Atlanta Gift Mart

I love the AmericasMart Atlanta Gift Mart! Look what just popped in my inbox. I'll definitely mosey on down to the Mart and check out this Faith based candle company.
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Candles play such a huge role in creating ambiance. Most of the time when we think of ambiance it's in a romantic setting, but a lot of people burn candles everyday. There's something about the flickering of the flame, ambiance and tranquility that they bring!

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I love shopping for candles for my customer's! I always look for colors and fragrance that enhances the look and feel of the design while enticing the senses. The free Haagen Dazs ice cream will certainly enhance my shopping experience, considering the heat wave that's going on in Atlanta right now!

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Happy shopping to me!!

Friday's...Fab...Find!

I couldn't resist! I heart little "Bo"! My girlfriend sent me this photo today and I thought I'd share it with you just in case you hadn't seeen it. Don't you agree that Bo is picture perfect. That's why he's today's fab find! I know there's nothing romantic about Bo, but you have to admit, he's awefully handsome!
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The official portrait of the Obama family dog, "Bo", a Portuguese water dog, on the South Lawn of the White House. Let's see....I think I'll put him in the "Favorite Things" category!
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(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Romantic Tips for Your Relationship

Igniting Intimacy in Your Relationship
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The very first thing couples need to remember is that couples need quality time together. Start with setting aside time for each other that's just about the two of you. If you have children and your child is an infant and you are not comfortable with leaving the child with a sitter or even family members; make plans for a romantic evening at home. In other words have your date night out, in!

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Once the baby is down for the night, light some candles, turn the music down low and share a nice dinner. You can either order in or prepare a nice meal together. Pick up your favorite movie early in the day or on your way home, or find a good movie on cable and watch a movie or just talk after dinner. Don’t make the conversation be about work, bills, household chores or the children. Leave the dishes, and focus on the two of you alone. Turn off all of the electronic devices including the home phone. You don't want to have any distractions. Don't even answer the door! Whoever it is should have called first anyway, (before you turned off the phone!)

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If you have older children arrange for them to spend the night with family members or perhaps spending the night with friends that you trust. A Friday or Saturday night will do. Then you can plan a romantic night out, or if you're on a tight budget, keep it simple and plan for a night in! Again, candles, dinner and perhaps a sexy romantic game like twister! Steal a kiss while the game is in play! One of my clients confessed that, “Every once in a while my wife will surprise me with the best possible gift: an at-home sex date. She’ll whisper, ‘The kids are staying at the baby-sitter’s overnight,’ and I’ll know exactly what our plans are that evening.”
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The most important thing to re-igniting romance in your relationship is to remember you love this person and you still want to do things to impress them. Their smile is one of the things that you'll want to work for. Pick up a single rose or carnation or a box of their favorite candies or even a blank card, sign it "I love you, Me." Be thoughtful, creative and most of all, remember to be in love with each other the same way and with even more passion than when you were dating!

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Put your best foot forward to keep the romance alive and well within your marriage!

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations!

The perfect honeymoon haute-spot!! The breathtaking ocean scenery with first class accommodations, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Surely this one will be high on your list of great get-aways, whatever the reason, or for no reason at all!
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One Word: Stunning!

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Blog Talk Radio.....

I had a blast today on air with the dynamic Vernon Harleston from the Blog Talk Radio show, "The High Road" and the powerful, passionate Dr. Taffy Wagner from Money Talk Matters. d
Dr. Taffy and I did not talk prior to going on the show. We both agreed that it would be best, to just let the conversation flow naturally. Just let our passion for what we do and what we believe come across in the message.

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The interview was awesome and the response from the callers and listeners was great! They were so thankful for the show topic and started commenting and calling in early on in the show.

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We we're having so much fun, the time went by so fast and we ran out of time! Vernon invited us back on the show, to continue the conversation.

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Click Here, to listen to the interview!

Friday's...Fab...Find!

I'm in the mood for a little show and tell...

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Look what I found for an upcoming romantic decorating job! The customer will want the best and brightest! While out shopping for gift basket items for a girlie gift basket that I'm putting together, look what I ran into. A couple of these blinging beauties! The store suggested that I go online for additional matching items and viola! This will be spectacular!
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Love them as much as I do? Get yours at the one and only

Z-Gallerie

Romantic Bedroom Decorating Tip

I love adding lots of pillows to my bed, and I change out the accents pillows depending on the season along with the comforter. Finding the right decorative pillows for your bed can be tricky because you don't want for it to be too frilly. Think about your DH when making a selection, like the ones featured here from Blissliving. Pretty, yet romantic and elegant, flowers mean life as long as you don't over do it.
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You'll more than likely see more accent pillow designs. I can't help myself, it's one of my fetish's!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

