Celebrity Couplings And Breakups: 2012 In Review

Katie and Suri in New York

(Originally appeared In The Huffington Post, January 16, 2013.)

Now that 2012 is over, it's always interesting to look back and see what our favorite Hollywood couples have been doing in the romance department and make some predictions of what will happen in the year to come.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise: They landed in Splitsville in June. It seems to be for the best for Katie as she has really taken to her new life in New York. I predict that her next guy is going to be a cool business guy and not a celebrity, but time will tell.

Taylor Swift and Conor Kennedy: They were going strong and everyone was wondering if Taylor was going to be socialite royalty as well as music royalty. Then they parted ways in October. Judging from the fact that she quickly canoodled with One Direction's Harry Styles and how beautiful and happy she looked at both the New Year's Eve ball drop and the Golden Globes, she doesn't seem worse for the wear. I think going into 2013, Taylor would be better served choosing a guy her own age or older if she is looking for a real and more appropriate relationship.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth: Miley got engaged to Liam in June who is three years her senior. She seems happy, but I wish she could have waited a little longer to get engaged even though they have been together for awhile. She is very young and her taste in men could change dramatically as she continues to mature. My advice would be to let some more time pass before they walk down the aisle.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: These two Hollywood heartthrobs tied the knot quietly in October. I love these two together and I am sorry to say it, but I think it's quite a step-up for Blake from Lonely Boy.


Heidi Klum and Seal: They seemed like the Golden Couple until they announced their split in January. I personally thought their pairing was genus given they are both at the top of their game and famous yet in different industries (similar to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban). I wonder who's next for each of them.

Rihanna and Chris Brown: To the dismay of most of the country, this couple seemed to reconcile at least from her actions and what she said to Oprah in August. I worry for Rihanna and I hope that Chris Brown has been and continues to be in therapy for his anger management issues.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: Not long after Kim ended one of the shortest Hollywood marriages ever with Kris Humphries, Kim found comfort and attention in the arms of uber-musician, Kanye West. Now they are preggers and it sounds like on the way to the aisle. I think this one has more of a chance for success for Kim as long as she is careful to keep her relationship with him off of reality television.

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis: This couple went from friends to lovers in 2012. They knew each other back in the day from That '70s Show. After Ashton waited the requisite amount of time to put distance from his split with Demi, he looked towards his old co-star Mila for some romance. This couple is still going strong and given that they are age-appropriate and started out as friends, I believe that this couple has a good chance for success.

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson: This couple bounced back and forth to and from each other like a ping pong ball. First she cheated, then he left, then he returned and now they are together. It's hard to work together and play together. Hopefully since they are in love, they learned their lesson and will try harder to keep it together this go-around.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: This on -again, off-again couple finally tied the knot in October. I commend Justin for finally making an honest woman out of Jessica. These two seem to work as a couple, however they need to really focus on making time for each other in light of their busy Hollywood schedules or their relationship might not be able to withstand the test of time.

Is Courtship Dead?

The cover story for this weekend’s New York Times Style Section asked readers if traditional dating rituals have all but died  amongst today’s younger generations. Is dinner and a movie, where the man picks up the bill, a relic of the past? 

Has texting made dating more casual?

Amongst today’s twenty-somethings, casual hookups and group hangouts have replaced the old traditions of dating. This change is the product of several cultural transformations, including the advent of the email and text (which are less formal and require less courage than a phone call), the rise of online dating services (which mean singles have more dating options than ever before), and changing economic dynamics between guys and gals (many women are earning more than their male counterparts). 

If this phenomenon concerns you, here's three tips:

1. Make it clear to your suitor that you won’t accept anything less than a proper date.

2. If you must  go out on a group date, try to steal your guy away from the crowd for some personal one-on-one time.

3. Suggest a less expensive date, like a movie and an ice cream instead of a full-blown dinner.  

New Year's Resolutions To Help Your Relationship

It's a New Year! Now, it's time to think about if your relationship progressed as you wanted it to in 2012. Are you where you want to be with your partner? Or, did 2012 fall short of your relationship expectations? It is all too easy to fall into a relationship rut. Work, family, and life in general can wear you down and leave you with little energy to devote to your partner. No matter where you are, I have three suggestions for resolutions that will help you ensure that your relationship stays on track in 2013.

Happy New Year!

1. Try something new every week. Introducing a new activity into your weekly routine will ensure that you continue learning more about your partner. It will also be fun to find new ways to enjoy each other's company. And here's a hint: it doesn't have to be anything fancy. Prepare a new recipe for dinner together, or see a concert at a venue or in a genre you typically wouldn't attend. If you're short on ideas, local newspapers are filled with the goings-on about town. Websites like LivingSocial.com and also very helpful.

2. Choose a new skill to learn together. Having something to work toward together will bring you closer than ever before, and will help keep the passion alive. Is there a language you have always wanted to learn? Motivate each other to stay on track, and perhaps even plan a trip to a country that speaks it to reward yourselves for your hard work. If you are daredevils, try something adventurous like hang gliding or flying a plane. If you are athletic (or want to be), train together to run a race. It can be anything from a 5K to a marathon. If you have a competitive streak, enter in a tango competition a few months away and start working on your moves.

3. Create a fulfilling life outside of your relationship. Trust me, this is very important to having a happy and healthy relationship. You must ensure that your personal growth continues outside of what is going on with your partner. The happier you are with your life, the more you can bring to the table with your relationship. This means pursuing your hobbies, following up on your work goals, and having a strong and supportive network of friends.

