Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Greek week?

Pylos Restaurant

I don't know about you, but I love Greek food. I love the freshness of the fish, the simple sauces, the crisp lightness of a greek salad and the warm fluffiness of the pita bread with their delectable spreads. I recently went back to a great little Greek spot in the East Village. It is tres romantique and yummy to boot. The decor is minimalist and sleek, the food was prepared well, the service very friendly and the prices really reasonable. If you are looking for a new Greek to try in Manhattan, this would be a good one...

Samantha's Liquor Pick--- Do you like figs?

Figenza Vodka

Most people either drink their vodka straight up or they mix it with cranberry juice or lemon to make it sweeter. So, wouldn't it be great to drink a vodka that already had the sweet mixed in? A perfect blend of just a hint of sweetness, a hint of fig flavor.  That's right, figs- that fruit that is all healthy for you. Figenza vodka is "the" fig vodka and it tastes really yummy. Drink it alone of drink it with a splash of club soda or lime juice. It's the perfect winter holiday drink; go check it out!

Samantha's Do Good Pick- If it makes you happy

Robin Hood rocks Sheryl Crow

This past weekend, the Robin Hood foundation hosted a fabulous soiree to raise money to help poverty stricken people in New York. Not only were there over 400 people who were socializing and networking but the main act was none other than Sheryl Crow who sang for over 2 hours. She sang all of our old faves like "If it makes you happy" "All I wanna Do" and "The first cut is the deepest" and then she sang some new songs as well as a few romantic ballads with Citizen Pope. The song was outstanding and Sheryl looked like the Rock Star she is- cool and sexy. If you didn't make it to this event, definitely keep an eye out for it next year!

Samantha's Event Pick- Decorating for a Cause

Susan Komen Breast Cancer Holiday House

Even though Breast Cancer awareness month is October, that doesn't mean that we can't support the cause other months as well. As we embark upon the holiday season, a not to be missed Decorator's showhouse is the Holiday House on E 63rd Street in Manhattan. Some of the city's best interior designers have come in and transformed this elegant townhouse into holiday rooms. Don't miss the Mother's Day Room, The Easter Room or Chinese New Year. They even asked me to do a room,  the Valentine's Day Love Lounge where you can sip a love potion, ask love questions and relax to love melodies from Air Supply and Barbra Streisand. Some of the designer's participating this year are Barbara Ostrom, Marcia Tucker Interiors, and Debra Landis Designs . The house is open to the public for the first 2 weeks of December and all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research. This is not to be missed!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Asian fusion anyone

Mehtaphor

I recently tried this restaurant and let me tell you, it was yummy. It is located on the ground floor of the Duane Street Hotel and its definitely worth a try. Ir is the newest restaurant from Jehangir Mehta, the owner of the small plates restaurant, Graffiti.    They categorize Mehtaphor as asian fusion, indian, eclectic and small plates; I know, that's sounds like too many types of food. However, whatever you want to call it, the food works. Don't miss the Shrimp Ceviche appetizer, the sauce is divine. And Shaved Fois Gras with the Raspberry Compote was just right, served with a side of the most succulent salad; I have no idea what they put on those greens but I literally had to order an extra plate of just the lettuces! And the Banana Leaf Cod with Green Chutney was the perfect mix of sweet and a little spicy. Then, the Hazelnut Souffle was the right ending for this meal. Two words of caution when going here, go for the food, not for quiet conversation; this place is very noisy, fun and upbeat, but noisy. Second, make sure to request an actual table or you might wind up at the bar or the common table. Enjoy!

