The only thing better than watching a hot athlete play is, well, watching them. Between all of that running, jumping, bicep bending, balancing and whatever it is curlers do, they’ve got the sleekest, most toned bodies around.

And you know what? Some of them are single. At least they were at the time this article was published. So enjoy this slideshow and get moving before they get snapped up.

10. Calvin Johnson

This cut, speedy Detroit Lions wide receiver is so cool, his nickname is Megatron. You know, after the transformer. But be careful. There’s someone on Twitter who claims to be his girlfriend and roves around comment boards taking down other wannabes. So if you want this guy, you better get your trollin’ hat on.

9. Nicole Hage

Hear that sizzling sound on the golf course? No, that’s not those steaks you’re grilling (though we’ve got to say, they’re looking great). That’s 27 year old golfer Nicole Hage. Nicole’s obsession with the green began at the age of five and carried her through her years at Auburn to secure a spot on the LPGA tour. Now she’s modeling for her sponsor, Lexus in her off-time, and sitting on golf bags for fun.

8. Jeremy Campbell

Long before Jeremy Campbell won gold in the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics for pentathlon and discus throw, he was gold in our hearts. Reporters often ask him about that little habit he has of breaking boundaries and redefining our perceptions of people with disabilities, but he says he just loves his sport. Now, just fall in love with us…

7. Shelby Shipley

Her brother may be a star on the Cincinnati Bengals, but basketball guard Shelby Shipley is a star in her own right. Whether she’s stealing balls or blocking shots for her home team, Abilene Christian, she gets the job done. And she looks pretty cute while doing it, too, if this picture has anything to say about it.

Dannell Leyva

 6. Danell Leyva

He’s only twenty years old and already he’s an all-around gold medalist and world champion on the parallel bars. He’s our next great hope for the upcoming Olympics and and will be sure to parallel bar his way right into your heart. Yeah, we went there.

5. Sasha Cohen

She came out of nowhere to win the silver metal in figure skating in 2006. Six years later, she’s still wowing the crowds and looking a whole lot better than her name twin, Sacha Baron Cohen, while doing so. One thing is for sure: she’s no Borat on ice. And that’s a good thing.

4. Michael Phelps

Ah, seems like yesterday Michael Phelps was gracing every sports magazine in that form fitting swimsuit that traced every ridge of every muscle. And, lucky for us, his relationships are just as thin as that suit. So get in line!

 3. Bridget Dwyer

Whether she’s tearing up the golf course in khaki or crawling up the beach like a lioness in a bikini, Bridget Dwyer brings the sexy. She graduated from UCLA with a 3.6 in 2004 and has applied her smarts to a variety of tours so far. And let’s not forget her appearance on the Golf Channel’s reality show, The Big Break.

Wait a second…the Golf Channel has a reality show?

2. Apolo Anton Ohno

Though there are some rumors he’s dating Julianne Hough, his partner on Dancing With the Stars, this eight-time short track speed medalist says he’s too focused on his athletic career to have be doubled up. At least for now. Skate on over to Seattle and see if you can change that.

Allison Stokke

1. Allison Stokke

She hates the attention her good looks bring her, but, alas, there are few available athletes as attractive as pole vaulter Allison Stokke. We won’t belabor the point here. Just take a look at the photo and you can see why the witty trolls on the internet have been making stupid jokes about having “a pole she can mount” since her college debut.

There are plenty of available athletes out there, so put on those running shoes and be ready to meet the fit superstar of your dreams!

If you are the type of person who enjoys shopping, then you will definitely love New York. This city has it all, from interesting buildings and a great history, to numerous places where you can buy clothes and souvenirs. Fifth Avenue has become a tourist attraction since it hosts many shops with brand name clothing. However, the street is not only renowned for shopping, but also for a great number of interesting museums.

Those who adventure on Fifth Avenue should know that this is the most expensive street in the world. It starts north of Washington Square and ends at the 143^rd street in Harlem. If you don’t have a very big budget, then you will definitely be satisfied only with window shopping. You may also study the new trends and decide how you should dress for the next season. Women will love seeing clothes from famous names such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bergdorf-Goodman, Versace, Emanuel Ungaro, Ferragamo and Gucci. Men are welcome to go to Brooks Brothers, Bergdorf Men and NBA Store. There is also an Apple Store for those who are more interested in technology.

If you want to buy a special gift for your wife or your girlfriend, then you should definitely go to Harry Winston, Tiffany and Company, Bulgari, Van Cleef, Cartier, Fortunoff and Arpels. You will find some of the best jewelry and well-cut stones that will be appreciated by your spouse. Moreover, if you have children, you could take them to the FAO Schwartz displays, one of the biggest toy stores in the world. In case you are looking for something different, then Takashimaya is the perfect Japanese store where you can find perfumes, silks and fresh orchids. They also have a spa, so in case you feel tired from shopping, you should spend the day here, relaxing under the hands of a professional masseuse.

After you have seen all the big and expensive department stores, it is time for a short cultural lesson. You will be able to admire churches, palatial homes and historic buildings. There are also some famous museums, including the ‘Museum Mile’. Most of the magnificent buildings constructed during the 19^th and 20^th century are now hosting museums. For instance, the National Academy Museum is now found in the house that once belonged to Archer Huntington. The Museum of the City of New York is also housed in a gorgeous palatial residence built in 1932.

If you are interested in arts, then you must visit two of the most famous museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Additionally, those who want to see something different should see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, also located on Fifth Avenue.

Even though Fifth Avenue is mostly renowned for shopping and seeing brand name clothes, there are also numerous cultural attractions and other architectural sights worth exploring. Fifth Avenue is considered a very important location in New York and a lot of people refer to it when talking about the Big Apple.

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Ioana on behalf of Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, a market leader in New York vacation rental apartments and Brooklyn apartments.

 Editor Note: Don’t forget to check out our other New York travel tempters from earlier this month

ARIES [March 21-April 20]

Restless Rams will feel rash mid-week so slow your motor and cool your heels – otherwise you’re headed for a headache, argument or accident. Blow off steam with some sort of vigorous exercise instead. Thursday’s Mars/Pluto trine is perfect for professional projects. With lucky Jupiter in your money zone [until June 12] slow and steady wins the financial race.

TAURUS [April 21-May 21]

Don’t spoil your romantic chances by being too business-like. As Mars moves through your romance/entertainment zone, strive to be proactive in love, focus on friendships, and have some serious fun! Saturday’s super Grand Trine [in earth] favors travel, education and sporting pursuits. Plus creative Bulls will enjoy turning abstract ideas into practical projects.

GEMINI [May 22-June 21]

Venus reverses through your sign [from May 17-June 28] so be careful what you pray for – you might just get it [and then decide it’s not what you wanted after all]. Some single Twins will fall for a smooth talker – but is it love or lust? You’re also fired up to assist someone in need but don’t make commitments unless you can actually deliver. Promises are cheap!