Dating During The Holidays

(Originally appeared in the Huffington Post on December 24, 2012.)

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone whether you are single, married or in a relationship. Sometimes it's difficult to know the right and wrong things to do when it comes to dating during the holidays. If you are concerned that you might make a faux pas or two, have no fear, here are some rules to help you make it through the season.

Are you exchanging gifts with your beau?

1. Establish if you are giving gifts or not. If you have been together for awhile, chances are, you should be giving your beau a gift. However, if it's a new relationship, the two of you need to decide if you are doing gifts.

2. Make sure you have an appropriate party dress to wear to his work Holiday party and/or to his family's home. The right outfit is something festive yet conservative. Do not go with your new uber trendy outfit. And, if you are concerned that it might be too sexy, it is.

3. Don't misinterpret what an invitation to his holiday party means. Sometimes work holiday parties are dated functions and if his has one, chances are he will invite you because he needs to come with a date. Other company's do not allow guests. Don't make assumptions; before you get upset that he hasn't invited you, hint around about whether guests were allowed.

4. Only invite a new love interest to a holiday party with you if you can pay her appropriate attention. You don't want to invite someone to go to an event with you and then leave her alone in the corner. And you don't want to be so busy that your date will feel ignored such that he or she will look for attention elsewhere.

5. If he invites you to his home for the holidays, make sure you bring his mother flowers or a bottle of wine. And then the next day, either call to say what a lovely time you had or send a short note. His mother will notice this and comment positively or negatively accordingly.

6. Make sure to save time for your honey during the holiday party madness. We all get invited to tons of holiday gatherings but

do not book yourself so thin that you don't save time for the two of you to see each other. If you see him on December 1 and then don't come up for air again to see him until December 28th, chances are, he won't be around anymore by that point to see you ever again.

7. Figure out if going away together makes sense for the two of you. If you are going away together, that's great but if you aren't at that point yet, make sure you discuss what going away separately means so there are no misinterpretations. And make sure you make a solid effort to be in touch regularly to keep the momentum going.

8. If you are dating a few people casually during the holidays, make sure you remember who you took to what event, when. The holiday season can be such a whirlwind, you need to make sure you don't get so caught-up that you cause an issue for yourself.

9. If you are single during the holidays, keep in mind that this is an excellent time to meet someone. During this time of year, everyone is out and being social, so there are lots of opportunities to meet someone new. Plus, as the holidays approach people tend to take stock of their lives and become more interested in sharing with someone and coupling off.

10. Rule of thumb for a New Year's Eve date, if he hasn't asked you by Christmas, or broached the subject at all, chances are, he is not going to ask you. New Years Eve is a big night and takes some planning, maybe buying tickets to an event, making reservations etc so people tend to lock down those plans as early as possible. If he hasn't said word one by Christmas, make your own plans and then if he does ask you, try to incorporate him into what you are doing. In this way, you personally will be covered either way.

Samantha's Movie Pick: Silver Linings Playbook

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper star.

While Silver Linings Playbook may be a romantic comedy, it is anything but typical of the genre. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Robert De Niro, it is easily one of the best and most enjoyable films of the year. The movie deals with serious themes: Cooper suffers from a bipolar disorder and has a difficult time dealing with his wife's infidelity, and Lawrence is a recovering sex-addict. Despite their issues (and their age difference), Cooper and Lawrence have a definite spark. The evolution of their relationship will warm your heart, and will also have you laughing out loud. De Niro is also absolutely hilarious is Cooper's father, who is an obsessive-compulsive fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Silver Linings is already getting Oscar buzz; be sure to check it out soon.

Samantha's Dating Tip: Romance in a Blackout

Are you stuck in your New York apartment without power thanks to Hurricane Sandy? Don't despair. It may be dark and cold, and your iPad may have run out of juice, but, nonetheless, a blackout can be really fun and romantic if you have the right outlook about it. 

Lower Manhattan is dark.

First of all, have you noticed how everyone looks especially good in candlelight? It's true, and that can boost your confidence (and your physical attraction to your partner). Also, without the distraction of electronic devices, you're going to have to make your own fun. Play a board game or a card game with your beau (strip poker, anyone?) and you'll revel in a new way to enjoy each others' company. Furthermore, when it's dark and freezing, sometimes the only thing to do is the cuddle up under a blanket and open a bottle of wine. Now that's romantic. 

If you don't already have someone with whom to snuggle up, why not find a local bar or restaurant that is still open and operating with gas stoves and candles? It seems that the hurricane has instilled a sense of camaraderie amongst New Yorkers so you'll have a common bond with anyone you meet. It's never been this easy to strike up a conversation with someone new!

Samantha's Sizzling Couple: Secret Wedding

Blake and Ryan tied the knot!

Did you hear the news? After a super secret wedding this past weekend in South Carolina, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are officially hitched. It was clear that this gorgeous couple was getting serious after they purchased a home together last spring in Bedford, New York. However, the wedding caught everyone off-guard! How they managed to keep it such a tight secret is a mystery to me.

It's been nearly a year since they started dating... Do you think this marriage will last?

How To Tell If Your Summer Fling Is The Real Thing

Summer is a prime time to fall in love. The days are long and the nights are warm. Your bronzed skin and beachy hair make you feel especially sexy. And, wearing skimpy clothing is perfectly dignified and socially acceptable. It’s no wonder that romance seems to particularly spark in this season. 

Is your summer fling meant to last?

