Creating a setting that you and your partner can enjoy in snug comfort is crucial. Fires are one of the oldest tools in humanity’s arsenal, and they’re often underestimated in terms of maintenance and seductive power. Learning to create a proper fire will keep you from having to get up too much, so you can enjoy your couch snuggle sessions, and if you do things right, you can let it burn until morning so you and your lover don’t wake up cold.

Any good fire starts with its structure and environment. You don’t need to have a PhD in mechanical sciences or engineering, again, this is caveman technology. Fire requires heat, oxygen and fuel, and here’s how to bring each portion into play:

Oxygen
Cleaning your fireplace, pit or wood-stove of soot and dust from old failed romantic endeavors and the fires that accompanied them is a good way to maximize burn potential and avoid sooty smoke. Ensure that your flue or vent is open so that you can feel a small amount of air flow over your hand when you stick it in the empty fireplace.

Fuel
Wood used in fireplaces must be aged. While you may wish to impress your love with your awesome, Paul Bunyan-like tree felling skills right then and there, don’t get ahead of yourself. For one, a blue ox may not blow over well with animal rights activists, and more importantly, fresh trees are no good. In order to burn, they need to sit around for a while, or be seasoned, until the moisture inside dries out. Ensure your supply of wood isn’t too green before you proceed to leave some by the fireplace so you don’t have to open the door to the cold when you start running out.

Now that you’ve got a nice convenient source of well-seasoned fodder, you can make Lincoln log-style stacks of wood ensure that air flows well through the recesses of that blazing inferno you plan to create even as combustion causes the lower pieces of wood to disintegrate.

Heat
Because you were so diligent about making a neat stack in the beginning, you can easily get your fire set up to light. You’ll need something easy to light, and some bits of small wood pieces along with a block of special firestarter wood or some newspaper will come in handy when placed in the open space in the center of the stack. Strike a long fireplace match, and voilà! You’ve lit the perfect romantic fire. Control the burn rate with the flue, add more wood as needed, maintaining the general shape and poke things around every now and then to really make it look like you know what you’re doing. Now, even if the date is a total flop, at least you won’t be cold.

Here are some of the best foods for a romantic picnic.

CHEESE & BAGUETTE

Let’s French it – the French know romance, and there’s nothing more classically French than a picnic lunch of a few nice cheeses and a baguette. Not only is this a delicious, filling meal, it is easy to transport and doesn’t require refrigeration so long as you intend on eating the cheese within an hour or two from taking it out of the refrigerator. Toast and slice the baguette before you leave for the picnic to save some time and make the preparation as easy as possible.

SANDWICHES

For those looking for a hearty picnic lunch, nothing beats a well-built sandwich. By packing sandwiches ahead of time, you can eliminate the need for any prep work to be done on site. Sandwiches also travel extremely well, especially if they are made only an hour or two before the picnic. If you wish to keep your sandwich cool, freezing a plastic bag filled with water can make an excellent portable ice pack.

SALAD

Salads are another great picnic item, and – like sandwiches – can be prepared ahead of time, saving you the stress that often comes along with trying to prepare a lunch on site. One of the best and most romantic ways to prepare a salad is to bring it in a large enough portable container so that you can share it with your partner. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to normal picnic fair, salad is the perfect choice.

GRILL FOOD

One of the most fun and enjoyable ways to have a picnic is to bring foods such as burgers and hot dogs that can be grilled on site. Many picnic areas have on site grills that can be used to prepare food, so long as you bring your own charcoal along. Cooking outdoors can be a lot more fun than preparing food ahead of time, and can make the picnic experience more enjoyable for both your and your partner. Pack a few cold salads to bring, grill up some hot food and get down to what really matters in life. For a different type of romantic picnic experience, consider grilling your food on site.

The first step is making sure that you have all the supplies you will need. You are going to need napkins, plates, glasses, and silverware. While you can use nice quality disposable products, using higher quality items from home can add a nice touch to your picnic. For glasses, think about using champagne or wine glasses, even if you aren’t serving wine. Real silver and cloth napkins will also enhance your experience and make this a date to remember. It’s the small things that make your picnic special. Other important materials to remember are a cooler with ice to keep your food from spoiling and a picnic blanket. If you can find one, a specialized picnic blanket with a plastic backing will protect you from moisture and insects.

The next step in planning the perfect picnic is choosing a location. Make sure to pick a beach or park that is not too busy. Although it may be fun, a romantic picnic will lose intimacy if there is a beach volleyball game going on ten feet away. If you do choose a busy public park, look for a place that is more private and secluded. If a public park is not an option for you, you can certainly set up a picnic in your back yard, or even on your living room floor. It’s not the location so much as the person you are with that matters.

