Friday, December 04, 2009

25 Days of Romance - Day 4



It takes work to come up with a romantic way to spend an evening with your beloved. But no matter how much work it takes, the effort is necessary to keep the fire of your relationship alive. It certainly keeps the relationship interesting and exciting.


How can you spend a romantic evening with your partner? Here are ten ideas that can work towards the two of you having a great romantic evening.

1. Cook dinner together. Whipping up your favorite dishes together and then eating them by candlelight is the staple of all romantic evenings. Great times always involve great food. If the dinner gets burned, it should not be a problem. You can just order fast-food takeout and eat it with the candles alit, all the while laughing at the disaster in your kitchen.

2. Have a bath together. Fill your tub with warm water and mix in a few drops of relaxing aromatherapy oils. If you have flowers available, sprinkle a handful of silk rose petals on the water. Then, soak in and relax and have a pleasant evening talking with each other. You can also sip wine while bathing.

3. Read to each other. If you are both literary types, get the corniest romantic novel that you own and take turns reading passages to each other. It is always hard to read the corny parts aloud with a straight face. Most likely, the two of you will end up laughing over it.

4. Book an overnight stay at an expensive hotel. If you have the money to spend, go and splurge for an evening at a five-star hotel. Eat at a fancy restaurant, do a couples massage, and sleep in a soft bed with luxurious sheets. It may cost some, but it is worth it.

5. Spend the night at a seedy motel. Seedy motels sometimes evoke the sense of forbidden, illicit affairs. These affairs can be exciting, but what is good about this one is that you are committing it with someone you are actually dating with or married to. We have the perfect gift basket for this trip!!

6. Walk at the beach. If you live near the sea or a lake, go out and walk barefoot by the shore. Talk about nothing and everything as you stroll hand in hand on the sand. If the weather is warm enough, go for a night swim, but be careful about it. The beach can be romantic indeed.

7. Go out dancing. Go to a local disco, jazz hall or dance club and spend the evening dancing. There is nothing more romantic than being able to hold the one you love close to you.

8. Do something new. The beauty of romance is tied closely to adventure. For a romantic evening, do something that the two of you have never done before. Go to a restaurant in a section of town that you do not normally go to or engage in an activity that you have not done yet.

9. Watch the stars. If you have a balcony, a terrace or a patio, spend some time lounging out there and watching the stars. It would be better if you have a telescope around.

10. Do nothing. Sometimes, just hanging out and just going with the flow is the

best way to spend a romantic evening. Let everything be spontaneous and see where it gets you. -
Keep a romantic gift basket at hand for anytime you feel the mood arise!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

25 Days of Romance - Day 3

Consider treating your lover to a special surprise. This year entice her with the warmth and relaxation of a luxurious and sensual bubble bath. Of course, this shouldn't be just any bubble bath. This should be a bubble bath with you. She will simply adore the intimacy and romance that is offered to her. Additionally, there are many things that you can do to make the event more special for her.

Creating the Mood

Creating the right environment for your bubble bath fun is going to be vital. While you are going to have to be in the bathroom that is not to say that you can not transform your bathroom into a magical place for her for just one night. Consider making use of the following items:



Candles (Place them along the tub, on the sink, and or in other safe areas around the room)
Roses/Flower Petals (Resting in vases around the room and or in the bath water with the bubbles)
Music (Choose her favorite romantic music for the evening)
Champagne Wine (Use your best crystal champagne flute to offer her a glass of bubbly)
High Quality Bubble Bath (The event is a bubble bath after all, so make sure you are using the best bubbles you can find in a scent that she loves)

This will create a wonderfully sexy environment for your bath time activity. For best results, have the room completely transformed into this small paradise when she walks in. The bath and everything should be prepared so when she walks in it is only a matter of slipping into the tub.

Beginning the Bath

Once the mood has been set it is time to bring your lover into the bathroom for her bath. If you want to make an impression, take a few minutes to kiss her and tell her your feelings of her. While doing this you can undress her and lead her into the bathroom for her relaxing soak in the tub. Get her initial reaction before saying anything. Lead her to the tub and help her to step into the tub before doing anything yourself. You might find that in the beginning you'd rather stay outside the tub so that you can wash her or that you'd rather let her enjoy the tub while you remain on dryer land.

Bath Time Enhancements

If you're looking to have some fun while your lover enjoys her bath you could easily add some enhancements that will be sure to please her. She will love the thoughtfulness of the gesture because she will not only enjoy the pleasure you give her with these enhancements, she will also be able to use them herself whenever the mood strikes her. You also might want to consider a nice piece of lingerie for when the bath time excitement is over. Something nice to slip into will make her feel sexy and will give you the enjoyment of having something to remove later.

Be creative, have fun, and most of all, make her feel special. Good Luck.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

25 Days of Romance - Day 2

Communicate to find more romance.

Thats right - communication plays a very important part in creating or keeping romance alive. I'm sure we have all been there - we sit and look at our mate and have absolutely nothing to talk about! It's not that we don't love them - we just don't communicate anymore.

Think about how many times a day you converse with your mate? This might be via cell phone texting, e-mailing, the telephone itself or in face to face sharing with one another.

What is the usual energy behind your communicating? Does it tend to bored or “same old, same old”? If so, that dulled energy can begin to seep into your relationship leaving either or both of you wanting more.

It doesn't matter what you are talking with your partner about. What is perhaps most important is how you are communicating. When your energy and engagement with one another are filled with passion and excitement, you can connect in ways that bring you even closer together and keep your spark strong.

My advice - try playing a romantic game! Now I know it sounds silly - and you say - I'm too old for that No you are not! Romance can be achieved by getting to know your lover. Games help, and there are alot of them to choose from.
Stay tuned for more tomorrow ..........

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

25 Days of Romance


Today we are going to start a daily series. I believe you can achieve romance with the little things, so that is what we are going to concentrate on. Whether you are in a new relationship or an old one, you need romance! Guys, don't forget this. Us girls love the little things you do for us without asking, the tiny thoughtful gifts. And we love to be romanced.

So today, day one, we are going to talk about what you can do behind the scenes to get prepared for that romantic evening. It does not matter if you are man or woman, you can use the same idea. Start thinking about what your lover likes. Favorite colors, flavors, scents. Write them down.

Now comes the fun part. Start looking at scented lotions, flavored body dust, and other items that will create some fun. We have a great assortment on our website at Romance 365.

Don't worry, this is just a start. We are going to be talking about other things you can do and we will be recommending some products as the month progresses.

Happy Romancing!!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Fun & Interesting Ideas for Rose Petals

If there's one thing you must have in your romance kit, it's silk rose petals. They can be used over and over again and in many different ways to increase the romance in any intimate setting or during any romantic occasion.

Here are more romantic ideas for silk rose petals than you ever thought you'd want to know. Some are traditional and some are surprisingly fresh. But all are very romantic and sure to add passion to your romantic encounters.


• Spray silk rose petals with your favorite fragrance and put them in dresser drawers.

• Sprinkle silk rose petals in his tool box to seduce him.

