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 Designer Fashion Fix- 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
that they don't care about you, it just means that they just aren't spending the time thinking about who would be good for you. 


And secondly, a lot of people will just assume that you have dates every night of the week because they think you are so great, therefore they wouldn't think that you "need" the date. You must explain to them that it isn't that you "need" the date, it's that you would "be interested" in meeting new people and to please keep an eye out. Once you are proactive, you will be pleasantly surprised and how helpful some people will become. 

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
a little insecure about their looks especially when they are living in a big city where people place a lot of emphasis on beauty. Even if you are dating a truly beautiful woman, a woman who gets hit on by men all the time or even a model, she still needs and wants to be complimented. She needs to hear out-loud from you that you notice her and admire her. And, chose words like "sexy" or "beautiful" or "amazing"; women like words like this because they arebigger and make it seem like you really are thinking they look incredible at that particular moment. Stay away from bland and generic compliments like "you look nice" or "you look fine." And one compliment that most women really don't like is "you look cute"; she is not a puppy, she is a woman.
4. A woman wants a man to not take her for granted. Women need to feel appreciated. This means that you need to remember to notice little things that she does- if she goes to the store and tries to buy you your favorite coffee or if she hauls a 6 pack of beer home for you in the rain. Keep in mind that even if she chose the wrong type of coffee or bought a beer that you really don't like, you still need to thank her and commend her effort; if you don't, she will think twice before making any more efforts for you in the future.
5. A woman wants to feel that you care about pleasing her in the bedroom. Everyone knows that it's much easier for a man to be pleasured than a woman, however sex is better if both people enjoy themselves. Even if you had a long day, it's still important that you reciprocate in the bedroom. And you need to keep in mind that not all women are the same when it comes to what they enjoy sexually. Just because your "signature move" got the last girl crazy, doesn't mean that it will even faze this girl. You need to try hard not to make her feel self conscious or guilty if it takes her a little time to have an orgasm or for the two of you to get your groove on together in the bedroom. You need to want to find out what makes this woman tick and then do whatever it takes to make her happy. She is working hard to please you (or at least she should be), so you need to do the same.
6. A woman wants to feel like you want to get to know her specifically and that you don't just group her into the "female gender." A lot of men think all women are the same but the fact is that all women are very different; they all have very different likes and dislikes and ideas. Just like not all men love football or play golf or drink beer, not all women just like to shop, gossip and watch soap-operas. If you are interested in a woman, you need to see her for who she is and who she is not and figure out how to be in a relationship with the particular woman not just any woman.
7. A woman wants you to understand her stuff -- her insecurities and her childhood issues and work hard to make her feel safe and good in those areas. A surefire way to make a relationship crash and burn is to exploit her weaknesses and use insecurities about which she confided in you against her. A woman needs to know that you heard her explain why something upsets her, puts her in a bad mood or makes her feel insecure in the relationship and that you will try your very best not to do things that bring up those issues for her. A good relationship means understanding your partners insecurities and doing what you can to make her feel good in that area of the relationship even if you might think that some of her stuff is crazy, unusual or immature. Keep in mind that you are not issue-free and you would want the same of her.
8. A woman wants you to communicate with her when you are in a bad mood and it has nothing to do with her. Of course, everyone is entitled to be in a bad mood once in awhile but keep in mind that when your bad mood comes out of left field and when you snap at your gal and nitpick her every move, this can make her feel like your issue is with her, not your boss or your father. A woman needs you to reassure her that your moodiness is not going to result in your breaking up with her. A woman will be happier if you reassure her and ask her for a night of space than if you see her anyway, sulk and snap at her and make her all paranoid about the relationship.
9. A woman wants to know that you are proud of her and happy for her to meet people in your life. A lot of men think that if he introduces a woman to his friends, his colleagues or his family, that the woman will automatically assume that the relationship is very serious and that they are three steps away from getting engaged. This is a falsity. Women look at introductions to people in your life as recognition that she too is part of your life and it makes sense for people in your life to know each other. If you make these sorts of introductions, the only way they become a big deal to the woman is if you make it be a big deal. Keep in mind that if you say, "I want you to meet my best friend John but you are the only woman I have ever introduced to him," then of course she is going to think that this is a big deal. However, if you just introduce her to John because he is your friend and she is your gal, it will just be normal. Normal is good.
Samantha Daniels is a well known Professional Matchmaker, President of Samantha's Table Matchmaking and the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster).
Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Matchmakersd

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!

Follow Samantha on twitter- www.twitter.com/matchmakerSD

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.


4. Think about splurging for luxury at the Four Seasons Papagayo, where you can find peace and tranquility which will give you time to reconnect with your beau.