However, not all summer loves are meant to last. Here are some tips to help you decipher if your relationship is built to endure through the fall and beyond, or if you should fling your beau to the curb on Labor Day.

It might be just a fling if: 

• You find yourself looking forward to your return to “real-life”
• You don't know his middle name, or other basic information about him
•  You can’t picture him without his tan and surfboard

It might be the real thing if:

• You have met his buddies, or better yet, his family
• You spend time together doing normal things, like cooking dinner or watching a movie on the couch
• You are already planning a couples Halloween costume 

So what are you going to do with your summer love?

Get Romantic With An Anywhere Fireplace

When you are trying to create romance under the stars this summer, remember that ambiance is the key to setting the mood. These days, I am recommending a personal fireplace to do this. 

Check out all my great summer offers at Open Sky. 

Summer Nights At The Movies

Enjoy a romantic movie with your loved one

The best and most romantic way to see a movie is under the stars, cuddled up on a blanket, with your date. And lucky for you, between June and August, Bryant Park shows classic films, out on the grass. You can see some of your all time favorite movies, like The Wizard of Oz, and Roman Holiday, here this summer. Also, on Wednesdays in July, the Hudson River Piers hosts Riverflicks 2012  where you can watch a free movie while seeing a lit up view of the river. And don’t forget the Central Park Film Festival runs for a week in August showing movies in Rumsey Playfield. Grab a blanket and enjoy the movies!

A Summer Dating Thought: A Romantic Picnic

Lovely summer picnic

The best dates are those where you  are really connecting with someone when you aren’t really doing anything and just spending time together.  Take a picnic, for example, you can sit in a pretty park with no other distractions and really get to know each other better. The best thing about a picnic is that it is just the two of you on your picnic blanket with food and drinks to share and no pesky waiter to interrupt your tranquility. 

Sunny day in Hudson River Park

If you don’t feel like cooking, Perfect Picnic NYC is a great alternative.. This company offers you the choice of  European and American style picnics, to be delivered to wherever you are having your picnic (a park, apartment or on a rooftop). And for location choices, don’t discount Central Park because you have been there so many times, it is still one of the most romantic places in the city with all it nooks and crannies for private little interludes. Hudson Park along the Hudson River spans for miles and beautiful this time a year. Go ahead and grab a blanket!

Would You Like To Get Engaged On TV?

Fifty couples got engaged at the same time, live on TV, on CBS’s The Talk last month. All the couples were brought onto the show to talk about their relationships and how they met. Then all the men, at once, bent down on one knee to surprise their partners with beautiful DeMarco sparklers. Check out the video at http://tinyurl.com/c5q4hyd.

 

Valentine's Day Gifts: A Guide To Last-Minute Presents Sure to Impress

by Samantha Daniels

(republished from the Huffington Post)

Tomorrow is the big day, and if you are still scrambling to find a gift for your sweetie, don't despair. I am a professional matchmaker and here are a few last-minute gift ideas that will bring a smile to your partner's face:

Unique Flower vase from Art Style Innovation

- Flowers in a cool vase. It may seem like the obvious choice, but if you put them in a great, unusual and interesting vase, then your gal with think you took that extra step. When you purchase the flowers, do NOT get them at the supermarket or the corner bodega; they always look cheap and she can always tell. Additionally, if you want to go with roses, don't do red roses -- that's too easy -- go with a peach or pink rose or forget the roses altogether and go with her favorite flower if you know it and then put them into an Art Deco Vase like the one at Art Style Innovation.

Amanda Sterett Savannah Choker

- Jewelry. You don't have to break your piggybank to give her a bauble. Go ahead and pick a wonderful costume piece but just make sure, SHE, not your mom, your sister or your ex, will actually like it. If she is a statement gal, go with a necklace like the ones from Snook N Company. (No not the gal from Jersey Shore). If she is more classic with a whimsical side, go for a necklace like from Amanda Sterett.

- A unique Wine. Wine is a great unisex gift if your honey enjoys it. Neither you nor your partner need to be a connoisseur to give wine as a gift. Try a bottle of Prosecco or an Iced Wine. These are both a little fun, different and something you can share together.

Lazy Susan Wine Spinner from Sashi Dekor

- Spending a little extra. If your sweetie does enjoy wine or just interesting home decor, why not get him or her something like a Wine spinner. This is the height of home decor and it acts as Lazy Susan for drinking. You put it on your coffee table and you can put your bottle, your wineglasses, even your coasters on it and it can stay out as a design element in your home to boot.

Toscano Ethanol Indoor Fireplace

- Go uniquely romantic. If you have given candles in the past and you are looking for something that sets the mood, one of a kind and just cool, go with an indoor fireplace. They come in all shapes and sizes, you add some ethanol and poof, you have a fireplace right in your home. Gorg, fun and romantic all at once. Or you can choose a fabulous whimsical serving tray with Q-tips or spoons inside it; it's one of a kind, a conversation piece and it's uniqueness makes it, oh, so romantic.



Zoku Pop Maker

- Something fun. Valentine's Day gifts don't always have to be serious or "grown-up." Get your honey something like a Zoku Duo ice popsicle maker or go pick and purchase his and her bikes. Things like this are things you can do together

- A mix CD or file for her iTunes. If you want to show her that you are taking the time to do something special, go old school and mix a group of songs for her. Make sure they are uniquely to her taste, even if you are gagging as you mix it; it's for her. If you are making it for him, don't use the mix to send cryptic messages to him about your relationship, make one he would really enjoy. 

