Living Life Abundantly

Valentine’s Day is just one day out of the year. Enhance your love life by expressing your love every day!

Show Your Love

THE MANY EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE

Here are some things you can do to make the sparks of romance fly:

♥While your loved one is at work, use your spare key to open their car door and place roses and a card in their driver’s seat. This will show your loved one your true feelings.

♥Don’t buy your loved one a commercial type card to declare your love. Make them one and send it to them in the mail, even if you live together. The card will surprise your loved one!

♥Give your loved one a small decorated box. On the inside flap write “These are 50 of the many reasons why I love you.” Create 50 brightly-colored folded strips of paper inside with various phrases…all declaring your love. Fill each strip of paper with something very personal and include some special surprises like a gift certificate to their favorite spa.

♥Spend the night outdoors together on a really warm, clear night. Name a star after him/her and register that name on-line.

♥Cook the love of your life what will be a favorite meal. Use candles, a bottle of red or white wine, then follow this up with a back and neck massage. Do this “just because” and ask for nothing in return. For message oils use sandalwood, lavender or ylang ylang. The art is to please your loved one. Watch the night just sizzle!

♥Send your loved one on a scavenger hunt. Have him find his goodies (prepaid and waiting) at the bakery, deli, wine store etc., and when he gets home meet him at the door in something very sheer. Feed him blindfolded and then hand him a Polaroid camera and tell him to have a ball!

♥Have a “conversation a day” (on the phone or at home) where you whisper to the other person and let them know you love them and miss them. Your whisper will capture their attention.

♥Run your love a bath, adding oil and bubbles. Fill the bathroom and bedroom with tea candles everywhere. Bathe your partner very slowly and massage the water and oil into their skin very gently. Tease them with kisses. Finish by presenting a warmed, fluffy bath towel and give a long kiss while drying them off. Complete your love ritual by rubbing your partner down with a sensual lotion.

♥Leave a trail of Hershey’s Kisses with the pieces of paper that say “KISSES” taken out and replaced with your own romantic quotes. Make this trail lead to the shower to find roses and a note that says, “Now that I have kissed the ground you walk on and showered you with roses…………….You fill in the blanks!

♥Draw little hearts all over some post it notes and place them in your loved one’s lunch box, place on the bathroom mirror, etc. Just use your imagination.

♥Line a delicate trail of rose petals to lead to your bed and place one sweet love letter on top of a mound of the scented rose petals. Your loved one will melt!

♥Leave a single pink rose on your loved one’s pillow for the next morning….

♥Sing a love song in the shower and be sure to use your loved one’s name.

♥Wear your loved one’s cologne or perfume for the day. This will forever remind you of them.

♥Wrap a small mirror in a delicately laced piece of fine cloth and beautiful ribbon, then present this to your lover. Tell them, “I want you to know that this is what I treasure most in my life…”

♥Present your loved one with a small locket with a picture of you both, each on one side. Use a long silken cord or ribbon instead of a chain.

♥Give him or her flowers on each of your children’s birthdays.

♥A thoughtful heart is a romantic heart!♥

SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE WITH ROSES

Have you ever wished you could come up with a new gift idea to show your loved one how you feel?

Have you ever wondered about what the different colors of Roses actually mean? For instance, next time you choose a specific color of Rose, do so to convey a special meaning.

Look below and learn what the different Rose colors represent and next time you buy a Rose as a gift, deliver a loving message at the same time.

Colored Roses and What Each Color Means:

• Red – Love, I Love You
• Pink – Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
• Peach – Modesty
• White – Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You’re Heavenly
• Orange – Fascination
• Yellow – Texas Love, Joy and Friendship
• Single Full Bloomed Rose – I Love You, I Still Love You
• White and Red Mixed – Unity
• Rosebud – Beauty and Youth, A Heart of Innocent Love
• Rosebud (Red) – Pure and Lovely
• Rosebud (White) – Girlhood
• Bridal – Happy Love
• Christmas – Tranquilize My Anxiety
• Damask – Persian Ambassador of Love
• Dark Crimson – Mourning or Loss
• Hibiscus – Delicate Beauty
• Leaf – You May Hope
• Tea – I’ll Remember Always
• Thornless – Love at First Sight
• Bouquet of Mature Blooms – Gratitude

Next time you buy your loved one a Rose as a gift, attach a handwritten card to convey the message to him/her that the color means. This is a great way to enhance your love life!

Here are some great examples for you to adapt for yourself:

Tea Rose — Last night was very special. I’ll Remember Always!

