Samantha's Event Pick- Macallan Tasting

Macallan Private Tasting

Many posh people are true whisky snobs and those "in the know" drinkers choose Macallan and only Macallan as their whisky of choice. I got the real privilege of attending a private Macallan tasting and food pairing and now I think I understand what all the hoopla is about. Not only did we taste endless 12, 15, 17 even Macallan 18, but we were reveled with whisky stories and whisky education by their brand ambassador. My favorite factoid of the evening, a bottle of 1926 vintage Macallan was sold at a Christies auction for $54,000 which is the highest selling liquor ever at auction! If you can find a way to snag an invitation to one of their events, definitely clear your calendar!

Samantha's Dating Ponder-How Do You Know When Your Relationship is Exclusive?

There comes a crossroads in every relationship when it is time to make things exclusive; just you and your partner. How do you make that move though? It is a bold and often scary step, especially for men, to commit to just one relationship. In order to set the record straight with out any awkwardness, you need to communicate with each other. It may happen one day when one of you plans it out or it may just be a sudden urge you feel when you look at someone and realize you really care about them and don't want them seeing anyone else. Be careful not to assume that just because you have stopped seeing other people does not mean that your partner has stopped seeing other people, which is why the exclusivity of your relationship needs to be communicated. Don't rush it; if things have been going well for a month or two, then  go ahead and bring it up when you feel comfortable. If talked about too soon, you may ruin whatever budding relationship is forming and scare your partner away. As long as you communicate and take things nice and easy, you will avoid any awkward conversations and get what you really want out of your new relationship.

Samantha's Dating Ponder-How Would You Define Dating?

Often times I will hear people say "I used to date him/her, " but what do they mean by this phrase? Did they go on a few dates with that person a long time ago or were they actually  "boyfriend/girlfriend"? How do you define dating? Many people seem to think that if they went on a few dates with someone, they dated them and then if they were more serious and spent more concentrated time, they were boyfriend, girlfriend. However, to me, I think that if you went out a few times with someone then you went "on a few dates with them" and if you dated someone that means you had "something" real with them, they were a special someone to you. I guess it's semantics but I would find it odd if a guy with whom I went on one date told people we dated. Don't you agree? What's your definition of dating??

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Shedding for the Wedding

Every bride dreams of their wedding day; the perfect venue, the perfect hair, the perfect dress. Even grooms envision their big day and happily ever after. And more often than not, people go on crazy diets to fit into the perfect dress/tux. They go on crash diets, eat unusual foods and start to act and do things they wouldn't normally do. How do these new behaviors effect the big day? What do we really think of "shedding for the wedding?"  The new tendencies could carry into the new marriage and then the person your partner with whom you fell in love could be completely different. It is important to stay true to yourself so that your marriage and love will flourish. Even though you may be trying to shed for the one big day, make sure you don't shed your true emotions and personality in the process.

Samantha's Dating Thought-Add More Fun to Date Night!

Tired of the same old date night at a local restaurant? Well, head to a comedy club instead! Whether you prefer improvisations or stand-up comedy, there is something for all personalities to enjoy. Comedy clubs usually serve dinner and can provide a more intimate setting between you and your beau because you will be sharing many laughs and whispering about how funny the performances are. If you want to plan ahead, do some research and see when your favorite comedians are in town. Most comedy clubs feature large tables so gather your old friends to share a great time had by all! You and your honey will be sure to remember all the laughs you shared which, in turn, will strengthen your relationship and improve your bond with each other.

Samantha's Dating Ponder-For Better or For Worse?

The two of you have been in a relationship for an extended period of time. The love is definitely there. So will getting married after a long term relationship change things for the better or for the worse? It is important for couples who have been together for so long to discuss the way their relationship is and how it may change once they walk down the aisle. Important topics such as money, kids and family should be discussed. And make sure to keep the sex alive once you say "I do!"

One celebrity couple finally decided to take the plunge this week. Six years and six kids later, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finally decided to tie the knot. Many sources say the two finally decided to start planning a wedding now that the kids are older and keep asking them about marriage. But will it work? What do you think? Will Brad and Angelina's perfect Hollywood family finally be complete?

Samantha's Dating Tips-Meeting Your Boyfriend's Ex

Have you ever wondered how it will be, if and when, you meet your boyfriend's ex? Have you wondered the right things to say, the right things to do and how to act?
I am a Professional Matchmaker and here's what I know...
1. You can be nice. Keep in mind that you have him right now, she doesn't, so there is no reason to be snippy.