- A spa day or afternoon. There are so many spas out there that offer both female and male services. Go ahead and get a gift certificate to an interesting one and send your significant other in for a treatment. And to make this gift even more special, don't just hand him or her an envelope with the certificate, make the extra effort and buy some massage oil or a facial or body products, put it in a box, wrap it and then attach the certificate; this way they get two gifts in one.

- The right card. Cards are tough. It's important that you choose the proper one and then, you MUST write SOMETHING inside it. If this is a new relationship, definitely go funny -- choose one of those shoebox greeting cards and sign your name. Don't make it raunchy and funny is better than the generic "Happy Valentine's Day." If you have been dating for awhile and are exclusive, you need to show up with more than one card, one can still be funny, but the other needs some sentiment. Be careful about how lovey-dovey it is, you don't want to give the wrong message but you need to say something. And if you are married or with this person for the long haul, you probably already know the kind of card he or she wants, so step up and get it.

Hammacher Schlemmer Negative Converter

- A gadget. Men tend to prefer gadgets more than women, but these days, there are a great deal of gadgets out there for women, too. For a man who is also a photo or gadget junkie or for a woman who is very sentimental, pick out something like a negative to digital photo converter . Or you can get him or her something like a personalized iPhone or Blackberry holder.

No matter what you choose, spend time thinking about the person for whom you are buying the gift, what they like and don't like and then spend the time putting some extra touches like having it wrapped, putting it in a special bag and/or giving it to her in a candlelit room. The key is to make it feel special and thoughtful and then you can't go wrong.

Samantha Daniels is a well known professional matchmaker, President of Samantha's Table Matchmaking and the author of "Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker" (Simon & Schuster). You can read more from Samantha on her personal blog, Matchmaker in the Know. Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter @Matchmakersd.

Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Matchmakersd

Planning A Romantic Valentine's Day Getaway

(Originally appeared on The Huffington Post, February 13, 2012.)

Valentine's Day is a great time to take a romantic getaway with your special someone. Love is the air and Valentine's Day happens to fall near a long holiday weekend. However, if you are going to plan that special weekend, you need to make sure it is really spot on.

I am a Professional Matchmaker and here are some tips for making your romantic weekend away perfect.

Location, Location, Location

You need to pick a place that is easy to get to without a lot of complications since it is only a weekend getaway. An island is great as long as there is a direct flight to get there or Florida is always a great old standby.

Great Weather

The key to a great trip is going to be the great weather. After all, if you take the time to go away, you want to be able to tke advantage of all the activities that are offered. Some people might say, that rainy day activities like breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed can rise up to true romance, but you can always do that at home.Pick a place like Mexico, Turks and Caicos or St. Barts where you have a higher guarantee of great weather.

Great Sunsets

It's incredible how staring into a sunset can make someone feel all lovey-dovey. Maybe it's the spectrum of rainbow colors or the ability to gaze off yonder and dream about the future. Whatever it is, a sunset really gets you in the mood.

Privacy and Service

If you choose to never leave it and spend the weekend just the two of you, you will be in bliss. Check out the villas at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba -- each one has it's own private swimming pool and outdoor hottub with no one around but you, your honey and some chirping birds. The villas are so secluded that you can swim in the buff and luxuriate in the hottub together. They will even have a dinner cooked for you in your villa or send a masseuse to you, so you don't have to leave at all. Or you can check out a suite at the Seven Stars resort in Turks and Caicos which seems like a full service apartment because it has a kitchen with every modern amenity in case you want to cook for each other or have them send in a chef . There is also a large balcony that feels like it's suspended above the turquoise waters of the sea where you can dine al fresco.

Private Pool villa at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Massage

A romantic getaway would never be complete without a couples massage, especially one right on the beach. If you stay at ta beach resort like the Seven Stars you can request your couples massage on the beach or in an outdoor cabana. They will set you up right on the beach or even under the stars and the two of you can get massages at the same time, even hold hands while you do it. Can you imagine anything more romantic?

Concierge

You want to choose a hotel that have someone on staff whose primary job is to take care of you and your every desire, especially when it comes to planning romantic activities for you and your sweetie. Check out the romance specialist at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba who is staff at the hotel and will plan anything you want. If you have a special request, she will grant it, and if you are clueless but you know you want it to be romantic, she will come up with some ideas for you, like a private dinner for two on a boat around their mangroves or a private scuba trip for two with your own guide.

Spa

The spa is always key for romance on a weekend getaway. Choose a hotel that offers couples spa services and one of a kind signature services. At a hotel like the Viceroy Miami, there is a one of a kind spa that resembles a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme-land; it's truly magical. There are multiple co-ed hot and cold soaking tubs, a killer view of the water and the two of you can luxuriate together staring up at the stars. Plus they offer exercise classes like Zumba, Yoga and Pilates that you can do together.

Spa at the Viceroy Miami

Outdoor Dining

When you are on vacation, dining under the stars is always a great way to set the mood. Your lady will be in a sexy cocktail dress, the wind will be blowing in her hair and the stars will reflect off her skin. Better yet if you can find a place for outdoor dining that has live music so you can also dance the night away, that will be the optimal romantic evening. Go ahead and try the Deck at the in Turks and Caicos. They have live music nightly, a great menu where you can try the islands specialities which are conch and local lobster. And then you can dance under the moonlight to one of their live singers. Feels like paradise.

