Samantha's Dating Ponder-Do "Friends With Benefits" Relationships Actually Work?

If you haven't tried it, the thought has at least crossed your mind about being "friends with benefits" with one of your closest friends of the opposite sex. We have seen it played out in numerous romantic comedies and they always seem to end in a happily ever after. Is that really how it ends in real life? Do friendships become ruined after this? A recent study found that 74 percent of "friends with benefits" relationships don't destroy the friendship that was previously had. Even further, some of these relationships even unfold into stonger, real romantic relationships. After all, you are already so close with the person that it is easy to start something romantic. What do you think? Have you ever tried being friends with benefits with a close friend? How did it end up?

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Do Different Hobbies Make or Break a Relationship?

It is very rare that you will find someone who has the same exact hobbies that you do. Women love to watch sports just as much as men love to shop. However, different hobbies don't have to ruin your relationship! Being in a relationship is all about compromising and sometimes doing things with your partner even though you may not want to. So, take turns! One weekend you can go to your guy's favorite sporting event and the next weekend you can hit the mall together to pick up that new outfit you've had your eye on. It is important to acknowledge your honey's hobbies and if it is something you really do not want to be apart of, reassure your beau how much you care about them but that it's fune for him to go to the batting cage with the guys or to the newest chick flick with the girls. Sometimes alone time or time with friends will make your together time all the more special. And, as you spend more time with someone, you will find yourself even enjoying some of their hobbies that you might never have enjoyed before!

Samantha's Fall Couple Check-in

Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum

All of America watched as finalist J.P got down on one knee and proposed to most recent bachelorette Ashley. She happily accepted and the couple seemed nothing but smitten with each other. Now that the show is over and the couple can finally be out in public together, they still seem very much in love. They have been spotted in New York City where J.P. lives and plan to move into a new apartment together soon after Ashley finishes up dental school in just a couple of weeks. This duo seems to be really going against "the curse" of The Bachelor/Bachelorette series and are truly in love with each other. They plan to get married in 2012 and have already picked out their Neil Lane wedding bands. Congratulations to this amazing couple!

Samantha's Dating Thought-Soak Up the Sun

Sadly, the summer is almost over and the beautiful and sunny weather will be gone before you know it. That's why you should make the most of the time that is left and go on some outdoor dates with a long-time beau or a new flame. Summer is a great time for dating because you look healthy and feel great. Outdoor dates are a ton of fun because they are exciting. Some of the most fun outdoor dates during the summer are in the water. You can have a casual day and rent a boat and share a nice picnic with your favorite foods. If you decide to get a little adventurous, learn a new water sport together! Rent some waterskis or jetskis and you and your date will both have a great time. Teaching each other how to jetski or waterski will leave you smiling all day because you are both guaranteed to have some clumsy moments. So get out there, soak up some sun and enjoy the rest of summer with someone you really care about!

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 Summer Couple Pick- Will they sizzle or fizzle?

The dreams of women everywhere were crushed recently when sources confirmed that America's most eligible bachelor might be headed off the market again. After splitting with actress Elisabetta Canalis in late June, George Clooney seems to have fallen for another beauty, ex WWE wrestler and Dancing With The Stars contestant Stacy Kiebler. A source confirms the couple has known each other for a while but recently reached out to each other through a mutual friend. Of course, they are trying to keep their relationship under wraps and have been spending time together in London and at Clooney's getaway home in Lake Como. This is definitely one scorching couple but will their relationship sizzle just as much as they do? Or is it just a fling? What do you think? Is it too soon for Clooney to move on? Do you think they make a cute couple?

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick-Celebrity Check-in

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

After their split in March, this sexy couple remained on good terms and kept in constant contact. In July, the pair decided that they didn't want to be single and quietly started seeing each other again. However, now that Justin is on tour with sexy co-star, Mila Kunis, promoting their latest film Friends With Benefits, it seems as if Justin and Jessica are back off again and Justin and Mila may be very much on. Justin and his new flame were spotted in London sharing a meal with friends but sat very close to each other and seemed like they thoroughly enjoyed each other's company even though they arrived at the restaurant separately. Where has Jessica been while her ex is touring the world with a hot new flame? She has been in the Hamptons relaxing with some close friends. So what is the truth? Are Justin and Mila a new thing? Or is a just a fling? Looks like we will have to keep an eye on this interesting trio!

Samantha's Style Pick-Stay Shady

Not only are floppy sun hats extremely cute, they are totally in style this summer and will give you added protection against harmful UV rays. They will also keep you cool during scorching beach days while you look extremely stylish and sexy. Having trouble finding the right hat just for you. Check out zappos.com for over 300 styles to match any bathing suit you flaunt in the summer sun! Try this cute hat to the left; not only will the wide brim give you extra protection but hot pink is the color of the season!

