Samantha's Simple Pleasure-- Biking in Central Park


Sometimes when you live in a big city, you can forget the small things that make your city so special. Take for example, New York's Central Park. It's one of the most amazing parks in the world, yet living in NY, sometimes New Yorker forget to enjoy it's beauty. So, go grab your beau, rent a couple of bicycles and reacquaint yourself with nature and the simple pleasures; what a romantic way to spend a Fall day!

Samantha's Food Fix- Billy's Banana Pudding


Billy's Bakery

We all love cupcakes these days. However, even though this trendy place is known as a cupcake place, the real bomb here are their banana desserts- the Banana Pudding- gooey pudding, lady fingers and large chunks of bananas as well as the Banana Cake- sugary banana icing on banana cake. If you really want your honey to love you, this is the perfect treat. Did I say yummy??

Samantha's Product Pick-- Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle


Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle Concealer and Brightener

You will love this product. It is a concealer and brightener in one and it really helps with those dark circles after a romantic night with your beau! And don't just take my word about it, it was also the winner of the Best Concealer in the Star Beauty Awards 2010. Don't forget to put the brightener right beneath your browline to give the appearance of your eye being lifted.

Samantha's Fashion Fix- Pamela Rowland


Pamela Rowland

If you are looking for feminine, sexy and romantic clothing, look no further than Pamela Rowland's Spring 2011 Spring line which we got the pleasure of viewing at a presentation at the Whitney Museum of Are. Don't miss my personal favorite was the gold lame one shouldered at the knee dress- a true show-stopper!

Samantha's Hotel Pick- The Springs

The Springs Resort and Spa

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica or if you are considering planning a trip to Costa Rica, this hotel should seal the deal. Only a few years old, this breaktaking resort in the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a place not to be missed. It sits 1000 feet above the Arenal Valley where an active and real volcano is the first thing you see every morning along with a rainbow array of birds chirping on your balcony. They have 18 hot springs and pools on a 165 acre property where you can linger and enjoy while watching the volcano lava and taking in the natural and lush Costa Rican scenery. The rooms themselves are the perfect mix of rustic and luxury with many of them having their own hottub on the balcony and/or 2 floors of living as if you had your own little house. Each balcony also comes equipped with a hammock where you can luxuriate and relax. This place is not to be missed!

Samantha's Designer Fashion Fix- Betsey Johnson



If you are looking for whimsical and romantic clothing, Betsey Johnson is the only designer who can deliver this to perfection.


Her runway during this week's Fashion Week at the tents at Lincoln Center was the most electric and exciting of all those I saw. This line is for the gal who loves getting attention! My two favorites had to be the dress that reminded me of candy "Dots" and the purple glitter fairy princess dress.

Samantha's Dating Tip... Get people in your life to help you meet someone

    Let everyone in your life know that you are single and interested in getting set-up.  If you don’t tell them they won’t think to do it. 


A lot of people assume that if someone in their life (their friend, colleague or family member) knew someone great for them, they would just offer up the introduction. Unfortunately, this is just not the case because most people are very busy with their own lives and don't really spend time thinking about what is going on in yours. This doesn't mean
that they don't care about you, it just means that they just aren't spending the time thinking about who would be good for you. 


And secondly, a lot of people will just assume that you have dates every night of the week because they think you are so great, therefore they wouldn't think that you "need" the date. You must explain to them that it isn't that you "need" the date, it's that you would "be interested" in meeting new people and to please keep an eye out. Once you are proactive, you will be pleasantly surprised and how helpful some people will become. 

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Northern Spy Company, New York, NY


If you are looking for a new restaurant that is low key but excellent, this is the place for you. It's in an unassuming location in the East Village, way east. Its cozy and cute. The ingredients are fresh. The chef hails from San Francisco and is on his way to winning many an award. All the entrees are all under $17 and desserts are $6.  Don't forget to try the delectable heirloom tomato salad with feta cheese and mint, the succulent roasted chicken and their pork entry of the day. Perfect date place because you'll look like a foodie and you will leave spending less than $75 on the meal. Northern Spy Food Co, 511 East 12th St, NYC, http://www.northernspyfoodco.com/