The Deck, outdoor dining at the Seven Stars resort, Turks and Caicos

Have Fun

Sometimes the most important ingredient for a romantic weekend getaway is to connect with each other over silly things, act like playful children and just have some fun. Whether it's snorkeling on the barrier reef in Turks or bicycling around the Playa del Carmen or shopping for gifts for each other in Miami, just make sure you inject some fun into your romantic weekend and then it will be perfect.

For more Huffington Post articles by Samantha Daniels, please click here. 

How to Prep Your Place For Valentine's Day (Republished From NY Daily News)

BY JASON SHEFTELL

Friday, February 10th 2012, 1:36 PM

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Why shouldn’t you do all you can to help your hookup potential, even if the date is with the old ball and chain? New York City neighborhoods and home decor can help much more than any silly wingman.

The right city streets can be the perfect place for a kiss. But you’ll need more romantic savoir-faire than that. Prepping your home for love doesn’t have to be a chore, nor does it have to be expensive.

New York and Los Angeles-based matchmaker Samantha Daniels (at left, BRYAN SMITH FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS), who founded Samantha’s Table, has put together 125 marriages in a decade. She believes a person’s feelings for their home should mirror those they have in the “right” relationship.

“How you feel in your home should be similar to how you feel in a relationship with that perfect person,” says Daniels, a former divorce lawyer who was the model for the NBC dramedy “Miss Match,” starring Alicia Silverstone. “You can tell right away when you walk into someone’s house if they’re ready or not for something serious. If it’s messy or has decorations done by an ex, well that’s a red flag.”

Daniels says you can prep your home for a hot date or set the mood for love with art, furniture and the right props.

“Whether you are male or female, your home can be the perfect place to evoke a little romance by adding touches of warmth, and interesting home decor pieces that are personal to you,” she says. “These days, there are many home- decor items that can style your home while, at the same time, evoke a sense of love.”

As we approach Valentine’s Day, here are 10 tips from the matchmaker for creating the right mood in your home:

Lighting first. Dimming lights is so yesterday. Make sure that lighting creates the perfect romantic glow so that the two of you can get into the mood. Use a portable fireplace to evoke that romantic feeling. Empire ­Tabletop Fireplace, $99.99, www.any­wherefireplaces.com.

Candles are warm. Lanterns are hot. These days you can find items that will let you incorporate candles into your home decor and be available all the time. Try placing candles in a great lantern or candleholder, like the Mini Mogador pair of stainless lanterns, $24, www.riado.com.

Romance smells good. A person’s olfactory sense will identify a pleasing sense and translate that into a romantic feeling. Think about a stylish Scentilizer masking your gym bag stink with something lovely, like Sweet Orange or Peppermint. The Lantern Scentilizer, $129.99,www.serenehouseusa.com.

Flowers work, but faux works forever. Flowers are always romantic, but a lot of women feel a sense of loss when they wilt quickly. Why not try faux flowers that you can keep permanently which give off the smell of your choice, continuosly? Hervé Gambs Purple orchid, $49; www.lothanique.ca/.

Yes to wine — bigger yes to a wine caddy. Sipping a glass of wine can turn the mood from casual to romantic. In your home, it’s important to have a stylish place to set out that vino. Try a hardwood tray or a hand-crafted wine spinner to create that great look of romance. Dog Wine Bottle holder, $79, www.detailsart.com.

Moisturize it — a hands-on approach. It’s surprising how hand products can actually help someone get into “the mood.” Try Tarocco Sicilian blood orange wash and moisturizer, $28,www.calicosmetics.com.

Cuddle in comfort. Sometimes cuddling can be more romantic than “sealing the deal.” Make sure you have a scrumptious throw on your sofa in case the two of you get cozy. Chocolate channel throw, $150, www.tourance.com.

Music man or woman. Nothing works better than this. Make sure you have a great selection on your iTunes. I like Bruno Mars or Michael Bublé. Don’t knock it till you try it.

Just in case, more than clean sheets. If your evening takes you into your bedroom, it’s key to luxuriate in luscious sheets. Try a set of high-thread-count sheets to feel like you are lying on a cloud. A 400-thread-count cotton sateen hotel collection double sheet is $79; www.cuddledown.com.

Go with a classic, chocolate. Sometimes romance can come from connecting over the silliest of things. Why not make some ­Popsicles together and cover them with the best ­aphrodisiac out there, chocolate? Zoku Chocolate Station, $19.95;

www.zokuhome.com.

 

How to Date a Wall Street Man

(republished from CNBC blog 2012)

Published: Tuesday, 7 Feb 2012 | 1:14 PM ET

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By: Samantha Daniels
Professional Matchmaker and Dating Expert, Founder and President of Samantha’s Table Matchmaking

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As a professional matchmaker with an office in New York City, many of my clients are very successful, high profile Wall Street men.

I have spent the better part of 12 years learning all of their habits, their likes and dislikes when it comes to dating, women and relationships and what they want specifically from me, when I am matching them with women.

Hence, I know, better than anyone, what makes Wall Street men tick.

Here are a few tips for the women out there who are dating or would like to be dating a man on Wall Street:

1. Be prepared to charm him out of talking about work when he first arrives to the date. Unfortunately, a lot of guys on Wall Street have a hard time leaving work at the office; it’s your job to get his mind on you and off theS & P.

2. Learn a little something about the financial markets and notice if something huge happens on a given day, negative or positive. Things like the fact that Facebook is going public is not just financial news, it’s world news and you don’t want to seem clueless if you completely missed something like that. You don’t have to become an expert but at least if you know something you can participate in a conversation with your guy. Additionally, you need to be prepared that the volatility of the markets might make your guy’s mood unpredictable, especially on a day that his personal portfolio went down dramatically.

