Samantha's Dating Ponder- Can You Travel Together?

Holiday weekends are always a good time to have a romantic getaway with someone special. However, if it is the first time that you are traveling with your new significant other, I can understand how you might have "travel jitters."
 Here are a few tips to help enhance your weekend away and to prevent any unnecessary bickering.

1. Keep in mind that when you're traveling with someone, you are with them 24/7. As a result, its okay to give each other a little bit of breathing room each day of the trip, so that the time you are spending together is more special.

2. A weekend away is a marathon, not a sprint, so don't feel pressure to try to satisfy all your curiosities about your partner the moment you leave home.

3. During the course of the weekend, you are, invariably, going to discover something about your new beau that doesn't float your boat; however, don't  jump ship too quickly. It is better to let the weekend play out, wait until you return home to think back on the weekend and analyze your true feelings.

4. Don't be self-conscious about having your honey see you au natural. Keep in mind, he/she is already digging you for who you are, that is why you are spending the weekend together.

5. Most importantly, have fun!!

Samantha's Book Pick- Steamy Beach Read

Fake Perfect Me

Cari Kamm's first novel features Isabella Reynolds, a party girl who lives a life of luxury in New York City. For most people, she seems to live the perfect life; she has a rich, Italian boyfriend, lots of fabulous friends and started her own successful skin care line. As you read on, cracks appear in the surface of Isabella's seemingly perfect life. Isabella learns the truth that nobody is perfect and nobody can have it all. Isabella's experiences represent something to which every reader can relate. Once you pick this book up, it will definitely be hard to put it down!

Samantha's holiday picks---4th of July

Summer's biggest holiday celebration is right around the corner. Instead of the typical backyard barbecues and family reunions, why not spend the long weekend away from everything with your significant other? Here are some getaways and activities that are sure to get your mind off of work and right into play mode.

Washington D.C.
The National Mall, the historic monuments and the nation's Capitol Building creates the perfect backdrop to celebrate our country's independence. Celebrating this holiday is an all day event in the nation's capital and is one of the most visited regions in the country on this holiday. DC’s 4th of July Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. and features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP's. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public, so cozy up with your honey and enjoy the show.

The Hamptons
If you're a couple looking to party this 4th of July, the Hamptons is your hot spot. Kick off the holiday weekend with Hamptons Magazine and Hugo Boss at AXE Lounge at Dune on Friday Night. On Saturday, perhaps enjoy a luxurious massage with your beau at Westhampton Day Spa

Samantha's Celebrity Single Pick of the Week-He's Back!

Every woman's dream became a reality on Wednesday when George Clooney announced to the world he was single again. After two years together, Clooney and Italian model Elisabetta Canalis finally split. Sources say that the pair were constantly bickering in the months prior to the break up. While Canalis is a firm believer in marriage, Clooney promised he would never get married again after his marriage failed with actress Talia Balsam, perhaps another contributing factor to the split. In a joint statement on released by the pair on Wednesday, they asked that everyone respect their privacy. But will we ever know what really happened? So ladies, America's favorite bachelor is on the prowl again. Who do you think he will pounce on next?

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Will they sizzle or fizzle?

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

Ever since her marriage ended with Brad Pitt in 2005, Jennifer Anniston's dating life has been in the spotlight more than any other celebrity's. Her romantic rap sheet includes hotties such as Orlando Bloom, Gerard Butler and bad boy, John Mayer. Jen had everyone buzzing last week when she stepped out with new beau Justin Theroux, an actor, writer and director. They were first seen together in March when Jen was spotted visiting Theroux at the Chateau Marmont in L.A. But more recently, the pair hit the town looking like a couple at the MTV Movie Awards on June 5th. Has Jen finally met someone who will keep her happy? Will she finally be out of the public's eye or with all the attention put strain on the relationship like others in the past? How long do you think this will last? Will Jen's fling finally sizzle or end up in just another fizzle?

Samantha's Dating Thought- Amuse Each Other!

