Smart Diva Online

Biggest and Baddest Smartphone on the Market

Smart Diva Online — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:04:12 +0000

The HTC HD2 is a sizeable device with a stunning screen to match and easily worth more than a few Jimmy Choos. Jay Moore tells Smart Diva Online his feedback after two weeks of testing the device.

HTC’s talent for creating touchscreen handsets has exceled greatly since Android gave the Taiwanese manufacturer the chance to easily implement capacitive screens. The HTC HD2 is the first of its Windows-powered devices to include a capacitive screen and how thankful are we for that! (i.e. two fingers on the screen doing stuff.) Congratulations you just learned a new technology term.

It’s not just the technology that makes the HD2’s 4.3-inch screen so spectacular. It’s large, clear and the icons are instantly accessible to fingertips, whatever the size. No stylus is included, but it’s almost guaranteed you won’t need to use one even when typing in portrait mode. We always lose that darn thing anyway.

The size of the screen does come at a price. The HTC HD2 is massive. If you thought the iPhone was big, you might want to steer clear of the HD2’s 120.5×67x11mm stature. Though it doesn’t make chatting on the phone simple and feels like you have a remote control firmly lodged in your hand, it’s quite thin and sleek for the size. And as you know, it’s not the size – it’s how you use it. Great for movies and eBooks too!

Once you’re over the size of the HD2, it’s a FANTASTIC device! All the techno savvy people around you will die of envy and rush out to buy their own.

HTC’s Sense skin, up until now reserved for Google Android devices, is overlaid onto Windows 6.5. This of course has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

- HTC dumps widgets on the home screen, leaving you spaces to add your favorites, split vertically over two screens.
- What is pleasing though is the inclusion of the Windows 6.5 standby/lock screen. You can see instantly if you have missed calls, new texts or emails, and access these straight away without unlocking the phone. Just slide the icon to the left or right.
- As you’d expect from a phone sporting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, switching between and using apps simultaneously is a breeze. We had no issues running three apps at a time (can’t do that on an iPhone) or in fact doing anything. Even photos processed instantly which is one area where other HTC handsets normally lag.
- Speaking of the 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, photos are not what you’d expect from a top-range multimedia handset, but as its nearest competitor also suffers from a pretty sub-standard camera, it’ll do for us. Pictures are clearer and better than the average camera phone, and certainly good enough for Facebook.
- The default browser is Opera, which is a welcome inclusion – you can also use the HD2’s multi-touch abilities to zoom in and out of webpages, just as you can on an iPhone.
- The Windows Media Player is superb, displaying cover art that you can scroll through by sweeping up and down. What is strange is that the 3.5mm earphone jack is at the bottom of the device, alongside the microUSB port, so you’ll have to position the phone upside down in your pocket if you’re listening while on the move.

Disadvantages

- Although HTC Sense is intuitive, it does get a little complicated, especially when you start adding your own widgets, which do essentially the same thing as the bottom scrollbar. We also found that it was far too easy to inadvertently launch an application instead of scrolling up and down.
- The HTC HD2 also features HTC Messages, the manufacturer’s own text message app. It displays your conversations in threaded form, just like the iPhone, BlackBerry and Palm devices, but doesn’t mark them clearly (such as in different colors), to show which are your messages and which are your contacts. Note: there are many third party hacks that will provide this function.
- Windows Marketplace will need to be downloaded and installed when you first try to fire the app up. What does become immediately clear is that the store has been designed for devices with smaller screens because the text, like the screen, is massive. Marketplace is expected to relaunch with the release of Windows Mobile 7 and greatly increase the number of available applications.

The HTC HD2 certainly sits at the top of HTC’s portfolio with a range-topping feature set. Nothing is missed out and the huge, high-resolution capacitive touchscreen, coupled with HTC’s Sense UI, makes it a real winner in the Windows game. Could Microsoft succeed with Windows 6.5? We certainly think so if the HD2 is anything to go by!

