Make the Romance Last

Question: My Boyfriend and I are Best Friends, but how do I make sure it also stays Romantic? I don't just want to be his "bud."

Nikki: Have you ever noticed people either have the problem of
A. Their partner just wants to have sex, and doesn't take it further.
B. You get too comfortable with one another, and the chemistry isn't fun anymore.
Either option isn't the best of times. One of the reasons couples take vacations is because it allows for them to reconnect with one another. They can try new things that they don't normally do when they're home doing the same routine. Unfortunately, we all don't have the luxury of taking vacations whenever we want (and if you do, more power to you!). Therefore, it's important to find ways ways to relax and try new things with one another.

Cooking- Trying new recipes, and making a Romantic meal once a week, is a great way to add variety to your relationship. It will give you both the opportunity to see what you like/ don't like. It always leads away from the typical "work day" conversation.

Classes- Take something new together. Whether it's dancing, Rock Climbing, Yoga, Hiking, writing books. Find something you both like, and try it out.

Quiet Days- It's really important to sometimes shut out the hectic days. I'm not saying do this everyday, and let's be honest, it's not always easy. But if you can find your easy day, and use it to spend quality time with one another, then that can always rekindle the spark.

Be Romantic- it doesn't have to be anything dramatic, and over the top. Light some candles. Take a picnic together.

And remember- it's okay to be a little mysterious about things. Keep your favorite episode of Kardashian  to yourself, and your new ideas on life with him.

Lunch Matters

Question: Do you have any lunch ideas for people who pack their lunch everyday? Looking for something healthy that still tastes good.

Nikki: It's a great thing that you pack your own lunch. You not only use less waste by doing so, but you also save money, and can control the calories going in your body. Nothing wrong with buying out from time to time, but overall it's more efficient to pack your lunch. I have a couple of lunch ideas that are tasty, healthy, and easy to make the night before/ in the mornings ( if you're not like me, and have some time).

                                                                                                  

Salad Option:

Ingredients:
-Lettuce of your choice
- 2 Eggs
-Red Onions
- Vegetables of your choice
-Any additional protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, fish)

Dressing Directions:
- half a Tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 2 TableSpoons of Vinegar
-Sea Salt/Pepper
- Few Drops of Lemon Juice
(for a sweeter taste, remove the Lemon Juice, and add honey)

Calories: 400-500 (depending how much meat you use)

Sandwich Lovers:

Ingredients:
-Wheat Bread
-Turkey Slices
- Swiss Cheese
-Tomatoes
-Basil

Directions:
-Lightly warm up the bread in the toaster
- Add the Turkey, and Cheese in the Sandwich
- With a Skillet, cook the sandwich on a low heat until the cheese is nicely melted
-Add Tomatoes, and Basil

Calories: 380

Beans:
They are an excellent source of Protein, and Fiber. They also keep you full, and are easy to cook with.

Ingredients:
-Beans (1 can)
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
-2 Tablespoons of Vinegar
-Lemon Juice
-Red Onions
-Cucumbers
-Basil
-Salt/Pepper

Directions:
-Drain the Beans
- Add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- Add 2 Tablespoons of Red Vinegar
(- Add Lemon Juice for preference)
-Salt and Pepper
-Add Basil
- Chop the Cucumbers to small pieces and add in
-Add Red Onions

Calories: 550-600

Lunch is about variety, and healthy habits. Always make sure that your lunch has some sort of protein (red meat, seafood, beans). It's the protein that keeps you full.
Happy Lunching!

Close Encounters

Question: How do I attract a woman? And how do I know she's into me? I've been very interested in this woman, but she is difficult to get. Very successful, and it's intimidating.

Nikki: Great question. You're not the first person who has had this question, and you won't be the last. When you first find somebody that you are interested in, the best way is to approach her immediately. Don't linger around for her, because she will lose interest, or just find somebody else completely.

1. Be confident about your approach to her.
Confidently walk up, and ask her how she is, or her name. If you know something in particular about her, maybe tell her you enjoy that hobby too?

2. Give Eye Contact
Look her straight in the eyes when you speak to her. Be careful not to stare her down, or compete in a staring contest. As she talks, notice her movements, and react with it. It's a great way to show her that you are listening to her.

3. Smile
If you smile cooly, she will almost always smile back. The second the two of you open up to a smile, the 'awkward walls,' are put down almost immediately.

4. Think of her Interests
Women are flooded in Cooking Classes, Hiking Classes, Yoga, Gym Classes.
Maybe you can pick a new hobby up, and potentially a new Girlfriend.

And always remember, that you have nothing to lose with rejection. It may sting the ego for a bit. It's better to know what happened, rather than questioning the 'what if's.'

http://www.askmen.com/video/dating/1016-the-game-changer-part-1.html

What NOT to do to attract a Man

Question: I know that nobody is perfect, but I feel that some women are able to better attract a man than others (even if they are not better looking). What's going on?

