it keeps all of the vitamins and minerals in them. You should also avoid processed foods and fried meats. Don’t get me wrong fats are a necessary aspect of nutrition however saturated fats are not. The right balance of foods in a day can give your metabolism a boost that pills and fads can’t.

It is best to eat at least three meals a day that are balanced with each food group as prescribed by the food guide pyramid and in between snacks as well. What people don’t know is that it is ideal that you eat five small meals a day instead in order to get the most our of your metabolic system. The more foods that you intake in a day that are healthy the better to boost your stamina and sex life.

It is not always easy for most of us to follow the food guide pyramid, however, it is still the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your efforts. Diet and exercise combined is the best way too boost your metabolism naturally, but if you can’t do both walking and eating right is the way to go.

Taking too many pain medications too often – as little as three times a week or 10 times a month – can put your migraines in a rebound cycle. Your body becomes accustomed to the pain medication being in your system, so when it wears off, you start to get another headache – prompting you to take more medication. Any painkiller can cause rebound headaches, though doctors think that drugs containing caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen, and ergotamines and triptans carry the most risk.

How can you tell if you’re suffering from rebound headaches? Most patients with rebound migraines experience low-grade headaches almost continuously. Many wake up with their head already hurting. Some find that their headaches get worse within a few hours of taking medication.

If you’re experiencing frequent migraines while taking pain medication, your best option is to go cold turkey – stop taking painkillers, and you will break the rebound cycle. Of course, giving up pain medication makes many patients nervous. Migraines are excruciating, and facing them without medication can seem like a terrifying prospect.

However, some all-natural remedies can provide relief without creating the rebound cycle caused by over-the-counter and prescription medications. Lipigesic-M, a migraine pain reliever, uses a unique sublingual delivery method to send its medicinal ingredients into the bloodstream quickly for fast relief. The individually packaged dosages contain migraine-fighting ingredients, including feverfew and ginger. Best of all, none of the ingredients are associated with rebound headaches, so you can relieve your migraine pain without worrying about making your headaches worse.

For them, flowers were so important they even used them to convey secret messages. Today, we still use flowers to convey messages of love. Here are some of the meanings of some of the most popular roses which are a sign of love and friendship. Study these meanings to be sure that you are giving the appropriate rose.

First on the list is the constant favorite, the red rose. Red roses have long been a sign of love and represent romantic and passionate love. These are the flower of choice to give if you want to show someone they are the love of your life. You don’t have to go out and buy an entire bouquet either; just a single rose will suffice.

White roses are a special variety used as a sign of purity and innocence. They are sometimes used to give to people who are shy and to tell that person how special they are. White roses are often used in weddings as a symbol of new beginnings.

Use pink roses as a sign of appreciation and thanks. They can be given as a symbol of friendship as well. Yellow roses are also a sign of friendship as well as a sign to loved ones who are coming back from a long absence.

Orange roses are a symbol of enthusiasm and often given at graduation and commencement ceremonies to show the transition between to different stages of life.

If you are head over heels crazy in love with someone at the moment you met them give them Lavender or Purple roses to show them this is how you really feel.

One color that is traditionally used in a negative fashion to show dislike is Black but they can also be used humorously. My brother for instance, gave me a dozen black roses for my 40th birthday. It was funny and I will always remember it, especially when he turns 40!

These are the traditional meanings behind the basic colors of roses but don’t be afraid to give some other variations especially if you have been in a relationship for a long time. There are many growers of roses who have come up with new and exciting hybrids with exciting color variations such as peach, apricot, and even multi colors.

Picnics of the romantic variety work best in secluded or remote locations. However with that remoteness comes a certain level of pressure.

There is no room service or corner store to call on for the last minute forgotten items. With some planning and our helpful tips you can create a perfect picnic that will long be remembered.

The must take items are,blankets and cushions, Plates, glasses, napkins and at least 1 sharp knife food and drink, (don’t forget a bottle opener) sunscreen and insect repellent a first aid kit

and to really impress a CD player with mood music (make sure the batteries are charged) big stable candles, (don’t forget the matches) and flowers

A picnic menu is best if kept simple. Try cold chicken or meats, a selection of cheeses, fresh fruit like grapes and strawberries, dips and of course a fresh baked baguette. Foods you can share or even better feed to each other are winners.

Champagne or a crisp Chardonnay work well for most picnics, but don’t forget to take plenty of water it is easy to get dehydrated on a hot summers day.

To keep ants away sprinkle talcum powder around your picnic site, ants can’t stand the smell or feel of it and won’t cross the barrier you have set up.

Here are simple and creative ways to turn meal time into family time.