Samantha's Do Good Pick- Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Endeavor Organization

There are a lot of do good organizations out there these days so it takes a lot to capture a philanthropist attention. And the Endeavor Organization does just that, makes everyone sit up and take notice. This organization helps entrepreneurs in emerging markets start or grow their companies all with an eye towards creating more job and economic growth for the country. The organization started in 1997 and since that time have expanded into over 10 emerging markets. I learned all of this at the very lovely event they hosted in New York City where they honored the entrepreneurs who founded the Gilt Groupe. Notable  people like Edgar Bronfman Jr.,  Paula Zahn and Nicholas Beim were in attendance. And the evening's entertainment was sexy crooner, Bruno Mars who sang all his hits songs including my favorite song, Just the Way You Are!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Midtown Meals

Casa Lever

I recently returned to Casa Lever for dinner. This hotspot is located in the Lever Building on 53rd Street right of Park Avenue. It is a great place for a date if you are trying to impress her with food . The food was yummy. I had an amazing Carciofi salad first which had hearts of palm, artichokes of course and baby arugula with shaved and a light but tasting dressing, then we went to one of their signature dishes, Tagliatelle Bolognese with veal ragout and the main course was scrumptous Sardinian-style lamb served with polenta and a wine reduction. Then, we even saved room for a nibble of their Gianduia dessert, one of my favorites because I love hazelnuts. The food was top notch. One word of caution, if you are service snob, this might not be the place for you- the staff was very confused- bringing the wrong dishes and drinks to tables, stuttering over reciting the specials and just not as attentive as you would think they would be at a place of this stature. I am hopeful it was just an off night because the food is not to be missed!

Samantha's Dating Thought--- Should all married men wear rings?

 

Men and Rings

Recently on Facebook, a single girl posted an entry about married men hitting on her, a lot and that she thought that all married men should have to wear wings to give the single gals a hint that they are unavailable. Not a bad idea in theory but will that really solve the problem? Isn't the ring just a symbol and don't we see plenty of men who are wearing a ring still flirting? Moreover, don't we see too many women flirting back even with the ring clad man? In reality, shouldn't it really be all about the men and how they present themselves to the world at large?

Samantha's Event Pick- Do you board much?

Boarding for Breast Cancer

Every October I try to attend as many Breast Cancer events as possible as there is nothing more important to a woman than helping to find a cure for this disease. This was my first time at a Boarding for Breast Cancer event and I was quite impressed with the turnout and the dedication to the cause. The idea behind boarding for breast cancer is how important early detection is especially for people who have active lifestyles. The women who founded this organization had a friend die of breast at 26, just two months after it was detected.
The event took place at Desiron, Frank Carfaro's very hip home furnishings store that has one of the coolest event spaces on it's bottom floor.  There was cool music, dancing and many attractive NY hipsters.  Definitely check it out next year and if you didn't get to support as many breast cancer events this year during October, please keep an eye out for the Bring a Friend for Breast Cancer event I am hosting in early December at the Susan G. Komen Holiday House.

Samantha's Product pick- When it gets sticky

Goo Gone

How many times have you bought something and if has one of those gummy, gluey stickers on it and you just can't get it off? You try soap and water, you try Windex, sometimes you even use your teeth, but to no avail, that stupid sticker is still there and of course, they always put it in the most prominent places. Solution and it really works- Goo Gone. I know you always thought of that stuff as an infomercial ripoff but honestly, it works. You literally put it on a paper towel and scrub it over the sticky icky sticker and like magic, it starts dissolving and then it's gone. A word of caution, if you have a manicure where gloves when you use it because it makes the nail polish go away as well!

Samantha's Event Pick- Ping Pong for a Cause

The Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

I recently attended a ping pong event for the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer fund at the hot spot, Spin. The room was packed with young social creatures, all turning out for the cause. Great place to meet someone, all for a great cause. There was a tournament going on in the middle of the room  between the Super women- Breast cancer survivors and Super Models. And people were playing pick-up ping pong games all over the room. Then Kelly Dooley was there peddling her Bodyrock Sportsline all for the cause. I even got a photo with Stephen Baldwin. Make sure to come out for the next one...