3. While a Wall Street man tends to like a little bit of a challenge when it comes to dating, he still likes things to be convenient and easy for him. A lot of women think that if they play hard to get, they will land a Wall Street man. This is NOT the case. Yes, you should be confident and avoid being a pushover but, at the same time, you shouldn’t be difficult. You need to be accommodating or his schedule and time constraints or he will get frustrated and find another woman.

4. Tell stories that are short and sweet because the mind of a Wall Street man is always moving so rapidly and focusing on so many different things that his attention span for social stories is very short; don’t be insulted by this, just tell your stories in a way that he can listen. Save your long, draw-out stories for chit-chatting with your girlfriends.

Samantha Daniels Professional Matchmaker
Samantha's Table

5. Be sexy. Wall Street men tend to like women who are attractive and that other men notice when they walk in the room. This does not mean that you should look sleazy or inappropriate, this just means that you should bring your “A game” when you go out with him, whatever that is. Every man is attracted to a different look and a different type of woman so if he’s interested in you, he’s attracted to you but you need to maintain his interest by continuing to look your best.

6. Don’t get upset if he checks his BlackBerry or takes a call during a date; this is very common of a Wall Street man and has nothing to do with whether or not he likes you. The advice that I give Wall Street men about their need to bring business onto the date is that they should forewarn you when they first sit down that a call or a message is coming and apologize in advance.  Albeit the fact that this would be an easy thing to do, they won’t always remember to do it, so don’t get offended.

7. Don’t get upset if your Wall Street guy isn’t as romantic as you would like him to be. Men, by nature are never as romantic as women want them to be, but Wall Street men especially are very business-like and think practically not romantically. If you want him to be more romantic, you are probably going to have to lead the way, and teach him what you want.

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8. Wall Street men tend to be attracted to women who are in industries other than Wall Street. This does not mean that if you work on Wall Street, you won’t end up with a Wall Street man, however his eye tends to be looking towards non-Wall Street women. Hence, if you are a Wall Street woman and you are interested in dating a Wall Street man, you need to make sure that you let him and others see that you are not all business all the time, that you have a soft, feminine, family-oriented and fun side when you are not in the office.

9. When it comes to getting you a gift, a lot of Wall Street men are all about extravagance over thoughtfulness. If you are a decadent woman, this will work well for you, but if you are a woman who prefers a man to be thoughtful over spending lavishly on something you don’t really want, you might be disappointed. This does not mean that a Wall Street man can’t be thoughtful, many are. However, a lot of Wall Street men are so busy making lots of money, that when they think to buy you something, they don’t care about the cost as long as it’s easy to get for you.

10. Don’t get upset if your plans get scheduled by his assistant. Even though, it is dating 101 for a man to pick up the phone and call you for a date or in this day and age to text you for one, many Wall Street men are so reliant on their assistants that they prefer to have you on their schedule just like a business meeting. Do not take offense to this; this does not mean that he likes you all the less, it just means that he likes to be organized and efficient and his assistant helps him accomplish this.

________________________
Samantha Daniels owns a bicoastal matchmaking service called Samantha's Table. She is ivy league educated and a former divorce attorney by trade. She is frequently relied upon dating, relationship and romance expert, and is seen regularly on television, in national newspapers and magazines and on radio. She has been a national spokesperson for a number of consumer brands including Crest, Oral B and Febreze. She was also the inspiration for and a producer on the NBC/Darren Star dramedy, Miss Match starring Alicia Silverstone, the show was based on her life story. She is the author of the book, Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon &  Schuster).

© 2012 CNBC.com

Samantha's article pick- Happen Magazine- Health Conscious Date ideas

Health Conscious Date Ideas

by Jennifer Nelson

s non-stop dating contributing negatively to your health? Downing too many fat-laden restaurant dinners, ice cream cones and smoothies, or buckets of popcorn at the movie theater can do that, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of healthier date options, so save more traditional food-centric dates for special occasions and up your healthy date ante. Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Learn how to juggle.
"We all know that laughter is important in a romantic relationship," says Heather Wolf, an ACE certified personal trainer and founder and CEO of JuggleFit LLC in Gulf Breeze, FL. If you're newly dating and still need ways to break the ice, taking a juggling class together will not only elicit smiles and laughter, it'll break down any walls by bringing the two of you to a level playing field where you're both dropping the balls and working things out. When a couple learns to juggle together, it helps them not take like too seriously.

	This kind of edginess makes the interaction exciting.

2. Do a "danger date" for an endorphin rush.
Dates where you're taking a trapeze lesson, bungee jumping, skydiving or white-water rafting can provide a kind of super-adventurous (and slightly dangerous) good time while creating an instant bond. "Anytime the two of you do something unusual that is scary or thrilling, it creates a different kind of chemistry," says Samantha Daniels, a professional matchmaker for over 10 years. Heart-pumping, bloodcurdling fear factor dates provide a feel-good high, help you connect with your date and create instant chemistry all at once due to the endorphin rush. But be careful, says Daniels: "You still have to do your due diligence to make sure the person is right for you on other levels." 

3. Play a competitive sport.
Tennis, racquetball, or bowling can make for a high-spirited activity date. "This kind of edginess makes the interaction exciting, stimulating and novel, which have been proven to keep the romance alive," says Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress(Wiley & Sons). It's a great way to get to know someone without any rationalizations or verbiage to hide behind. Observe your date's defense, offense and unpredictable moves while you play. Plus, the exhilaration exercise brings increases one's libido and spontaneity. If your date is a sore loser, restore harmony by betting on the outcome of the game with the winner's fantasy acted out or another steamy win/win prize. 

