Looking for Love? - Here it is!

This recipe makes my heart melt: Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries served with a Marshmellow Cream Dip.

INGREDIENTS

Long Stem Strawberries

1 package of Ghirardelli© Dark Chocolate Chips

1 Jar of Marshmellow Cream

1 package of Neufchâtel Cheese

HOW TO MAKE

Melt chocolate chips in a glass bowl atop boiling water. Add 1 tsp oil then stir until smooth. Dip Strawberries and lay on wax paper. Place in Fridge to harden.

For the dip, blend the entire jar of marshmellow cream with 1 package of Neufchâtel Cheese. Optional: sprinkle with brown sugar.

I decorated the bowl with the remaining chocolate. The strawberry shaped like a heart is the first picture in the album on facebook titled, Looking for Love. Make sure to look for love wherever you are. Take a picture and share the love with everyone.

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The 3 things in every relationship

This is a picture of my husband and I. It's the typical engagement picture on the beach at sunset looking into each others eyes and holding a toaster. Yes everyone - that is a toaster.

But this toaster is not just any toaster. It is a symbol of an expression my stepdad says about choosing your partner which is,

"Take the three things you hate most about the person you are dating. Multiply that by 10 and if you can live with it, then you should get married."

Well our first "fight" was about this toaster. I liked it put away and he liked it on the countertop. So every morning he went to make toast he would have to pull it out of the cupboard, plug it in, toast the bread, eat, then go to work. Then I would wipe away the crumbs and put the toaster back in the cupboard. It lasted about three weeks before he finally snapped.

When sharing the story with our parents, they laughed because they knew our "rose-colored glasses" of new love were clearing up. They shared with us it's the little things in marriages that build up. The shoes he leaves laying in the hallway, the dishes she leaves in the sink for days, the light bulb no one wants to change, and the toaster's permanent spot in the kitchen.

I knew they were right but quickly dismissed it thinking, "I will never let those petty things bother me. Especially not with this wonderful man who is choosing to spend the rest of his life with me." Taven on the other hand, had the foresight to trust "experience and knowledge" when he carried the toaster out to the shore at sunset. (Well, I can call it foresight now 13 years later. Truth is, at the time, he was trying to make my parents laugh.)

This picture sits on the shelves at the offices of W.F. Underwood Financial and Insurance Services (my parents). When their clients come in, many will look at the picture, and do a double-take asking, "is that a toaster?" To which he will share his life lesson "the 3 things."

As with most couples, Taven and I have fought over many "toaster" issues throughout our marriage and never were they about a toaster - until two weeks ago when the one we've used broke. He went and bought a new one at Costco but I didn't like it (the slots weren't deep enough for his sourdough bread) So I told him I would exchange it. I went to three stores testing various types. Unsatisfied with them all, I decided the one he chose was perfect. I brought it home and meant to put it back where it belonged but instead left it in its box on the dryer. When he woke up and went to make toast he yelled, "Where's the damn Toaster!!!!!!!"

I laughed.

Then he did too.

So what are your three things? And/or what marriage advice can you share?

If you reply with some good advice before March 1st, you will be entered to win - you guessed it, a free toaster!!!!! Comment on the Facebook fanpage or below.

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30daysof...Romancing your Man

As February 14th approaches, it is common for women to play sweet in hopes their Valentine will present her with flowers, candy and an intimate table at a fancy restaurant. However the flowers die, the candy makes us fat, and the restaurants pack in so many extra tables, you might wonder whose knee he is really rubbing. This type of evening is not romantic at all, least especially for the man. And this year, I am all about romancing my man. So using social networks, i asked men, how do you like to feel special? What is your ideal date? What can a woman do to make you feel loved? Their responses are listed below and are numbered from the least desired to the most effective. In fact, if you ever want to make your man truly feel loved, skip all the way to number 1.