Samantha's Book Pick- Speaking is everything

How to Give  Pretty Good Presentation by TJ Walker

I don't know about you, but I can always get a few public speaking tips from a Master. I speak at conferences, events and on the phone all the time and I think I am good, but I could always be better. Everyone could. Enter TJ Walker, he has been coaching famous people on their public speaking for years. And now he has written a book as he says, "a speaking survival guide... for the rest of us." There are great tips in here that are helpful whether you speak at Fortune 500 events or you are just trying to get your children to take you more seriously. My favorite tip is if you feel like you are losing your audience, address someone by name and ask a series of questions so that they become reengaged in the talk. Definitely worth a read!

Samantha's Event Pick- Sipping for a Cause

Zachys Wine Tasting to Benefit the Robin Hood Foundation

When it comes to distributing wine, Zachys is one of the best in the business. And Robin Hood is one of our best philanthropic organizations as it is the leader in fighting poverty in NYC.  Put them both together and you have yourself a great event. And this one was not to be missed. There were over 130 wineries represented from across the Globe alongside restaurant outposts with food from some of New York top chefs. Some of the favorite wines I sampled were the Napanook 2007 Bordeaux blend from Dominus Estate in Napa Valley., the Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007  "Fay"  from Napa Valley,  the Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2008 from Sonoma, the Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot 2007 from ChateauSte Michelle in Washington,  the Pierre Yves Colin-Morey Chasagne Montrachet Les Caillerets 2008 from Burgundy France, the Joseph Phelps dessert wine, Eisrebe 2008 from Napa, and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay. As for the food, the Pumpkin soup with chanterelle mushrooms and croutons was delish from Benoit, and the wine samplings of fromage, salamis and proscuitto from Primizie.  Yum, yum!

Samantha's "Must Do" Pick- The Hairy Gorilla

completely bare

How much time do you spend a week grooming yourself? Between your blowout, your facial, your nails and toes and shaving, I am betting at least 24 hours. And with shaving, we think that it is easier than going through with the laser hair removal down there because it seems quicker, it's less expensive and less painful. However, the fact of the matter is, if we could remove the hair down there once and for all, wouldn't life be grand? Shower time would be shorter, no more ingrown hairs and boyfriends all over would be perpetually happy. That's where completely bare comes in. Don't let the name fool you or scare you, you can go as bare or not bare as you dare; it's your choice but letting them permanently remove that stuff down there is the right choice to make. They have locations all over the city-it's private, it's pleasant and their technicians keep it simple and painless because they have a magical lotion that helps a lot. The first time is scariest but after that, it's smooth sailing. And when you are finished you will be so happy that you did it that you might reward yourself with a Vajewel or  a Vatoo.  I bet now, I really have your attention!!

Samantha's "I'm Obsessed" Pick- A New Kind of Supermarket

Trader Joe's

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical before entering this gargantuan establishment. I had been in one year's ago in Los Angeles, but all I remembered was long lines and lots of just okay generic brand food. However that was years ago and that wasn't in Manhattan so being the true curious Georgina that I am, I wondered in cautiously yesterday. The lines, they are still there so plan ahead but now I understand why people are willing to stand on those lines. They have everything in that store. And it's perfect for the busy NYer who doesn't really know how to cook but wants to make a romantic dinner for her beau because they have endless looking yummy pre-made foods. Even their produce looks fresh and good. And the prices, I felt like I was in Kansas, things are cheap in there, truly cheap. My burrata cheese that I love so much was $4.49 for 2 balls of it and it was yummy; I usually pay close to $15 for that in those ritzy establishments that I usually frequent!  I would say, it's worth a look see!

Samantha's Book Pick- I always wanted to be a designer

Book- P.S.- I Made This by Erica Domesek

You have to admit that sometimes you wish you were a fashion designer. You see a dress and you think to yourself, if only I could nip this, tuck that, add a button, add a color, but you have no idea how to do this, so you  are stuck buying what's out there and making no adjustments. Well, pine no longer. In Domesek's book, P.S- I Made This, she actually helps you play designer for a day or many days. She provides step by step, easy to understand instructions and even illustrations for "doctoring" clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes and belts. And the end product, something that is really cool, really wearable and really individualistically you. As for me, I am gearing up to try to make a lucite necklace. How much fun is that?

