10 Ways To Enjoy St Patricks Day In Style

St. Patrick’s Day is an annual celebration traditionally held on 17th March. Individuals of all nationalities and faiths gather for Paddy’s Day parades and parties dressed all in green. The day commemorates the life of St. Patrick and the date is significant because most historians believe it was the date of the saint’s death.

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday. This is the only country where the day is recognized officially even though the United States and other countries hold celebrations. Christians and non-Christians alike commemorate the day with parties, parades and celebrations with friends. The parties in North America are actually much more raucous than the ones in Ireland.

Irish natives usually mark the day with reverent moments and religious services commemorating Saint Patrick’s life and his many contributions to the church. Individuals typically don Irish and Celtic crosses to demonstrate their faith and Irish background.

Regardless of whether individuals are secular, religious, Irish or some other nationality this is a fun celebration for all who participate. Individuals all over the world celebrate this day with parties, music, food and drink. These ten tips will help you enjoy any Saint Paddy’s Day celebration:

1. Wear something green

Green is the colour of the day and is a symbol of good luck. Most people are extremely creative with their party attire. You can liven up any outfit with a jaunty hat, colourful glasses and novelty green wigs.

2. Take pictures
Most people love to commemorate any celebration with photographs of the occasion. Make sure you have your camera with you to capture all the fun and share them with your friends by posting them online to Twitter, Google + and Facebook.

3. Stay connected
Make sure your camera and phone are fully charged before the party starts so you do not miss any of the action and you can post your memories on Twitter and Facebook to share with your friends who were unable to attend the celebration.

4.Go to a parade
Attend one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades that are so popular. This is a fun activity for people of all ages and many cities host elaborate events. Read your local paper and search online for local parades. I have attended many parades and sometimes the smaller ones turn out to be the best. A parade does not need to be huge to be fun for everyone.

5. Cook an Irish dish
Indulge in classic meals, including cabbage and corned beef as well as other traditional dishes. Serve a tasty Irish beer with the food. My personal favourite is Guinness but there are other appropriate brands to serve with an Irish meal. One year a friend and I attempted to make Irish stew for our party. This hearty receipt was easy to prepare and our friends loved it. We had fun cooking it even though neither one of us is particularly talented in the kitchen.

6. Go to an Irish pub
If you would rather not cook, you can purchase already prepared Irish food and beer for your celebration. I enjoy going to an authentic Irish pub where all the employees, including the owner, come from Ireland. Even a pub with an Irish flair will have traditional food, drink and entertainment on this special day.

7. Party time!
Host a party even if you are not of Irish descent. This is a holiday offering a great excuse for friends and families to gather. Two of my friends host a great party and neither one is Irish or even likes to drink beer. You can get some great  themed cheap party plates and tableware from online St Patricks Day party supplies specialists.

8. Decorate Outdoors
You can choose from a variety of party supplies and party decorations to get into the spirit of the day and let everyone know you are in a celebratory mood. Decorate the outside of your house with colourful Irish flags/bunting and string some novelty lights shaped like shamrocks or hats to add some sparkle to the yard. Purchase or make your own foil wreath decorated with shamrocks for your front door to greet your guests.

9. Music
You can search for lively Irish music and put together a playlist for your party. Many Celtic classics are ideal for this type of celebration as well as music performed with fiddles and the traditional drinking songs the Irish enjoy singing so much. If you would rather play modern or rock music, you can choose tunes by Irish singers and bands that will keep the party lively all night.

10. Visit Dublin
If you really want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the right way and in style, consider planning a trip to Dublin and experiencing a traditional celebration first hand. Spending the holiday in Dublin offers an authentic way to join in the fun and you will find plenty to see and do while you are there.

Traditional parties will start during the day and last well into the night after the sun sets making it a full day of celebration for all who participate.

Many people all around the world commemorate this popular Irish national holiday with parades, special events and parties of all kinds. In Ireland, individuals devote several days to this holiday with approximately 4000 performers and one million spectators taking in the various events. Many of these events do not cost a thing, so even people on a budget can join in the festivities.

So there you have it, 10 things you, your family and friends can all do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a touch of style. Of course it goes without saying that you should not just limit yourself to the suggestions we have outlined in this article, but rather we hope that we have given you some inspiration and got your minds ticking.

The 17th of March has for many years now been regarded by many people all around the world as a fun and enjoyable day. An opportunity to forget your woes and troubles for one day, so go on, try some of the suggestions above and who knows, your day might just bring you a pot of gold!