Matchmaker in the Know: What women really want from a man they are dating

Have you ever wondered what a woman really wants from a man she is dating?
Here's what I know...
1. A woman wants a man to make her feel like a woman. This means that even if you are dating a powerhouse woman -- a CEO of a company, a notable woman or just a woman with a big and bossy personality -- she still wants to feel like the woman in the relationship with you being the man.
2. A woman wants a man to notice when she spent the time to look pretty. A lot of men think women pay attention to fashion, buy expensive shoes and spend time getting ready so that other women will notice. And yes, this is true but, at the same time, she actually cares more about dressing pretty for you, her guy. She needs you to notice and not just notice in your head but notice by telling her, out-loud and often.
3. In that same vein, a woman wants a man to compliment her and compliment her often. Women by nature are
a little insecure about their looks especially when they are living in a big city where people place a lot of emphasis on beauty. Even if you are dating a truly beautiful woman, a woman who gets hit on by men all the time or even a model, she still needs and wants to be complimented. She needs to hear out-loud from you that you notice her and admire her. And, chose words like "sexy" or "beautiful" or "amazing"; women like words like this because they arebigger and make it seem like you really are thinking they look incredible at that particular moment. Stay away from bland and generic compliments like "you look nice" or "you look fine." And one compliment that most women really don't like is "you look cute"; she is not a puppy, she is a woman.
4. A woman wants a man to not take her for granted. Women need to feel appreciated. This means that you need to remember to notice little things that she does- if she goes to the store and tries to buy you your favorite coffee or if she hauls a 6 pack of beer home for you in the rain. Keep in mind that even if she chose the wrong type of coffee or bought a beer that you really don't like, you still need to thank her and commend her effort; if you don't, she will think twice before making any more efforts for you in the future.
5. A woman wants to feel that you care about pleasing her in the bedroom. Everyone knows that it's much easier for a man to be pleasured than a woman, however sex is better if both people enjoy themselves. Even if you had a long day, it's still important that you reciprocate in the bedroom. And you need to keep in mind that not all women are the same when it comes to what they enjoy sexually. Just because your "signature move" got the last girl crazy, doesn't mean that it will even faze this girl. You need to try hard not to make her feel self conscious or guilty if it takes her a little time to have an orgasm or for the two of you to get your groove on together in the bedroom. You need to want to find out what makes this woman tick and then do whatever it takes to make her happy. She is working hard to please you (or at least she should be), so you need to do the same.
6. A woman wants to feel like you want to get to know her specifically and that you don't just group her into the "female gender." A lot of men think all women are the same but the fact is that all women are very different; they all have very different likes and dislikes and ideas. Just like not all men love football or play golf or drink beer, not all women just like to shop, gossip and watch soap-operas. If you are interested in a woman, you need to see her for who she is and who she is not and figure out how to be in a relationship with the particular woman not just any woman.
7. A woman wants you to understand her stuff -- her insecurities and her childhood issues and work hard to make her feel safe and good in those areas. A surefire way to make a relationship crash and burn is to exploit her weaknesses and use insecurities about which she confided in you against her. A woman needs to know that you heard her explain why something upsets her, puts her in a bad mood or makes her feel insecure in the relationship and that you will try your very best not to do things that bring up those issues for her. A good relationship means understanding your partners insecurities and doing what you can to make her feel good in that area of the relationship even if you might think that some of her stuff is crazy, unusual or immature. Keep in mind that you are not issue-free and you would want the same of her.
8. A woman wants you to communicate with her when you are in a bad mood and it has nothing to do with her. Of course, everyone is entitled to be in a bad mood once in awhile but keep in mind that when your bad mood comes out of left field and when you snap at your gal and nitpick her every move, this can make her feel like your issue is with her, not your boss or your father. A woman needs you to reassure her that your moodiness is not going to result in your breaking up with her. A woman will be happier if you reassure her and ask her for a night of space than if you see her anyway, sulk and snap at her and make her all paranoid about the relationship.
9. A woman wants to know that you are proud of her and happy for her to meet people in your life. A lot of men think that if he introduces a woman to his friends, his colleagues or his family, that the woman will automatically assume that the relationship is very serious and that they are three steps away from getting engaged. This is a falsity. Women look at introductions to people in your life as recognition that she too is part of your life and it makes sense for people in your life to know each other. If you make these sorts of introductions, the only way they become a big deal to the woman is if you make it be a big deal. Keep in mind that if you say, "I want you to meet my best friend John but you are the only woman I have ever introduced to him," then of course she is going to think that this is a big deal. However, if you just introduce her to John because he is your friend and she is your gal, it will just be normal. Normal is good.
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).
Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Matchmakersd

Matchmaker in the Know: A Romantic Getaway in Santa Barbara



Have you been thinking about visiting Santa Barbara with your new beau or significant other for a romantic weekend away from home?