Dark Crimson — You mean so much to me. Can we try again just one more time?

Rosebud (Red) — You take my breath away! You look so lovely!

Orange — You fascinate me! Can we spend more time together?

Even smaller, simpler messages will enhance your love life and will thrill your partner!

Just In Time For Valentine’s Day: A Week in the Life of a True Romantic

Day 1:

♥ Leave a note professing your love for your sweet heart to find during the day. Put the note where it will be found, easily. Try their briefcase, the driver’s seat of their car, in their coat pocket, in their lunch bag, taped to the receiver of the phone, taped to their computer, or left taped to a doorknob.

♥ As soon as you arrive home for the day seek out your sweet heart and offer a big, loving kiss. Tell your partner how much you love him or her and ask about their day. Make this a new, daily habit.

♥ As an alternate idea, when your lover arrives home for the day, take their hand and pull them towards you aggressively. Offer a huge hug, kiss and say, “I missed you today!”

Day 2:

♥ While your partner showers, heat up his or her towel in the dryer.

♥ Have flowers delivered to partner at work.

♥ Surprise your partner by arriving home with their favorite drink, snack, or ice-cream.

Day 3:

♥ Arrange for an intimate lunch date with your partner.

♥ Afterward, send a virtual card. Tell them how much you enjoyed lunch together.

Day 4:

♥ Call your partner in the middle of the day to discuss your romantic plans for that evening.

♥ Print out some love coupons (find them on-line) and present them to your partner. One might say: this entitles loved one to a full-body massage, and sign your name.

Day 5:

♥ For the kid in all of us! Use multi-colored, sidewalk chalk to draw a BIG heart in red and write. Print out the words, “I love you” in the middle of the heart. Do this someplace that is prominent such as on your driveway so that when your partner comes home he or she will see it.

♥ Cook a favorite meal for your partner and then eat it, slowly, by candlelight.

Day 6:

♥ When the weather is best, take a brisk walk through a nature trail with your love and talk about all the reasons why he or she is so special to you.

♥ If the weather is dreary, have an indoor picnic. Spend the time together, inside enjoying your favorite board games and just relaxing and talking.

♥ Cuddle up in your pj’s and relish a romantic movie together.

Day 7:

♥ Just sleep in and cuddle together. Call into work and explain you are “under the weather” and need to rest a bit more before coming in.

♥ Make a long list of the many reasons why you love your partner as you do and then have them framed and present it to him or her.

♥ If you don’t live together, call your loved one just to say goodnight. Recite a favorite love poem over the phone and end with, “Sweet dreams, until we meet again!”

NURTURE ROMANTIC HABITS

Couples are always looking for ways to strengthen or enhance their love life.
A very simple and effective way to steal away for some quality time together is to establish a time to meet each day.

This can easily be arranged over the lunch hour and after dinner hours.

One idea is to arrange a time to meet for a drink. If possible, arrange to meet in your home where you are assured of privacy.

With wine, enjoy a bite to eat. While polishing off your bottle of wine, simply sit for 30 minutes or so and discuss day and make any plans ahead for the coming week.

This can be a rather intimate time for the two of you and can become a regular ritual.

Many couples with children often want to know how they can add romance to their relationship being surrounded by children.

The regular meeting ritual is one way that couples can both spend some special time alone while setting a wonderful example for the children that their mom and dad really love each other.

For parents with small children, it might be impossible to spend quiet time alone together until after the children are put to bed. The importance of the ritual is the uninterrupted time spent together.

Whatever means you use to be able to do that consistently will pay off in the romance department, now and well into the future.

ROMANCE FUNDAMENTALS — PRIMARY FLIRTING

It is rather difficult to be romantic without first flirting. What exactly is flirting and how can you adapt some flirting into your own romantic moods and play? To begin, you don’t want to be too aggressive. Start with very friendly gestures and once you have gotten those moves down, and then go for the romantic flirting!

Flirting is a frame of mind:

Be self-confident and do not be afraid to take risks.
Be enthusiastic about romance and be positive!

Start a sexy conversation:

Start with a simple, opening line by saying hello.
Talk about anything at all, whatever will get the romance going.

Enjoy yourself and have fun:

Be playful, light-hearted and above all, be spontaneous.
Show that you can be vulnerable.

Make good use of all props:

Always use a prop.
Props will get the conversation started naturally. They encourage conversation and others will want to start talking to you.
Great props are: pets, children, great jewelry, a wonderful scent, a sweatshirt with your favorite sports team’s emblem, an interesting book or magazine.