Today's post is all about you! Taking good care of you. We get so caught up in the day to day working, taking care of the kids, running errands, cooking and cleaning. For women that are in the start-up phase of a business, it's double the work because women often do all of the above and are the CEO, CFO, COO, Admin, wearing all of the hats really.
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The same thing goes for men. They often work 10-14 hour days, work in the yard, help out with the kids (I hope) and take care of the manly things around the house. When is there time for you and just you? Here's the deal, by the time that you take care of all of the above there's no time left for you.
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There must be a balance and a time-out for you and for your relationship. Taking good care of you takes a conscious effort. Sometime it takes practice but you know the deal, practice makes perfect! It will become a routine but it's totally up to you. Write up a plan on paper and stick to it. You can get started with just one hour a day, even if you have to break it up, you'll begin to see a difference in key areas of your life.
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4 life elements that will help bring balance to your world.
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1.) Mind - Keep a positive attitude. Discover simple pleasures. Get organized by clearing the clutter. You'll be surprised at how your thoughts will open up and become clearer as a result!

2.) Body - Exercise, Walking, Yoga

3.) Spirit - Prayer, Meditating, Read positive books

4.) Balanced Diet - Eating healthy and loading up on antioxidant enriched foods can boost your energy level.
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The bottom line is to prioritize your day. Put YOU number on of the list! The journey of two people to become a healthy, functioning partnership, where each feels more fully themselves, is a long journey so be patient with each other, it's constant work.
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The rewards:
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Taking good care of you = Better Health = Better Relations = Better Romance = Better Sex!

Get Married Mag Going National!!.....

Get Married will premier the first issue of their national magazine, starting in October 2009.

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I've been a fan of the show since it's launch in 2006. The show airs weekdays at 7:30 et/pt on the Lifetime channel. GM is hosted by two bright stars, Colin Cowie and Deanna Pappas.
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The magazine will surely be a hit just like the show, and a great resource for upcoming brides to check out all of the latest wedding style and trends. Now a multi media resource, TV, online and in print.
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Congrats to Stacie Francombe Founder and CEO and her team over at Get Married! Can't wait to see what your up to next!

Have Candles Will Travel....

When DH and I travel and are staying at a hotel, I always pack my favorite candle tins. I've even taken them along when we are visiting out of country or out of state friends. I've used different companies to order from, or I purchase them locally when I'm out perusing the stores!

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My latest favorite, the aromatic scents found at Illume. The scents pack a powerful punch and will scent the room very nicely and provide a little ambiance too!

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They're having a great 1/2 off sale on Tins!

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Friday's...Fab...Find!

Today's Fab Find was actually sent to me and I "Find" it to be "Fab".
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My friend is building a home in the Bahamas. She really doesn't have a budget. She sent me a link today to a company called SCHONBEK, a high tech lighting company. She asked me to check out a few pieces that she's considering. I was floored by the lighting because first of all, I really believe that lighting is one of the most important elements when your selecting fixtures during the construction phase of a new home.
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There are so many aspects to consider when your choosing lighting for your home. Creating an atmosphere of ambiance is essential so you can set the mood whenever you want. Here's the pieces that she was asking me to co-sign on. There are soooo many that I like. I did send my response to her picks and a few selections of my own. fd
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The fixtures are all crafted with halogen, xenon and LED light with the fire of STRASS® Swarovski® Crystal to change the way light interacts with interior space. The Geometrix® collection featured here also includes, crystal chandeliers, pendants, sconces, bath bars, track lighting, spotlights and crystal trim for recessed lighting.

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These pictures don't really represent the opulence and true brilliance of the lighting. May I suggest you visit the SCHONBEK website and be prepared to be highly impressed!

Wednesday...Wisdom...A Relationship Tip

Today's post comes with a lot of thought, research and hopefully your feedback on this topic. I recently read an article about how financial woes are the new "Aphrodisiac" and I want to share my thoughts with you about this concept. Well honestly, I couldn't disagree more with this concept. I am not and never will be a supporter of what is being referred to as, "Transactional Love" which celebrates material assets over the person who earned them.

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The article went on to say that love as a transaction dates back to when “I’ve got cattle” was followed by “What can you trade in exchange?” In other words I'll cook for you if you buy me a new pair of shoes and that’s the clean example. Sounds more like a swap meet to me! It also sounds like bartering. The problem is what will you do when you run out of "things" to swap!
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A real life scenario of "Transactional Love" within a marriage is, when one remains in misery in a dead relationship just for the financial fringe benefits. Better known as exchanging body parts for money! I wonder if these types have tried everything possible to revive the marriage. Money without love is a dangerous mix, nothing but heartache and pain.
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We as humans were made for love and the absence of it can lead to sickness. I've heard women say, “I want a man with lots of money and that's all I need.” Furthermore they would be content and feel secure. Well I can tell you from personal experience that's not true at least not for me.