CANCER [June 22-July 23]

Work issues are in a state of flux this week, as Uranus throws you a curved ball – but it’s nothing you can’t catch. If you are looking for a job, employment is waiting where you least expect. Are you interested in your ancestors and family history? The next few months will pique your curiosity even more. Perhaps it’s time to take a thorough peek back into the past?

LEO [July 24-Aug 23]

Lucky Lions – fabulous career, business or financial opportunities are around you, and clever Cats will work out the perfect time to pounce. With Venus reversing through your hopes and wishes zone, it’s important to have a goal that you’re working towards. But you’ll have to be patient – and  focus on bringing your dreams down to earth via practical plans.

VIRGO [Aug 24-Sep 23]

With mighty Mars marching through your sign [until July 3] it’s time to be bold and beautiful. Confidence is in and criticism is out; as you approach life with extra passion and pizazz. Travel and adventure are also on the agenda, as you are motivated by birthday great Cate Blanchett “It’s important to travel and move and have a continual set of experiences.”

LIBRA [Sep 24-Oct 23]

Don’t even try to second-guess the behavior of others. They will continually surprise [and flummox] you with their unpredictable antics, so don’t lose sleep trying to work out where they’re coming from. If you expect the unexpected, then you’ll manage just fine. Looking for love? With Venus going retrograde, expect some romantic hiccups over the next six weeks.

SCORPIO [Oct 24-Nov 22]

This week you can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling. The choice is yours. And with gung-ho Mars charging through your hopes and wishes zone, are you dreaming of a lifestyle with more freedom and independence? Positive Pluto aspects give you the courage to hop on your horse and follow your heart – wherever that may lead.

SAGITTARIUS [Nov 23-Dec 21]

With proactive Mars in your career zone, take the lead at work. If you’re looking for employment, you need to stay one step ahead of the pack [which means finding jobs before they are advertised]. Thursday through to Saturday are bonanza days for business transactions and professional projects as the Grand Earth Trine links your money, career and work zones.

CAPRICORN [Dec 22-Jan 20]

Uranus is shaking up your home life, and Saturn is making sure there are plenty of professional projects to keep you busy. Don’t focus on one to the detriment of the other – focus on getting the balance right between your career and your personal life. Be inspired by Cate Blanchett [born on May 14] “I live my life parallel with my work, and they are both equally important.”

AQUARIUS [Jan 21-Feb 19]

You’re keen to make the world a better place in your own unique Aquarian way. Don’t get so carried away that you forget your nearest and dearest though. Sometimes it’s best to start your charitable work in your own backyard! Singles – with Venus reversing through your romance zone for the next six weeks, expect a few setbacks along the road to love.

PISCES [Feb 20-March 20]

Your finances are currently being influenced by serious Saturn and unpredictable Uranus. Wise up Pisces because being broke is no laughing matter! More careful budgeting [and less spontaneous spending] will help life run more smoothly. Keep your feet on the ground, even though your head’s in the stars. Singles – look for a partner who is passionate and proactive.

Check your horoscope each with with Dating Symbol’s Astrological expert. You’ll be provided with details on what your Star Sign shows life has in store for you.

SO, if you haven’t as yet subscribed to the www.datingsymbol.com  Blog’s RSS feed, or Networked Blogs, you’d better do so now on our HOME page, or you’ll miss out reading your Stars each Monday

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

COPYRIGHT Joanne Madeline Moore 2012

Taureans celebrate their birthdays this week. So a big Happy Birthday if you’re one of the birthday girls/guys. A few Celebrity Stars who are  Taureans and have their birthdays this week also – Cate Blanchett, Mark Zuckerberg, George Lucas, Robert Zemeckis, Andy Murray, Megan Fox, Janet Jackson, Pierce Brosnan, Sugar Ray Leonard, Pete Townshend, Grace Jones, Cher.

Don’t forget to celebrate in style if it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday to you.

If you are planning a wedding then the food is a big part of the day. It should be a reflection of the happy couple’s tastes but also be something that appeals to the gathered guests. It can be difficult to please everyone – especially elderly grandparents – and there are plenty of things to choose from. Here are 10 top choices for your wedding breakfast that could set the union off to a great start.

1) Roast dinner

The classic English dish is a roast dinner, so this could be an ideal repast for an English union. Most people love this meal so family and friends should be happy, and there are plenty of caterers who can do this meal justice.

2) Something fishy

If you are more of a fish fan than meat person perhaps a fishy feast is what you should choose. Being a relatively small island Britain is always fairly close to the coast and that means that fresh fish can be easily acquired.

3) Indian feast

Another of the UK’s favourite meals is a good old curry, so why not enjoy one for your wedding breakfast? Sure it’s not traditional but who says you have to be? If you like Indian food – and an awful lot of people do – call some skilled Asian wedding caterers and have a spicy wedding meal.

4) Vegetarian wedding

There are an awful lot of vegetarians in Britain nowadays, and it is no longer a dirty word. Subsequently there are numerous caterers who can do fantastic vegetarian food that will surprise your carnivorous friends and family.

5) Buffet time

A buffet always goes down well and if you are planning a wedding on a budget this could save you a big chunk of cash. Most people are too drunk by dinner time to remember what they have eaten anyway, so why not have a tasty, substantial buffet?

6) Hog roast

A popular choice for wedding food these days is the hog roast and for good reason. It is not cheap but goes an awful long way and is delicious. It is still much cheaper than a five course wedding breakfast so consider it for a tasty alternative.

7) Fish and chips

Back to British favourites and now fish and chips. People love this classic, battery dish so why not treat your guests to it at the wedding you are planning?

High tea

Another good budget option is high tea. It is elegant and inexpensive, and you can scoff cucumber sandwiches, scones and cake until it’s time to hit the dance floor.

9) Sweet tooth

Another option is to skip dinner altogether and just have pudding. This might not be for everyone but for the sweet-toothed out there this could be a dream come true.

10) Mediterranean marriage

Mediterranean food is incredibly popular in the UK and throughout the world, so why not opt for this for a delicious wedding breakfast to remember?

When it comes to mixing bold colors together, it can definitely take some confidence! While a wardrobe full of basic colors and neutrals is a safe bet, people are naturally drawn towards color. Dressing in full out color is definitely a great way to get noticed, especially if you know how to pair it well and find colors that look great for your skin tone. Color theory is everywhere in design! When it comes to color combinations, piecing together an outfit can be more calculated than you think. While selecting outfits full of bright color, go back to your days in art class and remember the color wheel. Go for color schemes that you’d find on a color wheel and you can’t go wrong. These combinations are all “art-approved.”

Analogous: Example: Olive and Lemon or Lavendar and Navy. An analogous color scheme means the colors are right next to each other on the color wheel. Choose analogous colors that vary in tone to pull this look off.

Complementary: Example: Blue and Orange or Red and Mint.Complementary colors live across from each other on the color wheel, evenly spaced apart. They’re great for creating a colorblock look or creating a contrasting pop. The great thing about the red and mint combo is, it gets away from that Christmas color look because the minty green is much softer.