A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Sex Drive after Menopause

Women who are approaching the age of menopause can definitely say that they sex life isn’t the same anymore as before. Menopause is a normal part of aging and directly affects your hormones which are the main element of having an active sex drive. So, what to do? Read on to know the common possibilities.

The decrease in your sex hormones specifically the estrogen is the main reason why you lose your sexual urge after menopause. Estrogen, a mood-elevator and as such when there is less of it in the body takes a delicate change. Woman will always feel moody; her sex life may suffer because of lack of frenzy and it sometimes leads to a physical pain sex. As you’ve underwent menopause, the vagina will actually begin to dry andshrink somewhat which can lead to a pain that is quite hurting during sex.
There are some best ways to alleviate the symptoms of this dryness, such as using lubricants during sex. Also, you can try boosting your testosterone in the body which can be another hormone lacking at this time. For your information, the same hormone that hypes sex drive in men does the same for women.

In addition, you can try the over the counter meds which can help you boost testosterone and one best drug is the DHEA, or Dehdydroepiandrosterone. It is a steroid hormone produced chiefly by the adrenal glands. It can also be created by the ovaries and the brain. It is the most established adrenal steroid in the body and serves a precursor to the human sex steroids, testosterone and estrogen. Sadly, it lessens in supply as we age, so a

Not all doctors and physicians agree that DHEA is safe and useful and so they prescribe other testosterone boosting medications such as the as Estratest, which is a combination estrogen and testosterone prescription approved for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. If you are having second thoughts on taking in this drug, it is best to consult first your doctor to make sure of your safety. You must bear in mind that what works for some doesn’t work for others, but you won’t find out if you don’t at least try, right?

There are lots of menopause symptoms like the loss of sexual urge and by chance, some have effective remedies. Know and underrated as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find treatments for yourself.

If you want a very good sexual health and bring your physical intimacy to the next level, then click here for more information.

Battle Of Financial Options: Credit Card Vs. Credit Card Cheques

A credit account allows individuals to borrow money for a fee. Specifically, an individual will have a credit account with a set amount they can borrow. The way in which they borrow this money and what they use the account for is virtually limitless, as long as it is not linked to a specific store’s credit. Simply staying within the usage and finance limits is really the only general requirement of this card, as well as making the payments. Credit accounts are beneficial because they allow individuals to pay back their debt incrementally. The fees, however, can raise the cost of the original borrowed amount and that means more money spent in the long run.

Credit Card

One of the most common forms of payment linked to a credit account is a credit card. These look like any other type of card you may use and fit in a wallet for easy access. The credit card is presented for the purchasing of goods or the account number displayed can be utilized for online purchases. There are usually no direct fees associated for usage. Swipe fees can be assessed but, especially on major credit card lines, these are very low and a rarity. Charges will apply for late payments and overuse, but this is standard as well.

Credit Card Cheques

Another way that a credit card or credit check can be utilized is for a cash back option. In this, a credit account’s remaining free balance, the monies not used up to the maximum, can be withdrawn in the form of cash. This option is not available on all cards. Sometimes, though, the credit company will offer this cash back balance in the form of credit card cheques. The cheques are cashed and the account holder can use this cash for other items. When the cash back option is utilized in this way, the fees associated and the amount of the check would be added to the account balance. It is not, then, free money. The use of credit card cheques used to be a very popular way of gaining access to credit card cash, however, in recent years it has become a less utilized means.

Credit Cards v. Credit Card Cheques

The cash back option would seem very appealing to most. It would provide cash in the pocket instead of on the card. Why, then, are less and less credit card cheques being issued or even being offered? The reason is multi-fold. First, cheques often have large fees associated with them. Account holders found themselves being faced with additional payback requirements because of the use of these cheque options. Further, many credit account providers were finding that it was more difficult to have monies paid back on a card when this means was utilized. It serves as a higher risk line of credit and a card provider will want to avoid and minimize these risks where they can. The lending and borrowing field is already home to this game of chance so upping it through a service like credit card cheques is not always worth it.

5 Benefits Of Debt Counseling

Debt counseling describes the method of advising those people who are already in debt on the most suitable ways to manage their finances in such a way that the debts are paid off. It can also stretch to advising people who are doing well financially on the various ways to avoid debt. Whichever way you look at it, counseling is absolutely essential to anyone who desires to have a financially secure future. Indeed, the benefits of debt counseling cannot be underestimated. It can be rewarding to trust your finances to a person who is professionally trained to handle them. Yes, debt counselors! The work they do needs to be lauded, too.

