Check Out Modern Dating: A Field Guide by HowAboutWe (Sponsored Post)

As someone who has written about dating for almost four years, I have read a lot of books about dating. But the list of those I find entertaining and relatable is really small. Well, this past weekend I was able to read one that I can say I would gladly add to that list.

From HowAboutWe comes the new book, MODERN DATING: A Field Guide. Written by Chiara Atik with a forward HowAboutWe co-founders Brian Schechter and Aaron Schildkrout, Modern Dating, like Helen Gurley Brown's Sex and the Single Girl 60s manifesto, heralds an entirely new dating era where the world of modern relationships is as flexible and confusing as ever.

Not sure when to text after a date? Trying to find the right online dating profile picture? Found out that the guy you really like is terrible in bed? MODERN DATING is an encouraging, and practical resource for women at all stages of the dating game. Whether you’re single and looking to sow some wild oats, casually dating, or really ready to find a serious relationship, the tips, anecdotes, and stories will help ease the frustrations of dating.

As a reader, you’ll discover:

• Seventy out-of-the-box date ideas.
• A fascinating infograph on the evolution of dating from the 1100s to present—do you know what era condoms first existed and what they were made of? Or the era that ushered in the phrases “going steady” and “long term”?
• Expert advice from Hanna Rosin (Author of “The End of Men”), Katie Heaney (Editor at Buzzfeed, Author of “Never Have I Ever”), Leandra Medine of ManRepeller.com, Lauren Leto (Founder, Texts from Last Night, author “Judging a Book By Its Lover”), and Claire Cavanaugh, founder of Babeland.
• Funny and useful flowcharts, such as “Can We Be Friends With Benefits?” and “Should I Ask Him Out?"

Out of those discoveries, here are a few of my faves:

• The book is as the title promises – a book about modern dating. It’s not a how to get a man in eight easy steps kind of thing. It even goes into detail about friends with benefits and everything you need to know about it (including a flow chart on if you can be friends with benefits). There is even a section about sexting and sending dignified naked pictures. I seriously think this book covers pretty much any situation you might tackle when dating.
• It talks about how important dating is and not just dating to find a husband, but dating. I’ve always been on board with that thinking. Dating can help you figure out what you want and learn things about yourself.
• The one-date rule the book talks about -- the idea that you should go on at least one date with anyone who asks. I know it might seem crazy, but I have always been a firm believer in that because you just never know. And seriously, it’s just one date. No one ever died from going on a date with a guy they weren’t sure about or if the date ended in some tragic way. Trust me, if they did I would have died a long time ago.

Clearly I think the book is worth a read. I kind of wish there had been a book like this when I was single. Seriously, check it out folks. And if my glowing review isn’t enough to convince you, you’ll also get three months free on online dating site howaboutwe.com with purchase of Modern Dating: A Field Guide—a $54 value! To redeem this offer click here.

Hair Removal By Nair: Get Smooth For Summer In Three Simple Steps (Sponsored Post)

I’ve been a fan of Nair for as long as I can remember. Shaving is OK sometimes, but Nair just lasts longer and I love the way my legs feel after using it – so soft and smooth. So obviously when I was asked to join the Get Smooth For Summer campaign, I jumped on board.  I mean, with summer around the corner, that means it’s time for bikinis, short shorts and overall, showing off more skin. Nair products provide professional results at home for staying smooth all summer long – at a fraction of what you’d pay at a salon.

The Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Body Trio and Face Trio are the new depilatories to join the popular Brazilian Spa Clay Line inspired by the beauty secrets and hair removal expertise of Brazil. Each product is infused with mango butter and açai berry known to moisturize the skin, and mineral-rich clay known to purify the skin.

I was able to try both products and I am in heaven.  And I am not just saying that, I really am. When I first put it on my legs it felt really cool and almost like it was some sort of mask. There was also no burning or itching and it smelled really nice – way better than a lot of other products I’ve used. It was also so easy to put on since they include a sponge and this awesome plastic spatula-like tool. After removal, my skin felt soft and smooth and still there was no burning or itching.

I think part of it is that there is a whole process rather than just slapping some cream on your skin.  Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Total Care™ Body Trio is the only 3-step in-shower depilatory system, including the convenient Nair Shower Power® technology that works while you shower. The suggested retail price is $13.99.

And don’t be thrown by the word process, it’s just three easy steps:

Step 1: The pre-wipe contains mineral oil and chamomile to prepare your skin before removing hair.

Step 2: Apply the depilatory, which is resistant to water through emollients similar to those found in waterproof sunscreens so it will resist runoff while you shower. Keep the area out of the direct stream of water.

Step 3: After the hair is removed, apply soothing post-use gel with Aloe Vera for a perfect finish.

The Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care™ Face Trio is the first 3-step depilatory for the face with a suggested retail price of $13.99. And I had the same awesome experience with it (I am notorious for burning my face when using products).