Mono: Example: Magenta and Purple. Monochromatic colors are all the shades and tones of one color hue. It’s an easy one to pull off — varying shades look great together. While the Magenta and Purple hues in the photo provide more of a contrast, they technically have the same deep hues.

More Color Mixing Inspiration:

Triad: Example: Blue, Red, and Yellow. Triad colors are three colors equally spaced on the color wheel. Use small pops of triad colors through accessories, or use softer hues to lighten them up.

Neutrals: Example: Ivory, Nude, Beige, and Grey. When it comes to wearing neutrals, it’s important to pick up the undertones. If the grey you’re wearing has cool undertones, wear it with blues instead of reds.

For more great inspiration on how to mix colors, mix patterns, and dress with the fierceness of a fashion blogger, check out this Guide to Style for Beginners with tips on everything from selecting the right handbag to wearing leopard print and polka dots. It’s the best way to up your confidence when it comes to your wardrobe! And we all know that confidence is key when it comes to a world of dating.

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Sarah a writer for Handbag Heaven, she loves sharing fashion tips with savvy women everywhere! When she is not sharing style advice on the best of hobo handbags and fashion handbags, she is reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband.

If you’re into dating older women, you probably know that it has this negative connotation.  A lot of people have this thinking that men date older women because they’re looking for a sugar mommy.  It’s so bad that when people see a man dating a much older woman, they’ll immediately assume that the man is dating her for her money.

In some cases, this is true.  But in most of these cases, it’s not as if the man is taking advantage of the woman.  It’s a win-win relationship and the older woman benefits from the relationship as well.  Besides, these are adult women that we’re talking about.  They know what they’re doing.

On the other hand, a lot of these men who are into dating older women have their own reasons for doing so.  Here are some of them:

• They’re sick and tired of immature girls.

If you’ve dated immature girls, you know that it can suck the life out of you.  On the other hand, older women are naturally more mature.  This is mainly because they’ve been through a lot so they’re not about to let immature things get in the way.  This can lead to fewer fights so you can focus on the fun side of dating and relationships.

• They’re looking for someone wiser.

Older women have been through a lot.  Most of these women have “seen it all” as far as dating and relationships are concerned.  They know what works and what doesn’t.  Needless to say, they’ll stick to the things that work and they’ll throw away the things that don’t.  This way, you don’t have to work on making sure that the relationship works.  You’ll have a partner who knows what she’s doing.

• They’re looking for someone more responsible.

Generally speaking, a woman who holds a sensitive position in her company while taking care of 2 kids are more responsible than an 18 year old girl who’s just looking to party.  This is not to stereotype younger women as irresponsible.  A lot of younger women are very responsible.  However, older women have encountered more responsibilities in their lifetime so they know how to be responsible.  Of course, you still need to choose wisely to make sure that you are indeed dating a responsible woman.

• They’re looking for that “fire” in a relationship.

Older women tend to be more passionate, in and out of bed.  Men who are into dating older women know that dating an older woman can be full of fire and passion.  It’s quite obvious how this can be a recipe for an amazing relationship.

• They find older women more beautiful.

It’s a matter of preference.  A lot of men find those “signs of aging” very beautiful and sexy.  This is especially true if the woman was able to take care of herself well.  Some women age gracefully and a lot of men, wrinkles and gray hair notwithstanding, find this very beautiful and sexy.  At the very least, they find these women very sophisticated.

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons why you should consider dating older women.  It’s not just about finding a sugar mommy.

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Gregg Michaelsen. a recognized expert when it comes to dating and relationships.  Gregg is a believer that everyone can experience success in the dating field and this is why he provides free dating tips on the Keys to Seduction website.

We live in a world filled with gorgeous cities, great people and spectacular places of interest. Therefore, if you’re searching for one place to have it all, that’s definitely New York. If you want to plan a future vacation, but you don’t have a place to go yet, it’s highly recommended to visit The Big Apple.

A few days don’t be enough to see everything there is about NYC. Hence, you’ll need to prioritize. Start your trip with Manhattan and check out its most important landmarks. The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the Federal Hall and the National September 11 Memorial, are great places of interest you cannot miss out. The Brooklyn Bridge, which offers an unbelievable view of the skyline and of Manhattan, is also a milestone of the city worth taking into account.

Some other famous landmarks you’ll surely want to visit while in New York are the Empire State Building, the tallest construction in the NYC, the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal- one the busiest stations in the entire world. The Rockefeller Plaza, the New York Public Library, Times Square and Central Park are other renowned attractions you need to check out in the city that never sleeps. When it comes to culture, these are multiple fine cultural places you might enjoy, and the most renowned museums are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, which holds the most comprehensive and imposing collections of modern art in the world.

We all know there’s more to NYC than meets the eye. Hence, after a whole day of sightseeing and visiting, it’s time for a bit of composure. Head over to the parks and get ready to be amazed. Central Park, Fort Tryon Park or Flushing Meadow Park, are just some recreational places you cannot miss out from the city. When it comes to entertainment, New York is the king. Broadway is famous for the multiple shows it hosts, but especially for its musicals. Nevertheless, Carnegie Hall and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, also deserve paying a visit. The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and the Radio City Music Hall might interest cultural travelers looking to experience the extravagant and luxurious side of the big city.

Last but not least, if you get to New York City you shouldn’t leave without trying delicious street food. The Bistro Truck, Schnitzel & Things, Calexico Cart and Picnick Smoked are just some famous brands you might want to consider. Whether you just want to taste, or it’s lunchtime, street food in New York can be indeed exquisite. Who doesn’t love the classic NYC bagel, or the traditional hot dog? All in all, if you want to experience the Big Apple, you need to know that there’s much to the city than just attractions.

It’s great to be a tourist, but it’s even greater to feel like one of the locals. The special feel of the boroughs, their specific appeal and the overall vibe of the metropolis, makes NYC so famous around the world.

Dating Symbol’s article today is written by Ioana on behalf of Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, a provider of vacation rental apartments in New York and holiday apartments in Brooklyn.

Editor Note: For more great New York vacation ideas – take a look at our Travel Section

ARIES [March 21-April 20]

There’s a fine line between making smart decisions at lightning speed – and making impulsive moves that land you in hot water. This week will work best if you do something out of character for an Aries – think before you act and speak. This will be easier to do when Mercury moves through Taurus [from May 9-24]. Avoid being rash with cash on the weekend.

TAURUS [April 21-May 21]

Security-loving Taureans prefer to have plenty of order and routine in their lives – but have you become an incredibly boring Bull? The Sun and Jupiter join up in your sign on Sunday, so it’s time to kick up your hooves and live life to the max. Be inspired by birthday great Katharine Hepburn [born on May 12, 1907] “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

GEMINI [May 22-June 21]

It’s an excellent week to be with friends and participate in group activities. You’re keen to socialize and circulate; mix and mingle. With Venus vamping through your sign, there’s never been a better time to ask for what you want. Attached Twins – pamper your partner with plenty of extra TLC. Singles – romance is in the air so tune up your flirting techniques ASAP!

