How To Make Your Long Distance Love Last

It may be that the hot summer months in far flung locations have brought about a long distance romance you didn’t expect. And now, your friends might cast you doubtful looks and besiege you with comments that question whether you can make such a relationship stretch the span of 3000 miles. 

While many will be quick to judge, offer you advice and speculate, there will also be those who are jealous because long distance love definitely has its perks. Here are a few tips to help make a transatlantic romance go the distance.

---Give your long distance love little sweet nothings.

 In order to keep the romance alive during that time apart, you need to make an extra effort so that your partner knows that it is not a case of out of sight out of mind. This can mean sending small gifts, cards or love-emails so your special someone knows that you are thinking of them.

---Use technology

In today’s digital age, long distance loves have never had more of a chance to survive. With apps like Facetime and Skype, it is easy to keep in regular contact despite the distance.

--- Communicate

As with any relationship, communication is a big factor. In a relationship where face to face communication may not always be possible, it is important for you to talk about your feelings via phone as opposed to saving up any issues for when you see the other person.

---Stay positive

Instead of focusing on the vast expanse of time you’re spending apart, take a look at the perks of a long distance relationship. Consider how your time doesn’t have to be divided between obligations, how you can just focus on the two of you when you are together and how you get to travel more because your honey lives elsewhere.

A Date In Central Park

A date in Central Park might not sound all that unique or exciting with all those horse drawn carriages, idyllic bench spots, as well as all those tourists and backpackers. However, with a little bit of creativity, Central Park, NY’s leading tourist attraction, can even be romantic.

Central Park with NY Skyline

Here are a few ideas for spicing up your Central Park dates.

1)  Rent a Rowboat

From the Loeb boathouse a small rowboat can be hired for $15 an hour. With picturesque views and a tranquil setting it’s easy to grab your own Notebook moment with your date.

2)  Make a picnic at the Pool

Sometimes it can be nice to abandon the glaring lights and tres chic ambience of a trendy restaurant and take it back to the basics on a comfy blanket with a bottle of wine, an interesting array of cheese and a container of strawberries. The waterfalls and willow trees can create a relaxed and intimate setting for you to get to know your date better.

3)  A Carousel Ride

Bring out your playful side by taking a ride on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel located right in the middle of the park. The twinkling music and onset of dizziness easily lightens the mood and shows your fun side. Who said rides were just for kids?

4)  Take a stroll over the Bow bridge

While there are many bridges you can opt to wander across with your date, Bow Bridge is a favorite of mine. Spanning 60 feet over the lake it allows for stunning views and intimate moments.

5)  Ice Skating

Come December and the arrival of those cold winter months, ice skating in Central Park is the epitome of a perfect date. It allows for banter with intimacy to a backdrop of twilight cityscapes.

September Blues: How To Stay Sunny After The Sun Is Gone

The sun might not have completely disappeared, not yet anyway, but as those long summer days begin to dwindle away, it can be easy to lust after the simpler days of summer.  This can give way to mopey Mondays or frustrated Fridays, otherwise known as the September blues.

Instead of yearning after your summer fun,  I suggest you focus on the positives that September has to offer. September brings the return of all our favorite TV shows, the time to don our new fall fashion looks and a resurgence of city life since most people are back from their vacations and their beach homes.  However, if getting to see where Olivia Pope or Walter White are  next headed doesn’t float your boat, go ahead and write a list of all the exciting things September will  bring for you personally and this should help you actually excited about Fall.

What A Vacation Can Do For Your Relationship

Whether it’s to the white sandy beaches of St Lucia, the glistening mountains of Switzerland or to a romantic inn upstate, a jaunt away can be great for any relationship. If you are thinking that you are too busy to plan a trip and your relationship won’t suffer for it anyway, think again; here are some  reasons why you should make the time for that vacation you keep putting off:

Grnad Pitons, St Lucia

...A vacation can provide you with new perspective

When you are on vacation, it is a great time to cut off all distractions and take the time to reevaluate what is important as a couple. You can discuss any issues, goals and plans or simply enjoy the alone time that a holiday brings. Use this time to communicate and be honest.