2. Sizing her up will get you nowhere. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for chemistry. If you are scratching your head in disbelief that he was into her and now he's into you, don't bother, you will never be able to figure it out.

3. Don't do the old contrast and compare because chances are, this will just make you feel insecure. Just feel confident about who you are and the connection that the two of you are having in the present.

4. If you feel a little jealousy about his connection to her or the fact that another woman knows him as well as you do, that's okay. Feeling jealous and/or insecure is natural, but don't let it send you into a funk and just ride out the evening; it will end soon enough.

5.Be prepared for some reminiscing
and some inside jokes. This does not mean that they have a more special bond than the two of you have; it just means that when they were together, they did have some fun times and are bound to talk about them.

6. Don't get thrown if she is a little snide or tries to act like she knows more about him than you do. Keep in mind that if she dated him for a long time or a longer time than you have, she might in fact know more about him than you do. However, this doesn't matter because you are with him now and as you go forward in the relationship, you will have plenty of time to learn all the things she knows about him and then some.

7. If you are seeing her at an event where your guy's friends might be in attendance, don't get upset if they know her and are nice to her at the party. This does not mean they like her better than you, it just means that they know her and are being courteous.

8. Don't get upset if your boyfriend acts a little weird or odd or different in the situation. Keep in mind that it is very awkward for him to be standing with the girl with whom he is currently having sex and the one with whom he used to have sex.

9. Don't dwell on the situation afterwards or pick a fight. There is no reason to let her affect your current situation with him. The evening has already passed; let bygones be bygones.

10. After seeing them together, if you have any real doubts about whether or not it is truly over between them and/or whether or not, something between the two of you is genuine, make sure to have this discussion with him in a calm and more casual manner. You don't want it to blow up in your face just because you are feeling a little insecure or jealous.

Samantha's Product Pick-Replace your wallet

The Callet

We've all done it before, shoving our cash and cards in the back of our phone case to the point where the case doesn't even fit on your phone anymore. But now, you can have your whole life in your hand, without the annoyance of a bulging phone. The Callet is a phone cover and wallet, all in one! It has been strategically engineered to take up a minimal amount of space when you're out on the town so you don't have to carry around such a bulky phone. The specially designed slots are perfect for your cash and credit cards and come in different colors for both iPhone and Blackberry models. So pick up this product, it is perfect the gym, shopping or a night out!

Samantha's Product Pick-Blast that Blemish!

Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Blemish Treatment

You come home from work and start getting ready for your hot date. You finally find the perfect outfit and head to the mirror to apply your make-up when BAM, there is one blemish staring at you in the face. So, you immediately start stressing and picking away at the blemish, only making it worse. Instead, take a breather and put on Peter Thomas Roth's spot treatment cream. The unique treatment is formulated with the perfect ingredients to act fast and zap away that zit. It is perfect for use as a spot treatment for a single blemish or can be used to treat larger problem areas. Either way, this product should work very quickly, leaving you ready and stress-free for your hot date!

Samantha's Product Pick-- Hair Quick Fix

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Expert stylists say it is not healthy to wash your hair everyday but sometimes, your hair just needs a little something something! Don't you always seem to have the greasiest hair after a long day of work before your hot date? And of course, there is no time to shower and restyle your hair before hitting the town. Your quick fix? Dry Shampoo. I have tried many but Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo is definitely my favorite. You get the most product for your money and it can be found in almost any drug store for as cheap as $5! Next time you find yourself stressing before a night out, don't fret. Just make sure to pick up the can made specifically for your hair type and your hair will look rejuvenated and voluminous in no time at all!

Samantha's Dating Ponder-How Sexy is Too Sexy?

How sexy is too sexy? Women often think that men think women are most attractive when they are wearing skimpy and revealing clothing. However, this is not the case. Sometimes men will turn the other cheek if women are wearing something too sexy. "Too sexy" means a low cut and cleavage revealing shirt paired with an extremely tight and tiny mini skirt at the same time.  You will give off the vibe that you are too easy even if you are far from it. Men like to play games, especially guessing ones. So, wear a tight fitting dress but maybe one that isn't so low cut so they can guess what is underneath. Or match a flowy top with a pair of tight pants. Men are more likely to undress you with their eyes when you are revealing just one part of your body, like your legs or your back. Keep in mind that trying to make every part of you look sexy will just have the effect of looking sleazy. So, save the red leather mini skirt for a Halloween costume and leave something for the imagination! And when you get dressed for a night on the town, spend some time really thinking about how sexy is too sexy and alter your outfit before you leave the house.