The Benefits

1. Elimination of financial stress.
Imagine creditors calling you every now and then to demand their money – horrible! It is normal for you to develop financial stress whenever indebted. You will find yourself thinking endlessly about how you are going to raise the money in question and offset the debts. Luckily, a debt counselor will strive to keep you in the right mind frame, as he or she figures out ways to solve the debt issue and eliminate your stress.

2. Placed under debt review.
This is one of the core functions of a debt counselor. Placing you under debt review shields you from your creditors such that they cannot take any legal action against you for at least 60 days. During this period you and your counselor will be able to come up with strategies to offset your bills.

3. No likelihood of property repossession.
When you are not able to pay your creditors, it is very possible that your assets can be repossessed or auctioned in a bid to raise money to offset the debt. However, attending debt counseling sessions will guide you on how to manage the situation, therefore minimizing the likelihood that your property will be repossessed. Now you do not have to worry about your car, business or house being taken away from your control.

4. Reduction of monthly debt repayment.
A debt counselor will always aim to reduce your monthly debt repayment by up to 60%. By any estimate, this is a huge reduction and will be reprieve on the total amount that you would have paid. For instance, it is possible to make one consolidated debt repayment each month.

5. Opportunity to repair credit profile.
Even after offsetting a particular debt, it is hard to tell whether or not you will find yourself in the same situation again. Repairing your credit profile puts you on the creditor’s good books, thus enabling you to access their credit facilities once again. Without this counseling, it is hardly possible to repair your credit profile.

There are other benefits of debt counseling, like having the power to withdraw at any moment. The whole exercise is less costly as compared to foreclosure, administration, judgment and sequestration. Evidently, it is a worthy process that ensures not only that your debts are efficiently managed but also that a practicable financial plan is developed for the sake of your future.

Top questions on wedding photography and videography answered

You have found the need to hire a photographer and videographer because the photos and videos taken during the wedding will be a record of all that happens during the big day including toasts ,hugs and laughs .Remember that if you hire a shooter who you don’t like , your family and friends may get awful photos, so it is important to find one who handles themselves professionally.

During the process of selecting a photographer and videographer for your wedding, there are some questions that you will probably ask yourself (and them) .

Do I have to hire both a photographer and videographer?

Every wedding hire list should have a photographer, but sometimes a videographer is not regarded as a top priority. Your wedding day will be immortalized by the photographer but would it not be nice to have the toasts, reception music, your vows and other nice sounds captured? Go on and secure the services of a videographer if it fits within your budget.

How can I find a good photographer and videographer?

Your family and friends should be the first people that you consult. Ask for recommendations from them since you trust them and they are likely to recommend the most reliable shooters. Try and find some reviews in your community so check them out.

Once you come up with a list of potentially good vendors, look at their online portfolios for sample clips and photos. Though these may not necessarily help you judge their skills, you will be able to have a better idea on their skills and styles. Check the blogs of the shooters as well since they are a good way to measure their talents. Check sites from photographers from other countries (this is a website from a wedding photographer from Melbourne)

Is it important that the shooters get along?

Though they do not have to be buddies, it is advantageous if you can find a photographer and videographer who have already worked together. You wouldn’t want to have shooters who have differences between themselves yet need to cooperate in order to get the same shots so your primary concern should be whether the two have worked together with really bad results. One way to avoid this is asking the photographer if they can suggest a videographer or just hiring a studio which does photo and video.

What questions do i ask the shooters during the interview?

You can arrange for interviews once you have trimmed the candidates to 3 or 4. When interviewing photographers, ask them to present an album of an entire wedding. The album will help you in measuring their range. Your wedding’s album is likely to be complete if the one presented to you has a good combination of scenic pictures, formal portraits and candid shots.

In relation to their work, ask the videographers to let you see a video of 20 or 30 minutes instead of a short film. Remember to be keen on how transitions are edited as well the video and audio quality while you watch the video.

These are probably not the only questions that you will probably need answers for when choosing shooters for your big day, but they are the biggest. You don’t have to worry because you can get all information that you need from the internet and other sources
.

5 Health Disasters That Happen In College

The thrill of heading off to college for the first time is an exciting transition for both parent and child. Independence is a wonderful thing, but freedom can lead to calamity if the newly liberated student is not mindful of how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle on campus. Many of the most common health risks are the result of careless or reckless behavior and can be avoided, even if Mom is not there to nag (ok, remind) the newly liberated student to watch for the common pitfalls of college life.