...You have the time to reconnect with your significant other

When you are away with your honey, this is a great time to bond and create new and precious memories.  Spend time doing things you don’t usually do together at home,  like talking at your meals instead of reading the newspaper, going for walks together or experiencing something new that you have never done before. This will help revitalize the relationship.

...You can do some relationship maintenance

When you are on vacation, this is the perfect time to do some relationship maintenance. Take the time to focus on things that you take for granted at home like being romantic, showing spontaneous appreciation and being affectionate.

Honeymooning in Cabo

In today’s day and age, when two people are getting married, the honeymoon is just as important as the wedding itself. It’s important for the couple to choose a place where they can find romance, excitement, beauty and relaxation all wrapped into one. A great choice is Cabo San Lucas. Cabo is an easy getaway, with impeccable weather, beautiful blue crystal blue waters, top notch resorts, wonderful culinary experiences and loads of fun. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cabo San Lucas Tourism Board, an extremely helpful association for suggestions in planning the best honeymoon for you. 

All of the resort destinations in Cabo are located along the corridor, right on the Pacific Ocean. When choosing where to stay on your honeymoon, you need to select a place that fits your budget and provides you with the features that will make your honeymoon memorable forever and ever. If you are able to splurge and if you are a couple who wants the best of the best, hands down, the choice is the Capella Pedregal.

Pool area at the Capella Pedregal

This five star resort is located steps away from the town of Cabo San Lucas, but upon entering their dramatic dimly-lit private tunnel, you are immediately transported to romance and sophistication. The property is exquisite; each room has a fireplace, an ocean view and a plunge pool for those late nights when it is just the two of you. The room is tastefully decorated with no detail overlooked, from the high thread count premium Egyptian cotton signature beddings, to the luxurious bath products and the rainshower in the bathroom. 

Suite at Capella

And, each room comes with a personal assistant who can see to your every romantic whim. While you are there, don’t miss the couples cooking class where one of their top notch chefs will teach you how to make Mexican ceviche masterpieces. For dining, consider a romantic dinner at their clifftop restaurant, El Farallon, where you sit under the stars while listening to the waves crash below, or an intimate dinner for two in their wine cellar tucked away from the other guests. And remember to check out The Auriga Spa, which is very picturesque in and of itself. 

The spa experience starts off with a foot scrub, followed by a hot and cold plunge pool. Then, ask for the massage for two and end your visit in their luxurious outdoor hot tub.

Auriga Spa at the Capella

Student Lawyer Magazine - Secret Lawyer

A Matrimonial Lawyer, in the Truest Sense

Vol. 42 No. 7

ByLeslie A. Gordon

LESLIE A. GORDON is a secret lawyer who has been working as a freelance legal affairs journalist for more than 10 years.

Law, Samantha Daniels said, is “in my blood.” Her father was a prestigious lawyer and Philadelphia chancellor. Her two brothers are lawyers. “As a family, the law and legal education [were] considered fundamental,” she said. “At a young age, I was fascinated by the law. If I wanted to convince my father of something, I had to lawyer him. I grew up with it, I understand it.”

So it was natural for Daniels to become an attorney herself. After graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law, she went into matrimonial law. She chose that field because she was “always a people person” and liked the family law classes in law school. She first worked for a judge in the matrimonial division of the New York Supreme Court and later joined a law firm’s matrimonial practice.

While working as an attorney, Daniels was always “throwing parties on the side for my single friends,” she recalled. “To be a good hostess, I would introduce people: ‘You’re both from Chicago and you both like to play tennis.’ Then I’d learn that they’d gotten engaged. I thought to myself, ‘It’s more rewarding to get people together than to break them apart.’” And her matches were solid because she’d learned in her law practice why relationships don’t work and was able to avoid those pitfalls.

Before long, Daniels left the law to form a matchmaking company, Samantha’s Table. She has since helped more than 300 people find spouses. Her database now has 50,000 clients across the country and she has offices in New York and Los Angeles. Her business caters to high-profile, successful people looking for love. “They’re all top, top in their professions,” Daniels said of her clients. “The have no trouble getting dates, they just haven’t found the right person.”

Chronicling her work, Daniels wrote Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker, which was made into a TV show called Miss Match created by Darren Star and starring Alicia Silverstone. Today, she regularly appears on TV for advice and celebrity segments and writes romance travel articles and relationship columns for several publications, including The Huffington Post.