CANCER [June 22-July 23]

Don’t lean on others and be a clingy Crab. There are times when you have to be independent and make decisions on your own. This week is one of those times – especially at work. If you are passionate and proactive about professional projects, then good fortune and lucky breaks will come your way. Just remember – the early bird catches the worm.

LEO [July 24-Aug 23]

With Venus in your networking zone, make sure you nurture and grow your connections [both personal and professional]. Lions are loud and proud this weekend, as jolly Jupiter joins up with the Sun [your ruler] Professional projects are particularly favored, as you move ahead with confidence, creativity and chutzpah. Resist the urge to be too boisterous and bossy though.

VIRGO [Aug 24-Sep 23]

Don’t be too set about how the week should proceed. Aim to be organized yet flexible; then you can adjust your schedule as the days unfold. A bit of Moon in Aquarius spontaneity is just what the doctor ordered on the weekend. It will stop you from being too careful, cautious – and critical! Study and travel are favored [plus anything else that expands your knowledge].

LIBRA [Sep 24-Oct 23]

Serious Saturn is moving slowly through your sign but lighten up Libra! Your motto for the moment is from Harry Truman [born on May 8, 1884] “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” Lust and loot are on your mind this weekend, with improvements due in both areas.

SCORPIO [Oct 24-Nov 22]

When it comes to relationships, communication and companionship are the buzz words at the moment. Scorpios have strong likes and dislikes but you’ll gain the best results by walking the middle path. It will help bring some equilibrium to your intense life. Singles – you have a better chance of finding love if you are proactive and cast your net wide [including overseas].

SAGITTARIUS [Nov 23-Dec 21]

There’s nothing worse than a bored Sagittarian! You’ll feel super restless this week and your boredom threshold will be at an all-time low. So make sure you have plenty of challenging projects to channel all that excess energy into. Charm and confidence are a potent mix on Sunday. The more positive vibes you put out, the more you’ll receive in return.

CAPRICORN [Dec 22-Jan 20]

Your perfectionist side is highlighted, and you’ll get stressed when things don’t work out 100%. But don’t allow your thinking to become too black and white this week. Most issues are much more complex and have lots of grey areas that require exploration. Friendships get a pleasant boost on Sunday, and relations with a child or teenager are set to improve.

AQUARIUS [Jan 21-Feb 19]

When it comes to friendships, there’s much to be gained from shared interests and joint ventures. Home is where the heart is on the weekend, as Jupiter blesses family relationships – and the Sun encourages creative communication between loved ones. If your house is feeling too small, it’s the perfect time to move [or plan a bright and breezy extension].

PISCES [Feb 20-March 20]

This week the emphasis is off you and onto group activities. How can you contribute to your local community – and support those around you? Helping others is one of your natural talents, so don’t waste it. Are you worried about money? And is your bank balance going backwards? Finding a professional to fish you out of financial trouble is the sensible way to go.

Check your horoscope each with with Dating Symbol’s Astrological expert. You’ll be provided with details on what your Star Sign shows life has in store for you.

SO, if you haven’t as yet subscribed to the www.datingsymbol.com  Blog’s RSS feed, or Networked Blogs, you’d better do so now on our HOME page, or you’ll miss out reading your Stars each Monday

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

COPYRIGHT Joanne Madeline Moore 2012

Taureans celebrate their birthdays this week. So a big Happy Birthday if you’re one of the birthday girls/guys. A few Celebrity Stars who are  Taureans and have their birthdays this week also – Enrique Inglesias, David Attenborough, Dennis Rodman, Stevie Wonder, Bono, Burt Bacharach, Harvey Keitel,  Billy Joel and Linda Evangelista.

Don’t forget to celebrate in style if it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday to you.

If you like online gaming, and I think you do, you will want to know all about an online pirate game you can play that is free. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that if it is free it must be low quality. While that can be the case sometimes, in this situation, the game really is free and it is awesome. There are a lot of great features that make piratestorm a game you can enjoy playing. And since you don’t have to pay anything to play it, you can get started right after you finish reading this article.

A Game for Everyone

Even if you are a person who usually prefers games on a gaming system like a Playstation or Wii and you don’t normally play games online, you still might want to try this one out. You don’t need to start off with any kind of specific skills. There is a tutorial at the beginning that shows you everything you need to know to get started. You pick up skills along the way.

Graphics

The graphics are an important part of any video game. If you were around in the 1980s, video games didn’t really have very much to offer visually. However, with the advances in technology, the graphics now play a very important role in making you feel like you are a part of the game you play. Piratstorm amazing graphics. Just looking at the characters shows the depth and amount of hard work that has gone into the creation of the game. There is even a video on the site that shows the work that goes into the creation of just one character of the game. Those of us who have no experience with graphic design can really appreciate the game on a new level after watching this video that shows the character being created from beginning to end. Of course, it is shown going super-fast so it only lasts about five minutes, but you can definitely tell there was a lot of work done to create all of the characters.

Game Features

If you are a fan of games that allow you to hunt you will enjoy this one. You can search for all sorts of sea monsters on the high seas. And since this is a pirate game, you will also be able to fight pirates you come across during your adventures. Another feature of the game is the ability to find treasures. You can dive for gold and other goodies. There is nothing more fun than plundering some new booty. Mind out of the gutter, please!

So if you haven’t checked out the site already, what are you waiting for? You can sign up and play with your friends. You can also find new friends in the forum. Many players have been playing similar games and have commented that piratestorm is a great game. You can get started learning about this game and in no time you will be sailing the seas as a pirate to be feared. Arr!

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Nirra, a teacher, wife and mother. She writes articles about a variety of topics including games like pirate online . You can find her on her blog, Mystery Shopping Teacher.

Many women love the look of high heels, but not the pain that often accompanies them. Simply put, there is such a thing as fashionable, comfortable heels. It is a common misconception that the only comfortable high heels are expensive designer shoes that cost thousands of dollars, such as those made by Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton. It is entirely possible to find comfortable high heels without breaking the bank. For example, Kate Spade is a popular designer with shoes that feature style and comfort. Even the most expensive options she features on her website are more more than $350. These realistic prices can be lessened further with the use of a Kate Spade coupon, or Kate Spade promo code. If buying online, simply enter the promo code during checkout to take advantage of a discount on Kate Spade shoes.

However, the average woman cannot afford designer high heels whether there is a coupon being applied or not. Fortunately, there are many affordable options to give women on a budget a luxurious look and feel. On a budget of $100 or less, women can find comfortable high heels from brands such as Steve Madden, Simply Vera by Vera Wang, Jessica Simpson. The latter two brands can be found at Kohl’s and Dillard’s, respectively. Brands like these and many others use high-quality materials to make them pliable and comfortable. In addition to using genuinely good materials, the designers behind these department store lines understand the shape of a woman’s foot and make the incline of the shoe a realistic height, often adding a platform to make them easier to walk in.