In Summary:

Pros
Huge, high-resolution screen, 400 x 800
HTC Sense UI interface
Feature and action packed
Cons
Windows 6.5 still has issues (Windows 7 Mobile in the next 5 months will be a major overhaul for the OS of this phone)
Too large for some people
Verdict
The HTC HD2 is the best HTC device yet, and definitely excels in the Windows category. Its size is the only compromise you’ll have to make in your decision to snap one up.
Rating: 5 out 5 Stars

For more information: HTC HD2 website

Author: Jay Moore

Beetroot Sorbet AKA Raspberry Sorbet

Smart Diva Online — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:25:02 +0000

Here’s a great recipe for making beetroot sorbet, a healthy alternative for your family. Just tell everyone that it’s a raspberry or strawberry sorbet. They won’t know the difference! The thing I like about this recipe is that it’s sooooo easy and quick apart from the freezer time. I just want to eat it before it even makes it into the freezer!

Ingredients:

1 medium beetroot, peeled, steamed, pureed and cooled.

1 can/375ml Carnation Light & Creamy Coconut Evaporated Milk (chilled overnight)

1 bottle (20ml) Strawberry or Raspberry Essence

1/3 cup caster sugar

Method:

-Using an electric mixer, beat chilled Carnation Milk until thick and frothy.

-Add sugar and beat until dissolved.

-Add Essence flavouring and pureed beetroot and mix until all is combined.

-Pour into a deep container that will hold at least 2 litres.

-Freeze overnight or until firm (a few hours).

I love this one because it’s a lovely low fat and hidden vegetable sweet treat.

Enjoy!

Author: Julianne Browne

Who’s Yo’ Wifey?

Smart Diva Online — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:01:06 +0000

As we get older, two things happen. It becomes increasingly harder to make new, best friends and we begin to cherish or miss the ones we have. When we’re younger, we have a lot more in common. Whether we met in high school, college or through friends, it’s comfortable. We’re spontaneous, carefree and open to new experiences. We forgive each other’s idiosyncrasies. We’re single and searching, dancing til’ dawn, and stumbling home laughing our heads off.

Then life gets in the way, a new job taking up our time, a new man in the midst, or geography. Things do change and people come and go but one thing is always true: there is at least one friend out there you can count on forever. Make sure to give her a super big hug.

So who’s your wifey? Who’s the one person you made a promise to “marry” if you never found the right man? It seems silly, but in the moment when you decided, it wasn’t. And it’s not. Silly is good, laughing at each other is great, and being honest is even better. So when did things change? It seems that when life took over, so did a big cloud of judgment full of bitterness, jealousy and regret. People are hazy, hard to read, and friendships lazy. Suddenly, the runway is shorter and you don’t know if you’ll ever take off.

Life is too short to worry about people who don’t want to be there. Move along. Focus on the good people in your life because they’re hard to find. Sad to say but older does not mean wiser. Instead it means closed, careful and guarded when introducing your world to someone new. Or maybe it’s wise to tread lightly, build trust slowly over time, and let go of people who don’t care.

It doesn’t matter because no matter what, you will always have your wifey. Whatever you do, never let her go. Work as hard as you can to preserve the real, genuine friendship you have – it’s definitely rare. Yes, you may never find it again. Yes, no one will ever measure up. And yes, life can throw a cold, hard wrench in your plans. But it’s simple, really. Don’t take your life or wifey for granted. Make sure that at the end of the day, you’re both on the same flight to the next life adventure you’ll have.

Author: Sarka Kocicka

and lots of love for her from: Jana Souckova

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Smart Diva Online — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:49:46 +0000

This is true comfort food. I had a serve of mashed potatoes and salad recently after being unwell, and it was exactly what I felt like, warm and smooth!

Method:

- Take 4 medium sized potatoes, peel and cut into bite sized pieces (they cook quicker the smaller they’re cut) and boil in enough water to cover them well. Add ½ teaspoon of salt in the cooking water.

- Cook until soft or they fall apart if you pierce them with a fork. Drain water and return potatoes to the saucepan.