Samantha's Dating Thought-How Mixed Signals Can Ruin a Budding Romance

New romances can be tough for many reasons. For one, you may feel a little shy in the beginning  and may not communicate your thoughts and feelings quite as well as you would like. Your new beau may think you're content when you're not or think that you are not interested when you are. Communication is key. There is nothing wrong with letting someone know how you feel because if you don't you could unintentionally send mixed signals and that could ruin  your relationship. You don't want your partner to think that your interest level is at a zero when it's at a 100, do you? Additionally, if you are not ready to get intimate yet with your new flame, steer clear of any sayings or flirty texts that might make it seem like you are, so that your beau doesn't think you are ready to get it on when you are not.  You don't want someone you like to get discouraged for the wrong reasons.  It is  important  to express how you really feel and tell your partner and it's okay to tell him or her that you want to take things slowly, so that things will last. Your honey will appreciate your honesty and in turn fall for you all the more!

Samantha's Dating Thought-Keep the Love Alive

The honeymoon phase in a relationship is always the best time; you and your new flame really open up and get to know each other, enjoy spending all of your time together and rarely get into any altercations. However, it unfortunately doesn't always last. Once couples start dating for the long haul, they can sometimes hit a rough patch. Here are a few tricks to avoid that and keep your marriage or long-term relationship alive:

1.  Romance your honey like you just started dating. Romancing your partner gives you the chance to show him/her how special they are to you. Do something subtle like leave a post-it note in the morning before work simply saying "I love you" or cook their favorite meal. They will be sure to feel appreciated and loved.

2. Make time. Whether you have been together for two years or 20 years, it can be hard to take time out of your busy schedule. However, this is a crucial part of keeping the love alive. Schedule weekly date nights; even if you can't make date night a night out, stay in together and do some of your favorite activities together. Most importantly, always make time to be intimate!

3. Take on new activities. Learning new things together is always a great way to bond with someone special. Take a ballroom dancing class, enroll in a cooking class or photography class. Whatever it is, make sure the two of you agree so you can really enjoy the experience.

4. Pretend that you
just met each other. If you and your beau act like you are still in the honeymoon phase, you will always be excited when you go out on dates. If you ask each other new questions, keep the conversations flowing and continue to open up to each other, you will never get bored.

5. Compliment each other. Compliments always make someone feel extra special, especially in public. Tell the cashier how he/she is the best chef you ever met or introduce your honey as the funniest person in the world. It will really boost their confidence and their love for you, making them feel extra sexy and wanting to get intimate with you when you're not in public anymore.

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Do Different Hobbies Make or Break a Relationship?

It is very rare that you will find someone who has the same exact hobbies that you do. Women love to watch sports just as much as men love to shop. However, different hobbies don't have to ruin your relationship! Being in a relationship is all about compromising and sometimes doing things with your partner even though you may not want to. So, take turns! One weekend you can go to your guy's favorite sporting event and the next weekend you can hit the mall together to pick up that new outfit you've had your eye on. It is important to acknowledge your honey's hobbies and if it is something you really do not want to be apart of, reassure your beau how much you care about them but that it's fune for him to go to the batting cage with the guys or to the newest chick flick with the girls. Sometimes alone time or time with friends will make your together time all the more special. And, as you spend more time with someone, you will find yourself even enjoying some of their hobbies that you might never have enjoyed before!

Samantha's Fall Couple Check-in

Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum

All of America watched as finalist J.P got down on one knee and proposed to most recent bachelorette Ashley. She happily accepted and the couple seemed nothing but smitten with each other. Now that the show is over and the couple can finally be out in public together, they still seem very much in love. They have been spotted in New York City where J.P. lives and plan to move into a new apartment together soon after Ashley finishes up dental school in just a couple of weeks. This duo seems to be really going against "the curse" of The Bachelor/Bachelorette series and are truly in love with each other. They plan to get married in 2012 and have already picked out their Neil Lane wedding bands. Congratulations to this amazing couple!