30. Nightcap - Pull down his sheets for him before bed.

29. Put tooth paste on his toothbrush for him in the morning

28. Bring him coffee in bed

27. Stay off your handheld devices when talking with him.

26. When not with him, send seductive or thoughtful texts to him.

25. Send a sexy picture of yourself to him on his phone before he gets home.

24. Write a poem or a love letter for him and put it in a homemade lunch.

23. Bake him his favorite cookies, cake or pie.

22. Wear a whip cream bikini

21. Go shopping for lingerie. You stay in the dressing room and let him bring you what he likes. You put it on and love it (even if you don't).

20. If he is nice enough to watch a chick flick with you, then don't wear your panties for him.

19. Tell him thank you for choosing you.

18. Plan a sports party for him and his friends - make a great dip (Chili-Cheese Dip) , drinks, and let them get as loud as they want. Don't tell him to turn anything down. Smile and be happy for him.

17. Say I love you. Now you can say it in a 100 different languages.

16. Sushi Bar on your Body - If you don't know, think Samantha from the movie, SEX AND THE CITY. If you haven't seen it, refer to number 20.

15. Draw naked pictures of each other. (Remember Titanic?) Let him go first even if he can't draw.

14. Make a music cd of your favorite love songs.

13. Dress up. FOR HIM, just becuase. Pick up a Victoria Secret Catalog.

12. Wink at him. Flirt. Touch him as you walk by. Or spank him and then hide.

11. On his birthday, wrap yourself up like a present and let him unwrap you after he blows out the candles to the cake you made him.

10. Park. On a cliff, At a drive-in, or in a remote place. Bring #14.

9. Leave articles of clothing throughout the house, leading to yourself in a bathtub.

7. Hire a masseur for his/her massages. You supply the happy ending.

6. Make a video of yourselves together...or watch a video and roleplay.

5. Play a Game - Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, Strip Poker.

4. Serve him a home cooked meal 4 times a week.

3. Wear only an apron when serving him dinner.

2. Smile. When he leaves for work AND especially when he gets home from work.

1. Simply touch it. Done. Romanced.

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30 days of...Great Dates Week 4 - Get your heart racing! GIVEAWAY!!

"I feel the need...the need for a speed!" said Maverick and Goose and they boarded their fighter plane in the movie, Top Gun. We all have the need for some speed and sharing the experience with the person you love is exciting. Dates #23 - #30 feature exhilarating activities to get your heart racing together!

Plus there is a FREE GIVEWAY mentioned at the end of the post so read on.

23. Hot Air Balloon Ride - In the city of Temecula, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the wineries. The trip provides gorgeous views from high up and as you descend you can reach over and touch the tops of the trees. This journey begins before the sun comes up and ends just in time for breakfast. Wilson Creek Winery offers champagne and a continental breakfast after the ride.

24. Palm Springs Aerial Tram - This should be one of the great wonders of the world. Within 10 minutes you experience the desert climate then mountain climate. During the winter, be prepared to play in the snow and sled down some hills. The rest of the year allows for great hiking and overnight camping. Either time it is a great time to share together.

25. Disneyland, California Adventure - this place is an even happier place when you leave the kids at home. Book a reservation at the California Grand Hotel.

There you can dine at a 5 star hotel, get a massage, lay by the pool, enjoy a band at the House of Blues, and ride California Screaming as many times as you want.

26. Skydive - Jumping out of a plane together will get your heart racing for sure. I did it once and had a blast! To see how I survived, view the video.

27. Planetarium - When I think about how big our universe is, it gets my heart racing. There are so many free telescope shows and exhibits you and your date can see in every state. In New York at the Museum of Natural History, the COSMIC COLLISIONS exhibit is a spectacular immersive theater experience, which launches visitors on a thrilling trip through space and time—well beyond the calm face of the night sky—to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe.