Here's what I know...

1. Santa Barbara is a highly accessible weekend destination. You can fly into Los Angeles, pick up a convertible and less than 90 minutes later you will arrive in splendid Santa Barbara.

2. If you are looking for a place to stay that is beach front and beautiful, choose the Four Seasons Biltmore. The property was fully renovated 5 years ago and they did an excellent job of maintaining the historic landmark while adding in a plenitude of modern amenities. They have a top-notch spa and gym and they give you access to one of the most exclusive beach clubs 

in Santa Barbara, the Coral Beach club. The Coral Beach club is located directly in front of the hotel, has direct access to the beach, a great restaurant and a gigantic Olympic size racing lane swimming pool for all those preparing for a triathlon. Make sure to request a room at the hotel with a deck on the ground floor so you can soak in some sunshine at your room while you are sipping wine from their extensive list. And don't forget to check out the piano player in the Ty Lounge, off the Lobby, where you will see other couples like yourself having after dinner drinks and dancing the waltz and the fox trot; a perfect mood setter before you head back to your room.

3. Even though Napa Valley is the area of CA that people think of when there is mention of CA wines, Santa Barbara County has quite the wine selection as well. With over 100 vineyards in the region and over 21,000 acres, if you are a wine affectionato or just someone who likes to taste new wines, Santa Barbara is a great place to visit. You should get a map of all the vineyards from your hotel and pick a bunch that you want to go experience. A few great suggestions are places like Demetria where they encourage you to bring a picnic lunch and eat while you taste their wines. The setting at Demetria is quite breathtaking especially as you are driving up the long drive and take in the view of the 213 acres on the property. At Demetria, make sure to try the 2008 Viognier and the 2009 Grenache Rose. Additionally, Bridlewood is a lovely vineyard for romance. It is one of the more manicured vineyards in Santa Barbara, resembling a Napa Valley vineyard. Their tasting room on property is very modern and fully air conditioned which is key on the very hot days. Make sure to try their Syrah Dusty Trail wine.


4. While you are in the wine country, make sure to save time to explore the tiny little towns there like Los Olivos. In these towns, you will find many tasting rooms like one of my personal favorites, the Epiphany Cellars where the tasting was just $5 and they gave you 7 pours; don't miss their 2006 Petit Syrah, Rodney's Vineyard. Additionally, if you are a movie buff, you can hit a few places in this area that became famous in the 2004 hit movie, Sideways like Solvang. Solvang is set up as an authentic Danish town with all the trimmings and definitely worth the stop.



5. Before you leave the wine country, you must eat at the not to be missed, Hitching Post II also featured in Sideways. The Hitching Post II is a quintessential family style Steakhouse where the prices are very affordable, the portions are larger than large and things like the barbequed sautéed mushrooms and the grilled artichoke appetizers are not to be missed. (We couldn't stop eating the mushrooms!). Plus, the Angus Rib Chop is one of the best bone-in rib steaks you will ever have. You can choose one of their own wines, our favorite was the Pinot Noir Highlander. And try not to miss the Leroy Neiman-esque portrait hanging on the wall of very friendly owner, Frank Ostini. 

6. If you decide that you don't want to drive to wine country and prefer to stay local, don't miss the urban wine trail right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. You can get a map and go from tasting room to tasting room, comparing and contrasting the different wines that they have you taste right on premises. Usually for just $10, they give you 6 to 8 different pours of their newest and finest wines and will explain to you what you are tasting. This is a perfect low cost prelude to a romantic bubble bath back at your hotel. A few tasting rooms I would recommend are the Santa Barbara Winery where you must try the 2007 Santa Rita Hills Reserve Chardonnay, and Oreana Tasting Room where they have a terrific Zinfandel, the 2006 Oreana Zinfandel - Sugar Mountain Vineyard. 