• Put a few silk rose petals in a love letter, romantic birthday card, or anniversary card to create a cascade when it's opened.

• Toss silk rose petals on any table or counter top and add a few votive candles for romantic ambiance.

• Mix them with potpourri for a beautiful floral look.

• Hide red silk rose petals on the ceiling fan blades, your love will be showered with them when the fan is turned on.

• Make sure to grab your petals if you're going to be spending the night in a hotel.

• Scatter a path from the front door to the bedroom to lure your love just where you want.

• Put a few in the book or magazine your love is reading.

• Toss them on a picnic blanket for a romantic afternoon outdoors.

• Use the good china, light some candles and sprinkle a few petals on the table for a romantic dinner at home.

• Whether indoors or out, litter the area around the fire place with silk rose petals and roast marshmallows together.

• Strew them on the bed for an intimate evening together.

• Fill a wine bucket with beautiful rose petals and a bottle of wine.

• Spell a message with the petals such as, "I love You."

• Write a special message or sweet nothings on the petals, be as naughty or nice as you want.

• Slip a couple in his pant or coat pocket. Slip a few in her purse.

• Floating silk rose petals. Float them in a fountain.

• Lay them in an outline of a heart or fill it in with more petals to make a solid heart.

• Accent your love's desk with your lovely rose petals.

• Use the silk rose petals as filler for gifts and packages for your love.

• Make a path on the side walk with the petals.

• For a luxurious bath, float them in the tub, don't forget to sprinkle them around the top edge of the tub also.

• Strategically cover your intimate areas with silk rose petals while on the bed, invite your love to join you.
• Float them in the swimming pool, don't forget to scatter them around the pool as well.

• Sprinkle them on the bathroom counter or dresser top.

• After turning the jets off to the hot tub, float some rose petals there.

• Litter your love's car with the petals.

• Plant a few silk rose petals on the dresser with his change or in the cash section of his wallet.

• Send a special invitation for a romantic evening with a few rose petals inside.

• Add some to a bowl with floating candles.

• When planning a romantic getaway, surprise your love by decorating a small area with rose petals and brochures to your destination.

• Send your love an envelope full of rose petals with little messages wrote on the petals or a note saying, "I'm sending you all my love."

• Hide silk rose petals in your loves suitcase when taking a trip together.

• Put some in your pocket so you can toss on the table when eating out.

• Sprinkle them on the floor, turn the radio on and ask your love to dance.

• Use silk rose petals to lead the way on a romantic treasure hunt.

• Put them in a bottle with a passionate message, cork it and float it in the tub, sink or pool.

• Hide them under things your love is sure to move, like under a bath towel or dinner plate. When it's picked up your love will be pleasantly surprised.

• Sprinkle them in your love's lunchbox for a midday surprise.

• Fill your love's shoes with beautifully scented silk rose petals.

• Put "Romeo's Playbook: A Man's Guide for Enhancing His Relationship and Sex Life," and some new lingerie in a box, then fill with rose petals, and give it to him. Be sure to model the lingerie for him that evening.

• If you're going to be on bended knee to propose, just before you go down, pull rose petals from your pocket and sprinkle them on the spot.

• Throw them up in the air like confetti and profess your love.

• Decorate a paper bag and fasten it up like a piñata so when you gently pull the string a flap opens. Fill with silk rose petals. While standing under it, kiss your love and pull the sting. Love will shower down on you.

• Make them into love coupons, write things such as "massage feet," or "breakfast in bed," on the petals, place them into a bag and take turns pulling and redeeming the petals.

• Sprinkle silk rose petals around the lawn chairs or hammock when spending a lazy day together.

No matter which ideas you decide to use, you are sure to make a wonderful impression with rose petals.

For more love tips and romantic ideas, see our other romantic advice pages written by our very own romance expert.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Valentine Breakfast in Bed

So you've just woken up with your sweetheart beside you and you're feeling great. But don't get complacent: you've probably got lethal morning breath and your sweetie is about to start regretting that little slumber party. You'll want to quash any second thoughts right away. What's the best way to do that? Bust out the a.m. culinary skills, baby! Nothing impresses a date like a wonderful touch in the kitchen. If you've gotten your special someone to spend the night, then we know you'll have given some thought to the morning after - so don't screw things up now by throwing a donut at your honey and telling him/her, "Sure, I'll call."

Order a romantic Gift Basket in Advance

The prospect of cooking up some goodies in the kitchen can trigger a little panic, but let us reassure you: you can keep this as simple as you like or you can bring out the big guns. It's up to you. Adjust your efforts in relation to your need to impress. For all of the following suggestions, you're going to need to slip out of bed first to go and round up the goodies (don't forget to dress yourself, though!). Just tell your honey to keep sleeping and that you'll be back in a second. Of course, to make this work most smoothly, you should get your act together in advance. Start by Ordering a romantic Gift Basket in Advance. That means you're either going to have to evaluate with complete honesty your ability to bed this person, or you're just going to have to be prepared to eat alone, albeit very well, the next morning.

In addition to stockpiling ingredients in advance, you're going to need a certain amount of hardware to pull this off convincingly. That includes pots and pans, of course, but aside from the cookware, you'll need a stylish tray to transport the meal to your lovers mouth. No matter how delectable your food may be, carrying it into the bedroom on an old pizza box just ain't going to cut it so be sure to acquire a decent tray. Ideally, you'll be able to find one with legs that fold down to create a little table over the diner's lap.

On that tray, you really need only one extra: a bud vase and/or a beautiful gift basket - we recommend a rose. Again, buy the rose and the basket in advance unless you happen to have some lying about in your kitchen, then store it in your fridge with the stem in water. The cold will prevent the rose from opening up, and the aesthetic of a tight bud is much preferred by those in the know.

Order a romantic Gift Basket in Advance

So, with the decorations arranged, you will of course still need some basic eating utensils: cutlery and plates. You're not hosting English royalty here, so don't obsess about this - just make sure they are clean. Remnants of your last breakfast snuggle may not impress your love. For your drinks, let's try to find some champagne flutes. The only other thing you'll need is a napkin, to minimize the inevitable spills that result from eating in bed. . . and from the cavorting about you may do afterwards. Try to make the napkin a cloth one; in a pinch, a piece of paper towel will have to do but wood pulp products are just inherently tacky.

You may not always be able to fool your date into snoozing for the entire time that it will take you to concoct your ambrosia, so you may need to bring him or her appeasements while you finish preparing the main course. We suggest a few delicious snacks to hold him/her over while you work on the grand prix. Of course, if your "guest" has behaved him/herself during your preparation, you can simply bring in these snacks together with the main breakfast dish when it's ready. Each of our recommendations is fairly light, and you should avoid foisting a huge dose of anything on your amour this early in the morning. Bloated does not equal frisky.