28. Trapeze - Have you ever played the game, "Trust me?" You fall back into the person arms and see if they will catch you. If they don't catch you, then dump then right then and there. (That is after you get up.) In San Diego, Trapeze High is a trapeze training facility for people of all ages, abilities and skill levels. You and your date can do acrobats with each other high above the ground.

29. Go 180mph in your own RaceCar - At the California Speedway and other select tracks, you and your dates can ride in race car yourself or with an experienced driver. It will give you a whole new appreciation for the sport. And yes, racing is a sport, it isn't just a bunch of men turning left. (At least that is what my husband insists!)

30. Eat on the Top of the World - My best date was 11 years ago when my husband asked me to marry him. He took me to dine at the TOP of the WORLD in the Stratosphere Hotel. You could tell his heart was racing the whole night. In most major cities there is a High Rise Restaurant worth experiencing for the view and the food. Takami Sushi is located 21 floors above Downtown LA's Financial District, and is considered one of the most unique restaurant concepts Southern California has ever experienced. The Carnelian Room in San Francisco, features surrounding views of 360 degrees with award winning cuisine.

GIVEWAY!!! I am always looking for creative, romantic, and adventurous dating experiences. Please share your best date or share your idea of a perfect date. You will be entered to win 2 tickets to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Random drawing takes place on March 30th.

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30 days of...Great Dates Week 3 - Get Down and Dirty

Dates 16 - 23 involves a little dirty behavior.

Now, get your mind out of the gutter for this is a

G-rated blog. When I say dirty, I literally mean dirty, as in covered or marked with an unclean substance. I happen to think getting dirty "with the methods described below" is the best way to laugh and let loose, getting you closer to each other. So have fun on any of these dirty dates below.

16. Do the MUDRUN - This is the World Famous Mud Run at Camp Pendleton! The Mud Run is a challenging 10K run with hills, tire obstacles, river crossings, two 5-foot walls with mud on both sides, tunnel crawl, slippery hill climb, and the final 30-foot mud pit. Along the course there will be 6 water points with personnel staged at each. This is the most fun you can have running a 10K! Register early becuase this event sells out at least 4 months in advance.

17. GEOCACHING - For those of you who love the amazing race, this is a fun adventure you and a date can do anytime. All you need is a GPS! Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

18. Bury each other at the beach - A day at the beach can not be beat. What better way to taunt your date than to bury them in some dirty sand. Take a picture and cherish the memory forever.

19. Get a BODY Massage in MUD - If a towel and a massage table suits you better than a 10-mile obstacle course, then opt for an all-body mud pack at your favorite spa. Better yet, pick up a bottle of Dead Spa Mineral Mud for $25. Put it on each other, sit out in the sun and get cracked-up while you are dirty.

20. Play Golf together - This is just a fun activity to do whether you can play or not. If you can't play, chances are you will end up in the sand or water. Actually that will happen even if you can play.

21. Play Paintball - Get your aggressions out in 37 acres of playing fields designed solely for paintball tournaments and escapades with your date.

22. WINE FESTIVALS- For I Love Lucy fans, the smashing grapes scene is unforgettable. Now, you too can smash grapes with your bare feet at your local winery. The Ponte Winery in Temecula hosts an annual festival and a WINE STOMP tournament in the Fall. Afterword, keep your shoes off and sit those bare-grape-stained feet and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the vineyard. Bellisimo!

23 . HOT SPRINGS RESORT- After all the dirty dating you have participated in, a nice change is to visit one of California's Hot Springs. When one bathes in these luxuriant waters, after 3 - 4 minutes, millions of tiny bubbles cover one's skin. The CO2 and water penetrate one's skin and rapidly dilate one's capillaries, giving an incredible feeling of calm, warm, peace and tranquility. For a list of ALL the Hot Spring Locations throughout the Western United States, buy the guide, Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Southwest, at AMAZON.com.

Now it is time to do some dirty dating. Please share any specific locations that would be of interest to other readers in the comments below.