The final, and most important, step in preparing for a romantic picnic is to pick a menu and prepare the food. Rather than preparing an elaborate meal, pick simple and elegant platters. Cheese, grapes, and a baguette would be a beautiful presentation. You can also create a platter of salads and spreads, such as tomato basil salad, hummus, tortellini and fresh mozzarella salad, and a kalamata olive spread. Throw in a crusty loaf of bread, and you’re set. If you are daunted by the task of cooking, stop at your local grocery and pick up a variety of salads. Another alternative is to order a meal from your favorite restaurant. However, make sure you are picking romantic foods. Pizza and wings may be a favorite, but dainty slices of rolled sushi are a better bet for a romantic picnic. For drinks, share your menu at the location where you buy wine. They should be able to help you pick a wine that will compliment the food you are serving. If you don’t want to serve alcohol, buy bottled water in fancy glass bottles. Sipping sparkling water out of a wine glass can add just the touch you need to a romantic picnic.

No what location or menu you choose for your romantic picnic, remember that the most important part is that you are spending time with your partner. Years from now, you may not remember what you ate or where you sat but, hopefully, you will remember that you spent time with the person you loved.

Tip One: Keep it clean. The master bedroom can quickly become the house’s catch-all if people aren’t careful. Dirty clothes in particular can pile up without warning and put a kink in the room’s feel, taking away the peacefulness. By keeping items off the floor, organizing closets and dressers and always making the bed, already people will find their rooms to be a source of calm instead of more stress.

Tip Two: Add pleasant scents. People associate certain smells with different feelings and emotions. Adding scented candles to a room can up its romantic power exponentially. Incense and potpourri can also do the trick. Some smells that are typically associated with romance and relaxation are sweet flower scents like rose, spicy holiday scents like cinnamon and deep earthy scents like pine.

Tip Three: Choose the right colors. When decorating a bedroom to capture a romantic vibe, certain colors can heighten the intended mood. For instance, decorating using reds and complementary colors such as burnt orange or gold make people think of love because of the popular association of red with Valentine’s Day. Chair cushions, wall art and comforter sets can all be picked out to match by following a red color scheme.

Tip Four: Make the bed inviting. The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the house when it comes to resting and getting romantic. Beds that have scratchy covers and flat pillows aren’t as inviting as beds with thick, silky comforters and an abundance of fluffy pillows. Decorative throw pillows can be added in various numbers, from a couple to a dozen. Together, the bedding contributes to how much a person wants to lie down on the bed as does the size or shape of the mattress.

Tip Five: Add curtains. Master bedrooms usually have at least one window, and so often people leave dull white blinds as a cover for them. They don’t bother to buy and install curtains, when doing so has the power to up the room’s romantic factor big time. Imagine if instead of blinds there were floor length red velvet curtains on the windows. If a person would like a lighter, more airy look, perhaps sheer or lace curtains are a better pick. Curtains can even come in silken metallic colors like gold with matching valances that have exotic beaded trim. Blinds can’t hold a candle to the power of a perfectly chosen set of curtains.

Tip Six: Include several plants. Greenery, whether faux or real, gives a feeling of life and vitality to any room. Some ideas for this decorating tip include placing an exquisitely decorated vase of red or pink roses on top of a dresser, or adding a small glass vase with a single white lily on a nightstand. Ivy is an easy-to-grow plant and can hang from the ceiling in a basket or wind around a window.

There are no limits when it comes to being creative while decorating the master bedroom. Making it a haven for relaxation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By sticking with the right color scheme, keeping the room tidy and smelling good, as well as incorporating attractive plants, bedding and curtains, even the smallest, dullest room can transform into a romantic paradise.

Think of the last time your girlfriend surprised you with a visit at the office, or the last time your husband called you out of the blue in the middle of the day. Spontaneous displays of affection are a great way to remind your significant other that you are always thinking of them. And, with technology at our daily disposal, it’s easier now than ever to reach out and rekindle the romance. Here are a few reasons why sending a romantic email is a great way to say, “I love you”.

It’s Easy Peasy
Composing an email is as simple as accessing your email client, filling out a few details, typing up your message, and clicking ‘send’. Want to personalize your message with a little extra flair? Email clients make it easy to add picture attachments, insert cute little emoticons, and use other fun tidbits to make your digital love letter come to life. Because these services are usually offered for free, sending a romantic email is a wonderful, inexpensive alternative to text-messaging or placing a call during the day (though, by all means, do pick up that phone if your sweetie is so touched that they want to hear your voice!).