Nutella
The Euros have really struck gold with this stuff. Nutella is a creamy chocolate spread flavored with hazelnuts. If you think it looks alarmingly like vegemite or you've just never heard of it, relax and trust us - the stuff is absolutely delicious and you cannot go wrong with it. Chocolate is the number one food for love, so you'll want to introduce some into the meal as soon as possible. We recommend buying some French or Italian loaves, preferably ones that are fresh and can be torn apart. Simply tear off a small clump of bread and spread a generous dollop of Nutella on it. That's it.

So how do you prepare this for your date? Tear off enough two-inch-squared pieces of bread to cover a regular dinner plate. Then spread a liberal dose of the Nutella over each one. If your target is hankering for some food immediately, just escort these goods into the boudoir while you're working on the rest of the meal. Otherwise, toss this plate on to your tray and hold it all for one grand presentation. Nutella is one of those curious things that is truly amazing but hasn't yet exploded across America. Why don't you be the first to introduce your amour to it? You're sure to create a fond memory.

Strawberries & Cream
How can you go wrong with these? Everybody living outside of a plastic bubble loves strawberries and cream, and you can't find many more snacks that are so simple to prepare. Let's start with the fruit. Like the rest of your ingredients, you should buy them the day before, then throw them in the fridge. For the purpose of feeding each other strawberries, you should keep them intact rather than slicing them up. That doesn't mean that you do not have to prepare them, however. In fact, although this is an easy snack to whip up, preparing strawberries does involve a few minutes of work. Either the night before or immediately before serving, rinse the strawberries to remove any possible nasties from them. Now take a knife and decapitate the little tuft of green vegetation at the top of each strawberry. It's not edible, trust us. Once the fruit is rinsed and shorn, it's ready.

Next, the cream. You can take one of two routes: either bust out the can of Readiwhip and just squirt away or make some decent stuff. The decent stuff is known formally as chantilly cream. Here's what you'll need to make it:

1 cup of whipping cream
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a bowl, whip the chilled cream until it stiffens up from a liquid into little peaks. Next, add the vanilla and powdered sugar slowly while you continue beating the cream. Voila!

You can serve this mix in a simple bowl, though it looks best in glass-stemmed dishes. Just fill the bowl with strawberries and top it off with sinful amounts of the cream. The idea here is for you to transport berries to target's mouth with your own fingers.

Pastries
Okay, this is the one for when you just don't have any time. You're going to need to hit a bakery to grab a few goodies, but freshness is key with baked goods, so if you take this tack, try to pull it off as soon as possible before the meal. Here's what to ask for: pain au chocolate (known roughly in this country as chocolate croissants). Again, notice the chocolate theme. These goodies are a staple morning snack in Frenchish-speaking regions of the world - Quebec, Switzerland, France but despite that, they really are delicious. Keep it simple: buy two or three and just arrange them on a plate. If you like, you can sprinkle a little flour around your face and clothes to make it look like you slaved away at baking. Done!

Order a romantic Gift Basket in Advance


French ToastScrambled Eggs
Enough stalling, let's get to the real prize. Remember: breakfast is not dinner, so you don't need four courses or anything like that. Aside from the aforementioned snacks, which are not critical, all you need is one decent plate of food. Hell, showing up with a banana in your hand will probably be more than your date expects. But let's not be rude. We're going to offer you two basic choices here - one is sweet (French toast) and the other is savory (scrambled eggs).

French Toast
This dish is a classic for anyone who likes to kick off the day with a slightly sweeter flavor. And the best thing about this one is that the finished product looks quite complex even though it is really basic to cook.
Ingredients
1 baguette (fancy bread)
6 eggs
4 tablespoons of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of butter (and a few extra slices to put on top when you're done)
1 handful of corn flakes
some powdered sugar, if that floats your boat

That's it! Some people fancy it up with other bits and pieces, but we'll keep it simple.
Slice the baguette into thin little ovals of bread, to a thickness of about a quarter of an inch. It's important not to use slices of bread that are too thick, otherwise you won't cook the interior which will lead to a soggy egg center - foul.

Crack the eggs into a bowl and mix them vigorously with a fork.
Into the eggs, add four tablespoons of maple syrup and keep mixing; this will sweeten the overall flavor of the dish, but not too much. When you serve it, you can, of course, add more syrup to your liking.

Take a small handful of corn flakes and crumble them up into small pieces and drop them into the egg-syrup mix. Weird, right? But trust us, the corn flakes give the finished product a great crispy texture that is a great solution to the problem of soggy toast.Now that the eggs are ready and you have your bread sliced, it's time to combine them.

Simply drop the pieces of bread into the egg mix, and leave them to soak up the eggs for five minutes or so. You want the egg mixture to permeate the bread entirely.
As the bread is soaking, melt a tablespoon of butter into a frying pan.

When the butter has melted, drop pieces of soaked bread into the pan.
Now all you need to do is heat the bread through to a dark golden brown on both sides. Be sure you leave the bread in the pan for a while, even if you darken it quickly because you want to make sure that the egg mixture on the inside of the bread is also cooked. Trust us, nothing is grosser than biting into a soggy egg mix. This is why we recommend slicing the bread a little thinner.

Once the slices of bread are ready, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to blot up any excess butter.

While they're still warm, transfer them to a plate, and put a few dollops of butter on the slices.
You're ready to serve! We like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar and some syrup on the toast, but since people feel differently about those things, we suggest you ask your dining companion first.

Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs involve many of the same ingredients as French toast, but the tenor of the dish is much more savory. So ditch the sugar and syrup. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients
6 eggs
a few pinches of salt
a few pinches of pepper
½ cup of milk
butter
a few drops of Tabasco sauce
bread
5 sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
½ cup of feta cheese (optional)

So here we go with our home-style cookin', just like Mama used to make:
Begin by cracking the eggs into a bowl and beating them with a fork or a whisk.
Next, add a few pinches of salt and pepper and a few drops of Tabasco, mixing all the while. Now, there are different schools of thought on the milk thing. Some people like to add a few splashes of milk (half a cup) to reduce the eggy taste of the dish, but we think that milk can sometimes make the dish a little watery. We highly recommend that you experiment with this dish; do not try this out for the very first time on your plaything.That brings us to the sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese issue. We love these ingredients and they will definitely make your dish distinctive and memorable. But some people aren't so keen on their strong flavors. So if you're scrapin' up the scrambled eggs unannounced for your sweetheart, you may not want to take this risk. Perhaps you can cook conservatively the first time and save the fireworks for the next time around. If you do decide to get crazy, you should crumble half a cup of feta into the egg mix together with five diced sun-dried tomatoes.

Once the eggs and companion ingredients have been thoroughly whisked, you should begin heating the pan.

Drop a tablespoon of butter into a pan.
When the butter is melted, pour the egg mixture into the pan. We strongly recommend that you keep the pan on a low flame because scrambled eggs are notorious for sticking to the pan.
As the eggs heat through, you'll see some fascinating exothermic reactions at work: the eggs cook in layers that you should occasionally scrape from the bottom of the pan, to allow uncooked mixture access to the heat. But be gentle and you'll be very grateful if you use a non-stick pan. Again, this takes a bit of a deft touch, so you may want to practice in advance.The eggs will be done when they have solidified up into nuggets of cooked clumps. Some people like their eggs a little runnier and others are into a drier version - the conservative way to go is to keep it dry. So keep cooking until there's no liquid egg left and your nuggets are golden brown.
Serve the eggs on top of buttered slices of bread and sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper. You're done!