Samantha's Dating Thought-Soak Up the Sun

Sadly, the summer is almost over and the beautiful and sunny weather will be gone before you know it. That's why you should make the most of the time that is left and go on some outdoor dates with a long-time beau or a new flame. Summer is a great time for dating because you look healthy and feel great. Outdoor dates are a ton of fun because they are exciting. Some of the most fun outdoor dates during the summer are in the water. You can have a casual day and rent a boat and share a nice picnic with your favorite foods. If you decide to get a little adventurous, learn a new water sport together! Rent some waterskis or jetskis and you and your date will both have a great time. Teaching each other how to jetski or waterski will leave you smiling all day because you are both guaranteed to have some clumsy moments. So get out there, soak up some sun and enjoy the rest of summer with someone you really care about!

Samantha's article pick- Happen Magazine- Health Conscious Date ideas

Health Conscious Date Ideas

by Jennifer Nelson

s non-stop dating contributing negatively to your health? Downing too many fat-laden restaurant dinners, ice cream cones and smoothies, or buckets of popcorn at the movie theater can do that, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of healthier date options, so save more traditional food-centric dates for special occasions and up your healthy date ante. Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Learn how to juggle.
"We all know that laughter is important in a romantic relationship," says Heather Wolf, an ACE certified personal trainer and founder and CEO of JuggleFit LLC in Gulf Breeze, FL. If you're newly dating and still need ways to break the ice, taking a juggling class together will not only elicit smiles and laughter, it'll break down any walls by bringing the two of you to a level playing field where you're both dropping the balls and working things out. When a couple learns to juggle together, it helps them not take like too seriously.

	This kind of edginess makes the interaction exciting.

2. Do a "danger date" for an endorphin rush.
Dates where you're taking a trapeze lesson, bungee jumping, skydiving or white-water rafting can provide a kind of super-adventurous (and slightly dangerous) good time while creating an instant bond. "Anytime the two of you do something unusual that is scary or thrilling, it creates a different kind of chemistry," says Samantha Daniels, a professional matchmaker for over 10 years. Heart-pumping, bloodcurdling fear factor dates provide a feel-good high, help you connect with your date and create instant chemistry all at once due to the endorphin rush. But be careful, says Daniels: "You still have to do your due diligence to make sure the person is right for you on other levels." 

3. Play a competitive sport.
Tennis, racquetball, or bowling can make for a high-spirited activity date. "This kind of edginess makes the interaction exciting, stimulating and novel, which have been proven to keep the romance alive," says Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress(Wiley & Sons). It's a great way to get to know someone without any rationalizations or verbiage to hide behind. Observe your date's defense, offense and unpredictable moves while you play. Plus, the exhilaration exercise brings increases one's libido and spontaneity. If your date is a sore loser, restore harmony by betting on the outcome of the game with the winner's fantasy acted out or another steamy win/win prize. 

4. Walk for a cause. Most couples have a cause that's near and dear to their hearts. One of you may have lost a loved one to cancer or heart disease, or maybe you're both passionate about politics or animal rights. Most non-profit and political organizations sponsor athletic events to help raise money and awareness. "By deciding to participate in a cause-sponsored walk, bike ride or other athletic event with your significant other, you have the opportunity to dig deeper during your date time and bond over something you both care about," says Laura Williams, a fitness expert in Stayton, OR. Plus, this type of shared goal can help you start creating "we stories" as a couple — as in, "we help raise money for cancer." 5. Hit the farmer's market and prepare a healthy meal with your purchases. "What's so much fun about going to a farmer's market is learning about new foods, how they are grown or produced, and getting to know the people who grew or produced them," says Rachel Begun, a registered dietitian in Rye Brook, NY. Speak to the food artisans and farmers, learn about a new produce variety, and purchase some ingredients to prepare a meal. Ask about your date's food preferences and eating style, which says a lot about someone's personality. In the kitchen, work as a team rather than using the "divide and conquer" approach. "The focus should be on working together," says Begun. 6. Volunteer to walk dogs at an animal shelter. Though most shelter organizations require their volunteers to submit applications, attend orientations and complete training before being allowed to handle or walk their dogs, you can plan it in advance. "Doing any kind of charity work  Doing any kind of charity work together lessens the usual date pressures. together lessens the usual date pressures by placing the focus elsewhere," says Roxanne Hawn, an author whose website, ChampionofMyHeart.com, won DogTime Media's Best Dog Blog Award in 2010. It also gives you a chance to practice teamwork, which is crucial in any lasting relationship. "The bonus of a volunteer date involving animals is that you can gauge your date's level of empathy and patience," says Hawn. This is especially important for people who love pets or who plan to have kids. Volunteering at an animal shelter can give you a real sense of whether your date truly loves animals or is merely faking it to win your affections. Plus, a few hours spent walking shelter dogs is great exercise — and good karma. 7. Take dance lessons and then go out dancing. "Dancing is a fantastic way to burn calories, exercise the heart, gain leg, arm, abdominal strength, move the body in multiple directions and most importantly, have fun," says Monique Hollowell, CEO of Lafemme Mobile Gym in Sacramento, CA. Dancing to five songs burns about 150 calories. Latin rhythmic salsa dancing is one of the best calorie-burning options due to its repetitive foot coordination, torso/hip rotations and arm movements. "It's fantastic for partners due to the enhanced awareness you must have between each other to do the right moves," says Hollowell. 8. Join a yoga or Krav Maga class. "Taking a class is not only a great way to get to know someone, but to truly see if you are compatible with that person," says Barbara Neitlich, a Beverly Hills psychotherapist. It challenges your relationship in a way that going out to dinner never will. Anyone can behave like prince (or princess) charming on a dinner date. However, in taking a class (such as yoga or Krav Maga) that challenges mind, body and spirit, you're evaluating whether this is someone you want to be with long-term. Classes like these allow you to see how your date does outside of his or her comfort zone and whether this person is resilient, patient and willing to take on new challenges. 9. Book a joint session with a personal trainer. "Regular exercise can not only boost your confidence, which can help when attempting to meet your prospective partner, it can also increase your mood, which can help you keep your current partner," says Travis Steffen, exercise physiologist and founder of WorkoutBOX.com. If you're training for something like a half-marathon, you'll not only bond as a couple during practice runs, you'll also be able to feel a sense of accomplishment when you both achieve your mutual goal. Sharing a powerful experience like this can be one of the best ways to make a deep connection with someone. What's more, working out boosts your libido! 10. Visit a vineyard.

