Monday, January 28, 2008

Tickle Me Tender, Eggs Benedict and T-16 Days

This week's Quick and Easy Romance Tip

A :30 second commercial interuption

At some point this week you need to give your wife a :30 second commercial interuption for a new product called "Tickle Me Tender". Here's how it works: while your wife is sitting down, stand behind her and have her bend her head forward; then gently rub your fingers through her hair and let the hair fall back down on to her neck. After the 30 seconds give her a nice sweet kiss on the neck and let her get back to what she was doing. Quick and Easy.

This week's Video: Eggs Benedict with Heart Shaped Toast




If you any questions about the Eggs Benedict email at kandleman@madisonavecandles.com or post it.

T-16 Days until V-Day

Since you are reading this, I am going to assume you have started to think about what you're going to do for Valentine's day. If you have not..start. And saying that you're going to order flowers and then waiting to the last minute and complaining about it does not constitute thinking about it.

Ideas for Valentine's Day

A Trip Down Memory Lane (Low on cost, high on joy)

Not to be too cliche, but this is one of those gifts where it truly is the thought that matters. The first time I did this was in college when I had no money. Laura and I had been dating about a year. (That was 18 years ago). You're going to take your wife on a trip down memory lane by giving her gifts reminiscent of great times the two of you have had together. You can go the low or hi budget route - the option is yours. Remember, it's the thought behind it that matters.

Being a poor college student, I had to choose the low budget varitation when I first tried this, so I went down to the 99 cent store and bought her some gifts that signified good memories for us. They included things like a plastic bowling set becuase Laura and I had so much fun whenever we went bowling, some stuffed animals because we loved going to zoos; and a Mickey Mouse themed toy because we went to Disney World when she came to visit me during college breaks. With each gift I wrote a little note like: Remember when we went bowling and we couldn't stop laughing because..

This is only one way of doing it. You could compile some pictures and take a trip down memory lane through photos, get books or calendars featuring places you've been together. Have the two of you ever played in the rain? Then how about you get her a new, special umbrella that will bring back happy memories with you. Is there a movie the two of watched together when you started dating? Buy her the movie and give her a note that says something like "I remember
watching this with you when I/we were first falling in love."

All couples have special moments and memories like this. You just need to start thinking about the fun things you've done together and go from there.

The Art of Massage - Semi Pricey, High on Pleasure!

What woman doesn't enjoy a massage? She gets to relax, forget about her cares and just feel good. Imagine the look on her face when you return home from your romantic valentine's dinner , you let her relax a bit while you sneak off to the bedroom to set up her gift - a portable massage table. You've got the room all decked out with lit candles, her favorite relaxing music (don't have a clue? Get an Enigma CD or download it to your iPod.), and of course, a bottle of massage oil.

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to surprise your wife with a portable massage table and at least one massage a week for the next 6 weeks. Not good at massages? No worries, I wasn't either...in the beginning. But the more I practiced and the more I listened, the better I became. And now, I must say that I am pretty damn good at it and getting better everytime. You'll get better too. Try not to skimp on time either, a good massage usually lasts at least 30-45 minutes. As long as you have the key ingredients (all on the "T" list), you'll be in good shape.

The "T" List

Oprah has her "O" list, I have my T-list. There are T-lists for cooking, gardeing, being romantic, etc. This week we talk the T-list for massage.

1) Massage Oil - This is the most important thing you need. You can have all the good intentions in the world and the most expensive massage table they sell but without massage oil the massage doesn't feel good. Make sure you buy an oil that says - Massage Oil or Light Massage Oil. It works so much better than just plain lotion when you are trying to give a good massage. I get my massage oil at http://www.herbalworksinc.com/ and http://www.kamasutra.com/.

2) Portable Massage Table - I got mine at one of my favorite stores. Perhaps you've heard of it...it's called Costco! Sometimes they carry them in the wharehouse, otherwise visit http://www.costco.com/ and buy one online.



That's our table..easy to get out and easy to set up.

3) Lotion - When you are done giving a massage and she is completely relaxed, rub, not massage (yes, there is a difference), some lotion on her. I also get my lotions from Herbalworks.