It Fits Into Your Schedule
Feeling pressed for time but want to let your significant other know that they’re on your mind? It literally only takes a minute to type up a quick but heartfelt message – “Can’t wait until I can come home to you!” or “Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face!” are just some short and sweet examples. On the other hand, if you’re taking an hour-long lunch break, why not write a detailed message describing just how much you miss your loved one and how much it means to you that they’re in your life? The beauty of email messaging is that there are no rules – no matter how much (or how little) time you have, it’s always possible to reach out to that special someone.

It’s Out of the Ordinary
Most inboxes are filled with the same kinds of emails day in and day out – newsletters, work-related correspondence, tons of spam. Imagine how surprised (and happy!) your significant other would be to receive something a little more exciting and personal than a sales flyer from Amazon.com. Because messages usually include a subject line, sending an email with a sweet (or saucy) header is the perfect way to add a little touch of romance to their day. Be spontaneous and creative – you never know what pleasantly unexpected messages you’ll end up getting in return!

It’s Good for Your Relationship
Communication is a very important part of maintaining healthy relationships. Listening to what your partner has to say, and sharing your own feelings, promotes understanding and openness. By communicating to your significant other that you care about them and appreciate them, you are strengthening the core of your relationship and nurturing your intimacy. Doing something as simple as sending out a romantic email can have a very deep (and very positive) impact on your partner – it lets them know that they are an important part of your daily life, and that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you will always be thinking of them.

The next time you’re away from your loved one (at work, on a business trip, even just a few rooms down), consider hopping on to the Internet and sending them a thoughtful, romantic email. Make it a funny anecdote about the first time you met, or copy and paste the lyrics to a song that reminds you of them. It can be as short or as long as you’d like, as light-hearted or as poetic as you can make it. As long as it reflects your feelings and makes your partner feel special and loved, there’s no limit to how much romance you can spark with the simple click of a button.

One of the biggest complaints from men is that they simply don’t know what kind of gift they should give on Valentine’s Day. Wealthy men have sometimes spend fortunes to buy an extremely expensive piece of jewelry for their lover, only to find that she is completely disappointed and unimpressed. Feeling disgusted with themselves, these men may be tempted to ask for the gift back, since it didn’t have its intended effect – but this is another grave mistake. The woman will become extremely offended if a man asks for an expensive gift back, even if she didn’t show the proper gratitude in the first place. The unspoken rules of Valentine’s Day can be extremely tricky to navigate, so all men are cautioned to tread lightly.

Instead, a great alternative is to create a homemade Valentine’s Day gift. This is a great idea for many different reasons and for almost any class or category of men. It is especially a good idea for the poor man, who may not have the necessary funds to spring for an expensive gift, dinner, or vacation. He can simply make a card or a poem, which indicates to the woman that he held the thought her in his mind for at least as long as it took him to make the gift. For this reason, the more intricate or time consuming the gift is perceived to be – the better received it will be.

This is also great news for the rich man. Men and women are often not on the same page in so many instances. The lover of a rich man is typically not aware of the great sacrifices that he made to acquire his fortune. She does not see the blood, sweat, and tears that he shed to become successful. She does not see the times when he worked for 36 hours straight, or the times when he sacrificed creature comforts in order to better put himself and his business on the path to success. All she sees is the finished, polished, rich man, and she takes his money for granted. When he spends his money on her, he knows what he sacrificed in order to acquire that money; and that sacrifice, often many years ago, is his gift. But she does not see this, and she merely turns her nose up at his “thoughtlessness”. This is a lose-lose situation for this unfortunate man. Instead, he can give her what she wants, without any great sacrifice on his own part. He might make a card for her out of construction paper, or maybe he could write a nice poem expressing his love for her. Picking flowers from a nearby field is also a great way to add a personal touch to a Valentine’s Day gift.

Some of the best picks for romantic foods are those that are termed aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs supposedly contain chemicals that enhance feelings of love and romance. From Cleopatra’s age, people have been eating certain foods to achieve this means. Examples of purported aphrodisiacs include almonds, avocados, bananas, mint, chocolate, eggs of all sorts (including caviar), figs, foie gras, and oysters. Although there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support the effects of aphrodisiacs, other characteristics of these foods could lead them to inspire romance. Some of them, including bananas, figs, and eggs, are symbolic of sexual organs or fertility. Others, such as caviar, oysters, foie gras, avocado, or almonds, provide an attractive contrast or sensual mouth feel. Just imagine the crisp texture of caviar pearls bursting in your mouth, or the smooth, rich feel of ripe avocado. Whether or not these foods have chemical properties, they are certainly worth a try for a romantic dinner.