Play host:

Take the lead by taking on the role of host.
Do not be the passive person in waiting, but rather the lead.

Introduce yourself first:
Move closer to the person you want to meet and introduce yourself confidently!

Listen-up:
Everyone loves to be heard and when you are a good listener your partner will be drawn to you.

Make bold eye contact:
Look your partner in the eye gently (no more than 2-4 seconds) and then look away. You don’t want to stare!

Pay a genuine compliment:
Your partner will be pleased and will warm up to you more.

Show a beautiful smile:
You will look so much more approachable. Everyone is attracted to a genuine and heartfelt, smile.

So there you go! These are all ground-breakers when wanting to approach someone with romance. We must always be mindful of the fundamentals.

When we just dive right in, unexpected, we can turn our loved one off. Go slow, a step at a time and feeling confident, approach with your best romance moves.

THE ROMANCE AND SCIENCE OF KISSING

What is that feeling people get from a  good kiss that’s so hard to explain? How does kissing come into play when being romantic?

Women often compare a good kiss to “melting butter” and like being “hit by a wave,” according to a recent survey.

Men often describe it as similar to “vibrations at a concert” or a “three pointer at the buzzer to win the NCAA basketball tournament,” according to the same survey.

Experts have proven there is a lot of physiology behind the warm and fuzzy feelings that come from a good kiss.

Feelings of romantic love, and kissing, stimulate the same type of brain activity as many sports, such as: parachuting, bungee jumping and distance running, for example.

These same types of activities cause the brain to experience a surge in norepinephrine, dopamine and phenylethylamine (or just PEA to some.) These neurotransmitters attach to pleasure receptors in the brain and create feelings of euphoria, giddiness, elation and such.

So, next time you feel romantic and want to show your love to someone special, go for that wonderful kiss — it will definitely leave a lasting impression!

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. ~ Ingrid Bergman

GUIDE YOUR MAN TO TAKE THE ROMANTIC LEAD

Some men just aren’t in tune with their romantic side. Fortunately, most men can be taught, given the right attitude. Proceed carefully and don’t ever pressure your man into romance. Here are some initial tips:

The golden rule is to lead by example.
Remember, you want your man to take the lead, but, on his terms, not yours. Start by pampering him. Do what he likes to do best — even if that’s playing a video game, or just watching TV on a Saturday night.

By doing this, a spicy ending to any of these activities will be much more favorable for him. Afterwards, show him you’d appreciate similar attention towards you, and eventually he’ll get the bigger picture.

Take charge of a great night out with your man.
Plan an entire night on the town and then let your man just come along for the ride. Women need to appreciate just how difficult it can be for the man to always be the one to find creative and fun things to do.

It can be very romantic for the man when his lady takes charge in this way, finding a new restaurant and activity for them to enjoy. The man can find this very exciting and will be open to romance afterwards, once an enjoyable evening has been spent together.

Turn romance into a competitive game.
Alternate planning weekly date nights with your man and plan an activity that will appeal to his competitive nature. Men will often want to take the lead here because they find great pleasure in outdoing their mate.

Finally, make sure your man knows how much you appreciate the little things that he does for you.
This can be cooking a great meal when you are tired, opening the car door for you, treating you to a chocolate heart when you are feeling blue, any number of thoughtful, little things.

Make a point of mentioning that he does this for you in front of your friends and watch the envy of the other ladies ooze all over the place! Your man will take notice and feel loved! Romantic moments should quicken with this plan!

There are definite things that you can do to encourage your man’s romantic nature. All he may need is a little suggestion, knowing how much he is appreciated and a few well thought out challenges to get his creative juices flowing.

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LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

Should the sun refuse to shine, should romance run out of rhyme; you alone will hold my heart — now until the very end of time.”
- Verses of Love

The biggest myth in romance is that you must pull off something big and extravagant so that your efforts will matter. The truth is that what will impress your loved one the most will often be the little things.

Little things are rather simple things that you do for your loved one. Despite the fact that they are “little” they can mean so much. Your loved one will be touched that you took the time to show him or her that you care so much. You will be considered thoughtful. All of this plays very well when wishing to be romantic.

Consider your loved one’s heart to be like a basket. The basket wants to be filled. When you shower your loved one’s basket with many, little gifts, the basket will be filled and your loved one will be content and feel loved. It is as simple as that!

Considering the importance of every day little things, think about some new romantic ideas.

Just for today:

Pay your loved one a compliment, such as how awesome they look.

Give your loved one a strong hug just because.