Samantha's "I'm obsessed" pick- They come in different colors

Heirloom Tomatoes

For those of you who think that a tomato is a tomato, you certainly have not experienced an Heirloom tomato. I have been a fan ,maybe an obsessed addict for over 8 years now. Besides the face that they are so healthy for you (high in lycopene which is one of the best antioxidants out there), they are truly yummy! The Heirlooms are in season for only a short time each year- in August, in September and if we are lucky early Oct (we are this year!). Why are they so good when they are actually so ugly and deformed? Heirloom tomatoes are

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Go French all Fall

Pierre's

Many people quickly forget about the Hamptons and all its hype after Labor Day. However for those of you like myself who love it out there in the fall, go back to Pierre’s in Bridgehampton. It is open 7 days a week all winter long and the meal I had this past weekend was truly one of the yummiest I have had in a long time. From the second you walk inside, it’s very cozy and oh so romantic- perfect lighting, a divine smell, a french feeling  (but without the snobbery),and a perfect climate temperature. You just feel at home. And both the lamb and the chicken main dishes were out of this world We literally couldn’t get enough. And you can actually get a table and have a little chit chat with Pierre himself at this time of year.  I can’t wait to eat there again!

Samantha's Web Pick- Wow Wow Wow

PureWow

 

For those of you who love Daily Candy and who are of the female persuasion, this is the site for you. You sign up for daily emails and they send you little kernels of cool, fun and unique info that will really spark your interest. And if you feel like your inbox is too cluttered for a daily blast, you can go straight to their website and choose a category like  food & drink, travel & destinations, health & wellness, etc and read to your hearts content. My 2 fave entries thus far have been the entry on Cynthia Rowley's new line of snazzy tools called the Genuine Article and the entry on the La Fresh Instant Calmer that you put on your forehead to calm your nerves and your headache.   It's definitely worth a look-see!

Samantha's Event Pick- Hola Espana

Great Match- The Wines of Spain

Everybody loves a great wine tasting event but when you put hundreds of Spanish wines in a room coupled with yummy food tastings from some of the NY great restaurants, then you really have a superb event and some great matches. The Great Match- Wines of Spain did exactly that- over 200 wines from 74 different winemaking regions. Spanish wines are truly delicious and after my recent trip to Barcelona, I was happy to be sipping them once again. Some of my personal favorites at this event were the Campillo Gran Reserva 1994 from Rioja and the Mas d'en Gil from Priorat. As for foods, I loved the Gnocchi Bolognese from Osteria Paiolo in Brooklyn and the spiced Kobe beef from Megu.  Hola Espana!

Samantha's Movie Pick- When you least expect it...

Life As We Know It

This movie definitely looks like a chick flick from the previews but I screened it this week and yes, its a chick flick but it's funny and heartwarming so even a "dude" can enjoy it.  Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel have great chemistry and then there's that super hotty, Josh Lucas who finishes off the love triangle. Plus the movie has an unexpected twist that the previews don't mention that makes it interesting and fun.  Its certainly worth a look-see when it opens on Friday and its a great movie with which to barter, "I will go see it, if I can do Monday night football with the guys!"

Samantha's "I'm impressed" Pick-- Pink football

NFL and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most people think of football as a male sport. And many women curse the NFL for taking their men away from them all day Sunday, Sunday night, Monday night and now Thursday night. Well ladies, even though you might be a football widow during the fall, curse the NFL no longer because the NFL has made a truly impressive commitment to Breast Cancer. If you watch a football game anytime during the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everywhere you look, you will see breast cancer pink. Their hope is to raise breast cancer awareness.  The players are wearing pink cleats, pink sweat-rags, pink gloves, there are pink footballs and there are even pink lines of scrimmage on the field. And all the apparel worn by the players and coaches as well as all the paraphernalia will be auctioned off at NFL Auction. Make sure to tune in !