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Can You Live With Your Ex?

Now that our guilty pleasure of the summer-The Bachelorette-is over, there is a new show just like it. Season 2 of Bachelor Pad started earlier this week and after just one episode, it sure looks like it is going to be a juicy season. For starters, Vienna and Jake reunite after a not so amicable yet very public break up after she was the winner of season 14 of The Bachelor. Except this time, Vienna is very much involved with Kasey Kahl, a contestant on season 5 of The Bachelorette. With so many hotties under one roof, there is bound to be some juicy scandals and budding romances. However, what will happen with Jake and Vienna? Can you live under the same roof as an ex? If so, for how long? Living with someone you once used to love can only stir up old emotions and create new turmoils and jealous feelings. So, it will definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with these lovers turned enemies living in the same house. What do you think? Have you ever had to live with an ex? How did it turn out?

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Celebrity Check-in

Jennifer Anniston and Justin Theroux

We all watched as this couple slowly took their romance public in June and wondered whether Jen had finally found love after having her heart broken many times, especially after her very public divorce from Brad Pitt after 5 years of marriage. However, it seems like this couple is really sizzling and after just four months together, have been seriously talking about marriage and even starting a family! A close insider said that both Jen and Justin want to start a family sooner rather than later. The couple is moving very fast, but they do seem to have genuine and real feelings for each other? What do you think?

Samantha's Movie Pick-One Day

One Day


Adapted from David Nicholls' international best-selling novel, One Day is a must see movie. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, One Day tells the story of two people who begin a friendship together one day, July 15, 1988, the day of their college graduation. Emma (Hathaway) is a working-class girl filled with ambition while Dexter (Sturgess) is a wealthy flirt who hopes to make the world his playground. For the next 20 years, every July 15 is filled with experiences for both Emma and Dexter that lead to their hardships, heartaches and happiness. As the meaning behind that fateful date is revealed, they learn the truth about life and love. Whether you go see this movie with your best friends or a long-time beau, you will be truly moved. So, be sure to check it out in theatres everywhere this Friday!

Samantha's Dating Tip-Summer Flings can help you get into a real relationship

Whether you want to face the reality of it or not, the summer is almost over. However, that doesn't mean you can't still engage in a fun summer fling that will get you back out into the dating scene! With long nights, steamy days and sun-kissed people everywhere, summer is the best time to have a little fun .Take advantage of these last few weeks and get out there, look sexy and flirt. Sometimes you need a little fun to get your groove back and remember how desired and eligible you really are. Here are a few tips for how to make the most of a summer fling if you decide to have one:

1. Don't take things too seriously. The whole point of a summer fling is to have a fun, laid-back relationship. Remember to think of it as just a fling, fun with no strings attached.  Of course it could turn into something more in the long run but it is extremely important to take things one day at a time.

2. Don't have great expectations. You will stress yourself out if you start forming post-summer expectations surrounding your fling especially in the beginning when you don't even know if you will ever see the person again. If things start to change and both of you start to  feel like you are getting more serious, then definitely talk about it, but in the meantime, avoid putting pressure and a label on your steamy situation.

3. Enjoy yourself. This is the most important rule. The summer fling is about being carefree, not having to worry about the regular rules of dating; when or if he will call, what he's doing or where he is; instead a fling is for you and you alone, for you to have fun and to get your flirty personality again so you can meet "the One" when you are ready. The main goal is for both of you to enjoy yourselves, let loose and try something new. When you least expect it, you might be surprised that your fling could really spring into something else!

Samantha's Style Pick-Who Wears Short Shorts?

The summer is a great time to meet new people and have a fun summer romance that might lead into a real relationship. One of the best ways to get to know someone and spend time with a new special someone is enjoying outdoor activities together in the summer sun. Whether you are taking a stroll in the streets of your neighborhood or hitting the beach, short shorts are essential to summer dating. They allow you to move freely if you are partaking in outdoor activities with a new beau and look sexy without really trying. Having trouble finding the perfect pair? Try Blank NYC jeans. They have shorts in all colors; blue jean denim, khaki and colored denim to really brighten your outfit. Visit your closest Bloomingdales or Lord and Taylor to pick a stylish and sexy new pair today!

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick-Will They Sizzle or Fizzle?

Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz

After seven years together and three years of marriage, Eva Longoria divorced her ex-husband Tony Parker this past January after he had been caught having a "texting affair" with a teammate's wife. Since then, Eva has been moving on with her life and trying to find happiness. Evan has been spotted with Penelope Cruz's brother, Eduardo, and after enjoying an intimate dinner with friends at Chateau Marmont, this couple is nothing but sizzling. They stroked each other's faces and fed each other bites of food. Onlookers said the couple seems truly happy and enjoy each other's company. So far, this couple is hot! Will Eva get her heart broken again or has she finally found someone who truly appreciates her? How long will it last? What do you think? Will this sexy couple continue to sizzle or fizzle out?