Fatigue and Insufficient Sleep

Lack of sleep is likely to occur as a result of “burning the candle at both ends”, or studying all day and partying all night. Campus life is exhilarating and exciting, but running on three or four hours of sleep a night will catch up with even the heartiest party animal. Sleep deprivation can be associated with a compromised immune system which may result in an inability to fight off common diseases such as colds, flu and other respiratory infections. It is linked to obesity and a craving for foods that are high in calories.

Anxiety levels are higher in students who are not getting adequate sleep. Also, increased instances of motor vehicle accidents among college students can be attributed to “drowsy driving” and fatigue.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Party is a word that is synonymous with college to more than a few aspiring adults who are away from home for the first time.

The Center for Disease Control reports that alcohol is being consumed by students at an alarming rate both on and off campus. Binge drinking has become a trend that many students admit to engaging in at least once a week and some even more frequently. Alcohol and substance abuse on the college campus is not only associated with health risks to the abuser, but also with high risk behavior such as engaging in unprotected sexual activity, injuries sustained due to physical altercations and fights, and driving while intoxicated.

Poor Nutrition

Hamburgers, French fries, pizza, tacos, wings smothered in high calorie sauces and sugary soft drinks can be found on the desks and in the dorm rooms of nearly every college student. When Mom was doing the cooking she made sure fruits and vegetables appeared on the plates she set on the dinner table. Those plates give way to Styrofoam boxes filled to the brim with greasy selections loaded with calories and salt on the college campus. Weight gain abounds during the first semester away from home and continues beyond the first year at school perhaps leading to lifelong health problems according to a recent study done by NBC news.

Mental Health Issues

Sometimes the freedom that goes hand in hand with college life can lead to high levels of stress or even depression. The pressure to fit in, make good grades, and succeed can be overwhelming to some students. Fear of seeking help is common on college campuses because of the stigma attached to admitting to a mental illness or discriminatory behavior displayed by fellow students.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health concern in the college community. According to a report issued by the CDC, www.cdc.gov/family/college, 1 in 4 individuals will contract a sexually transmitted disease during their lifetime and nearly 2/3 of all cases reported occur in people under the age of 25. Embarrassment leads to hesitation or reluctance to be treated, resulting in large numbers of untreated cases on the college campus.

Creating An In-Trend Dining Room

In the 1940s and 50s homes rarely had separate dining areas with most homes featuring large kitchens which incorporated a dining table and chairs for the family meal. Then during the late 70s and early 80s, hosting dinner parties became very trendy with homes featuring separate dining rooms to accommodate the trend.

By the 90s and early 00s however space had become a premium when building homes and the dining space was relegated to a corner of the living room, allowing you to increase the dining area space when guests were present and pushing it aside again when no longer needed. Today, the trend is for separate dining areas again so in this guide we take a look at how to create an in-trend dining room for 2013.

The Dining TableThe most important element of the dining room has got to be the dining table and in most cases, it will be placed centrally to create a focal point. For 2013, dining tables are large with six chairs being the most popular number required, easily accommodating the extended family. However with space still being at a premium in most dining rooms, fold out tables are the preferred choice.

Simple, modern tables are in-trend with metal legs and rectangular table tops being seen in most interior design magazines. Light wood tables are always a popular choice as they offer a timeless style whilst round tables are definitely a style faux-pas this season. Chairs should ideally be of a similar modern style with clean lines and an ergonomic design. Cushions are not appropriate for achieving this look.

The Dresser
Storage is an important part of any dining room, especially if the storage options in the kitchen are limited. Usually there are a selection of serving dishes, napkins and accessories that are only used when entertaining or on special occasions and these need suitable storage in the dining room. Although dressers and display cabinets were very popular a couple of years ago, this is no longer the case. Today storage needs to be discreet with everything put away out of sight. This is where a sideboard comes in handy and is also highly desirable to achieve the trendy dining look. As with the dining table, the sideboard should be clean in design with straight lines and no embellishments. Surfaces should be solid with no glazing or open shelving to achieve a minimalist look.

The Décor
When it comes to decorating your dining room, focal walls are big this season. If you have a chimney breast in your dining room, this can be covered in a heavily patterned wallpaper for a luxurious look. If you don’t have a chimney breast, any wall except the one containing a window will make a suitable focal wall. Elegant floral patterned wallpapers are in and as the furniture is simple this season, bold colours work well. Look for deep red, crimson or purple wallpaper with black embellishments for an ultra-trendy look.