Samantha's Product Pick- Kick-ass DVD

Rockin Models DVD

If you are looking to get in shape and look like a model, this is the exercise video for you. Sexy and very toned, Grace Lazenby, a ex-model and current celebrity fitness trainer created Rockin Models which helps you "look like a model, feel like a dancer and workout like a rockstar." It is a 65 minute workout  of yoga-ballet with a dash of burlesque set to really cool music. And if you want to take the class live, you can find Grace at Equinox in Los Angeles. I am told she is famous for detailing muscles; I am ready..

Samantha's TV pick- Glee

Glee

When Glee debuted last year, I watched one episode, expecting to really like it, but it was just too corny for me and believe you, me, I love corny (I love everyteen hit on ABC family!). I never watched another episode last year and I declared that the show was just not for me.

However, then over the summer, by accident, I watched Glee again. It was the episode where they sang all my very favorite Journey tunes and I was literally dancing in my apartment and hooked. This show is great- the music is amazing, and the character storylines have really developed and they aren't corny, they are hot! And Coach Sue Sylester (Jane Lynch) has to be one of the funniest characters on television right now! Check it out!

Samantha's Place Pick- NYC's Sky Room

Sky Room at the Marriott's Fairfield Inn

I went to the opening of the Sky Room the other night and if you are looking for a romantic spot with killer views, mod furniture and yummy food, the newly opened Sky Room is your place. In a city where there are many outdoor rooftop hotspots, the Sky Room still is a standout. Its two floors, indoor and outdoor, they have retractable ceiling so you can still go there as we move onto to fall and winter months and the location is very central. Check it out!

Samantha's Simple Pleasure-- Biking in Central Park

Biking in Central Park

Sometimes when you live in a big city, you can forget the small things that make your city so special. Take for example, New York's Central Park. It's one of the most amazing parks in the world, yet living in NY, sometimes New Yorker forget to enjoy it's beauty. So, go grab your beau, rent a couple of bicycles and reacquaint yourself with nature and the simple pleasures; what a romantic way to spend a Fall day!

Samantha's Food Fix- Billy's Banana Pudding

Billy's Bakery

We all love cupcakes these days. However, even though this trendy place is known as a cupcake place, the real bomb here are their banana desserts- the Banana Pudding- gooey pudding, lady fingers and large chunks of bananas as well as the Banana Cake- sugary banana icing on banana cake. If you really want your honey to love you, this is the perfect treat. Did I say yummy??

Samantha's Product Pick-- Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle

Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle Concealer and Brightener

You will love this product. It is a concealer and brightener in one and it really helps with those dark circles after a romantic night with your beau! And don't just take my word about it, it was also the winner of the Best Concealer in the Star Beauty Awards 2010. Don't forget to put the brightener right beneath your browline to give the appearance of your eye being lifted.

Samantha's Blog Pick- Gossip Cop

Gossip Cop

If you like gossip, (and you know you do), this is the site for you. Gossip Cop actually polices all the other gossip and gives you “the true” skinny on what’s what… in gossip; that is, if you believe gossip to begin with!

Samantha's Fashion Fix- Pamela Rowland

Pamela Rowland

If you are looking for feminine, sexy and romantic clothing, look no further than Pamela Rowland's Spring 2011 Spring line which we got the pleasure of viewing at a presentation at the Whitney Museum of Are. Don't miss my personal favorite was the gold lame one shouldered at the knee dress- a true show-stopper!