4. Walk for a cause. Most couples have a cause that's near and dear to their hearts. One of you may have lost a loved one to cancer or heart disease, or maybe you're both passionate about politics or animal rights. Most non-profit and political organizations sponsor athletic events to help raise money and awareness. "By deciding to participate in a cause-sponsored walk, bike ride or other athletic event with your significant other, you have the opportunity to dig deeper during your date time and bond over something you both care about," says Laura Williams, a fitness expert in Stayton, OR. Plus, this type of shared goal can help you start creating "we stories" as a couple — as in, "we help raise money for cancer." 5. Hit the farmer's market and prepare a healthy meal with your purchases. "What's so much fun about going to a farmer's market is learning about new foods, how they are grown or produced, and getting to know the people who grew or produced them," says Rachel Begun, a registered dietitian in Rye Brook, NY. Speak to the food artisans and farmers, learn about a new produce variety, and purchase some ingredients to prepare a meal. Ask about your date's food preferences and eating style, which says a lot about someone's personality. In the kitchen, work as a team rather than using the "divide and conquer" approach. "The focus should be on working together," says Begun. 6. Volunteer to walk dogs at an animal shelter. Though most shelter organizations require their volunteers to submit applications, attend orientations and complete training before being allowed to handle or walk their dogs, you can plan it in advance. "Doing any kind of charity work  Doing any kind of charity work together lessens the usual date pressures. together lessens the usual date pressures by placing the focus elsewhere," says Roxanne Hawn, an author whose website, ChampionofMyHeart.com, won DogTime Media's Best Dog Blog Award in 2010. It also gives you a chance to practice teamwork, which is crucial in any lasting relationship. "The bonus of a volunteer date involving animals is that you can gauge your date's level of empathy and patience," says Hawn. This is especially important for people who love pets or who plan to have kids. Volunteering at an animal shelter can give you a real sense of whether your date truly loves animals or is merely faking it to win your affections. Plus, a few hours spent walking shelter dogs is great exercise — and good karma. 7. Take dance lessons and then go out dancing. "Dancing is a fantastic way to burn calories, exercise the heart, gain leg, arm, abdominal strength, move the body in multiple directions and most importantly, have fun," says Monique Hollowell, CEO of Lafemme Mobile Gym in Sacramento, CA. Dancing to five songs burns about 150 calories. Latin rhythmic salsa dancing is one of the best calorie-burning options due to its repetitive foot coordination, torso/hip rotations and arm movements. "It's fantastic for partners due to the enhanced awareness you must have between each other to do the right moves," says Hollowell. 8. Join a yoga or Krav Maga class. "Taking a class is not only a great way to get to know someone, but to truly see if you are compatible with that person," says Barbara Neitlich, a Beverly Hills psychotherapist. It challenges your relationship in a way that going out to dinner never will. Anyone can behave like prince (or princess) charming on a dinner date. However, in taking a class (such as yoga or Krav Maga) that challenges mind, body and spirit, you're evaluating whether this is someone you want to be with long-term. Classes like these allow you to see how your date does outside of his or her comfort zone and whether this person is resilient, patient and willing to take on new challenges. 9. Book a joint session with a personal trainer. "Regular exercise can not only boost your confidence, which can help when attempting to meet your prospective partner, it can also increase your mood, which can help you keep your current partner," says Travis Steffen, exercise physiologist and founder of WorkoutBOX.com. If you're training for something like a half-marathon, you'll not only bond as a couple during practice runs, you'll also be able to feel a sense of accomplishment when you both achieve your mutual goal. Sharing a powerful experience like this can be one of the best ways to make a deep connection with someone. What's more, working out boosts your libido! 10. Visit a vineyard.

"To make your date especially healthy, find out if the site offers walking tours of the vineyard," says Katie Heddleston, a Cleveland-based registered dietitian. Then, sample red wines. Reds have been shown to protect your heart against disease due to resveratrol and other antioxidants. But don't over-imbibe: dietary guidelines for Americans state that drinking in moderation for women equals one drink per day, while men may enjoy two drinks. "Remember, the spit cup is there for a reason," cautions Heddleston. 

Jennifer Nelson (www.byjennifernelson.com) is a Florida-based freelance writer whose work appears in Self, O - The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, Family Circle, Women's Health and many others. She also regularly writes about health, lifestyle and relationships for Parade, Glamour, MSNBC.com and WebMD. To see the original article go to

Samantha's Dating Ponder- Can You Travel Together?

Holiday weekends are always a good time to have a romantic getaway with someone special. However, if it is the first time that you are traveling with your new significant other, I can understand how you might have "travel jitters."
 Here are a few tips to help enhance your weekend away and to prevent any unnecessary bickering.

1. Keep in mind that when you're traveling with someone, you are with them 24/7. As a result, its okay to give each other a little bit of breathing room each day of the trip, so that the time you are spending together is more special.

2. A weekend away is a marathon, not a sprint, so don't feel pressure to try to satisfy all your curiosities about your partner the moment you leave home.

3. During the course of the weekend, you are, invariably, going to discover something about your new beau that doesn't float your boat; however, don't  jump ship too quickly. It is better to let the weekend play out, wait until you return home to think back on the weekend and analyze your true feelings.

4. Don't be self-conscious about having your honey see you au natural. Keep in mind, he/she is already digging you for who you are, that is why you are spending the weekend together.

