Your Happiness Depends on You..

Sometimes being in a relationship can be demanding and we need to take time out just for ourselves and splurge a little. Your relationship with yourself is just as important as your relationship with others. Like most of us between kids and work and taking care of everyone elses needs there is little time left over for our needs and well being. Eventually, when we start neglecting ourselves it not only takes a toll on us but on all of those who love us. It's so important to have "me" time. I know it's hard sometimes but it is always possible.

One of the most relaxing things I do is read. I start at the beginning of the day, and squeeze it in at the end when I don't have time in the mornings. It helps me to get centered and grounded and takes me to a different worlds [which we all need sometimes] Knowledge is powerful, and the more you renew your mind, the more you will see your confidence grow. Daily walks are amazing for refreshing yourself. I, myself sit at a desk most of the day, and by the time I get up, I'm spent. Just a few short walks around the block recharges my batteries every time. I feel new and alive and also get a chance to take in some of the glorious beauty that awaits just outside the door. Make a commitment at least once a week to have a day for yourself. Indulge in a bubble bath, go for a drive with no intended destination. Take yourself to a girl movie.

There are so many things you can do to refresh your body and state of mind. One of my favorite indulgences is new lingerie. You don't have to buy lingerie just for your mate. It's also about how you feel about yourself! Look sexy for you, buy something that helps you to reconnect with your feminine side, and makes you feel good about you. Don't wait for someone else to do nice things for you, do them for yourself instead.

We owe it to ourselves, ladies, to treat ourselves and take care of our needs. If you are interested in volunteering for a great cause, go out and see what you can do to get involved. Take a class in a subject that's always interested you. Make a list, of all things you've been missing and wanting to do and then get to it. Do one thing a week until everything on your list is knocked out. This week I want to highlight one of my favorite lingerie places where you can buy fast and easy online. It's beautiful lingerie, that's totally affordable. Please check out www.princesslingerie.us and let the indulgence begin. Don't hesitate to give yourself the best. After all you deserve it.

Spice Up Any Relationship With the Element of Surprise

One of the most important things in a relationship is the element of surprise. When you have been together for awhile surprises are especially important because as we all know, things can get into a state of routine. You know his next move, he knows your next move and rhythmically you begin to move together. You finish each others sentences, and sometimes you don't have to speak at all-because you already know what your mate is thinking, and if it isn't good, most likely, you aren't speaking at all. A lot of people even schedule when they are going to make trips to the boudoir. I know how it is. Life gets busy- he has his schedule and you have yours. Is this ok? Well it's natural- but really, do we want just ok in life? Is that really what we are looking for? Life is a journey and I submit to you that their is no way you have learned everything there is to know about  the one you love—no matter if it's been 10 or 40 years there is a new and fresh experience waiting around every corner, every day. You just have to seize it! Say good bye to the routine. Familiar is comfort, familiar is nice, it's secure and safe. But when familiar is an every day thing, familiar can be more like stuck. When you become uncomfortable with familiar- then your cozy comfy daily routine, is more like dread and doom. Look, it's really not that hard to step out of the box. You don't have to start with grand gestures but start with the little things. This advice is for the males and the females. You can learn how to cook a new dish, change around a room in your house, [preferably the bedroom] make it hot fresh and new, you spend every night there! I know what your thinking, decorate? Yes, that is the perfect place to start. If your going to make it fresh and new, why not start with your every day surroundings! New dishes, make over for your home- ladies, you may even want to ask your man to help- he'll get exited by your take charge attitude. Don't forget accomplishing something together is just plain sexy! Women, take charge. Don't always assume the responsibility of making plans is the role of the male. Make plans, schedule hikes, picnics in the park, weekend getaways [to some place new preferably]- and one thing that will really catch him by surprise is something I like to call the mystery date. Tell him to mark the date on the calender, plan a nice dinner and then choose an event for after dinner. Blindfold him on the way and don't tell him where he's going- and let the night just be full of surprises. Men you can do this too. Just because she's yours, doesn't mean the courting should stop. Remember when you first started dating how you always put your best foot forward, bought her flowers, took her to art galleries and pampered her with gift certificates for massages? Just because shes yours doesn't mean you stop trying! You have love, it's a gift! Show your appreciation! Make her feel special! Finally, let's talk about the bedroom. Too often the comfort of familiar strikes here and you begin to believe their are no new tricks and you know exactly what they are going to do next. You get right to "it" and get it "over with". It makes me cringe when I hear people say things like this. Making love is about showing the other person how you feel about them. It's about showing the depth of your heart, sharing your soul and opening up on the most intimate level. It is supposed to be beautiful. Take it slow. Remember when you first met how you would kiss for hours and then go home and think about it for days. Start with a kiss, hold each others hands, hug. Don't just jump right to it. Spend a couple of days just loving each other, let it build. I promise, if you take it slow, by the time a few days have passed, when you do finally take the leap, it will be like it was when you first met, and you'll wonder why your always in a hurry to get it over with. Slow down and absorb each other. Wear sexy lingerie underneath your dress ladies.Yes, he knows what you look like underneath, but the prospect of seeing you in lingerie will make him feel like you did it just for him- he will be surprised every time- and don't you want him to be? For more ideas see some of my favorite pieces from my lingerie pics. Men, take your lady to pick out a new cologne and let her choose the scent she likes and then wear every day for a week [at least]. These are just a few ideas of coarse there are many more. Go to your local bookstore and find books with tips on how to be romantic. Get some fresh ideas. Life is to short to be bored. If you are in a relationship that feels stale, that doesn't mean it's over. You just to get up and take charge! Live fully- and remember, love is the greatest gift life gives us. Cherish it.