- Add 1 tablespoon of butter or nuttelex (dairy free) and approximately 3 tablespoons of milk (dairy or soy), then mash with a fork or a potato masher if you have one.

The thing about mashed potatoes is some folks like them smooth, some runny and some like them chunky, so mash to your preference. If you prefer smoother, add more butter and/or milk. I add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to suit my tastebuds.

To sex and veggie them up, see how you go with these suggestions:

· Hide garlic in it, finely sliced white onion, some cheese, whatever suits you and especially your kids’ taste. So if your kids will eat mashed potato, maybe they’ll eat something else mashed in with it?

· Adding sweet potato is lovely as it sweetens it up a bit, that is, if you can get away with the orange color. Introduce sweet potato gradually by mixing it up in the regular mashed potato. I also recommend hiding steamed cauliflower, it’s very easy to disguise and mashes easily.

If you’re having trouble and your kids still don’t like it, try adding some tasty cheese sprinkled on top (soy or regular), and maybe even paprika if you can get away with it. Give it a try, you never know. Delicious served with a nice lean fillet steak and salad, lamb shanks or vegetable ratatouille. Or for me, I could eat mashed potatoes just on their own! Yum!

Author: Julianne Browne

Trip to Nikoi Island

Smart Diva Online — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:10:06 +0000

The most important rule about living in Singapore is to get out of Singapore at least once a month. Otherwise it’s easy to get claustrophobic from all the people, traffic and noise. Since moving here, Jay and I have done some traveling around but not enough. After last month’s trip to Nikoi Island in Indonesia, I finally believed what everyone was saying: Get off the island!

Since Southeast Asia comprises of many islands, large and small, the reality is to hop from one to another. We chose to hop to tiny Nikoi Island, located off the east coast of Bintan. I’d never heard of the eco-friendly resort until we were invited for a big group birthday party weekend. We were game! My brother from Vancouver was visiting so we took him along to experience a truly unforgettable holiday.

Imagine a private island resort that you can get to only by boat (or two). It took a ferry from Singapore, luxury taxi across the island of Bintan, wooden plank onto jetty, and large fishing boat to get us close to our destination. Since the pier was under construction, a smaller boat brought us onto the beach. It was dark by the time we arrived, our path illuminated by the moon and stars. I haven’t seen the stars that bright in a long time. Check in was at Yogi’s bar and included a strong pineapple cocktail that was more rum than pineapple. Definitely thirst quenching. Then we headed to our rooms – one, two and three bedroom stilted beach houses handcrafted from driftwood and ‘alang alang’ grass roofs all located steps from the ocean, separated by trees for privacy.

I’m not sure how anyone else felt but I squealed when I saw the beach house. There was space to run around and do activities – barefoot! My brother had his own bunk room downstairs, perfect for kids (and my lovely brother). There was an open-air lounge area with day bed, sun loungers, massage gazebo and a bar. On the second floor was the master bedroom which was spacious and breezy. The bathroom was open concept as well with wooden walls that came up just over your head, a stone rain shower with no walls, and a toilet in the middle. Ever seen “floating” toilet paper? We were in a tree house overlooking the expanse of the South China Sea. The king size bed stood in the middle of the room with a fan blowing inside the soft, white mosquito netting. I didn’t get bit once.

We lay by the pool, swam in the clear-blue ocean, kayaked to iPod rock, played beach volleyball and attempted sailing. Jay and I really enjoyed the couple massage in our gazebo just before sunset. Meals were served in one-sitting for our party of twenty-five in our very own wall-less clubhouse. The delicious fixed menu was made up of fresh local ingredients. It was heaven – the ocean breeze, our feet in the sand, and flowing fruit alcoholic beverages, a great kickstart to a night of music and dancing.

After a full two days of non-stop fun and relaxation – a perfect balance - none of us wanted the trip to end. And I know a few of us had the passing thought: I wonder how I could orchestrate staying here forever. It wasn’t enough time but it was worth it. For a full two weeks after, I felt rejuvenated. Our next getaway can’t come soon enough.

www.nikoi.com

Author: Sarka Kocicka

Valentine’s Hot Chocolate Pudding

Smart Diva Online — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:15:22 +0000

Someone once said to me that men are either hungry or horny, so if he’s watching TV and doing that gaze off into space thing, make him something to eat!