What woman hasn’t fallen in love with the design of a cheap pair of shoes, only to find that they kill her feet? It is a popular dilemma and will continue to be prevalent as the economy worsens and budgets tighten. Women want their fashion fix without shelling out the cost of their monthly phone bill on a single pair of shoes. Dr. Scholl’s comes to the rescue with their unique Dr. Scholl’s For Her line. They provide gel insoles and other types of inserts for women to place in the daintiest of shoes, including the back of the heels to keep cheap materials from digging into the skin. While these insoles and inserts are not a perfect substitute to buying a well-made pair of high heels in the first place, they at least take the pain away from women who were lured in by low prices.

What brands of high heels have you found to be comfortable without sacrificing fashion?

Dating Symbol’s guest blogger today is May Sandoval who loves spending time with her boys, and is always looking for the most comfortable shoes.

Smart phone apps that play the best wingman you’ve ever had!

Are you single and ready to mingle? Do you want to meet fun singles in your own community? Well the following five smart phone apps will be the best wingman you’ve ever had! Use them to network with singles in speed dating fashion, learn some new pick up moves, do a background check on your latest squeeze, or scout your immediate area and hook up for a quick coffee date. As long as you have access to the internet, the following 5 apps will give you a new outlook on the singles scene…

1. Dating Tips (Free – for Android)

The Dating Tips app helps men and women get their game on! Plus, it provides a ton of useful tips for navigating the dating scene for every age group—from teens to young adults, and from single parents to seniors. For example, teens might want to read up on how to plant that first, smooth kiss on your special someone. Or, you might want advice on how to proceed with a budding office romance—without losing the guy and your job! Dating Tips will give you all the tips you need to find and maintain a healthy, loving relationship, and provide advice to those who need help exiting a toxic, unhealthy relationship.

2. SpeedDate: Real Dates in Real Time (Free – for iPhone)

You’re single, you’re hot, but you’re busy. SpeedDate is the first online speed dating application of its kind. Perfect for busy singles, this app connects people via quick three-minute speed dates to immediately determine if couples have chemistry. It’s a great way to optimize your love life by testing for sparks before you waste time meeting in person (if there are lack of sparks).

3. Dating Coach Lite (Free – for Android)

Do you want to make women weak in the knees? Or get men hooked on your every word?  The Dating Coach Lite app has a few tricks up its sleeve. This app provides hundreds of articles and tips on the politics of dating. It will help you gain the self confidence and smooth moves you need to navigate the dating world.

4. Date Check (Free – for iPhone)

I wish this app was available when I was dating. It would have saved me a ton of heartache. The Date Check app does just that—it provides an instant background check on your latest Romeo or Juliette. You can quickly scan your dates using a tool called the “Sleaze Detector”, which alerts you to any past criminal activity or records, or tells you if lover boy still lives at home with the folks, owns his own car, or has a full time job.

 5. Skout (Free – for iPhone)

Are you new to the area and hoping to meet a few other singles? The Skout app will do an instant scan to alert you to any other singles in your area. It’s like a love GPS that helps you find, flirt, and hook up with nearby singles for coffee dates, movie dates, and hopefully, happily ever afters…

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Jane Johnson, a writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone related news, commentary, reviews on popular mobile phone and wireless internet providers.

New York is known for many things and culture is most certainly one of them. There is even a road sign displayed to show one of the reasons for coming to New York, “Museum Mile” which is a section of 5^th Avenue in Manhattan between 82^nd and 105^th on the Upper East Side.

The area is known as Carnegie Hill; there are 9 museums in this stretch which is two blocks over a mile with a 10^th the Museum of African Art scheduled to be the first new one built since the Solomon R. Guggenheim in 1959.

There is an Annual Museum Mile Festival held each June since 1979 to increase public awareness of the museums and to promote more visitors. There is free admission in the evenings with several special events being held and 5^th Avenue closed.

Starting at the furthest point north on Manhattan, the Museums are as follows:-

110^th St. Museum of African Art:

A new enlarged permanent home for this Museum joins Museum Mile in the second half of 2012. It has had various homes to date but this building project should be the last it will need in its history.

105th St. El Museo del Barrio

This Museum focuses on the culture of the Caribbean and Latin America and contains a rich variety of exhibits from all Latino regions.

103rd St. Museum of the City of New York

There is no where better to see the history of this Great City than here. The range of photographs from its early days to modern times, including the stark images of the Depression is stunning.

92nd St. Jewish Museum

With over 25,000 exhibits, this museum houses the best collection of Jewish culture outside Israel. The exhibits were collected over time and first went on display just after the Second World ar.

91st St. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution

This museum reveals the history of design over the years; it was opened in 1897 and houses over 250,000 exhibits in four departments, design, decorative arts, drawings and wall coverings.

89th St. National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts

The National Academy holds three centuries of American Art; it maintains a serious educational role and is a must visit for anyone studying any artistic subject.

88th St. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

This Museum is as famous for the building that houses the exhibits as for the exhibits themselves. It was the last building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is regarded as a real landmark beside Central Park.

86th St. Neue Galerie New York

This museum devotes itself to German and Austrian art from the early part of the 20^th Century but also has regular exhibitions for visitors to see and appreciate.

83rd St. Goethe-Institut New York/German Cultural Center

The Goethe presents the history and culture of Germany in all its forms, coordinating the work of several other museums countrywide.

82nd St. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is the largest art museum in the World with over 2m exhibits ranging from the Ancient Civilisations to the European Masters.

At the end of a visit to all these museums, you will have a real flavour of the cultural scene of New York.

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Steven, a travel writer and blogger for Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, a market leader in vacation rental apartments in New York and Brooklyn apartments.

The mysterious creatures on Earth- Women, love to be followed, hit upon, approached and impressed. They are as much attracted to the opposite sex as much as men are. Then why is it difficult to impress them? It is because the fairer sex is so used to being approached that any guy using the same old tricks tends to join the league of the rejected men. If you really want to impress girls, you must do what most men don’t do – use tricks that can make any girl fall for you. Many websites will suggest having a good personality, giving compliments, sending gifts and flowers etc to impress her. But do you really think they are enough? Do you think it is that easy to impress girls? Had it been really simple, you wouldn’t be wasting time in reading this piece.

So let’s know some of the best ways of impressing girls

First thing all men must make note of is being natural and having an identity. Some guys like to change their habits and style for the girl they love, thinking this will impress her. But the reality is that girls like guys who are natural and not fake, who do not seek approval and permission of the girl in everything they do. Do not change yourself for your girl, she will not get impressed. In fact she will treat you as her pet who is always loyal to his master. A girl needs a man to love and not a pet or a doormat.

Being natural also emphasizes on the fact that girls are not impressed by money and power. Many movies have proved that when girls give away their heart, they don’t see if the guy is rich or poor. If you show off your big luxury car or a high-tech gadget, it won’t affect a girl. So again, be natural and don’t pretend to be someone you are not.