5. Most importantly, have fun!!

Romance in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Have you ever thought about taking a romantic getaway to Playa del Carmen, Mexico?

I am a professional matchmaker and here's what I know...

The pros...

• It is a straight shot flight from most major cities right into Cancun and then a quick 20 to 40 minute car ride to Playa.
• Playa is full of hotels for all different types of vacations. Everything from family resorts to all inclusive properties to top notch resorts.
• Several of the top notch resorts are located in an area called Mayakoba which is about 25 minutes from the Cancun airport.

Mayakoba is a self-contained gated community that encompasses three exclusive properties -- the Banyan Tree, the Fairmont and the Rosewood. If you are staying at one of the properties, you can eat at any of the restaurants at any of the hotels although they are all separately owned and charge the meal to your room, which is very convenient. We ate at all the properties and they all seem to offer top notch food and good service. Additionally, all the hotels share one stretch of beach, so you can walk from one resort to the next quite easily. And there is a top notch Greg Norman golf resort that runs through all the properties and guests from all the hotels have access to play.

As for choosing which Mayakoba property to stay in during your vacation, hands down, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the most romantic and extravagant of all the properties. The Banyan Tree spares no detail to make your stay as romantic as possible. They even have a "romance consultant" on staff that can help with every romantic desire. And Adriana, the Communications manager, is also quite helpful coordinating your every desire while you are at the resort.

Upon arrival at the Banyan Tree, the first romantic thing you notice is the open-air boat that sits at the lobby and will transport you to the Mayakoba beach.

The boat takes you on a 15 minute scenic tour of the mangroves within which the hotel is set and where you will actually see a variety of animals including crocodiles, monkeys, giant turtles and a variety of colorful birds. The ride to the beach is not to be missed, but is only necessary one time during your stay. After that, you can also get to the beach by riding one of the hotel's beach cruiser bicycles along the golf course straight to the beach. This was one of my favorite parts of our stay. You get exercise and the ride is beautiful through the property.

The Banyan Tree villas are set all throughout the mangroves on the property. This reminded me of the canals in Venice. Every room that is on the water is a full villa with its own pool. We had the Spa Pool Villa which was spectacular and had both a private swimming pool as well as a private hot tub. The pool at the villa is not a small lap-pool like most hotel villas, but instead it is actually a real full-sized pool. The most romantic part of the pool is that you can literally open the sliding door from your bedroom and dive into the pool in the buff. Another great perk of the villas at the hotel is that all of them have a separate structure for the living room which serves to enclose the villa on both sides, making it completely private and neighbor-free; it feels like you are in your own oasis.

Additionally, the Banyan Tree offers a "bath menu" which literally has over 10 romantic baths they can prepare for you and your sweetheart in your private outdoor bathtub under the stars. You let them know which special bath you want and when you return to the room, that bath is drawn with candles, romantic music etc, all under the stars.

Another romantic extravagance at the Banyan Tree is their two possibilities for private romantic meals. One is a privately prepared barbeque dinner served on the rooftop of your villa under the skylight. And the other is a private dinner served to you by candlelight as you are meandering through the mangroves in the evening on your private boat. Both options are unlike anything you have ever experienced at other resorts.

The Banyan Tree also has quite a spa, and one of their special not to be missed romantic offerings is their "Rainforest" which you experience as a couple. In bathing suits, the two of you go through 10 different hot and cold water and massage rituals that end in a very romantic hot tub room where the two of you can linger and languish together.

As for activities in and around Playa del Carmen, a great romantic activity to do with your honey is scuba diving in the "Cenotes." The Cenotes are famous in this part of the world and basically you scuba dive through caves deep on the bottom of the water. And the Cenotes are found in the oddest place -- they can be in a campground or a park and then all of a sudden there is a water hole in the ground which leads to a whole underwater maze. A great way to experience the Cenotes is to hire a private guide or go with a small group. The company we used was called Cenote Xperience with Nico the owner being most helpful. We had a lot of fun.

Another activity you don't want to miss is to take an afternoon or evening and go into the town of Playa del Carmen. The town is adorable and it's about 15 minutes from the hotels. There are blocks and blocks of pedestrian, no cars allowed, streets, tons of fun shopping -- trendy clothes, one of a kind pieces and even your typical Mexican outdoor market where bargaining for a good deal is the name of the game. And there are very reasonably priced restaurants along the main drag that are yummy and romantic as well. This is a great place to pick up your sweetheart a little trinket so she remembers this special trip.

The cons--

• Playa del Carmen definitely has a mosquito season and if you are staying at a hotel where your room is on a mangrove, make sure you choose a non-mosquito month.
• Playa del Carmen gets little unexpected rain showers like a tropical island, so don't be surprised if there is a torrential downpour and 40 minutes later bright sunshine.
• The Banyan Tree hosts many romantic weddings. If all the pomp and circumstance will disturb your otherwise relaxing vacation, this might not be the place for you. However, if you are there with a special significant other and hoping that your nuptials are just around the corner, a hotel like this might just give you just opportunity to catch the bouquet or get your boyfriend in the mood to propose marriage.  

 

Samantha's Dating Ponder- Why do men do this?

If you like a woman, why would you wait a week to call her after a great date? Why would you wait even more than one day? And then when the situation implodes or she has moved on, you wonder why. Well, I wonder why you waited so long to reach out?!

 When you get to a certain age, you should know that connection is rare, so if you find it, YOU NEED TO EMBRACE IT and not let it pass you by.

 How many of you have done this? Why?