5. Think about going on a long horseback ride to the La Fortuna Waterfalls and having a picnic; nature is always a sure way of resurrecting romance.
6. In Costa Rica, you can fly from destination to destination on a small plane, but it's just as easy and far more scenic to rent a car or hire a driver to take you across the countryside. One of the most romantic drives is from Arenal to Monteverde, it's about 4 hours, and you can bond over the music, fight over the directions and before you know it, arrive to your next vacation destination.
7. If you want to plan a romantic trip to Costa Rica but you feel like you are "all thumbs" when it comes to romance, don't be a typical guy, go ahead and ask for some help from the professionals like Memorable Costa Rica. Your honey will think you are a rockstar for the effort and your chance for romance will skyrocket.
8. Try surfing on the Guanacaste Gold Coast. She will don a sexy bikini; you both can frolic in the crystal blue waters and share the excitement of getting up on the board. What could be more romantic than that?

Samantha Daniels is a well known Professional Matchmaker, President of Samantha's Table Matchmaking and the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster). Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Matchmakersd

Matchmaker in the Know: Bad Dating behavior that you should not tolerate



Do you ever feel like you put up with so much bad behavior when you are dating that you can't even remember what it is like to date someone good?
Here's what I know:
1. It's easy to excuse a lot of bad behavior if you really like someone, however, you need to always remember to likeyourself better than you like him. If he is treating you very poorly, you are just doing an injustice to yourself.
2. If a guy likes you, he will call you on the phone to ask you out. It is easy to rationalize that the norm these days is to doing everything by text. However, if he is a good guy, he will step up and do things out of the norm for you. You deserve this.
3. A guy should not be talking to you about all the other women he is dating. You might rationalize that this is his way of seeming cool, popular or desired but there are other ways for him to demonstrate this without making you question whether or not he likes you. There is no reason for you to have to suffer through his story about the woman he wined and dined last night.
4. A guy should not make you feel bad about ordering dessert. It is completely inappropriate for him to chide you about eating dessert because he thinks you need to lose weight. Your body and your dieting is your responsibility and you get to choose what you eat, not him. You do not have to tolerate him making you feel fat; you deserve better than this. You need to find a man who loves you for what you are and what you are not and is excited to share dessert with you on a date NOT take it away from you.
5. A guy with whom you are intimate should not be sleeping with other women and flaunting it to you. First of all, truthfully, do you really want to be having sex with someone who is having sex with other people as well? I know it's easy to rationalize that this is what adults do, however, not all adults sleep around. Many adults still hold sex as a sacred thing and they only do it with someone they care about and they do it with only person at a time. If you are this type of woman, you should hold out for a man that has similar beliefs to you; these men are still out there. Go find one.
6. A guy should not make you feel badly about wanting to use a condom when you are having sex. You are in control of your own body. If you do not want to be at risk for AIDS, STDS and pregnancy , then it is your right to protect yourself. Don't feel that you have to compromise your morals, your beliefs or your own safety. It is not fair for a man to pressure you to not use a condom if you want to use one. Does sex feel better without one?Maybe, but it can feel just as fine with one as well. Moreover if he claims that he loses his erection only because of the condom, he is lying. Go find a guy who will respect your beliefs and who can get it up.
7. A guy should not be be asking you out at the very last minute and expect you to be available. It is only an excuse when he says that he is so busy that he can never make plans in advance. Contrary to the BS he is throwing at you, when his mother is coming into town, he finds a way to make plans in advance, when he gets invited to a guy's night out at a steak house, he find s a way to make plans in advance and when a girl that he is crazy about demands that he schedule plans in advance or he won't get to see her, he finds a way to make plans in advance. He will only respect you and do what you ask, if you respect yourself and demand that respect. If he can't find a way to make plans in advance with you, then you need to go find a guy who likes you enough to schedule plan with you. Do not accept these bad excuses.
Samantha Daniels is a well known Professional Matchmaker, President of Samantha's Table Matchmaking and the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster).
Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Matchmakersd