The best dates are ones that last for hours and hours, where both of you never stop laughing. For a full day filled with summer sun and tons of fun, visit an amusement park to enjoy the thrilling rides, exciting games and entertaining parades. My favorite amusement park to visit for a day is Six Flags Great Adventure. The park gets busy fast, so make sure you leave early to beat the lines. They also always offer coupons for a free entry during the week or half-price tickets on the weekend. With a date at an amusement park, you and your honey will never get bored! Challenge each other to go on the scariest rides together. See who can make the funniest face in the photos snapped during the rides. This type of date is guaranteed to leave you smiling all day long and will turn into an adventure you will never forget!

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Will they sizzle or fizzle?

Blake Lively and Leo DiCaprio

New couple alert! Sexy stars Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio were first spotted in late May hugging on a yacht during the Cannes Film Festival. A week later, they were spotted snuggling again in Portofino, Italy. After a European adventure, the pair returned to the states for a fun-filled journey to Disneyland. But did the couple pose just so Blake could avoid her latest nude picture scandal? What does Leo think of the pics? Will this couple sizzle or will the scandal lead to a fizzle? What do you think?

Samantha's Product Pick- Sexy Summer Polish

Essie Summer Collection 2011


Now that it is officially sandal season, it is important to keep your look tamed with the summer's most scorching nail polish colors. My top nail polish pick is Essie and whether you head to the salon or do-it-yourself in your living room, summer is all about vibrant and fun lacquers! This season, ditch your usual hues and go for a hot orange with a touch of shimmer, called Braziliant. Try it to see how much it will bring out your sun-kissed skin and how sexy it will make you feel! Many studies have shown that men love when women wear red nail polish. To catch you summer fling's eye on your next date, try Too Too Hot, a steamy, rich red with a slight hint of coral.

Samantha's Dating Thought-Romance at the Zoo

In an age when dinner and movie dates are the norm, it is hard to come up with fun date ideas to keep your relationship exciting. One of the best summer date ideas is spending a day at the zoo. You get to enjoy the warm, summer sun together while admiring and learning about all of the exotic animals you may have never seen. While the Bronx Zoo has a larger variety of animals to admire, the Central Park Zoo offers adult programs where you can eat breakfast with the birds and take photography and painting classes, all while spending time with your honey. Learning about new things with your date is a really great bonding experience so, plan ahead and enjoy all the activities the zoo has to offer!

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Will they sizzle or fizzle?

Pippa Middleton and George Percy


Pippa Middleton stepped into the spotlight when she became Maid of Honor to sister Kate Middleton during the royal wedding this past April. With an impeccable sense of style and underrated sexiness, Pippa has been dubbed "Her Royal Hotness." Pippa brought long time beau and at the time, finance, Alex Loudon, as her date to the wedding. Loudon, a corporate finance and development analyst for beer brewing company SABMiller, and Pippa reportedly split after the wedding because of Pippa's new high-profile lifestyle. However, she has been spotted with ex-college-boyfriend, George Percy, son of the Duke of Northumberland. Pippa and George were spotted in Madrid after the wedding and just this past week, she was seen leaving his apartment early one morning after a night out to dinner. So, is Pippa single or already back with a friendly ex? Could there be another (Dutch) royal wedding in the Middleton family's near future? What do you think? Will this relationship sizzle like it once did or fizzle out yet again?

Samantha's Dating Thought-Go "Outside" To Dinner

When it comes to cooking in the summer, it is all about the BBQ. What better way to spend time with your date than staying at home and having a BBQ of your own! Not only will you share plenty of laughs, you won't dig a hole in either of your pockets. Set up a table in your backyard and enjoy the beautiful summer night. Here is an easy and delicious balsamic barbecue steak or chicken recipe from one of my favorites, Giada De Laurentis. Afterward, snuggle up to watch the sunset while feeding each other a sexy and refreshing summer dessert like chocolate covered strawberries and bananas.

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Will they sizzle or fizzle?

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

Kim sure has a thing for athletes! On May 18th, Kardashian's boyfriend of just a few months, New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries, got down on one knee and popped the big question. We all had already watched as Kim's on-again-off-again ex, running back Reggie Bush, finally ended their relationship for good on screen in Keeping Up with the Kardashians and all the heart ache she had suffered. Since then, we have watched Kim's quick flings with another football star, Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Miles Austin and also with security guard, Shengo Deane. Is Humphries finally the one? Has Kim FINALLY found love and gotten over her heart break from Reggie? What do you think? Will Kim's engagement finally sizzle or end with just another fizzle?