Pick a bouquet of wild flowers and present them with a kiss.

Massage their back and/or feet at the end of a work week.

Leave an “I love you” note on their pillow.

Call spontaneously at their work to say “I am thinking about you.”

Place your arm around your loved one in public.

Remember, when you take the time to be thoughtful and attentive today, this can usher in more intense romance later on.

What is romance without a kiss?

When wishing for romance, your kisses had better be good to make a favorable impression. It may not be fair, but some will judge you on your first kiss as to whether or not they will want to see you again.

In other words, there needs to be good chemistry when kissing.

A good kiss delivers a powerful impact! If you’re a great kisser, you’re going to turn your date on and you will have a  definite edge.

What distinguishes a good kisser from the kisser we all want to forget? The key is to be soft and gentle and follow their lead. Here are some good romantic kissing tips to enhance your love life:

STEP ONE

• Be careful not to startle – watch and wait for the signal to proceed
• Avoid the ‘ambush’ kiss (although these can be exciting as your relationship progresses.)
• Look deeply into your partner’s eyes. This will send the message that you like them and want to be closer to them. Look for their signals as well.
• Look for a warm, kind smile (even a slight smile is good; it doesn’t have to be BIG.)
• Pay attention to the look on your loved one’s face. This will indicate where they want to go with this kiss.

STEP TWO

• Look for good balance. As you move closer to that magical kiss, you don’t want to be leaning too forward awkwardly to get there.
• As you move closer you are sending signals. You want your body to be in a comfortable position during the kiss, so you can enjoy every moment of it.
• Go for a light touch just before the kiss. While a hand lightly on the face is a definite signal of intimacy, holding hands combined with eye contact and a warm look can indicate the beginning of a great kiss to come.
• Make sure you are aligned correctly at this point. This means not only getting your lips on track with theirs, but getting the head tilted correctly as well.
• Tilt your head slightly to one side first. Your partner will likely react and tilt the other way. This is a mutual sign that the kiss will be very welcomed.

STEP THREE

• Relax your lips, close your eyes.
• Move in slowly. During step number two you made sure the two of you were aligned correctly, now you can close your eyes as you’re just about to make contact.
• Relax your lips, not tightly pressed together. Give your partner the pleasant experience of feeling your lips softly against theirs.
• Your lips should be recently moistened, but not wet.

STEP FOUR

• Relax your lips, tilt your head and breathe evenly.
• Moving in, you can part your lips slightly just before contact. Keep your lips relaxed, your tongue in your mouth.
• Keep your head tilted so both of you can still breathe comfortably on contact and as the perfect kiss is held…

S A V O R every moment … be slow, gentle, easy.

STEP FIVE

• Keep it sweet, not too long and not too wet.
• Don’t pull away too quickly or make any quick movements. Savor. Savor. Savor. Feel the power and romance of the kiss.

Enjoy the moment!

STEP SIX

• Take your time and don’t rush. Make eye contact, nonverbal and verbal messages.
• To end, pull away slowly and make eye contact again. Show a satisfied, warm smile to reinforce how you feel.
• Enjoy the closeness, relax, and finish the kiss with a warm embrace.

A few, thoughtful words, such as, “That was nice,” can be whispered. Try to reinforce how you felt about your kiss with positive words. Your partner will appreciate this and this can break the ice a little.

Now that you have mastered the romance of a kiss….you are well on your way to learn even more about how to enhance your romance life!

This formula works, but what are some of your own formulas you have found to work in life too.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner this mega list of romantic ideas will get you lovin’ all year!

Keep The Fire Burning Year Round:

1. Start each day with a kiss and end each day with a hug.
2. Get dressed up and go on a date once a week.
3. Be sensitive to your partners sexual desires.
4. Give back rubs and massages.
5. Be kind.
6. Be gentle.
7. Be positive.
8. Be polite and respectful.
9. Laugh together.
10. Compliment your partner twice a day.
11. Smile at your partner often.
12. Look your best for your partner.
13. Call just to say I love you.
14. Say I love you frequently.
15. Talk about your love.
16. Watch sunsets together.
17. Cuddle.
18. Listen.
19. Encourage.
20. Pray for your partner daily.
21. Know your partner’s needs.
22. Do what your partner wants before they even ask.
23. Accept differences.
24. Admit when you are wrong.
25. Apologize.
26. Send flowers and cards just because.
27. Wink at each other.
28. Choose a song thats yours (dance to it when ever you hear it)
29. Welcome each other home.
30. Hold Hands.