Though far from the courtroom, Daniels said, “Honestly, I think I use my law degree every day. A JD is a better degree than even an undergrad degree because it teaches you skills you’ll use in the real life.

VH1 Save the Music Event

This past Friday evening, VH-1 hosted their annual Save the Music event at the home of Billy and Julie Macklowe in Sagaponack. The event gathered over 400 East end and Manhattan influencers for soclalizing, sipping cocktails and raising money for a great cause.   Charlie Walk, an icon in the music biz was honored. The event raised over $325,000 in support of music education for our public schools. 

Atmosphere

Romance was abound while people listened to the soulful music of Ingrid Michaelson and James Bay on the flower print Marimekko blankets under the stars. It was a perfect evening for love.

Ingrid Michaelson

Huffington Post- 11 Excuses That Are Stopping You From Getting Married

Since I am a professional matchmaker, single people are always telling me that theyreally want to get married. It is then my job to figure out if they really want marriage or if they are just saying that. When a person really wants to get married, they behave a certain way and think about things properly. They don't make excuses for why they are single; they take a proactive stand and go after what they want.

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Here are 11 excuses that are keeping you single. As you read them, you should be thinking to yourself, "Is this me?" If this is indeed you, you need to think about what you can do to change your behavior so you can finally get out there and meet your spouse.

1. I am too busy at work right now. How busy are you really? We are all busy, but you need to make the time for things that are most important to you. Meeting your life partner should top your list.

2. I need to lose weight, but I don't have the time. How much time does it take to lose weight? For starters, try eating less and exercising one hour a day. That's not so much time, and exercising will make you feel more productive overall. In effect, you will actually give yourself extra time in your day.

3. I don't know anyone single of the opposite sex, so it's not my fault I am not dating. This is impossible. Of course you know single people of the opposite sex, but you might not realize it. Start asking! And start noticing if they wear a wedding band. If they don't, it's okay to assume they are available, and even if you discover that they are not, so what? Then, you just initiated a conversation with a new person who might know someone for you.

4. I am too high profile to online date. A-list celebrities have gone online to date. Are you telling me that you are more "high profile" than they are? Please... everyone is doing it, and it's completely acceptable, especially the newer private dating communities like The Dating Lounge on Facebook. Just do it!

5. All the men in my town are commitment-phobic, so what's the point?This is the biggest bunch of bull. You are only saying.... TO CONTINUE READING, CLICK HERE

Huffington Post- 10 Unique Places To Say I Love You

As we head into summer, a great romantic travel destination is France. Everyone knows that Paris is the city for lovers and that the entire country is full of amour. However, sometimes a couple wants more romance than a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower or while sunning on the Mediterranean in St Tropez.

Here are 10 unique places to say your I love you's in France this summer:

1. While meandering down a cobblestone street in St Paul de Vence. St Paul de Vence is just up above the hustle and bustle of Cannes and Juan le Pins, but it feels like it world's apart. The whole town is perched on a hill and very few cars drive thru as most people make their way on foot. A great place to say I love you in this town is at the outdoor restaurant of the hotel Le St Paul. It overlooks the entire town and the rooms make you feel like you are in a little castle.

Le Saint Paul hotel

2. In the Fondation Maeght sculpture garden. I love modern art and particularly large outdoor sculpture gardens like this one at Fondation Maeght in St Paul de Vence. Bring along a bottle of wine, a baguette and fromage, so you can create a romantic picnic for you and your beau and share that great place to say I love you.

Sculpture Gardens at Fondation Maeght

3. Overlooking the sea in Corsica. Not considered a touristy as South of France,Corsica is a great romantic alternative for a beach getaway. The weather is beautiful, the drives are picturesque.   

To read more...

Grill Hampton

Imagine an event that has endless delectable grilled choices from many of the top restaurants on the East End and in Manhattan. And then imagine further that they are all vying for attention and competing to win the title as the best Grill restaurant.

What you get is the best of the best in tastings. From delicious Dominican ribs from Rumba Island Grill covered in sweet ginger chili soy sauce with fresh herbs to delicious pulled chicken and pork from Peter Ambrose to luscious bites of steak from the Palm to tuna tartar from T-bar. It was a serious food coma. 