Here's what I know... Advice for Vienna, Tenley and Ali on The Bachelor




Have you ever wondered what the girls on The Bachelor are doing wrong and how one of them will really close the deal with Jake?
Here's what I know...
The girls should have spent more time singing their own virtues rather than trashing Vienna. Jake had a thing for Vienna all the way through the show. This should have been evident to the other girls simply because even after everyone trashed her to Jake, he still never sent her home. At some point, the other girls needed to realize that their time would be better spent focusing on how to make Jake fall in love with each one of them rather than trying to make him hate Vienna.
Ali was the most clueless of all when it came to understanding how and why Jake was connecting with the other women. Ali wasted time and made herself look like a fool by obsssing over how it could be possible that Jake was interested in her at the same time as being interested Vienna. Perhaps, Ali,at 25, was too young to understand thatchemistry is an intangible and a person can feel it with many types of people.
Ali made a major faux pas leaving the show because of her job. No one's job, especially not one held by a 25 year old would ever be that important that someone would risk losing the love of their life. And what man is going to take a girl back who leaves him on national TV? A guy has his pride. The real question is was Ali the one who was getting sent home anyway and the show just staged or exaggerated the whole "work thing" to add drama to the show?
The girls should spend some time fixing the "missing link" between each one of them and Jake. For example, Vienna should realize that her sexual chemistry with Jake is not the issue and she should spend more time trying to connect intellectually and emotionally with him than getting into his bed. And, Tenley should realize that the sex is the big question mark for Jake with regard to her and she should be thinking about to putting outand fast!
The girls should be sizing up the competition and making sure that they let Jake know that whatever the other girl is bringing to the table, that she too has those same virtues. For example, it's clear that Jake likes Tenley because she has old fashioned values and seems very family oriented, so Vienna should be finding ways of letting Jake know that even though she is sarcastic and flirty, that she too has smalltown values. Just the same, Tenley should be sizing up Jake's connection with Vienna and she should be letting him know that she is a sweet, good girl but she can also be playful and fun.
The girl's should be asking Jake a lot more questions about who HE is as a person and about his values and virtues since they are thinking about spending the rest of their lives with him. Jake has been asking a lot of questions of the girls but they haven't been doing the same. The girls have been getting really caught up in winning, the drama and the chemistry. Now it's time to ask Jake some of the real questions on their minds like what life will really be like after the cameras and the hoopla is gone. It's better to know upfront if your ideals and values really mesh than find out later on when it's too late.
The girls should be suspect of a man who says he has fallen in love with 3 women at the same time. Love just doesn't come that easily. Sure, Jake can be lustingafter all the women, but love is not a feeling to be thrown around so loosely. The girls should be asking about the depth of his feelings for each one of them because if he can "fall in love" so easily and with so many women, how do they know that he won't fall "out of love" just as quickly???
Samantha Daniels is a well known Professional Matchmaker, President of Samantha's Table Matchmaking and the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster).

Matchmaker in the know: Bad breath foods that kill a date



Have you ever wondered what foods and things are the biggest bad breath offenders??

Here’ s what I know…

-Red wine is the biggest offender. A lot of people prefer red wine, a lot of people say that red wine is good for your health and a lot of people think red wine is more sophisticated. However, red wine makes your breath smell bad and its stains a lot of people’s teeth. Translation- you breathe smells bad AND you are talking to someone you like with purple teeth. Choose vodka instead. Its odorless

-Not eating gives you bad breath. If you didn’t eat all day, then you have that I am hungry breath and that is very hard to get rid of. Make sure you pop several mints when you leave you office and grab something like a banana that should take the smell away.

-Peanuts give you bad breath and the smell lingers on you. I know its tempting to eat those peanuts on the table at the bar but choose the cashews or the pistachios instead.

-Olives give you bad breath. Don’t eat a bowl of them at the bar and on a date, don’t ask for extras in your martini so you can chow down on them, they are bad for your breath.

-Garlic- everyone knows garlic is a breath killer but these days a lot of people don’t care because they love these Pasta Puttanesca. Keep in mind that not only does garlic kill your breath but a lot of people sweat garlic out of their pours so you wind up with body odor as well as bad breath! If you want a good night kiss, save you pasta craving for football night with the guys!

Here's what I know... Men like women who act like women.


Have you ever wondered what type of women, men really like??

Here's what I know...

1. Men like women who act like women. This does not mean that you need to act like a frail woman or a Stepford wife, but it means that you should act in such a way so that he feel like he is the man and you are the woman.

2. Men like women who let a man help them. Men need to feel needed whether it's in a small way- changing a light bulb or answering a question for you or whether it's in a larger way- coming to your rescue in a bad situation or calming you down when you are freaking out. If you make him feel like you don't need him at all, he will leave you.

3. Men like women who act flirty. Flirting is the most important thing about male/female interaction- it's the best part of the "game." If you don't know how to flirt, it's important that you learn.

4. Men like women who giggle. This does not mean that you need to act like a "ditz," but keep in mind that the definition of a giggle is "a flirty laugh" and giggling tells the guy two things--that you think he's funny and that you like him because you are flirting with him through your laugh.

5. Men like women who dress like a woman. Men like women in dresses- they just do. You can make any excuse you want about thinking you look better in pants, but a guy will always appreciate and admire a woman in a dress.

6. Men like women who allow a man act like a man, women who let him watch football with the guys, have a guys night out once in awhile, even belch inappropriately from time to time. If you emasculate your guy, he will either turn into a guy who you won't respect or he will leave you because he will wind up not respecting himself.

Here's what I know... Women notice the little things you do or don't do.

Did you ever wonder what are the things upon which women judge you?

Here's what I know...

1. She notices if you suggest she come to a place right near you for the date, a place that is nowhere near her and then you don't offer to go pick her up. And on top of that, you make no apology for this lack of consideration.

2. She notices if you tip under 20 percent because the norm is 20 percent.

3. She notices if you don't tip on liquor because everyone tips on liquor.

4. She notices if you get out of the taxi first, don't offer to escort her home and then don't offer to pay to get her home.

5. She notices if you talk about yourself all night long and never even remember to ask her one question about her.

6. She notices if you check out every girl who walks in the door, even the ugly ones; she's not blind you know!