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
before hitting the beach to soak up the sun. At night, celebrate our Country's independence and the re-opening of the new Saturday hangout, Bamboo. On Sunday, sit back for a moment to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display together near Montauk village. Be sure to get there early if you want a good view!

NYC
While many couples will flock to the beaches, there is also plenty to do back home in New York City. Beginning at approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday, Macy's releases fireworks from six barges in the Hudson River. This year's theme is The Gift of Freedom marking the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, as well as the 235th birthday of the United States. To thoroughly enjoy the view, there are plenty of extravagant dinner cruises you can enjoy together. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises provide passengers with a front row seat of the fireworks show for an affordable price. If you're in the mood to splurge, check out Hudson Terrace. Tickets sell out fast so book soon for a romantic yet fun way to spend your Independence Day.

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 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 Movie Pick-Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed

Best-selling author Emily Griffin's first novel finally hits the big screen! Something Borrowed tells the story of a Rachel, the good girl who turns bad when she ends up in bed with her best friend's fiance after too many drinks at her 3oth birthday party. With an A-list cast composed of Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski and sexy Colin Egglesfield, and a comedic plot filled with love, sex, secrets and betrayal, Something Borrowed is the perfect date movie to kick off your summer.

Samantha's Book Pick-Steamy Beach Read

Gone With a Handsomer Man

In Michael Lee West's latest novel, Gone With a Handsomer Man, she combines love, lust, mystery and heartache to create the perfect recipe for a summer read. Set in the south, the story begins when Teeny Templeton comes home to find her finance playing naked badminton with two other women. A few days later, all fingers point to Teeny when her ex-finance is found dead. Teeny teams up with an ex-boyfriend turned lawyer who once broke her heart to clear her name all while protecting her feelings. Once you pick up this book, you definitely will not be able to put it down!

Samantha's Style Pick-Rent Your Perfect Look

Rent The Runway

Ever wandered into the Bloomingdale's dress section and said "wow, I wish I could afford this? " Well, now you can! With a few easy clicks, you can register for "Rent The Runway," a website created for women by women with the biggest designer fashion names where women can rent their favorite styles from as low as $50! Even better, you get a second size to try for free! From names like Nicole Miller to Lily Pulitzer, there is something for everyone. Whether you have a black tie affair to attend or simply just a date night, Rent The Runway has all the style answers you will need. You can search by occasion or designer and can complete the look with the perfect accessories. So check it out and rent your perfect look; you will look and feel really special!

Samantha's Dating Ponder- Why do men do this?

If you like a woman, why would you wait a week to call her after a great date? Why would you wait even more than one day? And then when the situation implodes or she has moved on, you wonder why. Well, I wonder why you waited so long to reach out?!

 When you get to a certain age, you should know that connection is rare, so if you find it, YOU NEED TO EMBRACE IT and not let it pass you by.

 How many of you have done this? Why?

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?

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 

in Santa Barbara, the Coral Beach club. The Coral Beach club is located directly in front of the hotel, has direct access to the beach, a great restaurant and a gigantic Olympic size racing lane swimming pool for all those preparing for a triathlon. Make sure to request a room at the hotel with a deck on the ground floor so you can soak in some sunshine at your room while you are sipping wine from their extensive list. And don't forget to check out the piano player in the Ty Lounge, off the Lobby, where you will see other couples like yourself having after dinner drinks and dancing the waltz and the fox trot; a perfect mood setter before you head back to your room.

3. Even though Napa Valley is the area of CA that people think of when there is mention of CA wines, Santa Barbara County has quite the wine selection as well. With over 100 vineyards in the region and over 21,000 acres, if you are a wine affectionato or just someone who likes to taste new wines, Santa Barbara is a great place to visit. You should get a map of all the vineyards from your hotel and pick a bunch that you want to go experience. A few great suggestions are places like Demetria where they encourage you to bring a picnic lunch and eat while you taste their wines. The setting at Demetria is quite breathtaking especially as you are driving up the long drive and take in the view of the 213 acres on the property. At Demetria, make sure to try the 2008 Viognier and the 2009 Grenache Rose. Additionally, Bridlewood is a lovely vineyard for romance. It is one of the more manicured vineyards in Santa Barbara, resembling a Napa Valley vineyard. Their tasting room on property is very modern and fully air conditioned which is key on the very hot days. Make sure to try their Syrah Dusty Trail wine.

4. While you are in the wine country, make sure to save time to explore the tiny little towns there like Los Olivos. In these towns, you will find many tasting rooms like one of my personal favorites, the Epiphany Cellars where the tasting was just $5 and they gave you 7 pours; don't miss their 2006 Petit Syrah, Rodney's Vineyard. Additionally, if you are a movie buff, you can hit a few places in this area that became famous in the 2004 hit movie, Sideways like Solvang. Solvang is set up as an authentic Danish town with all the trimmings and definitely worth the stop.

