Supernatural Botanicals

“I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency not only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascend to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

When TotalBeauty.com asked 200 men, ages 20-30, what body part first they notice first on a woman, the results weren’t overwhelmingly surprising. 

Breasts garnered the largest feed back with 34 percent of the vote.  Butts came in close with 30  percent of the vote.  Legs were close behind with 18 percent of the vote, and stomachs also garnered some interest with 10 percent.

“I’ve found that the best ways to strengthen and sustain your relationship are to respect each other at all times, treat your partner the way that you want to be treated, and take time out for you relationship by planning moments where you and your partner can be alone with each other, and yes, this does require planning.  It’s really that simple.”  Lisa Rinna on the key to a successful relationship. 

photo:  Eddie Cibrian  (for inspirational purposes) and in honor of his 36th birthday today, and this “keep it hot” blog post.)

If your romantic relationship has outlived its honeymoon period, you have to take steps to keep it spicy.  It’s not as if it’s an agonizing chore that you have to keep up with day in and day out, making it feel more like mundane routine than pleasure, it’s something you should grow to enjoy and look forward to.  The simple fact of the matter is, you have to give your relationship attention.  And it needs attention every day.  It’s time to rethink your plan of action if you are stuck in a rut.

It’s the tiny things, accumulated over the day, that ignites the spark.  It’s something that literally takes you seconds, but leaves a lasting impression on your spouse.  Try to do these things as often as possible: (Spoken from a girl’s perspective, but it works both ways, men.)

*  Tell him how hot he is.

*  Kiss his lips softly (longer than a quick peck on the lips.)

*  Kiss his neck.

*  Whisper something sexy to him.

*  Send him a racy email picture or video at work.

*  Tell him how much you appreicate him.

*  Tell him he’s sexy!

*  Look at him lustfully.

*  Throw a sexy picture or love note in his briefcase.

*  Call him and tell him you can’t wait for him to come home from work.

*  Dress sexy for him.

*  Always wear sexy (and matching) bra/panties…because yes, they notice.  Trust!

*  Hug on him as much as possible.

*  Be proud of your man (and tell him so.)

*  Be spontaneous and initiate.

*  Be easy to live with.  Point out his positives rather than negatives.

*  Say I love you in a sexy way.

*  Work out and keep your body looking sexy for your spouse.

There’s a million more ways to keep it hot.  Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.  What’s your secret on keeping it hot?

   There’s no doubt that lots of us are worried about our financial futures.  No one is here to bail you out.  It can feel all too overwhelming and daunting at times.  But did you ever stop to think of the benefits of this forced recession?  I think we can see tremendous benefit beyond our recession pain.  Here’s why:

*  We are more cognizant of our spending and saving.  Cognizance brings bigger thinking to the table, forces you to set goals and to take ownership of your actions. 

*  We are eating at home more.  Because we are eating at home more, we are eating healthier.  For great healthy, fast recipes, see Sam The Cooking Guy.

*  Gym memberships are on the decline according to studies, but this doesn’t mean that you have to stop exercising.  People are finally discovering their sidewalks outside their own door and are exercising outside…where it’s free. 

*  We are watching less TV:  According to reports from cable companies, they are losing customers in droves.  It forces you to do something free…like go to the library, reacquaint yourself with that sidewalk out in front of your house, reorganize your closets, or just take some zen time. 

*  The recession is helping us to focus on what’s important in life, helping us to reevaluate our goals, like…relationships, family, God, happiness, being kind and helping one another. 

Perhaps those are the good things we can take away from the recession.  After all, just because you’ve been doing something the same way for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right way.  Step back, look at things from 1000 feet, and re-think your life and all the people and things in it.  Start to focus in, keep your chin up, and remain happy.   That’s what will get you through.