Nikki: Have you ever noticed that sometimes in relationships one partner is way better looking then the other. Sometimes you wonder, how did that even happen? Well there are reasons for it. Though looks are the first thing that draw someone to you, the rest is determined by what you stand for, what your personality is like, and the things that matter to you. From the things I've observed with close Girlfriends, to even family members, I have made a list of the top 5 things that you should try to avoid.
Of course, I'm not saying you need to change who you are as a person, but there are certain things that should be kept to yourself, or with your girlfriends (no matter how close you are with your partner).
                                                                                                                                                                                              


                                                                                               
The Top 5 things to Avoid


1. Cleaning your feet in front of him

• It's very true that almost all men like clean feet, however they do not want to, nor need to see the process of it being done. You can just pretend you are genetically born with stunning feet. What does he care? 

2. Lack of Confidence

• If he is already with you, he's interested. If you are in a relationship with someone, that should be your automatic pass to know that he thinks you are great the way you are. If you are interested in someone, but lack confidence, he won't be interested or may not even acknowledge you. There is nothing to lose with trying a boost of confidence. If it's very difficult for you, sometimes wearing an outfit that just makes you feel comfortable, is the best thing to approach him in. A confident you will show. 

3. Not eating your food on the first date. 

• He will be more conscience that you didn't eat your food, rather than eating the food you ordered. 

4. Playing on your phone while you are out. 

• If you truly have messages that are important, let your date know that you are aware of the behavior, but that it's important you take the call. At least if you tell him that you know it's not polite, he will make less of it. However, if you're just sitting on your phone during the entire night, he will not be interested in taking the relationship much further. 

5. Dressing in a lot of sweats 

• Being down to earth is very different then constantly covering up your body. From time to time, hanging out in sweats is completely acceptable. Just don't expect your partner to be interested for very long, if he can't even show you off when you  go out. 

And always remember one thing- be true to who you are. Don't be with someone who expects you to change completely. That just means you are not right for each other. If you're an opinionated person, and he can't appreciate that, you shouldn't stay in that relationship. Know your grounds, first. The simple things can be tweaked. 

Genuine Mistakes

Question: what is the best way to get over an awkward situation that has affected you or somebody else?

"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past"
-Tryon Edwards

Nikki: unfortunately, we are all going to find ourselves in situations that we don't want to be. These can occur at work, or even with family. The easiest answer is to tell yourself, not to get involved in other people's lives, but that's not how society works. We live in a world, where connections, family, and social media is in our everyday lives.

The best way to overcome awkward situations, is to directly talk to the other party involved. I know that direct communication can be the hardest thing to do, but in the long run, it will put your mind at ease. You will save a lot of guilt by being certain about the situation.

If it's genuinely close to impossible for you to talk to the person directly, then writing an email with your feelings, and sending it to them will help. Direct confrontation can feel hostile to some, but sending out an email/writing a letter, will put all the issues out on the table. It will give the other party time to think about it, and express their feelings in an email. You never know, the other party may even feel compelled to just come and talk to you.

Just make sure your email isn't rude, and you include that you understand it's difficult for all the people involved.
This may seem difficult at the moment, but talking about it is the best way to get over the guilty feeling.

Best of luck,

Happy Halloween

Question: With Halloween coming up, what are some fun couple theme costume ideas, that are not over used?

Nikki: Great Question! Halloween is right around the corner, and anybody who is a fan of this Holiday, knows that costumes sell fast. I've noticed that people who purchase costumes from the store, usually end up matching other people when they go out. It's always fun to be creative, especially when you want to match with your significant other without being too cliche.

                                                                                                              

California Highway Patrol:
Woman: Tall Black Boots, Belly shirt (optional), 80's Hairstyle, Black sunglasses, Skirt
Man: Riding Pants, Black Boots, Sunglasses, and a tight muscle shirt.

Camera Man with Porn Star:
Woman: Button down shirt (with bra sticking out), short skirts, high platform heels. Place a 'censored' sign on your chest.
Man: Black t-shirt, jeans, camera (around neck), and 'CAMERA CREW' printed on the back of t-shirt

Batman and Robin:
Woman: Tight black jumpsuit, cut out bats and stick on outfit
Man: Black outfit, with cut out birds and stick on outfit

Pimp and Hoe:
Woman: Tight Pants, Belly cut t-shirt, long belly button ring (optional), bright eye shadow, fake lashes, platform heels
Man: Bright Color Jacket, Cane, Hat, Colorful Pants




I hope some of these ideas can get you and your partner to having a wonderful Halloween!
Always be safe, and enjoy your night.

Question: How can a man be chivalrous with the Independent Women of 2011?