5. Before you leave the wine country, you must eat at the not to be missed, Hitching Post II also featured in Sideways. The Hitching Post II is a quintessential family style Steakhouse where the prices are very affordable, the portions are larger than large and things like the barbequed sautéed mushrooms and the grilled artichoke appetizers are not to be missed. (We couldn't stop eating the mushrooms!). Plus, the Angus Rib Chop is one of the best bone-in rib steaks you will ever have. You can choose one of their own wines, our favorite was the Pinot Noir Highlander. And try not to miss the Leroy Neiman-esque portrait hanging on the wall of very friendly owner, Frank Ostini. 

6. If you decide that you don't want to drive to wine country and prefer to stay local, don't miss the urban wine trail right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. You can get a map and go from tasting room to tasting room, comparing and contrasting the different wines that they have you taste right on premises. Usually for just $10, they give you 6 to 8 different pours of their newest and finest wines and will explain to you what you are tasting. This is a perfect low cost prelude to a romantic bubble bath back at your hotel. A few tasting rooms I would recommend are the Santa Barbara Winery where you must try the 2007 Santa Rita Hills Reserve Chardonnay, and Oreana Tasting Room where they have a terrific Zinfandel, the 2006 Oreana Zinfandel - Sugar Mountain Vineyard. 


7. Dining out in Santa Barbara can be quite the romantic experience. If you are there for a long weekend, spend one night finding romance under the stars, dining at the Stonehouse at the San Ysidro Ranch. It has a world renowned wine list, interesting and inventive appetizers like the Braised Short Rib Raviolis with Ricotta Salata, Spinach, Cipollini Onions, Organic Mushrooms, in a Chianti Cream Sauce and don't miss the dessert sampler so you can try their Belgium Chocolate Pot de Crème, Brown Butter Pecan Tart, as well as their Chocolate Lovers Banana Mascarpone Tart! Yum! Make sure to request a table out on the deck and ask to speak to the Sommelier who will help you pick the right wines to accompany your dining choices and he might even give you his own personal vineyard picks.

8. Spend a second night dining right in the town of Santa Barbara eating at Olio e Limone, one of the top Italian restaurants in Santa Barbara. The husband and wife owners are there every night making sure all their patrons are happy as they feast delectable dishes like Tagliolini del Campo (thin ribbon pasta, leeks, spinach, green beans and parmesan) or Scaloppine con Carciofi e Limone (thinly sliced veal cutlets with fresh artichoke hearts and lemon sauce) while sipping one of the local wines. And save time to go for a romantic stroll along State Street, the main street of Santa Barbara where you will find blocks and blocks kitschy one of a kind stores mixed in with some of the national chains.

9. Riding bicycles beachside along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara is a great way to be outdoorsy, athletic and romantic at the same time. All over Santa Barbara you will find bicycle outfits where you both can rent beach cruisers to use for the day. However if you want to get some exercise while holding hands at the same time, you can rent a Surrey bike which looks like a car with pedals; you actually sit side by side and bicycle in tandem. This is a great photo opp that is fun and very romantic at the same time!


Enjoy!

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 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.



3. Istanbul, Turkey’s most famous city rivals cities like Paris and Buenos Aires as a “must see” city- the temperature, the nightlife, and the wonderful food makes for a very romantic vacation.

Don’t forget to take in an electric club like Reina that goes until 4am. , a restaurant like Ulas 29, that has unbelievably romantic views of the entire city and has a Sommelier that is one of the most knowledgeable I have encountered or a restaurant like

Zuma that hails from Hong Kong and London and where you have the wind from the water edges blowing through your hair and the most delicious dumplings you have ever tried.

4. Additionally in Istanbul, choose a hotel right on the Bosphorus like the beautiful Ciragan Palace, Kempinski Hotel so that you can glaze out onto the water and whisper sweet nothings. Don’t forget to go for a walk along the water so you can see the all the beautiful manicured gardens and watch the sleek boats go up and down the waterways.

5. If you like see indigenous countryside, do not miss Cappadocia. This tiny region is built completely out of caves but don’t worry I didn’t see any flying bats! Romance is at its best at the Anatolian Houses, especially if you are a wine drinker since they have a spicket in the wall that dispenses complimentary Turkish wine all day long. Don’t forget to do a his and hers Turkish bath; this is sensuality at its best!

6. As for beach relaxation, Turkebuku on the Bodrum Peninsula makes St Tropez and Ibiza seem like yesterdays old news. The Turkbuku weather is 78 and sunny every day, there is an amazing happy hour with famous European DJs (you can get them to make you a CD of their tunes) and then there is the swimming right off the deck of the hip Maca Kizi Hotel, on the water’s edge which is not to be missed. For accommodations, the Ev Hotel, with its legendary views of the entire town and private swimming pools is the way to go if you are trying to find seclusion, away from the hustle and excitement of the Turkbuku nightlife and trying to recapture the romance in your relationship.

7. Additionally, if shopping is the way to your honey's heart, the Shopping in Turkbuku is not to be believed as the stores and the open air market stays open until 5am! Imagine having bottle service at a club like Ships Ahoy, dancing till the wee hours to both Eastern and Western sensual music and then topping off the evening with a purchase of a sexy little dress, or a gorgeous bauble from a store like Gasia, right on the water’s edge. You will have your lady eating out the palm of your hand!

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