Samantha's Hotel Pick- The Springs

The Springs Resort and Spa

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica or if you are considering planning a trip to Costa Rica, this hotel should seal the deal. Only a few years old, this breaktaking resort in the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a place not to be missed. It sits 1000 feet above the Arenal Valley where an active and real volcano is the first thing you see every morning along with a rainbow array of birds chirping on your balcony. They have 18 hot springs and pools on a 165 acre property where you can linger and enjoy while watching the volcano lava and taking in the natural and lush Costa Rican scenery. The rooms themselves are the perfect mix of rustic and luxury with many of them having their own hottub on the balcony and/or 2 floors of living as if you had your own little house. Each balcony also comes equipped with a hammock where you can luxuriate and relax. This place is not to be missed!

Samantha's Product Pick- Proactiv Refining Mask

Proactiv—Refining Mask

I have tried a lot of fancy masks but this one that they sell on TV seems to do an excellent job of clearing the face within one night and making it look all dewy fresh.

Samantha's Designer Fashion Fix- Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson

If you are looking for whimsical and romantic clothing, Betsey Johnson is the only designer who can deliver this to perfection.

Her runway during this week's Fashion Week at the tents at Lincoln Center was the most electric and exciting of all those I saw. This line is for the gal who loves getting attention! My two favorites had to be the dress that reminded me of candy "Dots" and the purple glitter fairy princess dress.

Samantha's Book Pick- "Have I Got a Guy for You"

Have I got a Guy for You by Alix Strauss

This author has penned several great books but this one in particular is my personal favorite. I caught up with this author recently who told me that the impetus for writing the book was how many times over the years her mother had set her up on one crazy blind date after the next. She started to wonder if it was only her own mother who was so unskilled at this self appointed job so she did some research, only to find out that it is actually an epidemic of these type of mother’s of single daughters all across the country! This book shares many deliciously funny stories of bad and crazy setups that a variety of Mothers crafted!

Samantha's Dating Tip... Get people in your life to help you meet someone

    Let everyone in your life know that you are single and interested in getting set-up.  If you don’t tell them they won’t think to do it. 


A lot of people assume that if someone in their life (their friend, colleague or family member) knew someone great for them, they would just offer up the introduction. Unfortunately, this is just not the case because most people are very busy with their own lives and don't really spend time thinking about what is going on in yours. This doesn't mean

Samantha's Dating Thought: How men and women fall for each other

Interestingly enough, men fall for women with their eyes and women fall for men with their ears. Think about it; it's true.

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Northern Spy Company, New York, NY

If you are looking for a new restaurant that is low key but excellent, this is the place for you. It's in an unassuming location in the East Village, way east. Its cozy and cute. The ingredients are fresh. The chef hails from San Francisco and is on his way to winning many an award. All the entrees are all under $17 and desserts are $6.  Don't forget to try the delectable heirloom tomato salad with feta cheese and mint, the succulent roasted chicken and their pork entry of the day. Perfect date place because you'll look like a foodie and you will leave spending less than $75 on the meal. Northern Spy Food Co, 511 East 12th St, NYC, http://www.northernspyfoodco.com/

Matchmaker in the Know: What women really want from a man they are dating

Have you ever wondered what a woman really wants from a man she is dating?

Here's what I know...

1. A woman wants a man to make her feel like a woman. This means that even if you are dating a powerhouse woman -- a CEO of a company, a notable woman or just a woman with a big and bossy personality -- she still wants to feel like the woman in the relationship with you being the man.

2. A woman wants a man to notice when she spent the time to look pretty. A lot of men think women pay attention to fashion, buy expensive shoes and spend time getting ready so that other women will notice. And yes, this is true but, at the same time, she actually cares more about dressing pretty for you, her guy. She needs you to notice and not just notice in your head but notice by telling her, out-loud and often.

3. In that same vein, a woman wants a man to compliment her and compliment her often. Women by nature are

Samantha's Dating Thought: Parties and friend

It is always a lot of fun to attend a party with a gaggle of your best friends. However, could this be impeding your ability to meet new people? Possibly. You need to be careful about spending the whole evening chit-chatting in the corner. If your little clique is impenetrable, you will never meet someone new.

Matchmaker in the Know: A Romantic Getaway in Santa Barbara

Have you been thinking about visiting Santa Barbara with your new beau or significant other for a romantic weekend away from home?