Aubrey O’Day

Yeah, I’m not a big Aubrey O’Day fan but I suppose she’s pretty enough. There’s just something about her that doesn’t sit right with me. I suppose it could be her very obvious diva attitude or her occasional “desperate for attention” vibe but whatever it is, she’s not my favorite by a long shot. I have to admit though, she’s looking pretty hot in these photos from The Knockouts Burlesque Show in Florida. She has a fantastic body and tons of stage presence which is always nice to see. I love the way she’s strutting around the stage in these photos. She just comes across as someone who is very confident and self assured and I find that appealing. Plus

Bedroom design

There are some variables that are taken into account at the time of selecting the appropriate color for your bedroom. Black is a really dark color to be used in a bedroom. White color at the bedroom gives a fresh believe exactly where the climate is warm.

The 1st and foremost is that the color need to be a reflection of your personality. Red will be the color of excitement however must be avoided on the walls. Each color has an impact on a person’s mind. The earth tones such as yellow, orange or brown have a comforting effect. Orange has its own brightness and provides a happy mood.

It gives a little look towards the room and at the same time tends to make the mood somber. Brown gives a sense of attachment. It gives as well significantly of distraction and restlessness.

On the other hand, as well considerably yellow is slightly irritating often. Even pink is soothing at the same time. The furniture shouldn’t be too large or as well little for the room. You may perhaps add some bean bags to this sitting area as well. A distinct girls bedroom concept is to add a canopy or perhaps a sheer curtain towards the bed. Lack of region might limit your selection to a narrower bed or a folding sofa

cum-bed.

Bed is normally the focal point in numerous bedrooms, so choose one really cautiously. If you’ve got the space and also the inclination, you’ll be able to go for an antique-design four-poster or a broad double-bed. A window seat with storage space can as well work great for all those tween daydreamers. You have a location for sitting and you possibly can use the component below the window-seat for storage. You can at the same time use a chest of drawers in place of a bedside table.

Blue and green are two such colors that remind us of natural environment. In reality bright colors add a freshness and warmth to the room. Funky colors and attractive pin ups could be used as part of the decor.

Instead of yelling hoarse about the pin ups, use this creatively and include it at the style as well. Get matching furniture or pieces that complement one a further well in style, color and texture. Keep the proportions of your bedroom in mind when selecting the furniture. Chances are, your teenager could possibly really go all out to keep her bedroom neat and tidy!
Teenage bedroom designs will be planned in an innovative manner if your teenager can be a complete beach lover. Many teenage girls would enjoy colorful or pastel shaded floral patterns as a bedroom style.

Use floral patterns in moderation though, if you would like to steer clear of a clutter. Avoid the use of synthetic fabrics inside your bed. Use high quality-good quality cotton or linen bed-clothes. Go for plush and colorful pillows and cozy bed-covers. Mix and match and coordinate the bedspreads, pillows and curtains together

How to Buy Jewellery Online Safely

I guess buying jewellery online can be both a reward and a challenge for me. For one, I could possibly be dealing with two or more jewellery websites at the same time and choose from their wide array of offers. On the other hand, it is also a challenge to select which among those online stores to deal with since I may be unsure whether they are legal, reputable, and trustworthy. Having that said, I have compiled here the main ways on how to buy jewellery on the internet without any hassles. Perhaps, we do not want to end up with fake jewellery.

Membership in Jewellers Associations (BJA, NAG)

I recommend that everyone should check for an online store’s membership with reputable associations like the British Jewellers’ Association. This is necessary to ensure that we are dealing with a licensed and certified company. This body promotes and protects not only the UK jewellery business but consumers as well. It is the association that regulates silverware and jewellery suppliers in the United Kingdom. To date, there are about 1,000 companies under the wing of this association. Mostly, these companies represent casting houses, bullion suppliers, gem suppliers and dealers, and silversmiths to name a few. I really think that checking for an online store’s membership with the BJA or NAG is imperative.

Return Policy

Before I buy any piece of jewellery, I want to make sure that the online store has a good return policy. Well, to tell you, I had a traumatic experience with an online store that did not allow me to replace a damaged necklace that I purchased from them. Much worse, I was delivered the wrong item. When I tried to return it to them, the store said that I would need to pay for the return shipping and handling fees for that necklace. In the end, I paid a lot more than the value of the necklace. Oh, it was clearly unacceptable. I guess it is partly my fault for not checking the returns policy. This time, I am wiser. I will never again make a purchase from an online jewellery store that does not offer a good return policy. I have lost £1,230 overall for this mistake. Therefore, I would like to recommend that you avoid this trouble by checking for the company’s return policy.