The setting was lovely under the stars in Sayres Park. This is a not to be missed event!

Simple pleasures can be very romantic

It's summertime so just about everywhere you look, you will see romance and happy couples. People just feel all lovey dovey in the summertime. 

If you want to re-ignite some romance in your relationship, think about simple pleasures. Sure, going to a fancy restaurant or on a fancy trip can be great, but what about a picnic in the park or watching the sunset on the beach with a bottle of wine and some cheese? Think about what you can do that's simple but will also bring out the romance. You might find that this is the trick for which you were looking.

Ten Types of Women That Men Do Not Want to Marry

(Originally appeared on The Huffington Post on April 15, 2013.)

I recently wrote an article here on Huffington Post Women entitled 10 Types of Men Who Won't Marry You and in response to it, I have gotten over 1,000 comments as well as endless emails asking me why I hadn't written a similar list of types of women. As a result, I have created such a list here, using the opinions that I have heard from tens of thousands of men during my years working as a matchmaker. The fact is, if you are a woman and you want to get married, you need to be smart about your dating. This means avoiding certain male types, but it also means recognizing what you are doing wrong in your dating and whether the type of woman you are putting out there to the male population attracts or repels them. To figure this out, you can start by considering the list below and whether you, at times, are any of these quite unattractive female types:

1. Miss "Bossy Pants"

This woman usually can't help herself; she has bossy in her DNA. When a man first meets her, he might think this character trait is cute, for awhile. However, once he starts to feel like he is in grammar school being told what to do by his second grade teacher, he will give this woman her walking papers.

2. Miss "Playing Games With His Heart"

This woman thinks that being a game player will help her land a man. However, even though a man might be intrigued by a hard to get lady in the beginning, as soon as he decides that he is interested in her, all he wants is an honest straight shooter. If this woman doesn't remove Battleship from her repertoire quite quickly, she will be shown the door before she can even sink his vessel.

3. Miss "I Want To Change You"

This woman is lurking everywhere. She is the type of woman many men are the most leery of. (Of course, there are some men who love this woman because of their own insecurities.) She claims that she loves her guy just the way he is, but little by little, she chips away at just about everything about him. First, it's his wardrobe, then it's his taste in music. However, when she gets to his friends and his hobbies, she is usually kicked to the curb.

To continue reading this article, click here...

The Bachelorette: A Romantic Date, a Striptease, and Andi's First Kiss of the Season

Another Monday night, another anticipated episode of The Bachelorette. This week, Andi went on her first dates of the season, including two one-on-one dates and one very memorable group date.

     Three of the contestants performing on the group date

Contestant Eric Hill was the first suitor to receive a date with the bachelorette. The date included a beach, a helicopter, a snowboarding lesson, and ended with the two making s’mores in a cozy log cabin. It’s safe to say that the date was nothing short of spectacular.

But then came the group date, which was easily the best moment of the night. The fourteen men all stripped in front of a live audience at a Hollywood nightclub…for charity. It was the most entertaining fundraiser I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Later in the evening, Craig had one too many drinks and ended up fully dressed in the pool. Disrobing, drinking, and diving. Oh my.

Chris, a 32-year-old farmer, was the other lucky contestant to go on a one-on-one date with Andi. It was off to the races for these two—horse races, that is. And the date wouldn’t be complete with a random band playing for the couple to dance to. The two ended up sharing a kiss—but their chemistry was almost as invisible as the band’s fan base.

In the end, Carl the firefighter, Nick S., and Craig the drunken mess were all sent home. With a two-night special next week, including an appearance by Boyz II Men, the drama and tears are sure continue full speed ahead.  

Dating tip 101: Having a drink on a date does have its benefits, but it should be kept to a minimum on the first date. Stick to a drink or two to ensure a great first impression.

The Premiere of The Bachelorette Season 10

Last night, 27-year-old Andi Dorfman began her journey to find love on the tenth season of The Bachelorette.  Some of the men were more impressive than others when it came to first impressions. My favorites? J.J. for his sense of humor and his bowtie. Marcus because he really was so hot. And Patrick who had that je ne sais quoi  at least until I saw his soccer ball  (No need to remind Andi of Juan Pablo—ever.)  