If you are not interested in giving aphrodisiac foods a try, another great option is to set up an intimate menu involving finger foods. Using your hands to feed yourself, or your partner, is a very intimate and private experience. Examples of good finger foods include grilled shrimp, sliced cheeses, olives, caviar, crackers, sliced baguette, crab cakes, or thinly-sliced pieces of steak. For dessert, you could serve sliced fruits. A fun way to present a romantic dinner of bite-sized finger foods is to use a fondue set. Dipping your bread, apples, bits of chicken and vegetables into a cheese fondue can make for a fun evening. Make it even more exciting by feeding each other. You can do a chocolate fondue for dessert, or do something simpler that doesn’t need a lot of clean-up.

While there are a lot of options for romantic foods that can make the night fun, there are some things to avoid. Foods that are strongly-spiced or smell overly of onion or garlic may not be the best option. Gaseous foods, such as beans, broccoli, or cabbage, are also best avoided. When planning your meal, try to think of something that will be simple to clean-up, or that you won’t mind leaving until the next day. If your meal leads to more, you will not want to interrupt a romantic interlude to wash dishes.

When setting the table for your romantic food, try to keep things close. If possible, use a small table or situate your place settings so you will be touching your partner. Dim the lights and set out candles. However, be sure to use fragrance-free or lightly-scented candles and flowers so they will not overwhelm the foods you have prepared.

Whichever foods you choose to serve for your romantic meal, remember to have fun and let go. Eating can be a wonderful experience, and sharing this intimate act with a romantic partner can be one of life’s greatest pleasures.

For romantic traditionalists, spending Christmas in a warm weather locality is almost blasphemous. If you believe that snow should be part of your romantic Christmas vacation, then a trip to the Rockies or a local ski lodge will be perfect for you and your lover. Book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. It’s important to book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. You will also need to decide whether you will want to bring your own ski equipment or rent it when you reach your destination. With many airlines now charging round trip fees for every piece of baggage, it may be cheaper and easier just to rent bulky ski equipment once you arrive.

To make your Christmas ski lodge vacation even more memorable, do a little research and find out if there are other romantic activities that may be offered at the resort, such as a horse sleigh trip or massages. Don’t forget, also, to make reservations at a nice restaurant for Christmas or, if all your restaurant options will be closed on Christmas Day, figure out a way that the two of you can still have a romantic dinner with as little stress and work as possible.

If cold weather is not you and your lover’s thing, then do like the Hollywood stars and head to the tropics. Celebs flock to literal hot spots such as Hawaii or St. Barts in the Caribbean during the Christmas holidays. Australia, where it is summer, is another hot spot option. While lounging on a beach is not usually what one thinks about when they think about Christmas, many people enjoy taking a break from the cold weather that seems to last forever in the winter.

Unfortunately, both skiing trips and tropical vacations have one not-so-pleasant thing in common. They are both usually very costly, as it is high season for both types of vacations during the Christmas holidays. If you are looking for a bargain, check into packages for off-season romantic sites such as Paris or Venice. Though, they may be chilly, and maybe even a bit dreary, these locations still offer much charm and are beautiful settings for a romantic Christmas vacation.

Before you rush off and book a romantic Christmas vacation, it is important to make sure that your lover will be fine with the idea. Surprising a lover with a trip may sound like a good idea, but if it will conflict with annual family plans, a vacation could end up causing more stress than romance.

Another possible faux pas is one that could possibly trip up a guy. Single men, who are planning on staying single, and who are taking their lovers on a romantic vacation should be careful about the type of gift they buy. A romantic setting and a jewelry store bag or box being presented on Christmas could ratchet up hopes of a wedding proposal.

Overall, however, a romantic Christmas vacation is a great way to celebrate a cherished holiday with a cherished someone.