Almost all females like some kind of drama and romance. This is quite reflective in the daily soaps and movies they like to watch. But what is important about these drama and romantic flicks is the main hero who is an alpha male. Every girl wants to feel safe in the arms of her partner and an alpha male has a strong personality, capable of protecting her from all fears. So to impress a girl, you need to have that confidence, that attitude, that physique that makes you look like a true winner.

Always believe that you have everything a girl wants in her man. Only when you feel good about yourself, you’ll be able to impress your girl. This also reflects how confident you are of your looks and overall personality. A confident man can do anything to impress and approach a girl.

These days everyone has an online profile and we connect with so many people through social networking websites. This is a great way of impressing girls. Status messages are an intelligent way of portraying your personality. We get to know a lot about a person through his status updates, the kind of places he visits, people he interacts with etc. So always work on your online profile and make sure you connect with not just one but most of your friends. This will give an impression that you are a social person, who likes to hang out with friends.

Having latest pictures uploaded every now and then also speak about the kind of person you are. Some girls get impressed by good photography and the type of places you visit and capture in your camera.

Posting your latest pictures or commenting on her pictures is also a good way of impressing a girl. Compliments are always good for girls and when they are given on an online platform, they are visible to hundreds of people. This not only makes the girl feel good, but she is also impressed by you.

Your online interactions with other people also reflect whether or not you are a mature person. So type your words wisely because your girl is closely watching your moves.

Another way of impressing a girl is to fix a time of sending her a text. Once you know what time she returns from her college or work, you can send her a ‘How are you? How was your day?’ message. Once you become regular with it, she will wait for your message everyday.

Though you care for her but when you protect her physically from unwanted crowd at public places, she will feel safe with you. Showing leadership or taking control of things also impresses a girl. Have your independent choices and decisions. Even when you get drunk together, be in control of the situation. Once she builds that trust with you, she will be more comfortable around you.

Do not attempt to touch her even when you know you can get away with it. To impress a girl, it is important to win her confidence and trust in you. She should not ever doubt your intentions when going out or spending time with you in an isolated location.

Last but not the least, give your girl the emotional support she needs. Let’s be practical and face it that not all girls will have a normal life. Some may have difficult financial situation or some may have a difficult past. Whatever be the case, help her overcome her fears and feel comfortable with you. She will be impressed when you give her your time and emotional support. And if she is a happy go lucky girl, she will have lots to talk about. Lend an ear to her and she will be happy just chatting. The more you listen and participate in her chats, the more impressed she will be.

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is Manali (Vaish) Arora, the Co-Founder of www.riflebirds.com – Love, Dating, Relationships and More.

ARIES [March 21-April 20]

Attached Aries – communication may be strained, as your partner fails to appreciate your enthusiasm for a current project. Resist the urge to criticize. Single Rams – if you come on too strong, you’ll scare potential partners away. At the moment, slow and steady wins the romantic race. Sunday’s Full Moon stimulates your shared resources zone so focus on joint finances.

TAURUS [April 21-May 21]

Are people trying to hurry you up? With the Sun in your sign, you’re in go-slow mode. As birthday great Glenn Ford said “If they try to rush me I tell them I’ve only got one other speed, and that’s slower.” Sunday’s Full Moon fires up your flirting zone. Want more love and success in your life? Flutter those eyelashes [or flex those Bullish biceps] and you shall receive!

GEMINI [May 22-June 21]

Gemini gadflies have a short concentration span and this week will work best if you multi-task and mix things up. Friday favors professional partnerships, relaxed connections and romantic rendezvous. You won’t feel like being a gregarious Gemini on Sunday though, as serious Saturn pours cold water on spontaneous socializing and frivolous fun.

CANCER [June 22-July 23]

Pace yourself Crabs. Avoid making important decisions, because you’re liable to make choices based purely on your emotions – which are fluctuating wildly under this week’s full moonbeams. Your intuition is switched on big time, as you tune into those around you and uncover important information that others miss. But don’t let a smooth-talker lead you astray.

LEO [July 24-Aug 23]

Be on domestic drama alert! Sunday’s Full Moon falls in your home zone – so it’s not the best weekend to host a jolly family reunion or bring up sensitive childhood issues. Make sure you confiscate all sharp implements and choose your words carefully, as loved ones are liable to make mountains out of molehills. Creative communication is the catch-cry at work.

VIRGO [Aug 24-Sep 23]

If you want to get ahead professionally, dress to impress. Plus, if you network your socks off with influential colleagues, some of their success will rub off on you. With mighty Mars powering through your sign [until July 3] it’s time to be bold and beautiful. Confidence is in [and complacency is out] as you go after what you want with passion and pizazz.

LIBRA [Sep 24-Oct 23]

Friday’s fabulous Mercury/Venus aspects encourage you to care for those around you. Be inspired by the gracious Audrey Hepburn [born on May 4] “You have two hands – one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” And have you been shopping up a storm? If the answer is ‘yes’ then expect some financial fiascos, as Sunday’s Full Moon stirs up your money zone

SCORPIO [Oct 24-Nov 22]

Things will be complicated at Casa Scorpio, as the Full Moon [in your sign] increases your magnetism – and your tendency to brooding behavior. So find appropriate ways to let off steam, and challenging projects to channel all your intense energy into. Resist the urge to be sarcastic on Sunday. Plus pay close attention to your dreams … are they trying to tell you something?

SAGITTARIUS [Nov 23-Dec 21]

A Full Moon doesn’t throw you! You love the rush of energy it brings so use it to shine a spotlight on your hidden strengths and secret dreams. You’ll hear some startling news that will make your ears burn but think twice before you pass it on. With Venus in your relationship zone, concentrate on the needs of others. The buzz words for the week are cooperation and companionship.

CAPRICORN [Dec 22-Jan 20]

Does your peer group encourage you to pursue your professional ambitions? True mates will support your goals and dreams, whereas fair-weather friends will gradually fade away. Sunday will be stressful, as the Mercury/Saturn opposition stirs up communication problems at home. It’s time for clever Goats to treat fractious family members with kid gloves!

AQUARIUS [Jan 21-Feb 19]

With the Sun and Jupiter in your domestic zone, you have a great need for personal space and freedom at the moment. Family members will make you feel hemmed in at their peril! Sunday’s Full Moon activates your career zone, so make sure you put plenty of intense focus and concentration into professional projects. You’re keen to communicate creatively – and often.

PISCES [Feb 20-March 20]

Are you sick of being single? With mighty Mars marching through your relationship zone, you need to be proactive. If you see someone you like, you’ll have to make the first move. It’s also the perfect time to channel the intrepid explorer within and plan a weekend escape or overseas getaway [where you can be close to water and commune with nature].

Check your horoscope each week with Dating Symbol’s Astrological expert. You’ll be provided with details on what your Star Sign shows life has in store for you.