On another note, there were quite a few cringeworthy arrivals last night, like when Cody pushed his limo up the hill in an attempt to catch Andi’s attention. What? And Jason, the doctor used one of the worst pick-up lines “I think you have a fever because you look pretty hot.” Clever. Not.

Andi Dorfman and her twenty-five suitors

At the end of the night, six men went home, including Rudie the lawyer; Emil, pronounced Anal with an M in case you forgot; Josh B.; Mike, who likes to call himself Camps; Steven; and Jason the doctor—shocker.

Overall, it was definitely an entertaining first episode filled with plenty of dating faux pas. Andi’s dress was spectacular and the majority of the men were not. But as Juan Pablo would say, “eees OK.”

Dating tip 101: Avoid using a pick-up line or a stunt when you meet a woman for the first time; they rarely  make a good first impression.

Great NY restaurant- Romantic With An Old-World Feel

If you are looking for an excellent and unique place in what is usually staid- midtown, try Bill's Food & Drink.

I do not know what I was expecting, but I certainly wasn't expecting this gem. The restaurant is housed in an elegant town-home. The bar. with just the right amount of lighting, is on the main floor, right as you first walk in. You head upstairs for the main dining- a modern room but with a cozy feel.  And then there is a parlour room on the floor above for private dinner or to have an intimate drink on a comfy couch in front of another bar. We had the Halibut which was superb as as a yummy heirloom tomato salad and a tasty Kale salad. This place is a great date place. I highly recommend it.

Great Restaurant... Laurel Hardware in West Hollywood, LA

One of my favorite dining spots in West Hollywood is

Laurel Hardware

 If you haven't been yet, I recommend that you check it out... stat!

The menu is inventive, seasonal and eclectic. I'm a big fan of the kale salad with nigella, hazelnuts, and crispy carrots and the green barley salad with cara cara orange, French feta and shiso vinaigrette. Be sure to say hi to their lovely hostesses, Tash and Reesh.

Spring Colors

Have you heard that because of our (ridiculously) long winter, the spring colors are

expected to be especially intense this year

?

This month, I'm definitely going to be checking out the Cherry Tree Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. (The first bloom is supposed to be this week! I'm keeping track on the

BBG Status Map

).

Wherever you are located, make sure to head over to your local park or garden to see what is sure to be a spectacular exhibit of spring flowers.

Spring Is In The Air!

It’s hard to believe that we’re already two weeks into SPRING! I'm feeling pretty excited to finally get to do some fun springtime activities. Here are some of my favorite things to do in NYC now that the weather has warmed up:

Sheep's Meadow in Central Park

• Citibike-ing down the Hudson River Park Bikeway at sunset
• Drinking chilled wine al fresco on the patio of a Soho cafe
• Picnic-ing at Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park (don’t forget to pack a frisbee!)
• Window shopping in the West Village
• and picking up a gelato at Grom

And, the best part about spring may be that all of these activities make for awesome dates! 

Loving Love Songs

I don't know about you, but I am a big lover of love songs.

This article from Nerve.com really got me thinking about my favorite love songs from the past 100 years. From the Beach Boys “All You Need is Love” to Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You”, there are more amazing love songs than we could ever count.

One of my ultimate favorite love songs is Barry Manilow’s “Can’t Smile Without You”:

Why Hasn't Jennifer Aniston Tied The Knot Yet?

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have been engaged going on 18 months… so, why haven’t they tied the knot yet?

The rumor mill says that the impasse is due to the amount of time they’ve spent apart since their engagement and also due to stressful wedding planning. The media reports that they are on the verge of breaking up… until they are spotted on a date looking as in love as ever.

They are on again, off again, on again and meanwhile, no wedding bells.

Jen claims she wants to get married again, even have kids so why the hesitation? Time is ticking by.

Here are some things I wonder...

• Does she still compare every guy to Brad Pitt, and Justin doesn’t measure up?
• Maybe she doesn’t really want to get married and just says that.
• Maybe she doesn’t really want to be with Justin, but doesn’t want to deal with the negative press of begin single all over again?
• Maybe she secretly is into someone else?

WHO could that be?

Regardless, don’t you agree that it’s odd that she is still technically single after all this time?