Things To Say That Will Make His Day:

1. I missed you today.
2. I couldn’t get you off my mind all day.
3. You are so sexy.
4. I love you.
5. You make me feel good.
6. You look good today.
7. What would you like?
8. Thank you.
9. I’m sorry (apologize if you were wrong about something)
10. What can I do for you?

The Way To A Man’s Heart Is His Stomach:

Cook more and cook often. Nothing turns a man on like a home cooked meal. Break out the candles, romantic music (make a special cd of songs that express your love), and put on your Sexiest Outfit (look your best make it difficult for him to take his eyes off you). Go above and beyond the call of duty. Set the scene and make dinner an experience. Pull out those pretty dishes and that good silverware you never use. This is a special occassion!

2 steaks

2 lobster tails

Steamed Vegetables and Pasta in Olive Oil and Garlic

Dinner Rolls

Fresh Strawberries with stems

Chocolate dipping sauce

Wine/Champagne

Make Him Feel Special Every Day:

• Admire him for his strength and significance.
• Pack him a lunch with his favorite foods (include a love note).
• Keep his favorite snacks on hand.
• Watch his favorite sporting events with him.
• Bake him cookies.
• Compliment him in front of people.
• Look your best.
• Stick to your budget.
• Keep the house clean and clutter free.
• Have surprise lingerie fashion shows.
• Be spontaneous.
• Take interest in his work and hobbies.
• Surprise him with gifts and treats on ordinary days.

Romantic Tips That Will Melt Her Heart:

• Buy a packet of glow in the dark stars and stick the stars on the ceiling above your bed to spell out a message such as “I Love You” When the lights are out, your message will be revealed!
• Buy the domain name of your partner’s name if it is available for example www.HerNameHere.com. Create a web page containing a romantic poem and a picture of a rose. When your partner is surfing the web, casually ask whether she has ever checked to see whether her domain name is taken. Let her type it in to discover her page.
• Have flowers delivered to your partner’s workplace. She will not only enjoy the flowers but will also receive comments and attention from her office mates which will add to her enjoyment.
• Write a note saying “I thought of you today, and it made me smile.” Leave the note somewhere where your partner is sure to find it.
• If your partner has voice mail at work or on her mobile, leave a message saying “Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you.” She will appreciate this anytime but especially when she is going through a rough period.
• Go for a walk on the beach. Trace out the shape of a large love heart in the sand. Sit inside the heart and cuddle your partner as you watch the sun go down.
• Leave a long stem rose where your partner will find it with a note on it saying:

  “Thank you for coming into my life.”

• Give your partner a magic gift box. Every month, place a new small gift in the box for her to discover.
• Have a really big pillow fight. Set up for it by buying two pillows that are filled with feathers. Put holes in the pillows so the feathers will start to fly and then attack your partner when you feel the time is right.
• Buy your partner a gold fish in a bowl and give it to her with a card saying, “Of all the fish in the sea, you’re the fish for me!”

Buy some rose petals and place them behind the sun visor on the passenger side of your car. Take a post it note and write, “I Love You” on it and stick it to the back of the sun visor. As you are driving to a romantic destination, look at your partner and tell her she has a mark on her cheek. She will pull down the sun visor to use the mirror and be showered in rose petals and see your note.

Buy a small decorated cardboard box, a sheet of colored tissue paper, some massage oil and a blank card.

Line the box with the tissue paper. Place the massage oil in the box and write the following message on the card:

I know a great Masseur. For an appointment call: (Your Phone Number)

When your spouse has had a really long hard day, run a hot bath for her. Pour some fragrant bath oil into the tub and gently bathe her from head to toe. Carry her into the bedroom. Gently towel her dry and tuck her into a freshly made bed with a kiss on the forehead.

Invite your partner to go for a walk. Get a back pack and pack the following items: A picnic blanket, a selection of fruit in small containers eg. strawberries, grapes, watermelon and kiwi fruit. Some cheese and crackers. Some sandwiches. A small tin of caviar. A half bottle of champagne and two plastic champagne glasses. If your partner asks what’s in the backpack, just say a jacket and some lunch. When you find a romantic spot, ask if she would like to stop for a bite to eat. Open your pack and remove the items one by one to set up your picnic. The last item you remove should be the glasses and champagne.

Contact your partner’s family and ask if there was anything she always wanted when she was a little girl. For example if she always wanted a porcelain doll, buy one for her birthday. She will not only appreciate the gift but also the fact that you were thoughtful enough to find out what she always wanted. Read the full story