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30 days of...Great Dates Week 2 - Use Forethought

Ideally, we should celebrate Valentine's Day everyday - but Valentine's Day. February 14th was named after the person, St. Valentine. It made me wonder, what was so romantic about St. Valentine? Did he plan the perfect dates for his love? Who was this person that causes the men in this country to wait in a 30 minute line for a box of chocolate, stuffed bear and a balloon?

One theory about the man St. Valentine is, he was a Roman who was matyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14th , 269 A.D. He left a note and signed it "from your Valentine." The 2nd theory states that St. Valentine served as a priest at a temple when Emperor Claudius jailed him. The following emperor freed him and set February 14th as the date to honour the wrongly accused saint. This was in 496.

To summarize, because of one Roman Christian Priest who lived 2000 years ago, and literally, just signed his name on a piece of paper, men and women are destined to give and receive mandatory "messages" of affection on this day. I think not.

Below are romantic date ideas that will go down in "your" history books.

Dates 8-15 all include forethought.

8. Music Arrangement - When you take your date out to a place with music ie: piano bar, club, restaurant, provide the musician with your favorite song and a dedication to your date. When the song gets played, grab their hand and start dancing - or don't. The thought alone is enough.

9. The old with the new - If you want to give a piece of jewelry, place it in their childhood jewelry box. Better yet, ask the parents if they have a special heirloom to pass down and place the gift inside.

10. Don't peak - Blindfold your date and take them somewhere special. Warn others with a friendly sign which reads, "SSHHH, this is a surprise." When you are at your destination, remove the blindfold to reveal surprised eyes and a big smile.

11. Use your words - Write a poem or find a meaningful poem and read it to your date.

12. Romancing the food - Remember 9 1/2 weeks? The food? The blindfold? Need I say more?

So romantic, sexy and fun.

13. Be a Game Player - Set up the game of Twister, along with a gift of lingerie for each other. Or be really creative and make your own board game. Use your personal facts about each other as the trivia questions.

14. Pampered Spouse - Set up a massage table, foot sauna, or spa for the other. Have the music and the candles set.

15. Engrave it - St. Valentine wrote a message to his love 2000 years ago. He did it on paper before he died. Engrave your feelings onto a watch. A watch is guaranteed to last longer than the piece of paper he must have used.

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30 days of...Great Dates Week 1 - Keep it Simple

Don't wait for special occasions to make your spouse feel loved. Remember how you used to be before the marriage, during the dating period? Celebrating a "weekly" anniversary with thoughtful gifts, planned getaways, welcoming smiles and attuned ears. Get back to that in your marriage.

Every week in February, the 30 days of...blog will feature 30 great date ideas for you to personalize with your spouse. You romantics can enhance these dates with your creativity. For you un-romantics, you have no more excuses. Listed below are some dates to start planning. And remember, the dating period is when we are on "our best behavior". So drop the kids off, drop the past, and at the end of the date... (see the last sentence of blog)

1. Dinner and a movie is a traditional date however, mix it up a bit. Go to a drive-in or see a movie in the park. See an IMAX experience. See the movie during the day. And in every case, sit in the very back of the theatre and don't really watch the movie.

2. Go to the Snow. Remember nite skiing? Do it again. It is a great activity and will allow you to cuddle close while sitting on the chair lift. Budget tight? Still go. Sit in the lodge by the fireplace and have a hot cocoa together.

3. Happy Hour - every month meet at your favorite restaurant for happy hour. Don't forget to play footsies under the table.

4. Make a mixed Cd, then actually dance to it in the backyard. Fast or slow, it is fun!

5. Laugh - Go to your local improv or comedy show.

6. Set sail on a boat - In your local lake, ocean, or river. There is nothing more romantic than being near water and no one else is around. Even a paddle boat makes for fun times. If you want to really get romantic, rent a gondola for the two of you.

7. Bring a pizza home and cut it into the shape of a heart.

And at the end of the date...drop your clothes!

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