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A loving marriage is comprised of a constant flow of sharing worldly goods, and the two of you are in sync together. You're so in love with each other, the declarations come in joy, tears, fears, and yes even the anx associated with an economic crisis. There is a higher percentage of people that would admit after going through the financial fire together; their former taste for worldly material goods has been traded in for mature spending and an even greater love for one another. Not simply settling in to a dead end.
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Those that trade-in love for money, will grieve in the long haul and begin looking for love. It's naturally human and a part of our make-up. Could that be the reason why Kendra left Hugh Hefner for a one on one relationship that's based on love and not money?

Mr. Smith goes to Washington...

Michael Smith, was recently named the new decorator for the Obama White House. I actually saw him years ago at a party in LA while visiting my sister. Before he was famous, I may forget a name, but never a face! I love his work as an Interior Decorator!

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When it comes to his design style, Romantic European! Need I say more!

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A few things about Michael:

Born: Newport Beach, CA
College: Otis College of Art and Design, in Los Angeles
Year Abroad: London, studying at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Apprenticeship: With legendary New York decorator John Saladino
First Celeb Clients: Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere
Media mogul client: Rupert and Wendi Murdoch
Other clients: Steven Spielberg and Dustin Hoffman to name a few
His style: Old-world romantic European influences filtered through a bright, light California sensibility
He and the White House both own: A Coromandel screen
Favorite chain stores: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma Home, Target
Quote: "There's nothing more tragic than rooms that look as if the furniture all arrived on the same day, in the same truck."

Friday's...Fab...Find!

I heart these tents and all of the decorating ideas that go with them! I have a great idea to propose these to a few of my clients that have anniversaries and birthdays coming up. What an awesome evening it can be with an outdoor soiree for 2, or more!

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If I decorate for 2, the cozy pillows, lighting of the globes with flameless candles, great food and music can really set the stage for a romantic evening!

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If the couples decide to invite close friends to join the celebration, what a great evening it will be! Good food, good friends and great conversation in a setting that will certainly please the senses!

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These tents are a great investment! They can be used again and again!

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P.S. Thanks Z-Gallerie, I love you!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

There's a restaurant in Canada called O.NOIR opening a 2nd location in Toronto--the opening is on June 24, 2009. O.NOIR is a restaurant where guest dine in complete darkness, it's already a hit in Montreal! The restaurant owner like many other people, believe that your senses are heightened and food apparently tastes better!

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I also heard that eating while wearing a blindfold or dining in the dark, is already a craze in Europe, Australia, L.A. and New York, which brings me to doing this as a date idea wherever you are...

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A Fun Inexpensive Date Idea: A Blindfolded Dinner!

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Prepare or pick up your favorite meal for each other. Make sure you don't share what the meal consist of. It really should be something that would tickle your taste buds (so no Wendy's!). Pick up a couple of blindfolds or use silk scarves.

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Put the blindfolds on, exchange meals, start eating! I can tell you that it's so much fun because I tried it with my DH! We got the thrill of eating without seeing anything, and it was really fun to guess what we were eating!

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It's a sensual experience that sparks the element of romance to the evening! Just another way to get out of the box! You won't be disappointed!

Sexy Dresses...The Maxi!

The Maxi is back again this summer! These dresses are great for a romantic date night, romantic picnic and don't forget to pack your favorites for your honeymoon!

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I found these at Nordstrom but you can find them at just about any department store or boutique. I like to slip in one of these comfortable dresses even when I'm running errands. They usually require no ironing! I'm all about ease and comfort!

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How cute are these with the sexy "Barefoot Sandals" in the post below!

Barefoot Sandals...Think Sexy!

Ladies...here's the latest trend for your twinkle toes. Getting married on the beach, perfect! These are so pretty and will add a sense of sexy to your day and the photos! Order a pair for you, and they also make the perfect bridesmaid gift, something they can re-use!

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The bride can re-use them too, for the honeymoon! Honeymooning in the Islands, perfect...pair these with the sexy maxi dresses coming up next!

We've listed a few sites for you to check out so you can find a pair that's just right for you! The ones featured here, can be found on the first site listed below:

http://www.beachbridejewelry.com/
http://suearkwright.com/
http://www.pinkgypsy.com/
http://weddingnightsandals.com/
http://www.trinitysjewelry.com/