All cheekiness aside, here’s a little something for Valentine’s Day for those doing a dinner at home. This is a very easy chocolate pudding done in the microwave that has the sauce cooking with it. Delicious served with a dollop of thick cream and raspberries or strawberries on the side. Thanks to my mum for this one as this is a recipe she has handed down to me.

Pudding Mix

1 Cup Self Raising Flour

2 Tablespoons Cocoa

30 g butter

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

¾ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping/Sauce

½ cup sugar

1 Tablespoon Cocoa

1 cup of hot water

Method

- In a microwave proof bowl (I prefer glass or Pyrex myself – large if you can to stop the sauce bubbling over the sides).

- Sift flour, salt & cocoa. Add sugar and mix well.

- Stir in milk, vanilla, melted butter and mix well. Spread evenly in bowl.

- Combine sugar & cocoa, mix well and sprinkle over the top of the pudding mix. Carefully pour hot water over the top.

- Microwave uncovered for approximately 6.5 minutes. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before transferring to serving bowls as it can get quite hot.

If you’re making your man his favourite meal, whether it be steak, pasta or seafood, this dessert will definitely finish your meal off very nicely. Plus the leftovers are yummy cold out of the fridge the next day too. Oh dear, am I confessing too much?

Author: Julianne Browne

Happy Single Valentine’s Day

Smart Diva Online — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:47:39 +0000

Another single Valentine’s Day. Another year gone by and here you are again, wondering how you’re going to spend this special day alone. Another long day of watching happy couples hugging and kissing on the crowded street. Like a car crash, you’re riveted, watching them hold hands and gaze into each other’s eyes. They’re so in love it makes you want to gag. Get a room, geez!

You escape their sweetheart moment, but face all the red and pink advertisements in the shop windows on your way home. Find the One. Give her Something Special. Buy, buy, buy! It’s unbelievable. The heart-shaped jewelry is cheap and so is the message. Feelings and sharing and sparkling love are overrated. What about the single people? Where’s my present? Oh yes, another annoying Valentine’s Day.

Instead of screaming in the middle of the street like a madwoman, take a deep breath and continue to sulk in peace. You can’t escape the dreaded day but you can stop torturing yourself by avoiding all those sick people in love.

Steps to survive Valentine’s Day in one piece:

1. Pick a single girlfriend to spend the evening with. Plan your date with her, go to a movie, a trendy restaurant, the park but be prepared to see a lot of couples, balloons and candlelight. The hardest part is being in the thick of it and explaining that you are not lesbian lovers.

2. If none of your friends are available because they’re all too busy in love, spend it with your dog. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one. Then go to the pet store and buy him the biggest heart shaped cookie. He will appreciate it. Remember, no chocolate unless you want to spend time in the doggie emergency room watching him get his stomach pumped out.

3. Buy yourself a present or two. Buy the biggest bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates and send it to yourself at work from your Secret Admirer of course. Your colleagues will be jealous. Or pick up some nice lingerie on the way home, put it on and walk around your house all evening. You’re not in love but you are damn sexy!

4. Splurge on some ice cream, chocolates, cake, and candy. If you want savory, go for chips, popcorn and gourmet crackers. Buy it all, that’s the important part. Then go home, watch a gory horror flick, and eat everything.

5. Don’t cook. In fact, stay away from the kitchen as much as possible or the temptation to pick up a murderous weapon will be hard to resist. Lounge on the couch wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket, and if you live in an apartment complex and have loud, loving neighbors, prepare yourself with some earplugs, turn up the TV or crank the music like it’s the best party on earth. Scream a little, it’s okay.

6. Do not go out where people in love will be, especially all your couple friends who secretly make you nauseous. It’s becoming harder and harder with each passing single year to pretend you don’t mind spending Valentine’s Day on your own. No one believes you anymore when you say you actually prefer it. It’s best to just stay home and eat all that ice cream.