Order a romantic Gift Basket in Advance

With all this food about, you're going to need something to quench your thirst. As we hinted earlier, we think that mimosas are the best romantic breakfast drinks. The fact that they are alcoholic is an added benefit that will, hopefully, work to prolong the romance of your date. Mimosas are very simple to make:

Ingredients
champagne
orange juice

Pre-meal preparation: you should chill both ingredients, but remember that it's just not good form to toss ice cubes into this mix.

Fill a champagne flute half-way with orange juice and top it off with champagne for a fifty-fifty mix.
That's it!

So you have your snacks (Nutella, strawberries, or pastries), your main dish (French toast or scrambled eggs), and libations (the mimosas) all arranged on a lovely tray with a heartwarming rose. Show up in the bedroom with this package and we guarantee you tremendous success. . . in whatever it is you're trying to do. Just don't take two hours to pull it off.

Don't forget - Order a romantic Gift Basket in Advance

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Have a Romantic Christmas with your Partner


Romance during the holidays

Holiday season is, of course, about connecting with your friends and family, and spoiling the kids with gifts, but do not forget that special man or woman in your life. This article provides tips on how to have a romantic holiday season with your partner.
In Japan, for reasons difficult to understand, Christmas eve is a romantic holiday, such as Valentine is for us. Maybe the Japanese thought that when we refer to Christmas as a time of love it meant romance. Well let’s borrow something from the Japanese and make Christmas also as a romantic holiday besides everything else.
For couples with kids, Christmas is about the kids and often they forget to do something special for themselves. For couples without kids, the holiday becomes a time of friendship and family, which, of course, is great.
In addition to all of that, we can also have some special time as a couple.
Making Christmas special
There are many ways to celebrate romance, and we all like romance even when it is difficult to imagine amidst the many problems and challenges of life. Christmas is more than decorations and gifts, and no doubt, it a matter of unleashing the forgotten inner child. It is a time to feel, remember, and celebrate. Consequently more than anything else, it is the mindset of celebration that counts.
The most important thing is to move away from the routine and put our minds in the celebration mode.
Let's celebrate the holidays
Now that our minds are set for celebration, let your imagination run free and think what can you do with your loved one to have a special time only for the two of you. There are many activities that couples can do depending on their preferences and let us review a few ideas:
Be a child again. Would you and you loved one like to go skating? And then have a romantic dinner?
Would you like to have a special night in a hotel even if it is in your own city?
What about a romantic dinner at home or in a hotel room with champagne, chocolate, and caviar? It is not as expensive as it sounds and certainly it is grandiose. Many hotels offer packages for couples and those are generally a bargain.

Plus, if you know you are not driving after dinner, you can truly enjoy that extra glass of champagne. Intimate spa for the two of you.
Get a romantic massage gift basket with all the products you need at hand. Then both of you exchange massages in a romantic environment with candles and great music (it does not need to be spa music)
What about dancing and going on a "date"? Or just admire the stars in a dark place while enjoying a cup of hot, high quality chocolate. You don't have to be single to go on a date. There is nothing better than dating your partner.
Wherever you go, dress your best. Do your hair, feel beautiful and use great lingerie. Remember you are celebrating; celebrating Christmas and celebrating your love for each other. Romantic gifts
The most beautiful gift that I got from my husband was a very simple, but a very special one. It was a simple inexpensive gift basket filled with lotions and oils that we both used that evening. There have been a lot of more expensive gift after that one, but few as special. Romantic gifts come from the time and interest you put into them; not from the amount of money you spend.

Related Items of Interest:

Romantic Anniversary Gift Basket
Romantic Evening Gift Basket
Romantic Bath Gift Basket
Romantic Massage Gift Basket
Love and Romance Gift Basket
Romantic Honeymoon Gift Basket
Erotic Nights Gift Basket


Romantic Valentine Gift Basket
Romantic Birthday for Him Basket
Romantic Birthday for Her Basket
Kama Sutra Gift Basket
Romantic Edible Gift Basket
Romantic Christmas Basket
Bridal Shower Gift Basket

Kama Sutra Massage Oil
Kama Sutra Bedside Box
Kama Sutra Game
Kama Sutra Gift Tin
Kama Sutra Honey Dust
Kama Sutra Lover's Paint Box
Kama Sutra Massage Cream
Kama Sutra Pleasure Balm
Kama Sutra Treasures of the Sea
Kama Sutra Weekender Kit
Kama Sutra Treasure Trove
Kama Sutra Oil of Love
Kama Sutra Lubricants
Kama Sutra Love Essentials


Resources Blogs - Blog Top Sites

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Get Ready for the Most Romantic Holiday Ever with Gift Baskets!

Tired of giving the same gifts every year to your lover, husband, wife or partner? Consider a romantic gift or romantic gift basket!! We offer only the finest quality products in our romantic gift baskets, including Kama Sutra products, top of the line romantic games, lotions, etc.

View samples of our romantic gift baskets below:


Romantic Anniversary Gift Basket


Romantic Evening Gift Basket

Romantic Bath Gift Basket

Romantic Massage Gift Basket

Love and Romance Gift Basket

Romantic Honeymoon Gift Basket

Erotic Nights Gift Basket

Romantic Valentine Gift Basket

Romantic Birthday for Him Basket

Romantic Birthday for Her Basket

Kama Sutra Gift Basket

Romantic Edible Gift Basket

Romantic Christmas Basket

Bridal Shower Gift Basket

Why purchase a romantic gift basket? The most important thing in giving a basket is to make sure the basket is filled with things that the recipients will love. Remember, this is a statement of your love. The more that you know your recipients, the more able you will be to give a romantic gift basket they are sure to adore. Happy shopping.

Friday, December 23, 2005

How to Write a Love Note

Just in time for the Holidays, we are publishing our article on Love Notes. Consider adding one of these to a Romantic Gift Basket and your lover will thank you in all kinds of fun ways.

If you've never written a love letter, it's about time you did. It's the easiest, most inexpensive way to tell your honey you love him or her. Think about the payoff -- for the cost of a card and postage, you'll get love, kisses... and possibly a little lovin!!

Step One: Selecting It
A love note can be drafted on anything made from paper. Be creative! Or try some of these tried-and-true ideas:

Valentine's Day Card: This one is a no-brainer. Go to the card store and pick out a card that will delight your honey. Does she love kittens? Is he gaga for goofiness? HallmarkTM and a dozen other companies have the perfect card for every taste.

Blank Art Card: Select an image that will appeal to him or her and spend a few minutes writing something sweet. The artistic exterior will appeal to his or her whimsy and the blank interior will give you the opportunity to be creative.

Stationery: Use a piece of pretty paper or two as the canvas for your words! Having an unlimited amount of room can help you free your creativity, letting you ramble on for pages with words of love. Trust us -- your sweetie won't mind a five-page love letter!