Samantha's Beauty Pick-Sexy Summer Hairstyles

When it comes to hair, most women think that men find it the most attractive when women wear their hair down with lots of body and volume. However, in reality, men think one of the sexiest styles is when women tie their hair back in a ponytail. They find it extremely sexy that they can see your neck and collar bones, which are the sexiest bones on your body. In the new film Friends With Benefits, Mila Kunis rocks this sexy and powerful look throughout the entire movie. To get the perfect ponytail like Mila's shown here, first blow out your hair making sure there is extra volume at the crown of your head. Next, decide whether you want to part your hair or wear it straight back, either look is extremely hot. Gather your hair right in the middle of your head; make sure not to secure the ponytail too low otherwise you will lose the volume that makes it so sexy. Finally, add a little bit of hairspray to keep the look in place all night long. Not only will this style keep you cool, your date will think you look hot! To really accentuate your neck and collar bones, pair this sexy summer style with a fun halter-top dress!

Samantha's Celebrity Check-in-The Big Day

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

After only six months together, Kris Humphries got down on one knee and proposed to Kim Kardashian. With Kim's extensive dating history, everyone was eager to see how this couple's relationship would play out. Finally, a date has been set for the couple's much anticipated wedding. Guests recently received their crystal embellished invitations created by Lehr & Black confirming the summer wedding. Kim and Kris plan to celebrate their nuptials with a lavish black tie affair on August 20. Looks like things are going great for this sexy pair and Kim has finally found true love!

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick-Will They Sizzle or Fizzle?

Leighton Meester and Justin Long

The Gossip Girl star and funny guy were first spotted together in May, but now things are really heating up between the two! Sources say they have been spending a lot of time together in the city this summer; after filming, Meester has been spending her off hours at Long's apartment on the lower east side. The couple met in 2010 when Meester had a small role in the romantic comedy, Going the Distance, starring Long and Drew Barrymore, who he dated on and off for many years. Things seem to be going well for the two but how long will it last? What do you think? Will this relationship sizzle or fizzle?

Samantha's Book Pick-Steamy Beach Read

Overbite

Some of you may know Meg Cabot as the author of the Princess Diaries. But this summer, Cabot has a new book that is sizzling on the shelves. Overbite is the second book in Cabot's own vampire series. This steamy story is about Meena Harper, a mortal with the gift of knowing how everyone she meets is going to die. She is hired by a secret demon-seeking unit in the Vatican, along with New York City's most charming and attractive priest. However, Meena doesn't seem to trust him. As she begins to unravel the truth, she discovers her true feelings and the fact that she cannot resist vampires even though she previously swore them off. This book is filled with mystery, suspense and steamy vampire and human sex scenes that make Cabot's newest work a true page turner and the perfect summer read. Make sure to pick up your copy today!

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Can You Love More Than One Person at Once?

Whether you want to admit it or not, reality TV shows make for a great guilty pleasure during the summertime when a lot of shows are on hiatus. One of mine this summer is The Bachelorette and at the moment, all of America, or at least those who are watching it, is anxiously waiting for Ashley Hebert, the newest bachelorette, to give away her final rose in just a couple of weeks. Many sources have confirmed that she walks away from the show engaged, but to whom? She seems to have such a strong connection with all three of the final contestants; Constanine, Ben F, and JP. Is it possible to have such strong feelings for more than one person? It sure seems this way with Ashley as she thoroughly enjoys spending her time with each of the final three men. But, we all remember bachelor Jason who proposed to Melissa, only to take back her ring and reunite with Molly. My question is, is Ashley really in love with one of these men or is she just "in like" with all of them?? Have you ever been in love with more than one person at the same time? What do you think? Who will she choose?

Samantha's Movie Pick-Crazy, Stupid, Love

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Going out to the movies makes a great a date during these scorching summer days. Next week, a romantic comedy starring cutie Ryan Gosling, funny-man Steve Carell, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone makes the perfect date movie. The story is about Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), who seems to be living a perfect life until he finds out his wife, Emily (Julianna Moore), cheated on him and now wants a divorce. Cal then meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a successful player who helps Cal get back on his feet again. But while Jacob is supposed to have all the right answers, he finds himself struggling as he starts to fall in love with Hannah (Emma Stone), the one girl who resists his charm. This movie is all about the ups and downs of love and will have something that everyone can relate to their own crazy love-lives.