Again, it uses really simple steps:

Step 1: The first step is the pre-balm, which coats the skin to help minimize irritation and redness

Step 2: The second step is the depilatory. There’s no drying time so you can apply the depilatory immediately after using the pre-balm.

 Step 3: After removing the depilatory product, apply the moisturizer, which is similar to a typical facial moisturizer. This will help neutralize the pH of the skin, bringing it back to the normal level.

Think it sounds too good to be true? I assure you it’s not. Go see yourself by clicking here to learn more about Nair's full line of summer hair removal products.

Match.com Studies Singles in America (Sponsored Post)

Instead of playing the in the snow last Saturday, I had the liberty of hanging out with some of my fellow friends and Single Edition bloggers. We all gathered for a little event where Dr. Helen Fisher from Match.com presented findings from the new survey about Singles in America.

There were so many findings in the survey – everything from friends with benefits, to romance, to dating, to online dating, to marriage. You name it and it was in the survey. I found some of the stats really surprising, while others I kind of felt were spot on with what I felt and with what a lot of people I knew felt.

You can check out all of the awesome Singles in USA stats for yourself, but I am going to share those that I thought were the most interesting.

Over 84% of those over 50 must have a partner who is physically attractive to them – This totally shocked me. Not that I am trying to judge or anything, but I honestly thought that those over 50 would look more for a partner who they can talk to and laugh with.

91% of men are comfortable with a woman asking them out – This didn’t surprise me that much because I generally hear women say that a man should ask them out while nearly every guy I know is totally fine with a gal doing the asking. That doesn’t mean they feel she has to, they’re just cool if it happens.

45% have had a FWB (Friends with Benefits) relationship turn into a long term partnership in 2012 – This absolutely shocked me. I guess I’ve always thought of FWB as being a “relationship” with a person you don’t actually want to date.  I’ve only really done the FWB thing once and it did not end in a relationship. We tried dating, but it never worked. And I don’t know anyone who has been successful.

90% of those open to marriage believe they can stay married to the same person forever – This didn’t shock me, but I thought it was really interesting. And it definitely set in with the overly positive person in me.

And, the stat in the video below was pretty interesting to me as well. You totally need to watch the video because it’s hilarious, but the stat is that single women are two times more likely to read than men. Ok, I would say that’s probably true. Given what I see on the subway, women are always the ones reading. However, if you ever saw Mr. T’s room compared to mine you would disagree. He has triple the books I have and almost always has a book with him. I sometimes have a book and always have a notebook.

Now it’s your turn, watch the live stream from our get together on Saturday to see all the stats Dr. Helen Fisher talked about and tell me what you think. What’s interesting or shocking? Is there anything you really agree with or disagree with?

Resolve To Overcome Your Sexual Shyness - Astroglide Giveaway (Sponsored Post)

Let’s start 2013 off with a bang and talk about sex. Sexual shyness to be exact.

I will be totally honest here, and this might be a little too much information, but when it comes to sex I believe I am a gal who knows what she wants and likes. I am also a gal who is pretty assertive and sassy in my everyday life. But, no matter how much I know what I want or how sassy I am, there are still things that I am a little shy about when it comes to sex.

What am I shy about? Well, I am glad you asked. Two things. 1) Dirty talk (I mean the really, really dirty kind of talk) and 2) telling a guy how to do it right when he’s doing it wrong. I blame the over analyzer in me because instead of just going with the moment I tend to think too much about it and then the moment passes. I know it’s a lame habit, don’t judge.

So, as a part of the Astroglide Better Sex in 2013 campaign, I am vowing to overcome this in 2013. And how will I do it? Well, part of it will be from me. I need to just relax and get out of my head. But part of it will also be from some tips that I learned from Astroglide’s Sexual Wellness Ambassador Dr. Yvonne Fulbright:

• Analyze what's holding you back so that you have a good sense - vs. a general sense - of the barriers you need to overcome in claiming your sexual self and sex life. I know, I know, I am trying to stop analyzing, but it’s OK to do it before you’re doing the deed to get to the root of the problem.
• Read quality sex manuals. Knowledge is power, w/ a number of lovers insecure about their sexual expression b/c of ignorance. So educate yourself on techniques, erogenous zones, modes of seduction... in boosting your confidence and expanding your repertoire of ideas. Because, well, we can all use to learn a little more about what’s fun.
• Boost your body image. For some, the biggest challenge to getting in a sexy state of mind and letting that be known is how a woman feels about her body. You can start feeling better about your form with regular exercise, eating healthy meals, avoiding toxins, and shutting down negative self-talk. Do things that make you feel good about the skin you're in, like yoga, getting a massage, or wearing clothes that feel like they were made for you. Let’s all be honest, an opportunity to be healthier and feel good about yourself is never a bad thing.