Construction Paper: Use a piece of heavy construction paper to create your own card. Cut out hearts and other shapes and trim an artistic edge.

Drawing Paper: Use crayons, markers or colored pencils to draw a picture for your sweetie, something he or she will treasure forever for its "inner child" value.

Now that you've picked your medium, the next step is writing your letter.

Step Two: Writing It
As in most artistic endeavors, the medium often shapes the message. The type of card or letter you selected in Step One will determine which of the following notes you'll send:

Short Note: Best for a simple card, a short note doesn't need to merely read, "love, me." Even if you only have room for a few sentences, make the most of it. Think about what your sweetie would most like to hear...a declaration of love? A reminder that he or she is the only one for you? A marriage proposal? A little effort will get you a long way!

Long Note: If you have room to write a few paragraphs, you can really pluck your lover's heartstrings with some well-thought-out words. We recommend drafting a few copies before settling on just the right combination of endearments. Tell your honey what you love most about him or her, your favorite thing he or she does, the depth of your love, plans for the future...you have room for it all!

Letter: If you really want to bare your heart, write your partner a long love letter. Sit down in a quiet spot with a pen, some paper and some romantic music. Don't worry about how to start, what to write, or how to finish -- just let your creativity start flowing and write whatever comes to you. Your partner will appreciate hearing your deepest thoughts!

Drawing: Stumped for what to say? Draw a picture! It doesn't have to be art and it doesn't have to be perfect. Grab some crayons and draw a big heart, a bunch of flowers, or a tidy little house with puffy clouds and a tree. Finish off the picture by writing a few simple words of love...and don't forget to sign it with XOXOXOXOXO!

Once your love note is written, it's time to move on to the next step: sending your love letter.

Step Three: Sending It
You might think that sending a love letter is as easy as dropping it in the mailbox or leaving it on the kitchen table, but a little effort can help your love letter really "say" something! Try these creative tips:

Romantic Stamp: If you're sending a love letter to a long-distance lover, make the stamp as romantic as the card. Select a pretty Valentine's Day-themed stamp at the Post Office and turn it upside down! An inverted stamp has long been "postal code" for "I love you."

Secret Message: Instead of leaving your billet-doux on the kitchen table, slip it in your lover's lunch, briefcase or purse, where he or she will find it sometime during the day. Imagine your sweetie's delight when he or she sees the special surprise you left!

Turn-down Service: Like fancy hotels, where you receive a mint when the maid turns down your bed for the night, your love note can inspire sweet dreams. When your sweetie is in the shower or doing last-minute before-bed chores, place your love letter and a single rose on his or her pillow. Your lover will flip for this romantic gesture!

Simple Sincerity: If you're feeling traditional, try this approach: sit your lover down, look him or her in the eye, and tell your honey you've written something special for him or her. Then hand your lover the note you've written and ready yourself for a big kiss!

Now that you know how to create the perfect love letter, get out there and get writing! Even if you don't have the time, money or energy to make a larger gesture of love, a sweet little note will let your sweetheart know how much you love him or her. What's not to love about this simple plan?

Related Items of Interest:

Romantic Anniversary Gift Basket
Romantic Evening Gift Basket
Romantic Bath Gift Basket
Romantic Massage Gift Basket
Love and Romance Gift Basket
Romantic Honeymoon Gift Basket
Erotic Nights Gift Basket


Romantic Valentine Gift Basket
Romantic Birthday for Him Basket
Romantic Birthday for Her Basket
Kama Sutra Gift Basket
Romantic Edible Gift Basket
Romantic Christmas Basket
Bridal Shower Gift Basket

Other Articles of Interest:
How to Take a Sensual Bath
How to Give a Sensual Massage
Refresh your Relationship
Keep Your Romance Alive

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Giving Him Oral Pleasure: How to Do and Enjoy It

Fellatio, giving head, and going down on a guy all mean the same thing. Learning how to be an oral sex expert takes time and practice, as you'll need to find your personal comfort zone.

First, decide that you are willing to become an able participant. Liking this act is critical to performing your tasks with pizzazz. Even the slightest revulsion will be transmitted directly to his waiting member, and can kill the loveliness of the event.

Next, make sure that your man is fresh, clean and appealing before you get down to business. Varying your tongue and mouth positions, styles and techniques will help you find the perfect touch for his, and hopefully your, enjoyment. Oral sex is a skilled activity and an art form. The key is to like what you are doing, feel comfortable and confident, and make this a journey of pleasure for both of you. Using flavored lubricants such as cinnamon "Hot Stuff," whipped cream or chocolate syrup can add fun and zest to your experience. Licking the shaft as well as the head (corona) of the penis, along with using your hands on the (lubricated) skin around his manhood, will enhance the experience as well.

Great that you are willing to jump out of the old mold and join the ranks of the sexually courageous. Yes, it does take courage and some sound ideas for breaking your own patterns to become skilled at something you have never done before. But with some new input and a little guidance from your lover, you will reach your new sexual goal easily.

There are two tricks about giving oral pleasure to a man:

You have to feel confident and skilled at what you do, and

You will find it most successful when you, the giver, find pleasure in your actions.

For some women the concept of actually enjoying giving oral sex to a man is strange, but once you allow your mind to eroticize giving pleasure as a way to sexually stimulate yourself, you will never want to stop. Okay, maybe it is a bit too enthusiastic, but it's true that most women who do not enjoy fellatio (oral sex on a man) have not tuned in to their own pleasure receptors and, therefore, miss the feelings of arousal that so often emerge during this sexual connection.

Before you start with your lover, you can also practice.
Using a penis-shaped sex toy (yes, a banana will work too), you can gain self-confidence and test some tricks and strategies using a variety of strokes and pressures.

After a few secret sessions alone, you will feel more at ease doing it for real on your husband.

Lastly, be sure to ask the expert who goes to sleep right next to you at night (your husband, of course) to find out what exactly he likes so that you can truly enjoy turning him - and you - on.

Foreplay for Men

Often a man is stimulated sexually by what he sees -- men tend to respond to visuals, while women tend to respond more to what they hear and feel. That said, some men do need to be touched or cajoled into action more directly. The first and basic rule is to ask. Ask him what he likes, needs and wants as a turn-on. Try doing this at a quiet, intimate time (but not necessarily in the bedroom). For example, you might initiate a discussion over coffee about what each of you finds to be a turn-on. If your man needs to be touched, then any form of gentle, careful and caring caressing of his genitals, and even his nipples, should do the trick. You can do this with your hands, of course, but you can also use your mouth or even your breasts. Believe me, it will work.

Monday, May 16, 2005

New study on female sexuality reveals increased use of sexual aids by women

The use of sexual aids and devices is often a sensitive and embarrassing topic for women, but a new landmark study on sexual aid usage conducted by the Berman Center and funded by an unrestricted educational grant may help change women's acceptance of sexual aids and their ability to talk more openly about use of sexual aids with their spouses, partners, and friends.