7. Dining out in Santa Barbara can be quite the romantic experience. If you are there for a long weekend, spend one night finding romance under the stars, dining at the Stonehouse at the San Ysidro Ranch. It has a world renowned wine list, interesting and inventive appetizers like the Braised Short Rib Raviolis with Ricotta Salata, Spinach, Cipollini Onions, Organic Mushrooms, in a Chianti Cream Sauce and don't miss the dessert sampler so you can try their Belgium Chocolate Pot de Crème, Brown Butter Pecan Tart, as well as their Chocolate Lovers Banana Mascarpone Tart! Yum! Make sure to request a table out on the deck and ask to speak to the Sommelier who will help you pick the right wines to accompany your dining choices and he might even give you his own personal vineyard picks.


8. Spend a second night dining right in the town of Santa Barbara eating at Olio e Limone, one of the top Italian restaurants in Santa Barbara. The husband and wife owners are there every night making sure all their patrons are happy as they feast delectable dishes like Tagliolini del Campo (thin ribbon pasta, leeks, spinach, green beans and parmesan) or Scaloppine con Carciofi e Limone (thinly sliced veal cutlets with fresh artichoke hearts and lemon sauce) while sipping one of the local wines. And save time to go for a romantic stroll along State Street, the main street of Santa Barbara where you will find blocks and blocks kitschy one of a kind stores mixed in with some of the national chains.


9. Riding bicycles beachside along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara is a great way to be outdoorsy, athletic and romantic at the same time. All over Santa Barbara you will find bicycle outfits where you both can rent beach cruisers to use for the day. However if you want to get some exercise while holding hands at the same time, you can rent a Surrey bike which looks like a car with pedals; you actually sit side by side and bicycle in tandem. This is a great photo opp that is fun and very romantic at the same time!


Enjoy!

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Romance in the Great Outdoors


A cozy camping trip a deux is the perfect way to find rustic romance while nurturing both your animal instincts and your love of nature. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a weekend in the wilderness by renting a kayak, swimming in a hot spring, and eating a meal by the water. And the best part about this romantic pick is the cost. You can’t beat a night with your beau sleeping under the stars whether it’s in the Poconos, in Cape Cod or just in your very own backyard.

Samantha's Celebrity Scoop- Celeb Coupling



Summer is officially here and let’s not let Mel Gibson’s mess ruin it for all of us. Between the sparks flying between Jessica Simpson and ex-NFLer Eric Johnson and all the celebrity I-do’s between couples like Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, Jana Kramer and Johnathon Schaech as well as Jenna Fischer and Lee Kirk, love is definitely in the air. Even former first daughter Chelsea Clinton is tying the knot later this month!

Samantha's Dating Tip- When your guy is in a bad mood

When your guy is in a bad mood, the best thing you can do is give him space to work through it himself.

We, as women have a natural tendency to try to help and fix and suggest and coddle. However, when a guy is going through something, he just doesn't want any of that; he really just wants to be left alone.

 If you really care about him, you will give him what he wants so that his mood will pass and things can get back to normal. If you try to get involved, it will only makes things worse.

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Pandora.com

The summer is in high gear now and there is nothing better than cooking a cozy dinner for two under the moonlight on your deck or balcony or even setting the lights down low with some pretty candles. However, your evening will  not be complete without the right musical ambiance and that is where Pandora comes into play. You go to Pandora.com, pick a genre or artist and they will make a music mix tape of exactly what you are looking for, in two seconds flat! www.Pandora.com

Samantha's Dating Ponder- Men and their toys


Have you ever wondered why men are so hung up on gadgets? Why are they so fascinated by the inner-workings of a car or the way the cable box hooks into the television. Do you think that a man and a woman who both like toys and gadgets have a chance as a couple? I wonder...

Samantha's Dating Tip... How to stay looking your best during the summer heat



In the summertime, it is hard to look your very best when you go out on a date. However, you still need to try to find your fabulousity because you only get one chance to make a good impression. Go buy some translucent powder like Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals and carry it with you in your purse; this will help you look fresh and sexy at all times!