Cook Together Before You Eat. Bond by cooking with your kids. It may take longer to get the meal or snack done, but the moments with your children will be priceless. Plus, kids are more apt to eat what they help make. They’ll boost their self-esteem by accomplishing a task, practice creativity and feel the importance of contributing to the family. Even toddlers can help wash fruits and vegetables, measure and stir.

Take It Outside. Plan an outdoor activity each weekend and take dinner with you. The entire family will quickly see an improvement in energy levels, sleep habits and moods. This Kiwifruit Shrimp Banh Mi sandwich is the perfect ‘pack-and-go’ meal, paired with a cold salad if desired.

Plan Weekly Menus Together. This activity gives each family member a favorite dish to anticipate all week. Gather together around the computer or your favorite cookbook. Big families may want to create cooking teams to each prepare a few of the chosen meals.

Try New Ingredients and Add Color. A child needs about 12 tastes of a food to develop a preference for it. So, don’t give up if your child doesn’t like something on the first try. Some kids love the tangy-sweet flavor of kiwifruit on its own, but it also makes a tasty addition to smoothies, yogurt and salads. Kiwifruit can also be used to boost the color and flavor of cooked foods. Just add it to hot dishes at the very last minute to retain the fruit’s bright color.

Selection and Ripening Tips

Look for plump, smooth-skinned kiwifruit with no wrinkles or bruises. Ripe kiwifruit will yield to gentle pressure, like a ripe peach. If kiwifruit is still firm when purchased, you can put it in a paper bag with bananas or apples to speed up the ripening process.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers (Zespri brand) use only natural growing methods for a safe and high-quality eating experience. Zespri kiwifruit are easy to find in your local retailer, and are available May – November.

Find more family recipes at www.zesprikiwi.com and go to www.TheGreatKiwiAdventure.com for your chance to win a trip for 4 to New Zealand, including airfare, accommodation and day trips.

Kiwifruit Shrimp Banh Mi

Ingredients

• 2 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled, halved and sliced
• 16 medium shrimp, cooked and peeled
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup cucumbers, seeded, halved and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, packed
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoon Sriracha Chile Sauce or favorite chili sauce (if desired)
• 4 French-style baguettes, 6-inches long

Preparation

1. Combine kiwifruit, shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, onions, cilantro, lime juice, sugar and fish sauce in medium bowl.
2. Blend mayonnaise and Sriracha Chili Sauce in small bowl. Spread mixture onto baguettes; stuff with kiwifruit filling.

Serves

4 servings

Source

Zespri

Whoever coined the phrase “sleepover” must still be laughing – because, as many of you know, very little sleeping actually goes on! I’m always looking for fun ideas and recipes to keep the night-owls happy – here are some that you might like to try, too.

Make a Sleepover Pillow: Buy and prewash some inexpensive white pillowcases. Then hand out fun fabric pens so guests can create a one-of-a-kind souvenir they can take home. (If you put a piece of cardboard inside the pillow case, it will keep ink from seeping through to the other side.)

Go on a Backyard Treasure Hunt: Hide all the goody bags in one place somewhere in your backyard. Then create some clues to lead guests in search of the treasure. Tape the first clue to the back door. When they reach the next spot, have another clue already there to lead them on, until they get to the prize. You can make the clues like riddles, or give the guests a compass and write directional clues to follow.

Mix Up Great Munchies: Part of the fun of a sleepover is munching on some yummy treats. Brownies are always a hit – and these Chocolate Caramel Brownies are sure to be party favorites. And they’re super simple, too! For a fun twist on party mixes, try some Toll House Party Mix – sweet and salty combine for a taste so good you might want to make an extra batch.

For more sleepover treats, go to www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Chocolate Caramel Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
• 35 (10-ounce package) caramels, unwrapped
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

Preparation

1. PREHEAT oven to 350° F.
2. COMBINE cake mix and nuts in large bowl. Stir in 2/3 cup evaporated milk and butter (batter will be thick). Spread half of batter into ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. BAKE for 15 minutes.
4. HEAT caramels and remaining evaporated milk in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Sprinkle morsels over brownie; drizzle with caramel mixture.
5. DROP remaining batter by heaping teaspoon over caramel mixture.
6. BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 24 squares.

Serves

Yields 24 brownies

Toll House Party Mix

Ingredients

• 2 cups toasted cereal squares
• 2 cups small pretzel twists
• 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
• 1 cup (about 20) caramels, unwrapped and coarsely chopped
• 1 2/3 to 2 cups (11- to 12-oz. pkg.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Butterscotch Flavored or Premier White Morsels

Preparation

1. COAT 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. COMBINE cereal, pretzels, peanuts and caramels in large bowl.
3. MICROWAVE morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.
4. SPREAD mixture in prepared baking pan; cool for 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container.

Serves

Yields 8 servings

Source

Nestlé

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