4) Foot Lotion - I have to say I give a great "foot" massge. I believe that everything starts in the feet. My foot massages come early in the massage. Make sure the lotion you buy is for the feet. I use the Silky Mint Foot Lotion from Herbalworks.

5) Music - Have some music on when you give her a massage. And if you have an iPod or a Cd player, you can even offer her some choices. I will sometines use ocean waves, Enigma, or even a little Justin Timberlake.

6) Candles - To me, candles are a must if you want to have a romantic/relaxing atmosphere. I get all my candles from http://www.madisonavecandles.com/ But if you are looking for some container candles Votivo and Trapp make a nice jarred candle.

If you want to go all out, buy a book on reflexology. I got a set of cards on Reflexology from Costco, and it's amazing how everything in the body is connected and how by rubbing a special spot on her big toe you can releave some major tension. But, if you're not going to read it, don't buy it. The point is, some relexology knowledge can really improve the massages you give.

Just remember, you're not going to be Joe Massgage when you first give it a try. But don't get discouraged. Your wife will love that you tried and if you just listen to her and see what she likes, you'll eventually get better and you'll be enjoying yourself every step of the way. Just have fun doing it!

More Valentines Day gift ideas in next weeks post.

Just A "mini" Glimpse




Laura relaxing with Murphy while the girls dig for worms.

Have a great rest of you week.

Smiles,

Todd
myfemanineside.blogspot.com
"Changing the way men think, one blog at time.








Thursday, January 17, 2008

Only 23 days until V-Day, Tissue Paper Flowers and the Australian Open


This week's Quick and Easy Romance Tip:

This week's tip could be the easiest yet. It can be done at home, the office or while you're driving in the car. When you're not with your wife or girlfriend and you hear a love song, call her up. Let her hear the song and then tell her that when you heard the song, it made you think of her. Then tell her you love her and can't wait to see her. And then hang up. If you don't listen to the radio then download a song onto your iPod. If you don't have an iPod than grab a CD. And if you don't listen to the radio, or have an Ipod or own a CD with a love song on it, no worries. Just call her up and sing to her a line or two. "I just called to say I love you and need you from the bottom of my heart." Quick and Easy.

This week's Video: How to make Handmade Tissue Paper Flowers



This is a very easy project to make and is perfect for Valentine's Day. I have to thank my friend Lisa who gave me the idea.



As always if you have any questions about the tissue paper flowers email me at kandleman@madisonavecandles.com.

T- 23 days until Valentines

It's time to start thinking about Valentine's Day. If you're going out to dinner make those reservations now. Are you cooking her breakfast in bed or even making her a romantic dinner for two? If so, what are you cooking? Are you buying her something instead of flowers? Have you bought it yet? Do you need to order it? Is it going to take time to ship? Do you want it personalized? Are you going to make her tissue paper flowers? Do you have the materials? Are you going to put up any decorations at home or even her office? All I am saying is...Don't wait until the last minute!

Dining Ideas for Valentine's Day:

Breakfast In Bed - If you watched this week's video you know that next week I'm going to be showing you how to make eggs benedict but with a little twist. If you are going to make her breakfast in bed, buy a breakfast tray so when you do make her breakfast in bed she doesn't have to get out of bed to eat it. To spice it up a little you can put her favorite magazine or book on the tray with a nice lavender candle and of course some tissue paper flowers. Just have fun with it.

Dinner - Don't know what to cook? Maybe call her mom and find out what dish was her favorite as a kid and get the directions on how to make it. And then if you can, without her finding out of course, practice making it. Ask a buddy to borrow his kitchen. Maybe she had a favorite hangout in college that can Fed-Ex her favorite dish. Or, check online for places that deliver meals. If you are doing dinner at home, set up a table for two somewhere in your house and make up a name for the "restaurant" you are going to. For example, if your last name is Barton, the name of the restaurant could be "Bartonios. " If you have kids and a romantic dinner at home is not possible; maybe a late night romantic dessert for two.

Make sure you check back next week for ideas that will make that special someone feel extra special this Valentine's Day. From the extravagant to the budget conscious - I have ideas suited for almost any budget.