"To make your date especially healthy, find out if the site offers walking tours of the vineyard," says Katie Heddleston, a Cleveland-based registered dietitian. Then, sample red wines. Reds have been shown to protect your heart against disease due to resveratrol and other antioxidants. But don't over-imbibe: dietary guidelines for Americans state that drinking in moderation for women equals one drink per day, while men may enjoy two drinks. "Remember, the spit cup is there for a reason," cautions Heddleston. 

Jennifer Nelson (www.byjennifernelson.com) is a Florida-based freelance writer whose work appears in Self, O - The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, Family Circle, Women's Health and many others. She also regularly writes about health, lifestyle and relationships for Parade, Glamour, MSNBC.com and WebMD. To see the original article go to

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

The dreams of women everywhere were crushed recently when sources confirmed that America's most eligible bachelor might be headed off the market again. After splitting with actress Elisabetta Canalis in late June, George Clooney seems to have fallen for another beauty, ex WWE wrestler and Dancing With The Stars contestant Stacy Kiebler. A source confirms the couple has known each other for a while but recently reached out to each other through a mutual friend. Of course, they are trying to keep their relationship under wraps and have been spending time together in London and at Clooney's getaway home in Lake Como. This is definitely one scorching couple but will their relationship sizzle just as much as they do? Or is it just a fling? What do you think? Is it too soon for Clooney to move on? Do you think they make a cute couple?

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick-Celebrity Check-in

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

After their split in March, this sexy couple remained on good terms and kept in constant contact. In July, the pair decided that they didn't want to be single and quietly started seeing each other again. However, now that Justin is on tour with sexy co-star, Mila Kunis, promoting their latest film Friends With Benefits, it seems as if Justin and Jessica are back off again and Justin and Mila may be very much on. Justin and his new flame were spotted in London sharing a meal with friends but sat very close to each other and seemed like they thoroughly enjoyed each other's company even though they arrived at the restaurant separately. Where has Jessica been while her ex is touring the world with a hot new flame? She has been in the Hamptons relaxing with some close friends. So what is the truth? Are Justin and Mila a new thing? Or is a just a fling? Looks like we will have to keep an eye on this interesting trio!

Samantha's Style Pick-Stay Shady

Not only are floppy sun hats extremely cute, they are totally in style this summer and will give you added protection against harmful UV rays. They will also keep you cool during scorching beach days while you look extremely stylish and sexy. Having trouble finding the right hat just for you. Check out zappos.com for over 300 styles to match any bathing suit you flaunt in the summer sun! Try this cute hat to the left; not only will the wide brim give you extra protection but hot pink is the color of the season!