The research was unveiled in Chicago on September 11, 2004 at the second annual Women's Sexual Health State-of-the-Art Series conference in conjunction with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. This Continuing Medical Education program is one of the largest-ever gatherings of physicians on the topic of women's sexual health.

The study is entitled The Health Benefits of Sexual Aids & Devices: A Comprehensive Study of their Relationship to Satisfaction and Quality of Life and is one of the first to explore women's use of sexual devices and bring the topic of sexual device use "out of the closet" and into the realm of normal behavior. Knowledge Networks conducted the study by mail with a random national sample of 2,594 women, in the age range of 18 to 60, from March 5 to April 5, 2004.

The purpose of the research was threefold:

* to produce an academic study in an underreported and emerging area of interest in women's sexuality,
* to determine the instance of use of sexual aids and devices,
* to identify women's attitudes toward such aids and devices and their role in overall health and well-being.

Among the more remarkable findings from the study is the prevalence of sexual device usage. One in five women uses self-stimulation at least once a week, which would equate to more than 17.5 million women nationwide. Of the women that use self-stimulation, nearly 60 percent currently use a sexual device to do so. The research indicates that, in all, 44 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 60 have used a sexual device.

Based on the study results, the author suggests a connection between the use of sexual aids and devices with overall quality of life. Women who use sexual devices report experiencing higher levels of sexual function and satisfaction with their partners than non-users. This includes higher levels of sexual desire and arousal as well as less pain during and after intercourse. Sexual device users also find it easier to reach orgasm when compared to non-users, who tend to have moderate success. With these findings, we can safely suggest that all of these characteristics were significantly correlated with higher levels of quality of life in the respondents.

In addition, the study also reveals that women overwhelmingly believe that using a sensual enhancement product is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, nine out of 10 study participants report being comfortable talking to their partners about their sexual device use. Most women view sexual devices as a complement to their sexual relationships and not a substitute for their partner.

Despite a popular misconception, it is women who are in relationships -- not singles -- who are most likely to use a sexual aid. Of the study participants, 78 percent of women who use or have used a sexual device were in a relationship. Of the women who were most likely to use a self stimulation device, 43 percent were living with their partners, but not married; and 35 percent were in a relationship, but not living together.

"The research findings only confirm what we have been telling couples for years," said renowned sex therapist and educator Dr. Laura Berman, who is also director of the Berman Center in Chicago. "Using sexual aids and devices is a normal and healthy part of life, but it is clear that we still have a long way to go. Many women don't know what's right for them, where to find sexual aids, or how to use them. In my practice, I educate women about sexual aids and prescribe devices tailored to their individual needs."

The study findings indicate that approximately 75 percent of women purchase sexual aids and devices at specialty stores, although an increasing number of women are opting for the privacy and safety offered by Web-based stores.
The study found that top reasons women purchase sensual products online were:

* Anonymity - 80 percent (of respondents)
* Convenience - 75 percent Less
* Embarrassing - 71 percent
* Ability to Take One's Time - 64 percent Larger
* Selection - 42 percent

More and more women and couples today are choosing to shop online because of the convenience, selection, and most importantly, privacy. Over 70 percent of our customers are women, and sales in our store are up 34 percent year-after-year. This trend, combined with the important findings in this latest research, suggests we are only in the infancy of a new sexual awakening for women.

Products of Interest:
Rabbit Pearl Vibrator

Friday, April 29, 2005

Celebrating Great Moms

Mom,

You've seen me grow through the years. All the sleepless nights just to wipe a tear from my innocent face. All the love and care you put into every warm bottle or hot meal I ever ate. We shared in our moment of tears together, when I cut myself for the first time to when I rode my bike and took a nasty spill... there was always a caring, kind face that could always make things better. That was Mom.

When I became ill, you were the one that would sit by my side until I could tackle the world once more. When I gave something my all and wanted to quit who was there with words of encouragement. Mom was.

You believed in me. You made me realize what can be done if you set your mind to it. How great of a person I am...just like my Mom.

As we get older we tend to forget what our Mom had done for us. So before you get on the bus or in a car, tell you mom how great you think you are. Because of your Mom.

When I became ill, you were the one that would sit by my side until I could tackle the world once more. When I gave something my all and wanted to quit who was there with words of encouragement. Mom was.

You believed in me. You made me realize what can be done if you set your mind to it. How great of a person I am...just like my Mom.

As we get older we tend to forget what our Mom had done for us. So before you get on the bus or in a car, tell you mom how great you think you are. Because of your Mom.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Six Types of Sex Women Enjoy

This article was intended for men, however I believe the ladies can use this article to figure out what they are looking for and let their guy know!!

How can you keep the dreaded bedroom boredom from setting in with your current lover? You must never let the sex become routine. It's easier than you think; you just have to add different styles of lovemaking to your repertoire, and a lover who's willing to go the distance.

So what are these different styles and when are they appropriate? From romantic to animalistic, read on and find out how to keep the flame burning for good.

Type 1 - Seductive Sex
Chances are that your first few sexual encounters with your woman will revolve around seduction. In other words, you're going to do your damndest to charm her right into your bed.

Look deep into her eyes and "sensualize" conversations in order to seduce her mind and get the sexual energy between you flowing.

Once you have her eating out of the palm of your hand, take her in your arms and kiss her. Lead her into the bedroom and slowly undress her. Lay her down and make love to her while keeping eye contact. Maintain a constant, steady pace and refrain from using too many sound effects. After all, you're the strong, silent type tonight.

This type of set-up is also good for when you've been together for a while and want to feel like the stud that you are, and want to remind her of that too.

Type 2 - Romantic Sex
This type of sex is good for when you're both relaxed and not pressed for time, such as during a weekend getaway. It's time to enjoy the fact that neither of you has anything to do but enjoy each other's bodies.

Here's your chance to give her what she wants: a romantic setting and seemingly endless foreplay. Light candles, put on some sexy music (it's subjective), open up a bottle of Merlot, and caress all of her erogenous zones, including her thighs, butt, back, neck, soles of her feet, and breasts.

The ensuing sex should be slow and rhythmic, and allow both parties to enjoy every sensation to its fullest. Basically, it should feel like it's going in slow motion.

Don't forget, she also wants to get wild with you...


Type 3 - Animalistic Sex
Other times, you are just so hot for each other that prolonging foreplay just seems like agony, like when you're at a club and get incredbily turned on, but have to wait until you get home. Once you unlock that front door, it's time for animalistic sex.

Grab her and kiss her hard, and rip each other's clothes off, it doesn't even matter if some of them stay on. Go ahead and do it doggy style on the living room floor, or prop her up on the kitchen counter if you so desire. Do it fast and hard. Grab her hair by the roots, yell if you feel like it; just be sure to check your inhibitions at the door.

Type 4 - Passionate Sex
Perhaps you were away on business and haven't seen her for a week, or maybe you had a huge fight and need to make up; the point is you're burning with desire for each other and you want to devour each other.