SO, if you haven’t as yet subscribed to the www.datingsymbol.com Blog’s RSS feed, or Networked Blogs, you’d better do so now on our HOME page, or you’ll miss out reading your Stars each Monday

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

COPYRIGHT Joanne Madeline Moore 2012

Taureans celebrate their birthdays this week. So a big Happy Birthday if you’re one of the birthday girls/guys. A few Celebrity Stars who are  born under these star signs and have their birthdays this week also – Kirsten Dunst, Willie Nelson, David Beckham, Donatella Versace, Lily Allen, Christina Hendricks, Henry Cavill, Chris Brown, Michael Palin, George Clooney.

Don’t forget to celebrate in style if it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday to you.

You never know when you might run into that someone special and as they say, the first impression is the most important. Not just our attire and attitude, but our skin also makes a big impression about us. So here are some tips on keeping your skin blemish free and great all the time.

1-      Use the right products for your skin.

As someone who has problem skin and who has tried hundreds of skin products, I know how difficult it can be to have the perfect skin routine, but it’s important. Skin care consists of three steps for both men and women- cleansing, toning and moisturizing. For acne prone, blemished skin, I recommend a cleanser that will deeply cleanse without over-drying, a mild toner with BHA and a light, oil-free moisturizer that will be absorbed effortlessly into your skin. Use sunscreen cream with a minimum of 25-30 SPF while going outside to avoid sun blemishes. Don’t shy away from using tinted lotions, concealers and foundations for flawless looking skin. Finding the right routine might take some trial and error but your skin will thank you in the end.

2-      Pay attention to hygiene.

The perfect skin care routine means nothing if you don’t pay attention to hygiene. The best treatment for blemishes is preventing them in the first place and you cannot do this without keeping your skin free of bacteria. What this means is using clean towels to dry your face after washing, changing your pillow cases frequently and not fidgeting with your face during the day.

I’m a little too lazy to change towels every day, so I dry my face with a clean paper-towel instead of cotton towels. This is the best way to make sure that the bacteria on your towels don’t come back on your skin. Changing pillow cases is just as important as we transfer face bacteria to them while we sleep. I recommend doing this every 2-3 days. Finally, most of us tend to touch our face when we’re bored, stressed or just tired. But that’s how we usually trigger breakouts. It can take some time, but you can make it a habit to keep your hands off your face. Also, make sure to wash your hands before applying products on your face.

3-      Fade and hide old blemishes.

There are a lot of products on the market that claim to whiten skin and remove blemishes. But most of them are filled with dangerous chemicals. There are quite a few natural remedies that you can make and use at home to fade blemishes and maintain even skin tone. Tomatoes are great for this. Just grind a peeled tomato and apply on your blemishes or whole face. Wait ten minutes and wash off with warm water. Lemon juice is also known to improve skin tone and whiten. It might be a bit too acidic to use alone, so mix with some plain yogurt and apply on face. Again, wait for 10-15 minutes and wash off.

Finally, be confident! Confidence hides all imperfections!

For more skin care tips and tips on all beauty matters, visit http://lalebeauty.blogspot.com

Dating Symbol’s guest author today is a beauty blogger and author of http://lalebeauty.blogspot.com

We all put a lot of thought into our first dates, and rightly so. First impressions are everything – research at the University of Toledo estimates that the first thirty seconds we spend with somebody will account for a large part of their impression of our personality. Accordingly, the way we look on a first date is of paramount importance.

As well as dressing in a certain way, the handbag we choose to wear on a first date is key to the impression we give. Decisions about colour, size and branding can have a lasting impact on the way that others perceive us and our wants and needs as a person.

If you don’t want to give too much away, think simple. A handbag which blends in with an outfit will ensure that it doesn’t say too much about your character, though it is still important to give some thought to the style of the bag. Even as a subtle part of your dress, this could go further than you think to shaping somebody’s perception of you.

As well as creating an image around who you are, your handbag can say a lot about the type of person you’re looking for. A smaller, more delicate looking handbag might indicate that you are looking for somebody protective and caring. Conversely, a large and robust handbag is likely to show you as an independent person, looking for somebody equally independent and driven. Before thinking too much about your handbag, be sure of who you are looking for as the two are inextricably linked.

The across body strap is an unusual style of bag which is fast becoming more popular on the fashion scene. How cutting edge your choice of handbag is will be a reflection on your thoughts on fashion. Whether you are somebody who strives to keep up with the trends, or somebody who searches for individual timeless classics, be sure to let this come through on your first date.

Across body bags give an impression of independence, too. They suggest spontaneity – a more securely fixed bag shows somebody who is prepared for the unexpected. Radley can help you to get an idea of the array of styles which you can model when looking at such bags.

There is a great deal of psychology related to the handbag, so much in fact that a newspaper in the 1940s was able to coin the term ‘bagology’ in an attempt to understand the selection of handbags. It has been determined that, just as with any other aspect of fashion, the style of handbags and the way in which they are carried have a considerable impact on the image of the owner.

These tips for choosing a handbag are brought to you by Radley. Radley specialise in handbags and purses at the cutting edge of fashion. Their collection ranges from across body bags to clutch bags and can suit the needs of every woman.

Dating Symbol’s guest contributor today for tips on choosing a handbag are brought to you by Across body bags. Radley specialise in handbags and purses at the cutting edge of fashion. Their collection ranges from across body bags to clutch bags and can suit the needs of every woman.

Finding love is a worthwhile goal, but it requires more than just the desire to meet a soul mate. Some important elements that will help find love are things that are possible to learn. While Texas colleges like SFASU and Texas Tech might not offer classes in finding true love, it is possible to learn a few skills and tips that will increase the chances of meeting a soul mate.

Love Yourself:

A meaningful relationship starts with learning to love yourself as you are and for who you are. It is not possible to love another human being while holding yourself in contempt or feeling that you are unworthy of loving as an individual.

The only way to find love is by first loving yourself. That does not mean you need to give up goals like losing weight or attaining better health; instead, it means feeling comfortable with yourself and realizing that even though you might feel healthier or better after meeting a particular goal, you are beautiful as you are and worthy of love despite the changes you hope to make.

Learn to Let Go:

Holding onto a previous relationship, even if it is only in the mind, will automatically make it impossible to accept another individual into your life. Even holding onto insecurities or fears about relationships will have a similar impact. It is important to learn to let go of those fears, insecurities, ego-problems and past relationships to find true love.

Learn Acceptance:

Every human is imperfect and it is important to learn how to accept other people despite their potential flaws. Humans are naturally flaws and even that soul mate might have a bad habit that is somewhat annoying or bothersome. Learning to accept that the individual has a bad habit or elements that he or she is still working on is part of learning to love another person.

Love requires total acceptance of the other individual despite the small flaws and downsides that might come with them. Everyone has something to work on and improve, even if it is just a small habit like biting their nails or consistently interrupting others. Understanding that they might need to work on those little flaws is part of loving the other person as they are.