7. Do not, do not, DO NOT go to a bar alone and get drunk. While this may seem like an incredible idea, the best idea you’ve come up with in the past six months, it is a disgusting downward spiral. After seven martinis or six glasses of wine, the last thing you want to do is share your woes with the bartender or puke all over someone or pass out on the busy, crowded Valentine’s night street. Now if you end up waking up with someone at his place, don’t bother trying to remember his name, just make sure you used a condom. Then get out.

8. Write yourself a loving note before you go to bed. The next morning when you read it, you’ll think, wow, someone does care… Then hope for your girlfriends to call, saying how disappointing their Valentine’s Day was, or what a big fight they got into with their boyfriends or husbands. When they do call and tell you all about it, you smile. Your stomach flips in joy. Isn’t that often the case?

Valentine’s Day – you can never win. But you’re sure glad it’s over.

By Julia Vogel

Your Horoscope for 2010

Smart Diva Online — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:16:21 +0000

Aries

Something new in your career is about to hit, and it might be a promotion. But don’t make a drastic move until the second quarter of the year. Your family life will improve then too so just hold tight. Be patient. Generally, your life and marital relations are supposed to be very satisfactory and your health excellent. Dear Aries, you seem to be the lucky winner in 2010! Just keep in mind that good food, exercise and a balanced mind will help you stay calm and composed throughout the year.

Taurus

Some uncertain developments occur in your career and it may not be all good, unless you’re working in advertising or the entertaining industry… interesting. Your love life will seem disappointing too however the legendary will power of Taurus will see that you recuperate from all possible damage. Your health may suffer too so get lots of rest. Sounds like 2010 is going to be challenging but cheer up. Towards the middle of the year, something you’ve been waiting for a long time will finally happen.

Gemini

Watch out for your career as there are some interesting developments and problems with a particular colleague. However changes for the better are in the air, especially during the period from March to June. The second part of the year is supposed to be very productive and satisfactory. Marital problems will start to surface and if you’re single, some challenges come in your love and family life. But the remaining part of the year will get better. Your health looks very good.

Cancer

The first quarter of the year may be just above average if you’re seeking better career options. The rest of the year seems to be satisfactory in the career sector. Sounds like some problems are arising in your family and love life related to kids or your spouse. However, the signs are promising and rosy in the latter half of the year, from October to December. If you’re single, look out for your big love to hit sometime in the middle of the year. Go cupid! Health looks good too except some minor issues. You’ll get over it.

Leo

The first few months of 2010 look very promising, especially if you have a business venture in the works. Get it going, Leo! Financial positions will improve, just be careful about October, where outlook is fuzzy. Otherwise you are okay. There may be some problems on the marriage front but just be open to extra communication with your partner. Towards the end of the year, things seem to calm down. Everything will get sorted out, don’t worry. Your health is fine, except for some minor problems, but you will deal with it very well.

Virgo

Your career doesn’t look too good for the first half of the year, sorry to break the news. Mostly it’s progress that seems to be very difficult during this period. Also, there are some problems in your domestic life so exercise extreme caution and care as serious conflict may lead to major consequences. You are intelligent so play your game well to escape unscathed. Health looks good, just take care in the second half so the minor stuff doesn’t get worse.

Libra

While the first half of the year doesn’t look too good, the second part will make it all up to you. Good news! Also, you may consider changing your place of work and residence in the last quarter of the year and it will be a very good move. Just watch that you don’t overspend. Your love life seems to be stuck on too much round and round communication in the first few months of the year but it gets better as you solve everything. Your relationship will really start to improve in the second and third quarter and if you’re single, you will find love. Health looks great too. You’re in for a good year so relax.

Scorpio

Finally a desired change in the workplace is coming to you. It may be a promotion but if it’s something else, like recognition or change in scope, don’t get too disappointed if it doesn’t meet your expectations. The second part of the year is full of surprises and amazing returns of investments. Your love life will bloom as well, great news for you! But give everything extra attention in the last part of the year. Your health may seem to bother you then too, so get plenty of rest and take one day at a time.