Secured Website

Not any one of us would like to become a victim of identity theft. I am seriously concerned about this every time I deal with online jewellers. It is important to make sure that the website is secured and is backed up with a security certificate. We can check it by looking at the ‘http’ and a padlock sign on our address bar. This indicates that the website is locked from hackers who might steal our identity especially personal credit card details. We can ensure that we are free from the risk of hacking and that the website is protected from those hackers as well. I recommend that you check on the website’s security at all times before buying your jewellery from any online store.

Customer Support

I think one main component when searching for a good online jeweller to do business with is a store that has reliable customer support. When any problem arises from a purchase, we can always contact the company at any time. Instead of feeling frustrated, we can have peace of mind that our issues will be resolved by the customer support staff.

Feedback and Reputation

As consumers, I think that we can always be protected if we deal with online jewellers that garner positive comments, feedback, and reviews. By doing this, we can ensure that doing business with certain online jewellery stores will become a great and rewarding experience for us.

Overall, I recommend that you check for these things when buying from online stores. You can always check for membership in jewellers’ associations, returns policy, secured website, customer support, and feedback. Finally, the most important thing about buying accessories and jewellery on the net is that it can save us big money. With utmost care, we can buy the best deals for jewellery online in the safest way possible.

Looking Sexy for Your Sweetie This Valentine’s

Having a wonderfully romantic evening won’t do you a whole lot of good unless you feel great about yourself. You can plan until your blue in the face and unless you are comfortable slinking out of those frumpy mom jeans you won’t be feeling the love any night.

You’re arguments are already starting your head, I can see them coming; however, before you get started here is a suggestion for you.  Finally follow the New Year’s weight loss resolution you’ve been trying to keep for the last three years.

Hit the Gym

Since exercise is on the top of your list you might as well go all out and get yourself a gym membership.  At the gym you’ve got limitless exercise equipment and can spend as much time there as you’ve got. At a gym you can:

• Take classes (i.e. spinning, yoga, zumba, etc.)
• Use the pool during open swim
• Play pick-up basketball
• Use the exercise machines at your leisure
• Play racquetball, handball, or walleyball on racquetball courts
• Play tennis
• Go running on the outside track (if available)
• Use the weight room

Many times, you can also sign up for a personal trainer to work with you on problem areas.  You could even find a fitness or weight loss resort that specializes in lifestyle change to help you on your way to success.

Eat Better

Even though this is one of the hardest things to do, especially in a world with a fast food addiction, it is important.  Your food choices can significantly impact your overall health and wellness.  Stats suggest that those who consistently eat unhealthy meals and fast food on a regular basis may be sick more often and for longer than those with a healthy diet.

It may seem that you have to go to extremes to accomplish weight loss when it comes to food choices but this isn’t true. Healthy weight loss can be achieved along with exercise by simply altering your food choices.

Extensive research has been done on which foods are best for weight loss and results include the following healthy foods:

• Black beans, kidney beans, white beans, garbanzo beans,
• Oats
• Avocados, broccoli, potatoes
• Salmon
• Blueberries, pears, grapefruit, bananas, oranges,
• Brown Rice
• Wine, green tea, low-fat milk,
• Almonds, pine nuts,
• Eggs, Cheese
• Dark Chocolate

When it comes down to it, adding foods high in fiber and low in fat and calorie content will help you feel full longer and reduce your cravings.  Cutting out foods high in salt and sugar will help significantly as well.  If you do this slowly, over time it will become easier to skip these foods altogether.

Stress Less

Reducing stress can significantly increase your weight loss efforts.  When our bodies are experiencing significant amounts of stress, we either react by not eating at all or eating more than we should and our bodies retain food’s nutrients differently under these circumstances.

Our eating reaction is caused by a hormone called cortisol, which sends signals to eat carbs and sugars to help us rebuild energy.  This type of weight gain usually ends up in the mid-section, which is very unhealthy and hard to lose.

A good night’s sleep, exercise, proper eating habits, avoidance of caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol, and regularly taking a multivitamin can seriously help combat the negative effects of stress.

Even if you don’t see immediate success with your efforts, just knowing that you are working on getting healthier and more in shape may be a turn-on to both you and your significant other.  Lastly, when you put all of these ideas into play, you will be surprised at your increased stamina and energy and that sure won’t hurt in the bedroom on Valentine’s Day.