The resulting sex should be intense and deeply felt. Hold on to her body and make love to her like she's all the woman you could ever want or need.

Type 5 - Quickie Sex
This one's great if you're pressed for time, stressed out, or in an unusual location that you really shouldn't be having sex in, such as in your office, or on a somewhat secluded beach.

This one's quick and to the point; you want an orgasm and you want it now.

Type 6 - Kinky Sex
If you and your woman have been together for a while and trust each other, and are looking to spice things up, it may just be time to get kinky.

Get out the scarves and tie her hands behind her head or to the bedpost, and make her your slave. Or blindfold her and keep her guessing what you'll do next. Get your hands on some edible body paints and make her body your canvas. Tease her with a feather. Or shock her system with ice cubes or candle wax. Spank her.

You can also get her to wear some sexy lingerie and do a little strip tease for you. She can be your naughty school girl, cowgirl, French maid; whatever turns you on.

As long as you and your woman have compatible sex drives and a sense of adventure when it comes to your sexual escapades, you should be able to lead a mutually fulfilling sex life and prevent the flame from dying. Just remember to switch it up and spice it up.

Products of Interest:
Kama Sutra Massage Oil
Kama Sutra Bedside Box
Kama Sutra Game
Kama Sutra Gift Tin
Kama Sutra Honey Dust
Kama Sutra Lover's Paint Box
Kama Sutra Massage Cream
Kama Sutra Pleasure Balm
Kama Sutra Treasures of the Sea
Kama Sutra Weekender Kit
Kama Sutra Treasure Trove
Kama Sutra Oil of Love
Kama Sutra Lubricants
Kama Sutra Love Essentials

Other Articles of Interest:

How to Take a Sensual Bath
How to Give a Sensual Massage
Refresh your Relationship
Keep Your Romance Alive

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

How to Use Lubricants with Sex Toys


Lubricant -- How Do I Use It with Sex Toys?

Have you ever grabbed your favorite toy, settled in for an erotic good time and thought, "Is it okay to use my lube with this?" Or maybe you're purchasing your first toy and aren't sure why or how to lubricate it. At Romance365, we think about this stuff all the time -- because part of our job is to provide you as much information as possible.

Always Use LubeThe first thing to keep in mind is that every sex toy and sensual aid could use a little lubrication. Whether you're rubbing against it, putting it into you, or putting you into it, you should be using a lubricant.

Lubricants make sex toys not only feel better, but also more safe to use. Think about what happens when you're having sex: the body creates natural lubrication so you and your partner don't hurt each other with too much friction. The same logic applies to using toys, either with a partner or during solo play. Really, there's no such thing as too much lubrication. Even if you lubricate naturally, a dab of extra lubricant on your toy is a highly recommended addition. It's better to be safe and slippery than sorry and sore!

Pick the Right Lube
Lubricants come in three basic formulations: water-based lube, which is the most common and most versatile, silicone-based lube, which is similar to water-based lube but waterproof, and petroleum-based lube, which is great for anal play. We only carry Kama Sutra Lubricant because they offer four different types. We have described them on the Kama Sutra Lubricant Page.

Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubes, may be used on virtually any vibrator or toy. An exception may be toys for anal play, as you may want a lubricant that also contains a desensitizer -- this is purely preference, of course.

The greatest advantage of water-based lube is the easy cleanup: You simply rinse off the toy with warm water, and voila! The lube is gone! However, this "no muss, no fuss" quotient also has a down side -- if you like to use waterproof toys (during a bath, in a hot tub, what have you), a water-based lubricant will rinse right off -- which really defeats the whole purpose of using lube!

You definitely want to use a water-based lube with anything made of silicone. A silicone lube used on a silicone toy will destroy the toy. Silicone is essentially made up of tiny glass beads; when these beads rub together, they will merely scratch one another other, wreaking havoc on the silicone toy. So stick with a water-based lube for your premium silicone toys, and use silicone lube for the purpose for which it was intended!

Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone lubes are the perfect choice for sensual fun in the water. If you love your waterproof toys (or just love having sex in the water), you and a silicone lubricant, will be lifetime companions! Of course, a silicone-based lube is not as readily available at your corner drugstore as a water-based lube, but fortunately, you can get plenty here at Romance365.

Another "pro" for silicone lubricant is that it lasts longer and can be easily revived after a lengthy encounter with your favorite vibrating friend, just by adding a little water or saliva to it. Silicone lubes never really get absorbed or evaporate the way a water-based lube may. On the other hand, this also means that getting your toys (and yourself) clean will take a little more effort, but it certainly doesn't need to be sandblasted off. A good soapy wash should do the trick.

Petroleum-Based Lubricants
Petroleum-based lube should really only be used with non-latex anal toys or for male masturbation. These lubes are great for anal play because they're generally thicker than other types of lubricant, making entry easier. A good one to try is Anal Eze as it's petroleum-based and also contains a desensitizer.

Do not use a petroleum-based lube with anything made of latex -– toys, condoms, or other products -– as the petroleum will destroy the latex on contact. Petroleum also tends to irritate a woman's vagina, so we don't recommended this type of lubricant for intercourse or for use with any sort of vibrator or dildo intended for vaginal penetration.

Using Lube
Now that you've taken a closer look at lube, you're probably wondering about the best way to apply it. Again, this is really personal preference, but here are our tips for the easiest and least-messy way.

Simply pour a small amount -- about the size of a dime -- onto your fingers and then spread it on your toy and yourself.

Rub your fingers over the head and down the shaft if it's a vibrator or dildo. Be sure to lube any other clitoral or anal stimulators on your toy, as well.

Rub the lubricant onto your sex toy so that it's slick, but not dripping. Be careful -- you don't want to rub so much that the lubricant is absorbed in your hand, leaving the toy high and dry!
If you are male and using a
masturbation sleeve, you'll want to apply lube to your fingers and then slide them around the entrance and down the inside of the sleeve. Since most sleeves have a small hole in the other end, you probably don't want to just pour the lube into it -- you can always add more if you need to.

If you or your toy become dry during use, simply add more lube.

How Much is Enough?
You also don't want to "over apply" or "over rub" the lubricant, particularly on a toy. The amount of lube you use is a personal preference. The general rule of thumb is that if it doesn't slide in comfortably, you probably need more lubricant! Some people like their toys as lubricated as possible, while others enjoy only enough lubrication to reduce friction to a point of comfort. We recommend that if you're experimenting with a toy or lubricant for the first time, try starting with an amount about the size of a dime and keep adding lube until you're happy. You'll figure out how much you like soon enough!

On the Body
Much like massage oils, if you're lubing yourself or a lover's body part, do not pour the lube directly from the bottle onto bare skin! Pour the lubricant into the palm of your hand and warm it to body temperature before applying it to warm skin. This rule also applies using lubricant on your toys. After all, you wouldn't want to get a chill because you applied a cold lubricant to your favorite dildo!

Sharing Toys
If you're sharing a toy with your partner, just lube everything! Well, actually, be sure to lubricate the penis it will be on, any stimulating pieces on the ring (bullet, animal-shaped head, what have you) and the person receiving the action. Of course, you don't need to lubricate the entire person, just the receiving sexual organ!