Here's what I know...

1. Santa Barbara is a highly accessible weekend destination. You can fly into Los Angeles, pick up a convertible and less than 90 minutes later you will arrive in splendid Santa Barbara.

2. If you are looking for a place to stay that is beach front and beautiful, choose the Four Seasons Biltmore. The property was fully renovated 5 years ago and they did an excellent job of maintaining the historic landmark while adding in a plenitude of modern amenities. They have a top-notch spa and gym and they give you access to one of the most exclusive beach clubs 

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Romance in the Great Outdoors

A cozy camping trip a deux is the perfect way to find rustic romance while nurturing both your animal instincts and your love of nature. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a weekend in the wilderness by renting a kayak, swimming in a hot spring, and eating a meal by the water. And the best part about this romantic pick is the cost. You can’t beat a night with your beau sleeping under the stars whether it’s in the Poconos, in Cape Cod or just in your very own backyard.

Samantha's Celebrity Scoop- Celeb Coupling

Summer is officially here and let’s not let Mel Gibson’s mess ruin it for all of us. Between the sparks flying between Jessica Simpson and ex-NFLer Eric Johnson and all the celebrity I-do’s between couples like Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, Jana Kramer and Johnathon Schaech as well as Jenna Fischer and Lee Kirk, love is definitely in the air. Even former first daughter Chelsea Clinton is tying the knot later this month!

Samantha's Dating Tip- When your guy is in a bad mood

When your guy is in a bad mood, the best thing you can do is give him space to work through it himself.

We, as women have a natural tendency to try to help and fix and suggest and coddle. However, when a guy is going through something, he just doesn't want any of that; he really just wants to be left alone.

 If you really care about him, you will give him what he wants so that his mood will pass and things can get back to normal. If you try to get involved, it will only makes things worse.

Samantha's Romantic Pick- Pandora.com

The summer is in high gear now and there is nothing better than cooking a cozy dinner for two under the moonlight on your deck or balcony or even setting the lights down low with some pretty candles. However, your evening will  not be complete without the right musical ambiance and that is where Pandora comes into play. You go to Pandora.com, pick a genre or artist and they will make a music mix tape of exactly what you are looking for, in two seconds flat! www.Pandora.com

Samantha's Dating Ponder- Men and their toys

Have you ever wondered why men are so hung up on gadgets? Why are they so fascinated by the inner-workings of a car or the way the cable box hooks into the television. Do you think that a man and a woman who both like toys and gadgets have a chance as a couple? I wonder...

Samantha's Dating Tip... How to stay looking your best during the summer heat

In the summertime, it is hard to look your very best when you go out on a date. However, you still need to try to find your fabulousity because you only get one chance to make a good impression. Go buy some translucent powder like Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals and carry it with you in your purse; this will help you look fresh and sexy at all times!

Matchmaker in the Know: Finding Romance in Turkey

Have you ever wondered where to find romance in Turkey?

Here’s what I know…

1. Don’t let the name of this wonderful country fool you, Turkey is definitely for lovers!

2. The easiest way to get from place to place is flying Turkish Air. Yes, they use some little planes but fear is always a good way of revving up romantic connection.

Matchmaker in the Know: Romance in Costa Rica

Have you ever wondered where to find romance in Costa Rica?

Here's what I know...

1. Anytime there is a heart racing, death defying activities like Zip lining (check out the Sky Tram zips), there is going to be romance. The fear factor alone makes people hug, caress and lend support.

2. Women love butterflies and the butterflies are abundant in Costa Rica. Don't miss the Butterfly Farm on the way from Arenal to San Jose.

3. Stay at a hotel like the Springs Spa and Resort in Arenal. There are 19 natural hot springs, neon red, blue and yellow birds on your balcony, a straight-shot view of the volcano and plenty of little hideaways to get all cozy and intimate -- a surefire way to revitalize your romance.