Sagittarius

Get ready for an exciting year on the career front. The first quarter will be full of new events and developments but watch out that your confidence doesn’t make you take jobs that you don’t have the skills for. Make sure you’re honest with yourself and give special attention to the problems that arise in your love life. Be extra cautious when handling these. Persistence and dedication are your virtues, so work hard. Your health looks good, just don’t stay in the cold too long.

Capricorn

This year is full of success in your career once you get through some minor problems in the workplace. Jealousy and competition is getting on your nerves but the situation will improve. One word of caution is to never lose your patience or get angry as this may wipe away all the good work you’ve done in the past. You face some problems in your marital life that could be connected to finances. Be sure to solve it intelligently. Overall, your health looks great.

Aquarius

Career outlook is amazing! However, the second quarter indicates some problems in the workplace, particularly in your personal relationship with colleagues. Play it cool and everything will work out fine. Your love life seems very satisfactory and calm although some issues arise towards the end of the year so beware. Other than that, you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Health looks pretty good, just be extra cautious in the last quarter. You should be okay if you stay warm.

Pieces

The year looks pretty good and career is steady. Take the opportunity to work on some things. For instance, be more responsible with your finances so you can do more traveling. Watch out for some arguments in the workplace as they may spiral out of control. Make sure you handle the situation calmly and rationally. Your love life looks awesome, especially if you’re married, but be sure to control your anger and mood swings. Health might need some attention in the second half of the year so make sure you don’t overdo it.

Horoscope 2010 courtesy of http://www.horoscopes-love.eu

This Valentine’s Day Just Tell Him

Smart Diva Online — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:20 +0000

Okay, ladies, the truth. Most men dread Valentine’s Day – too much pressure, too many options, so little time. Or they’re just really good at pretending they can’t wait to spoil you rotten. Some do manage to make it look like an extraordinary event, something they’ve been thinking about for months. Others, well, don’t.

This year, instead of watching another Hallmark day go by in that disappointing, anticlimactic way, just tell him what you want. Stop planning the secret itinerary of your dreams and make him do it all. Consider this V day present – You being surprised by his forward thinking and detailed planning. So give him the reigns to lead you on a romantic Valentine’s Day journey.

And don’t let him read your mind. Pass this article to him as an innocent love note in his lunchbox. Romance is what you make it!

Dear Gentleman: Here are Ten Ways to your Woman’s Heart

1. Cook her favorite meal

Impress her with your culinary skills. You know what she loves, so find a delicious recipe online and adapt it if you have to. She’ll appreciate the effort more than anything. While you’re cooking, make her kick back with a glass of wine and worry about nothing. Don’t forget the dessert – chocolate, strawberries and whipped cream!

2. Set up a scavenger hunt

Make her leave the house for half an hour and quickly set up a scavenger hunt of clues and gifts around the house. Use your relationship and past experiences together as a theme and at the end, place rose petals as a path to her final present. Take it up a notch by placing clues and rewards around your city. At each stop have a note planted and if necessary, include people to help out like your friendly bartender or store owner. Everyone loves to participate in romantic surprises.

3. Take her shopping

Instead of mulling over and over what would be the best gift, take her shopping. Go to the mall and let her loose or focus on one extravagant store. For a surprising treat, write down all the stores she loves on separate pieces of paper, fold them up and place in a hat, and make her pick one. You can’t go wrong!

4. Rent a limo

Arrange for a mid-afternoon drive around your city while you drink champagne and eat chocolate-covered strawberries. Make out, make love, the limo is yours so use it.

5: Plan a mysterious romantic evening

Rent a hotel room, decorate it with rose petals and candles, and set the mood with music. Chill the champagne and set out the wine, gourmet snacks and chocolate. Start the evening by presenting her with a new outfit. Take her out for dinner and drinks and go dancing. At the end of the night, make a detour to the hotel and give her the second outfit: sexy lingerie. Drink, eat – the night is young.

