Supernatural Botanicals

“I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency not only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascend to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

Carson Kressley gives us the skinny on what every man’s wardrobe should consist of.  Ladies, you may need to help your man out in this department, but after they learn the basics, they’ll do fine on their own. 

When TotalBeauty.com asked 200 men, ages 20-30, what body part first they notice first on a woman, the results weren’t overwhelmingly surprising. 

Breasts garnered the largest feed back with 34 percent of the vote.  Butts came in close with 30  percent of the vote.  Legs were close behind with 18 percent of the vote, and stomachs also garnered some interest with 10 percent.

“I’ve found that the best ways to strengthen and sustain your relationship are to respect each other at all times, treat your partner the way that you want to be treated, and take time out for you relationship by planning moments where you and your partner can be alone with each other, and yes, this does require planning.  It’s really that simple.”  Lisa Rinna on the key to a successful relationship. 

Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl, giving us his best Gordon Gekko impersonation.  I adore this look!  This over-the-top style is amazing…and so hot!  It screams sexy.  Love it!  I especially love the fact that the style continues on to another generation. 

The June 1st edition of BusinessWeek magazine featured the new book, Womenonics, written by Claire Shipman (ABC News and Good Morning America) and Katty Kay (BBC World News America.)  In summary, the book denotes how beneficial it is to employers to exercise flexibility in work schedules, depicting how important it is for women to have this flexibility to accommodate their home life, their life as a mother, and all around multitasker.

While I agree with their theory on the whole, as flexibility in work schedules make life far more enjoyable and makes employees more efficient with time management, my mind was boggled at statements such as this “Capital One thought work flexibility was a key issue only for female employees.  Turns out, it was true for the men as well.” 

Is the fact that a man would like to enjoy his children and home-life as much as women such an epiphany?   Is is too far out of the realm of 9-5 that a man would like a personal day?  While I know the double-standard usually takes presidence in favor of men, on this issue, I’m siding with the boys. 

Perhaps it’s that I have two sons, as opposed to daughters, that I understand the need for equality for everyone.   When my boys have children of their own some day, I want them, too, to have the flexibility in their work schedules that women have.  After all, they’ll want to see first home runs and school plays, too. 

Perhaps having sons teaches one how to be a better woman?   Because of my sons, I have a greater deal of empathy with the boys club. 

Discovering that men would like a little flexibility in their work schedules is a bit simplistic and naive, is it not?  It’s human emotion, a human need.  The fact that BusinessWeek mag and Womenomics feels that this is an epiphany makes it feel like three giant steps back for womankind. 

Have we grown so accustom to men being big strong providers that we forgot that they have feelings as well?

photo:  Eddie Cibrian  (for inspirational purposes) and in honor of his 36th birthday today, and this “keep it hot” blog post.)

If your romantic relationship has outlived its honeymoon period, you have to take steps to keep it spicy.  It’s not as if it’s an agonizing chore that you have to keep up with day in and day out, making it feel more like mundane routine than pleasure, it’s something you should grow to enjoy and look forward to.  The simple fact of the matter is, you have to give your relationship attention.  And it needs attention every day.  It’s time to rethink your plan of action if you are stuck in a rut.

It’s the tiny things, accumulated over the day, that ignites the spark.  It’s something that literally takes you seconds, but leaves a lasting impression on your spouse.  Try to do these things as often as possible: (Spoken from a girl’s perspective, but it works both ways, men.)

*  Tell him how hot he is.

*  Kiss his lips softly (longer than a quick peck on the lips.)

*  Kiss his neck.

*  Whisper something sexy to him.

*  Send him a racy email picture or video at work.

*  Tell him how much you appreicate him.

*  Tell him he’s sexy!

*  Look at him lustfully.

*  Throw a sexy picture or love note in his briefcase.

*  Call him and tell him you can’t wait for him to come home from work.

*  Dress sexy for him.

*  Always wear sexy (and matching) bra/panties…because yes, they notice.  Trust!

*  Hug on him as much as possible.

*  Be proud of your man (and tell him so.)

*  Be spontaneous and initiate.

*  Be easy to live with.  Point out his positives rather than negatives.

*  Say I love you in a sexy way.

*  Work out and keep your body looking sexy for your spouse.

There’s a million more ways to keep it hot.  Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.  What’s your secret on keeping it hot?

The consensus on the newest trend, the maxi dress is…..He says, “no way!”   She says, “I love it!”  That seems to be the latest consensus from an unofficial poll I’ve been taking about the latest trend in women’s fashion, the long maxi dress.  From Rodeo Drive to your street, the maxi dress is making a fashion statement.  The question is, what is the statement?  Women seem to think the overall statement is cute and comfortable.  Men seem to think the overall statement is frumpy and unflattering.

A wildly popular trend now, the maxi dress is being worn by women who want to be cute and comfortable at the same time.  However, the negative input by the men may have you changing your mind….along with your dress.

Every male I had asked about this new trend gave a luke-warm response with, “it’s okay, but not form-fitting enough.”  Some even responded with “dresses like this need to be burned.”  Ironically, I couldn’t find one male response that said, “gorgeous, sexy, I love it.”

Women, on the other hand, simply loved the maxi dress.  Women find this dress to easily transition from casual to dressy.  The biggest response I received from women was “it looks so comfortable.”

What do you think about the maxi dress?  Love it or lose it?

Let’s talk about men.  Manscaping, specifically.  Men, if you are wondering if women like your manscaping skills….we do!  We like you to take care of yourself as much as we ladies take care of ourselves.  Nothing is worse than a man who has personal high standards in his preferences for ladies, yet does nothing to bring anything to the party personally.   Step it up, men.  The days of the double-standard are gone.

Need a tutorial? Click here for instruction, men.

Don’t you just love new gadgets?  Especially workout gadgets!  From heart rate monitors to Ipods, I love them all.  As an eco-lover, this little tool brings gadgetry to a new level.  It’s eco-friendly!  They are Yoga Paws.  Simply slide the yoga paws over your hands and feet, and they provide cushioning and support for your yoga or Pilates workout.  Also super beneficial for deep stretching moves, so you don’t lose your grip with the floor.  Great gift for a fitness-fiend.  They cost about $35.00 and can be purchased here. 

   ….also made for men.