My FeMANine Side Quick Sports Talk

If you have not watched any of the Australian Open start. The matches have been amazing. Men's and Women's. My early pick for the Superbowl...Giants 31 Patriots 28.

Have a great week.

Smiles,

Todd

Sunday, January 13, 2008

T.O's tears, Post-IT's, Sweet Potato Fries and the "T"-list


This Weeks My FeMANine Side Quick and Easy Romance Tip

Post-IT's - more than just a sticky peice of paper

Here's a clever way to say "I Love You" - say it with Post-Its. Chances are you have easy access to them & they work great for writing little messages and then sticking them all around the house for her to see. You are amazing. You inspire me. You are beautiful. Can't wait to see you later. It can be almost anything. Just do it and see what happens. Quick and Easy.

This Weeks My FeMANine Side Video: How to make Sweet Potato Fries and Baked Broccoli with Garlic Gomasio.


Sweet Potato Fries and Baked Broccoli



If you have any questions about the Sweet Potato Fries or the Baked Broccoli email me at kandleman@madisonavecandles.com


The "T-List"

If you watched the video before you read this then you heard me mention the "T-list". Oprah has her "O" list, I have my T-list. There are T-lists for cooking, gardeing, being romantic, etc. This week we talk the T-list for cooking. The initial 3 items on the list this are an olive oil mister , olive oil and garlic gomasio. Why did these make the list you ask? Because they can make almost anything taste good.

Where in the world can you find these T-list items? You can find an olive oil mister for around $10 at your local kitchen store or big chain store (Bed Bed & Beyond), olive oil at your local supermarket and garlic gomasio at Whole Foods. The one I buy is made by Eden Organics. Check this week's video for how to use these.


There's no crying in Football or is there?

For the 1o minutes or so that I have been writing and typing and rewriting and staring at a blank screen, my thoughts begin to wander trying to come up with the way I want to start this post. And T.O, (not Tony Orlando) popped into my head and him crying during the press conference after the Giants beat the Cowboys - in Dallas. And if you don't know who I mean by T.O and you actually thought I meant Tony Orlando, then congratulations, you are more FeMANine than me.

I really shouldn't say this because a lot of my good friends are Cowboys fans, but the Giants winning today and beating Jerry and his Boys...well, it kinda made my season. Even if New England goes all the way, wins the Superbowl, stays Undefeated and ties the 72 Dolphins record (and I say tie becuase you can't beat an undefeated season you can only tie it). But even if that happens, I can at least say that the Cowboys lost...But back to T.O.

When I first saw him crying, I have to admit , I was like "come on man hike up your skirt and stop crying!" But then I began to think about it. What's the big deal? It's just a game. But to T.O., this is more than just a game. Imagine the pressure and the emotion that goes into getting up for somethig like that. Just like anything in life, you practice and prepare and then practice and prepare some more and then you fall short. It's tough. And he let his emotions out. To me the crying just shows how passionate he is about winning. And what, because he's a football player, he's not allowed to cry? Real men don't cry? I'll let you in on a little secret "Real men do cry" . I'm crying right now. Ask yourself honestly, when you first saw the highlight, what did you think about TO crying?

What I thought was odd was how he was blabbering on about how it wasn't fair to blame Tony Romo, and that they lost as a team. Oh yeah, I am gonna worry about Tony Romo. He's going to make like a jillion dollars next year and oh, by the way, he's dating Jessica Simpson. And before that he was rumored to be dating Carrie Underwood. Boo hoo. I feel real bad for Tony.

Now onto the BIG day that everyone is thinking about. No, not Super Bowl Sunday. It's Valentine's Day...

Valentine's Day

What's the plan? It's never too early to start planning...so start thinking. And don't forget to check in next week at myfemanineside.blogspot.com for ideas that will make that special someone feel extra special this Valentines. From the extravagant to the budget conscious - I have ideas suited for almost any budget.




Just a "mini" Glimpse

In the morning the girls decided to play dress up.





In the afternon, Madison decided for lunch we should have a picnic and she set everything up including having us all put on our picnic hats.



Have a great week and remember "May the FeMANine Side be with You". Yeah it's cheesy but it made Laura laugh. Need I say more.