Couples massage retreats are often focused on rejuvenation, healthy lifestyles and detoxification. All of these processes allow the person to gain more energy. Energy improves a person’s outlook and invigorates the feelings of sensuality. A couple’s massage retreat is the right prescription to inject love back into your relationship. Several couple’s massage retreats will be mentioned to give individuals an idea of what is available for romance renewal.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

This intimate retreat on Camelback Mountain offers Asian-inspired treatments to couples. The marble bathrooms are complete with full garden spa tubs that the staff decorates with numerous candles to set the mood. There are several vitality pools, infinity pools and fire pits where romance can brew between the couple. Deluge showers are also available for relaxation and detoxification. Each of these amenities may be rented to enjoy private sessions between you and your mate. Extensive wines lists are available to encourage relaxation. Many of the spa casitas are located on the side of the mountain with spectacular views of the valley and the evening sunsets. The casitas are completely private to allow for romantic interludes alone.

Body Holiday at Le Sport, Saint Lucia

Le Sport was rated in the top five destination spas in the world. This particular spa offers guest numerous spa treatments, relaxation exercises, ocean views and an overall comprehensive experience. The spa is luxurious and all inclusive. Couples may golf, play tennis and engage in water sports to grow closer together. This five star resort will not disappoint couples who are seeking to reestablish their romantic connection.

Maroma

Maroma is a romantic Mexican Caribbean resort designed to provide the ultimate romantic relaxation experience. The resort focuses on privacy and renewal of the spirit. Part of their regimen includes Earth, Air, Fire and Water to help relax the mind and revive the spirit. Couples will typically enjoy five nights of romance and the opportunity to reiginite their relationship through massage. The beaches are spectacular and the tropical forests create a magical experience that emanates intrigue and romance.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle

This Mediterranean style resort is situated on 300 gorgeous lush tropical acres in luxurious Miami, Florida. In 2009, this resort was ranked the World’s Best by Travel + Leisure magazine. This resort features private cabanas, a lazy river, poolside dining and the award winning Willow Stream Spa and fitness center. The Willow Stream Spa is where couples will reignite and renew their love for one another through massage. Couples may also engage in 18 holes of golf on a championship designed golf course or tennis on one of the four clay HydroCourts. Shopping is only a shuttle away. Couples may enjoy Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, as well as, over 250 specialty shops at the Aventura Mall. There is also spectacular cuisine available on this romantic couples retreat.

Willow Stream Spa Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a five star resort where the Willow Stream Spa is located. The spa was inspired by an oasis deep in the Grand Canyon where energy unites and restores. The spa is complete with red rock waterfalls and an open-air reflection atrium. The waterfalls beckon relaxation and rejuvenation. Couples may reconvene on private outdoor patios to reignite their passions and love for one another. The beautiful blue skies against the purple mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. The entire resort is an enchanting and delightful experience. Couples will feel rejuvenated and romantic from their couple’s massage retreat.

Respect is the first sign of a healthy relationship. Do you respect your partner, and do they respect you? Do you value each their opinion? Do you seek their advice? Respect is essential in any relationship. If you do not respect someone, or they do not respect you, then there will be problems down the road. You should never feel like you are being taken for granted, used, or constantly put down. Those are unhealthy behaviors in a relationship. Again, you may have a fight and insult may be used. The key is talking about it and trying to find out if there is a deeper issue. At that point, you can see if the respect for each other is still there.

Reliability is another key part of a healthy romantic relationship. Can you count on your partner? If you had a bad day at work, would they be there for you? If their car broke down on the highway, would you stop everything to go help them out? If you’re in a healthy relationship, you absolutely need to be able to count on each other. If you tell your partner that you will be somewhere or do something, you need to do it. If there is a pattern where one of you is constantly letting the other down, that is a sign of a bigger problem.

Trust is essential in a healthy relationship. Do you trust each other? If your partner is out, are you constantly worrying that they are doing something bad? Do you feel like you need to conceal things from them? Being open and honest is the most important part of a relationship. If you cannot trust the person you are with, you shouldn’t be with them. If your partner goes out for a night on the town, you should be able to relax and know that they are simply having a good time, not doing something to sabotage your relationship.

This one may be simple, but do you enjoy each other’s company? If you are going to be in a relationship with someone, you should enjoy being with them. This means all the time, rather you are on a vacation or simply sitting at home watching television. You shouldn’t feel awkward around them, nor should you feel the need to force conversation all the time. You just genuinely need to feel comfortable with each other. This means doing things together, relaxing together, talking about your day, and countless other little things. It should never feel like a chore to be with someone if you are in a healthy relationship.

Lastly, you should feel excited about the relationship. When your partner calls you after a long day at work, does it make you smile to see their name on the Caller ID? Do you look forward to plans you make together? Do you like sharing stories with each other? These are all signs that you enjoy spending time together and talking to each other. Every relationship has a honeymoon period that ends, but that doesn’t mean that you lose the feeling of being happy to be with someone.