Nikki: This question comes from someone very close to my heart, and I couldn't be any happier to answer this question. Women want both their independence, and the presence of Chivalry. These are not contradicting statements. A man who truly wants to be with a woman should be able to appreciate her strength, while still proving to her that she is a woman, and respected as a woman. When a man offers Chivalrous behavior, it does not 'de-womanize' her. Men and Women are different by nature, but there is not one sex that is more superior then the other. From an evolutionary standpoint, one sex cannot live without having the other.

                                                                                        


Chivalrous gestures were the standard 'code of ethics' for men. It's what separated the desired from the undesired. Naturally, women had different roles in early civilization. Times have changed, but chivalry should not die. "Chivalry is dead', is a myth. It's not dead, but rather progressed to different forms. It's about performing manly duties, without overpowering a woman.

Some gestures that a man can do, to show he is respectful is by

• Truth- talking about the strength of your love to your woman. 
• Commitment- Making her feel that you are committed to her, and will always be there for her. There is nothing more valuable then showing a woman you love her, and how special she is to you. 
• Offer to help- Do not take control of what she is doing, but ask to help her in things she may be struggling with. By doing so, it shows that you are paying attention to her, and that you can fulfill what she can't, and vice versa. 
• Perform manly tasks in the household- getting groceries, fixing lights, grilling. 
• Desires- know what she wants, and compromise on them. If there is something that your woman has always desired, remind her that you haven't forgotten about it. Come up with a plan to achieve her desires, and perform on them. 
• Knowledge- know what makes your woman happy. The simple things. Getting her coffee in the morning, rubbing her feet, walking her dog. Tasks like these may seem small, but they go a very long way. I can speak on these personally. 

Chivalry is not dead. Show your woman that she is your woman. Love her, and cherish her the way you promised before you married her, or committed yourself to her in a long time relationship. 

A happy woman makes a happy life. 

Show Skin Year Round

Question: What are some ways I can keep my skin clear, and vibrant?

Nikki: It doesn't matter if you are a woman, or a man; glowing skin not only makes your face look brighter, but it also helps with confidence. I can speak personally, when I say that struggling with bad skin can affect your mood for the entire day. I wish there was one particular product that I can swear by, but unfortunately most of the products are the same. I've tried about everything the market has marketed to people with bad skin. I have learned that a lot of it comes from Diet/Exercise, Genetics, and Nightly Regimens.

                                                                                        

Diet and Exercise: 
The pores on your face are usually a clear indication of the foods that you've been eating.
When you consume a lot of greasy foods that are high in unhealthy fats, and white carbs (think of those 2 a.m. Wendy runs), your pores will get greasy because they are trying to release the bad products you put in your skin. Also, if you don't exercise, and sweat, your pores can also clog of oils.
So what to do?

• Drink a lot of water- it doesn't need to be a set number of bottles. You have enough thing to think about during the day, and ounces of water should not be one of them. Just drink enough so that your pee is a light yellow, and that your body does not fee dehydrated. 
• Fruits and Vegetables- eat them. Mix them with your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. It's not only good for your skin, but also your weight. Stay away from sweets (especially if you have acne problems). 
• Exercise- no quicker way, then to sweat out the bad toxins in your body. 

Genetics:

You don't need to go through your family album to pick blame. However, sometimes your parents skin history, will affect yours. 

Nightly Regimens: 

Certain techniques are strong for your skin, but if practiced on a weekly basis, is a nice blend to exfoliate your skin.

                                                             Honey Oatmeal Scrub(Good for all skin types)

           Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of Oatmeal (crushed)
• 1 tbsp of plain yogurt
• Few drops of Honey 

          Steps:

• Mix Oatmeal and Plain Yogurt together
• Add a few drops of Warm Honey to the mix
• Apply the mask on your face for 10-15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

                                                                 Sea Salt (use on Acne Scars)

• Apply Sea Salt to warm water, and scrub your face. Apply pressure that is comfortable to your skin

                                                            Vinegar (Good for removing dead skin cells)

• Apply Apple Cider Vinegar in your basic Face Mask you purchase from the store
• Apple Cider Vinegar can also be replaced by your toner

                                  

Guilt Free Pizza

Question: I love pizza, but can't afford to eat it everyday! What's a low fat pizza recipe?

Nikki: Pizza is so yummy! I think most people can agree. There is also nothing wrong with splurging from time to time. However, for a more healthy choice, there are options.
One of the recipes I enjoy using tastes great, and is quick to make.

Ingredients:

• Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 Whole Wheat Naan Bread
• Lemon
• 5 ounces of skim mozzarella
• Red Pepper (optional)
• Mushrooms (optional)
• Basil (optional)

Directions: 

• Pre-heat oven to 350. 
• Chop all the toppings you want on your pizza (while the oven is warming up)
• Season the Garlic with lemon, salt, and pepper
• Place the seasoned Garlic in the oven for 5 minutes
• Place the Skim Mozzarella on the bread
• Add Basil, and Tomato toppings
• Add any additional toppings
• Bake for 5-10 minutes

Roughly 110 calories per pizza