So I know I am not the only one who has a few sex inhibitions. Share yours! And if you need some advice, you can also submit questions to Dr. Yvonne.

And, to help even more, Astroglide is giving away some free samples. Just click here to head on over to their site.

Find Happiness with GaiamTV: The Ultimate Gift to Yourself (Sponsored Post)

It’s no big secret that I am often too happy for my own good; especially around this time of year. Sometimes it’s one of the things that I love about myself and sometimes I even annoy the crap out of me. So, when I was asked to join the Find Happiness Campaign with GaiamTV of course I jumped on board.

First things first, let’s talk about GaiamTV. Gaiam TV is the first streaming video subscription service designed to reach those interested in health and happiness. With over 2,000 titles, Gaiam TV is  like Netflix for the mind, body and spirit!

Gaiam TV’s entire library of thought provoking movies, top documentary films and fitness videos is available anytime, anywhere.  Streaming capabilities for Gaiam TV include personal computers, iPads and smartphones. 

Now, let’s talk about happiness and what it means to me. I believe that when you’re truly happy you obviously feel it, but others can also feel it when they are around you. Maybe they won’t necessarily be happy themselves, but they notice that you’re happy. It’s not that you have to be always smiling and ooze with positivity though those are obviously things that indicate happiness. It’s just something that you feel. Naturally.

So what are some things that make me happy? Well, honestly, it’s super corny, but it’s the little things in life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a little money to spend on things, but I truly believe the simple little things are the best. Those are the things that truly make me happy and those are the things that last.

I think in 2013, I am going to work on noticing these little things a little more and also trying to give back the little things to other people. Here are five things I will do:

• Take a walk in the park at least once a week.
• Send my niece and nephew postcards at least once a month. Seriously, those kids loved the last ones that I sent so much that they framed them.
• Skype with my family at least two times a month.
• Make a better effort to keep up with blogging. Sometimes I make it feel like my job and it’s way more fun than that.
• Start painting again.

So, I am curious dear readers – what makes you happy? Leave me some thoughts in the comments or on Twitter or Facebook.

And if you though a subscription to Gaiam TV might make you happy, I have great news for you! Gaiam TV’s $9.95 per month subscription fee allows subscribers to stream unlimited content. The subscription to Gaiam TV is no strings attached; there is no commitment, and members can cancel at any time. Gaiam TV is also offering a free 10-day trial to all of my readers. Plus, when you sign up for a free 10-day trial using this link, you’re automatically entered to win a 3-month subscription and a cozy, organic fireside blanket (Over $125 Value!)

It’s All In The Jar: Delicious Custom Cookie Mix Makes Gift Giving Easy (Sponsored Post)

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am not a baker; especially when it comes to cookies. I genuinely enjoy cooking (sometimes); especially for other people. But baking is a whole other beast. I have lots of recipes for cookies, but there’s just too many exact measurements and precise way to do things. I’d rather add a little of this and a little of that. Hence why I like cooking better. However, I will openly admit that homemade cookies are way better than the ones you buy in the store; even if you buy a cookie mix. So, when I found out about a little thing called the Mason Jar Cookie Company clearly I was elated.

What’s this, you ask. Well, the Mason Jar Cookie Company is exactly what it sounds like – all the lovely ingredients to make tasty, homemade cookies packed in a lovely mason jar. It’s also a dream come true for a gal like me.

I was able to try a chocolate cookie mix. It also had little bits of candy canes in it. I love mint chocolate anything and it always makes me feel very festive for the holiday season.

The tasty cookie mix I received 

When my box arrived, I was a little nervous. Even though all the ingredients were included, it’s still baking and I was still afraid I would mess something up. But it was so easy. Seriously, all you have to do is pour your jar of cookie mix into a bowl and add the dairy ingredients per the instructions right before baking. (In most cases this is butter and an egg, although some base mixes call for a little milk or water.) It’s really that simple.

All mixed up -- notice there is hardly any mess

My cookies were fantastic. They tasted great and looked pretty. And the best part is they seemed like real, homemade cookies. Also, as an added bonus, you can use the mason jar for all kinds of fun stuff. Who doesn't like a mason jar? I used mine for the flowers from Mr. T.

Tasty holiday (or anytime) treat

There is one hard part though -- choosing your ingredients from their four cookie bases and thirty-five add-ins. Mason Jar Cookie gifts even come in Gluten-Free options. After you choose the add-ins you want, they do all the work. When your custom cookie mix arrives, it’s creatively and beautifully packaged in a mason jar, for no-fuss homemade cookies this holiday season and beyond!

And it’s perfect for the holiday season.  The Mason Jar Cookie Company provides everything you need to create your own customizable gifts that put a twist on classic recipes for cookies. The average price of one custom-made cookie jar is $19, though price varies depending on which ingredients you choose for your cookie mix. Treat your friend, neighbor, or even yourself.