Love is not as hard to find as many expect, but it does require a little effort personally. Starting with self-love and working on personal baggage is the first part of finding love. The rest will fall into place when it is the right time.

And here’s more dating and relationship advice.

One way that couples can rekindle their love is to plan a romantic getaway together. There are many reasons why you should plan a trip for two. These may include celebrating an anniversary or simply having some time to reconnect. Sometimes the daily grind of work and other responsibilities can cause couples to lose sight of one other, and their relationship can suffer as a result. Here are several tips to consider when planning a romantic vacation together.

Planning

While surprising a significant other with a romantic getaway can be exciting, remember to consider the type of romantic getaway that your partner would most enjoy. However, if you are not planning to surprise your loved one, it can be a good idea to plan a trip together. That way, you can make sure that the timing is right for both partners to get away. It will also ensure that the destination and activities are ones that the both of you will actually enjoy.

Look for Bargains

Couples can take advantage of bundled deals that can include airfare, accommodations, a rental car, and even meals. Often these deals come with a few extras thrown in, like discounts to restaurants, local entertainment, or the spa. Getting a bargain for your trip will remove stress from your planning and make things more fun.

Set the Stage

Call ahead to see if the hotel you are staying at offers any romance packages. See if they can prepare the room with flowers, a bottle of wine, or anything else that you think your loved one would enjoy. Bring along one or two CDs of romantic songs. These will help to create a dreamy mood for those intimate times together.

Little Surprises

There are a variety of surprises that can spice up a romantic holiday together, including booking a couples massage or a gift that can be presented during a romantic moment. If there is a spot that your partner has always dreamed of dining at, surprise him or her with a reservation. Unexpected gifts or plans are a great way to make your partner feel special.

Fun Activities

While couples on a romantic getaway may be inclined to spend a lot of time indoors, a romantic getaway should also include some fun outdoor activities as well. This could include exploring the city, taking a surfing class on the beach, or zip lining through the tropical forest. Other outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking or skiing can be very romantic as well.

Romance is important in fostering a healthy, balanced relationship. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to make your relationship with your loved one stronger and more meaningful. Planning your romantic getaway may take time, but it will be well worth the effort.

Dating Symbol’s guest blogger today is Francine Lewis, a wedding planner who occasionally blogs for honeymoondestinations.org a site she frequently recommends to newly wed couples who are trying to plan their honeymoon. They have loads of useful guides to help plan a puerto rico honeymoon as well as articles detailing areas of interest at various destinations such as this one: A Peurto Rican Paradise: El Yunque Rain Forest

Editor Note: look right here for some more romantic getaway ideas

If you’ve been single for a while and fancy getting back out there on the dating scene then it’s time to do some serious outfit planning. You might be arranging some big nights out with all your single friends, or maybe you have some blind dates lined up with suitable guys that your mates have given the seal of approval. Whatever the situation, you definitely want to look your best and give the best impression you can. And that means working out what you’re going to wear well in advance of date night. Treat yourself to a new outfit by checking out any shopping deals that you come across online, or hit the high street for a new skirt or top to make you feel sassy and sophisticated.

• Show off your personality

You might want to dress to impress but you should also dress for comfort and use your outfit as another way of showing off your personality. So, for example, there’s no point heading up to town in a mini dress and four-inch heels if you normally slip into a pair of skinny jeans and sneakers for a night out. If you dress outside of your comfort zone, you won’t be as relaxed as you should be. If you’re out with the girls, you’ll end up fidgeting with your hemline or staggering around uncomfortably in your heels, disregarding any suitors who cross your path. And, if you’re on a blind date, you just won’t look like you’re enjoying yourself – you’ll be self-conscious and shy. You’re bound to be a bit nervous anyway but if you don’t feel comfy in your clothes, it will make it ten times worse.

• Dress for the occasion

You wouldn’t normally go to the cinema in a cocktail dress so there’s no reason to change this just because the latest cinema trip happens to be a date. If you over-dress for the occasion, you’ll look like you’ve tried too hard; dress down for a swanky meal in a top restaurant and you’ll look like you haven’t even bothered to make an effort. You need to gauge the location and occasion and dress accordingly. Getting dressed up to the nines won’t endear you to your date if you’ve arranged to meet in the park for a coffee and a walk. However, if your rendezvous is somewhere posh then you really should ditch the jeans for the evening and step out in style. If you want to save money but still look a million dollars, you could think about joining up with a private shopping club to get great deals on big-name brands.

At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable to come across as confident and happy and you won’t snag a prospective partner by dressing in clothes that don’t suit you or that you’d never normally wear. Be true to yourself and you never know who you might meet when you next go on a night out with your single girlfriends, or you accept a date with a mystery man.

Editor note: For more great fashion ideas, view these articles.

Have you ever thought about taking your date on a surfing trip? Since the surfing season is upon us, things can get busy, so knowing the best spots to find waves that aren’t too crowded can make or break your date.

The UK may be an island but it’s also relatively small. That means that whatever coastline there is that’s good for surfing, you are probably going have to share. That doesn’t mean that everywhere you want to go is going to be bursting with people. Knowing the right spots to find less busy waves and that match your level of ability is definitely a skill in itself.

For Beginners

Learning to surf can be tricky but once you get the hang of it, it could change your life. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, is the perfect place to go if you’re a novice. It has two miles of beach when the tide is low. So, when things get a bit crowded along the coast in Newquay, jump in the van and head down there. There are also some good schools if you need a few lessons to get you started.

Been There Done That

If you think you are ready to move on from the beginner beaches to some more intermediate surf, then Bantham in Devon is a great place to head to. It’s a more relaxed scene than in Cornwall, with smaller crowds and, dare we say it, friendlier locals.

Bournemouth might not spring immediately to mind when you think of surfing but a new artificial reef break has created some waves where there didn’t used to be any. Clever eh? The downside of course is that everybody knows it’s there, so it can get a little busy at peak times.

Serious Surfers

For those who take their surfing seriously, jump in the van and head to either Scotland or Wales. Thurso East, north of the border, is the place to go to catch some serious surf in the UK. It’s even considered some of the best in Europe. It might get busy on days with big swell but there’s more than enough to go around.

In Wales, Freshwater West on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast is as good as any surfing spot in the UK. The main beach is big but there are also a few smaller beaches close by if things get a little too much.

Surfing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. If you’ve ever given it a try you’ll know why. There is something so primal and relaxing about being so close to nature – even if it is in the slightly chillier waters around the UK. So when you start to see the campervans for sale, maybe it’s time you took the plunge (in more ways than one) and gave surfing a go. It’s never too late and who knows, by the end of the summer, you could be right up there with the experts.

Dating Symbol’s guest article today is provided by Olly Goodlove, a professional surf instructor from Cornwall. An avid blogger, From campervans for sale to where to catch the best waves, Olly offers advice and tips on everything surf related via a regular blog. He lives in his campervan.

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