Smiles,

Todd

myfeMANineSide.blogspot.com

"Changing the way men think, one blog at a time"

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Split Pea Soup, The NFL and a Glimpse


This week's My "FeMANine" Side Romance Tip:

Dance, Dance, Dance

I love to dance. The next class I want to take is Tap Dance. I have always wanted to learn how to tap. Anyway...I am always sneaking quick dances with my wife Laura or even with the kids around the house. Sometimes they only last thirty secods and sometimes much longer. Doesn't matter if there is music or not. So at least one night this week, before you go to bed, dance with your wife/girlfriend/significant other. Pull her close to you, hold her tight and whisper in her ears that you love her.

This weeks My "FeMANine" Side video: How to make Split Pea Soup




The NFL and Just a Glimpse

If you are not a big NFL fan you might want to skip down a paragraph and start reading at Just a Glimpse. I did not sit and watch the games but I had them on. I am not a big sitter. I like to do other things and have the game on in the background sort of like a radio but with pictures. I thought the games were pretty good. Granted if you are a Bucs, Titans, Steelers or Redskins fan this weekend blew. I was glad to see Chris Chambers had a good game for San Diego and Eli for the Giants. The games next week should also be good and just for fun I am going to make some predictions for this NFL weekend right now....Giants over the Cowboys. Sorry Cowboy fans I think the third time is a charm. Green Bay over Seattle. This was a tough one because I am big fan of both teams. It's in Green Bay so I have to go with Green Bay. But I would not be surprised if Seattle pulls it out. Indianapolis over San Diego and the Jags over the Patriots. As someone who grew up in Florida I would love to see the Jags pull this one out. I am picking with my heart and not my head. I just hope that whomever makes it to the Superbowl that I like one of the teams. It bums me out when I don't have a team to root for in the Superbowl.

Let's talk a little BCS. I was hoping for a good game but as everyone expected (except Ohio State fans), LSU blew them out.

Just a Glimpse

Yesterday after playing Lincoln Logs with London and Brooklyn (my middle and youngest daughters) I sat down at the computer to write my blog. I put the game on, I think it was the Giants/Tampa Bay Game. During one of the commercials, and I cannot remember what it was for, but they were singing a song called Coming to Hollywood and about 15 seconds after the song started London walks into the living room, wearing her "cool cat" glasses but missing one of her fake high heel shoes and starts dancing.



It was adorable.

Meanwhile Madison was in the playroom testing out purses to see which ones she could carry Murphy around in. Murphy is our new dog that we rescued 3 weeks ago.



Laura, or as I like to call her "Super Mom," goes to check on Madison. About the same time, I get up and go into the playroom and, as usual, Laura looked adorable. She had no make up on and was wearing a pair of jeans with a really cute t-shirt. She looked hot. The great thing is, she was going for comfortable. So I gave her a couple of nibbles on the neck, told her I loved her and that she looked awesome, and we left Madison to search for the perfect purse. About 2 minutes or so later Madison comes out with a toy and she wants to show us what she wrote on it



You gotta love her.

At about this time, I had to stop blogging and start preparing lunch. I love to cook. I am not a chef but I am a pretty good cook and I like to be creative with my cooking. Like anything else though, it takes practice. For lunch we had Pasta with Chicken Apple Sausage and Sesame Grilled Onions.



I am a big fan of the Onion and use it a lot when I cook. After lunch I started to prepare my Split Pea Soup which we had with dinner and I also re-heated it today for lunch. It re-heats really well. It was delicous and how to make it is this week's video. You will see in the video that I had some helpers, including Murphy. One quick note that I forgot to mention in the video is you need to mix the soup every so often.

After watching the video, if you would like more detailed instructions (although this soup is pretty easy to make), you can email me at Kandleman@madisonavecandles.com.

Next week's blog we will get into the "T-list" for the kitchen; which are things I have found to be essential to making cooking easier. And of course the big day that is on everybody's mind, no not the Superbowl...Valentines Day.

Smiles.

Todd

MyFeMANineside.blogspot.com

Changing the way men think, one blog at a time.