6. Trip down memory lane

Book the same table at the same restaurant you had your first dinner date. Make sure the manager is aware and prepares a special dessert with a personalized romantic note written on it. Or take a walk to the same place you had your first kiss or exchanged your first “I Love You”.

7. Organize a romantic getaway

Buy a plane ticket to an exotic locale and take your ecstatic woman on a surprise vacation. Clear her schedule with her office beforehand, pack her bags and make all the arrangements so all she has to do is hop on a plane and relax on a beach for a couple of days. If you can’t plan it in time for Valentine’s Day, give her a card with a special note that says “Bearer Entitled to Surprise Getaway”. Tell her the date and give her hints of what she should pack. Or just swoop her away when she least expects it.

8. Compose a love letter

Everyone has the gift of gab so writing a poem or love letter should be easy. Write what’s in your heart, google romantic quotes for inspiration or reference some wonderful lines in the famous book, Love Letters of Great Men. This is the most inexpensive option that will take you far into the heart and mind of your woman. Surprise her with the letter inside a box of chocolates or lingerie.

Love Letters of Great Men

9. Breakfast in bed

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so start the day off right by getting up early and preparing an elaborate breakfast in bed. Prepare as much as you can the night before. Sample gourmet menu: mimosa, bacon and eggs, French toast or blueberry waffles, chocolate croissant, and strawberries and cream. Then go on with the rest of your surprises!

10. Propose

A proposal takes lots of secret planning so why not pop the question on the most romantic day of the year? Have the ring ready, rehearse your lines and ensure your plan is foolproof. If you’re already married, head to your favorite spot and renew your vows.

The best gifts are foresight and good planning. So start now and stay in her heart forever.

Author: Sarka Kocicka

Foreplay Ideas for Titillating Fun

Smart Diva Online — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:41:44 +0000

Fuel your libido with some exciting foreplay ideas to help improve your sex life. Make foreplay the main course, not just the appetizer or dessert. Often foreplay gets skipped over in an effort to jump right in and go for gold. Like a good meal, foreplay should be savored slowly and completed. There’s nothing better than slow and sensual massaging, caressing, and licking to get you in the mood and lead to a more intense orgasm. Tell your partner to pay more attention to your emotional side, the need for some extra TLC and stroking, before getting down to it.

Here are six foreplay tips to heighten the senses:

1. Strip tease

The classic strip down still drives the men nuts and makes you feel incredibly sexy. Men are visual creatures so give them something to look at. Set the mood and ambience with candles and music, so you look your sexy best.

2. Playful alert

A playful cheeky text message or email during the day to let him know you’re ready for tonight will keep him excited throughout the day. Text him again in the late afternoon, providing a visual image of yourself lying in bed naked or wearing sexy lingerie. Make him hurry home from work early, just in time for some pre-dinner fun.

3. Blind-folded

What you can’t see makes it exciting. It also heightens your other senses – smell, sound and touch. Play around with scented candles, incenses or oils, and handcuffs for a little extra.

4. Something New

Try food, sex toys or whatever you can think of. Beat boredom and predictability! Imagine what a little ice cream, honey or chocolate sauce can do for your taste buds and licking pleasure.

5. Erogenous Targeting

Target the sensitive areas with caresses, kisses, licks or nibbles. Everyone is different so find out what makes your partner tingle and squirm. Start with the lower back, ears, back of the neck, and inner thighs. Lick every inch.

6. Sensual Massage

Sensual massage is an intimate art, which helps to improve intimacy and trust in relationships. Besides that, it’s the ultimate stress reliever. By pressing the right points called “sexual energy release points,” you can promote heightened sensuality and less inhibition during love making.
Sensual Massage
Sensuality Inttimo Massage and Bath Oil
Decadent Warming Massage Oil

Foreplay is essential, so find what works for you and your partner by experimenting. It can be very simple yet extremely romantic. Go ahead, throw the lead out there to guarantee a definite hook, line and sinker.

Author: Dr. Martha Stanley