Now grab your erotic assistant of choice and be secure in the knowledge that you're using the perfect lubricant for you and your toy!

Products of Interest:
Kama Sutra Massage Oil
Kama Sutra Bedside Box
Kama Sutra Game
Kama Sutra Gift Tin
Kama Sutra Honey Dust
Kama Sutra Lover's Paint Box
Kama Sutra Massage Cream
Kama Sutra Pleasure Balm
Kama Sutra Treasures of the Sea
Kama Sutra Weekender Kit
Kama Sutra Treasure Trove
Kama Sutra Oil of Love
Kama Sutra Lubricants
Kama Sutra Love Essentials

Other Articles of Interest:
How to Take a Sensual Bath
How to Give a Sensual Massage
Refresh your Relationship
Keep Your Romance Alive

Friday, April 15, 2005

How to Strip for Your Lover

Have you ever watched Striptease and thought, "Why the hell am I watching this movie?" And then, perhaps, "I've always wanted to spin around a pole like that." Would you be surprised to know you're not alone?

The truth is, most women I've talked to have, at one time or another, fantasized about being a stripper. Many have even tried out some moves on their lovers. Sound like fun? It is! A striptease is a great way to show your partner how sexy you think you are, and believe me, he or she will agree.

Step 1: Preparation I'm not going to tell you that a spontaneous strip will not make jaws drop. I think we can all agree that anything that involves you removing your own clothes in front of your sweetie will be applauded. However, if you really want to treat your "customer" to something special, plan an actual striptease show.

Before the music even begins, well, you must pick it. Obviously, keep your and your partner's tastes in mind, but know that it's not quite going to have the same effect if you're seductively removing clothing to, say, something by Hanson or Stryper. Try to choose something that's got a slow-ish tempo so you can take your time and really tease. Just make sure it's not too slow as the song may end and you'll only have a couple of pieces off. Practically anything from the "9 1/2 Weeks" soundtrack is great -- a cliché, maybe, but it works.

Next, you have to plan what you're going to wear. Now there may be some shopping involved here, but you won't have to spend much money. In fact, don't -- there's a good chance that once you're down to your undergarments, they will be ripped right off your body! Start from your bottom layer and work your way out. Your final "outfit" is the showstopper -- this is a strip TEASE, remember -- so get something you KNOW will drive your honey mad. It can be a tiny bra and g-string combo, maybe a corset -- whatever makes you feel sexy and desirable.

Once that's accomplished, you can pretty much pick whatever's in your closet for the outer layer. A good, "naughty" choice is always the Lolita-esque, schoolgirl look, but you may choose anything really. You could go the button-down business route -- a tie would later make a great prop (think looping behind his or her head to pull it into your breasts; things along those lines).
The sky's the limit!

Finally, accessories. This includes everything you might need for a theme (glasses, hats, ties, etc.) as well as the all-important thigh highs (or garter belt and stockings) and stiletto heels. A word of caution here: make sure you can actually move around and dance in these shoes. While I realize that stilettos don't generally come in heights under three inches, some are easier to maneuver in than others. If you don't happen to have any in your closet, ask a friend.

Other accessories that are fun to include are long necklaces (they look amazing when you're down to the essentials -- trust me), long gloves and feather boas.

Step 2: Practice You're not auditioning for the next Star Search so I don't mean that you need to choreograph a huge number. Simply listen to the music you've chosen a few times and move to it. It doesn't have to be spins and splits, just movement. Once you're comfortable with that, do a dry run with your costume on to figure out when and what you'll be removing. Again, this is a tease, so make it slow, make it sexy. This will also give you an opportunity to rethink your costume if anything is too difficult to unbutton or unhook -- you don't want your come-hither dance to turn into a Chevy Chase pratfall.

Step 3: Showtime! Do not be nervous. This is fun. If it causes you any undue embarrassment or discomfort, then you shouldn't be doing it. I understand there will be some butterflies -- it's perfectly natural, but realize that if you feel seductive and desirable, so will your audience. Plus, you're performing for your lover who (hopefully) already finds you seductive and desirable!

If you can, dim the lights a bit. Barring that, turn out the lights, but light lots of candles. Strut your beautiful self out there and start your music.
If you really want to drive him or her to distraction, climb up on a coffee table or anything that puts you up a little higher. (Please, please, if you do this, make sure your stage is sturdy ahead of time. I think we can all imagine how quickly a trip to the ER would kill the mood.) Merely sway suggestively for a bit without actually removing anything. Do remember to turn from time to time, especially if your sweetheart is particularly enamored with your backside. Do a little booty shaking. If your hair is up, let it down and softly whip it back and forth. Check the look on your lover's face. Has the mouth slackened a bit? Then it's time to move on to the good stuff.

Start with something innocuous -- a glove is great. Very slowly push the glove down your arm, then with your teeth, suggestively pull at the cloth on each finger. Once your glove is loose enough to pull off, do so, but again, slowly. Then throw it at your lover. Please don't wing it at him or her; it sort of ruins the mood. At any rate, you may then move on to whatever you choose with two exceptions: your thigh highs (or garter and stockings) and your shoes. These should stay on until you're down to your dainties. I must ask you to trust me again.

No matter what you're removing, the key is to do it as slowly as possible. Tease. Unbutton your blouse and only let your shoulder or a part of your back show before your shirt makes it all the way off. Flash your partner, then quickly close your blouse. Spin around to give him or her several tantalizing angles. Then do the same with your skirt; simply lift it to expose a thigh, then quickly flip it up in back for a peek-a-boo shot of your butt. Make your partner wait. And always toss the removed garment at your captivated audience.

When you are finally free of the confines of your outfit, continue to move and dance seductively. This is when the long necklace comes in quite handy. Not only will it sway beautifully, but it will also draw attention to your breasts, which is a good thing. Now this may sound ridiculous, but honestly, your lover may not know what to focus on and you will then laugh from his or her eyeballs jittering out of their sockets.

You are now down to your underpinnings, shoes and stockings. Let your lover enjoy this for a few moments before you tantalizingly, excruciatingly, slowly roll each stocking down your leg (obviously, if you're going the garter belt route, you'll want to undo those first). Try propping your leg on something that's close by your sweetie, like the arm of the sofa or chair, while you're doing this. Once you get to your ankle, slide your shoe off long enough to get the stocking off, then put your shoes back on and continue dancing.

Now that your sweetie is a quivering mass of jelly, climb down from the stage or slowly make your way over to him or her, and tease for a few more moments before surprising them with an impromptu lap dance. Or, if you'd rather, merely strut into the bedroom. It may take them a moment to register, but I can guarantee they will be in shortly!

Believe me, once you've done a striptease for your favorite playmate, you'll want to do more. And I can guarantee he or she will want you to, as well. The main point to remember is this is a fun exercise that will titillate both of you. Plus, it'll be something you can talk about for years to come and even plan new shows together. So go buy some hot undies and get stripping!