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. 

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!

Samantha's Dating Ponder-Can You Live With Your Ex?

Now that our guilty pleasure of the summer-The Bachelorette-is over, there is a new show just like it. Season 2 of Bachelor Pad started earlier this week and after just one episode, it sure looks like it is going to be a juicy season. For starters, Vienna and Jake reunite after a not so amicable yet very public break up after she was the winner of season 14 of The Bachelor. Except this time, Vienna is very much involved with Kasey Kahl, a contestant on season 5 of The Bachelorette. With so many hotties under one roof, there is bound to be some juicy scandals and budding romances. However, what will happen with Jake and Vienna? Can you live under the same roof as an ex? If so, for how long? Living with someone you once used to love can only stir up old emotions and create new turmoils and jealous feelings. So, it will definitely be interesting to see how things pan out with these lovers turned enemies living in the same house. What do you think? Have you ever had to live with an ex? How did it turn out?

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick- Celebrity Check-in

Jennifer Anniston and Justin Theroux

We all watched as this couple slowly took their romance public in June and wondered whether Jen had finally found love after having her heart broken many times, especially after her very public divorce from Brad Pitt after 5 years of marriage. However, it seems like this couple is really sizzling and after just four months together, have been seriously talking about marriage and even starting a family! A close insider said that both Jen and Justin want to start a family sooner rather than later. The couple is moving very fast, but they do seem to have genuine and real feelings for each other? What do you think?

Samantha's Movie Pick-One Day

One Day


Adapted from David Nicholls' international best-selling novel, One Day is a must see movie. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, One Day tells the story of two people who begin a friendship together one day, July 15, 1988, the day of their college graduation. Emma (Hathaway) is a working-class girl filled with ambition while Dexter (Sturgess) is a wealthy flirt who hopes to make the world his playground. For the next 20 years, every July 15 is filled with experiences for both Emma and Dexter that lead to their hardships, heartaches and happiness. As the meaning behind that fateful date is revealed, they learn the truth about life and love. Whether you go see this movie with your best friends or a long-time beau, you will be truly moved. So, be sure to check it out in theatres everywhere this Friday!

Samantha's Dating Tip-Summer Flings can help you get into a real relationship

Whether you want to face the reality of it or not, the summer is almost over. However, that doesn't mean you can't still engage in a fun summer fling that will get you back out into the dating scene! With long nights, steamy days and sun-kissed people everywhere, summer is the best time to have a little fun .Take advantage of these last few weeks and get out there, look sexy and flirt. Sometimes you need a little fun to get your groove back and remember how desired and eligible you really are. Here are a few tips for how to make the most of a summer fling if you decide to have one:

1. Don't take things too seriously. The whole point of a summer fling is to have a fun, laid-back relationship. Remember to think of it as just a fling, fun with no strings attached.  Of course it could turn into something more in the long run but it is extremely important to take things one day at a time.

2. Don't have great expectations. You will stress yourself out if you start forming post-summer expectations surrounding your fling especially in the beginning when you don't even know if you will ever see the person again. If things start to change and both of you start to  feel like you are getting more serious, then definitely talk about it, but in the meantime, avoid putting pressure and a label on your steamy situation.

3. Enjoy yourself. This is the most important rule. The summer fling is about being carefree, not having to worry about the regular rules of dating; when or if he will call, what he's doing or where he is; instead a fling is for you and you alone, for you to have fun and to get your flirty personality again so you can meet "the One" when you are ready. The main goal is for both of you to enjoy yourselves, let loose and try something new. When you least expect it, you might be surprised that your fling could really spring into something else!

Samantha's Style Pick-Who Wears Short Shorts?

The summer is a great time to meet new people and have a fun summer romance that might lead into a real relationship. One of the best ways to get to know someone and spend time with a new special someone is enjoying outdoor activities together in the summer sun. Whether you are taking a stroll in the streets of your neighborhood or hitting the beach, short shorts are essential to summer dating. They allow you to move freely if you are partaking in outdoor activities with a new beau and look sexy without really trying. Having trouble finding the perfect pair? Try Blank NYC jeans. They have shorts in all colors; blue jean denim, khaki and colored denim to really brighten your outfit. Visit your closest Bloomingdales or Lord and Taylor to pick a stylish and sexy new pair today!

Samantha's Summer Couple Pick-Will They Sizzle or Fizzle?

Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz

After seven years together and three years of marriage, Eva Longoria divorced her ex-husband Tony Parker this past January after he had been caught having a "texting affair" with a teammate's wife. Since then, Eva has been moving on with her life and trying to find happiness. Evan has been spotted with Penelope Cruz's brother, Eduardo, and after enjoying an intimate dinner with friends at Chateau Marmont, this couple is nothing but sizzling. They stroked each other's faces and fed each other bites of food. Onlookers said the couple seems truly happy and enjoy each other's company. So far, this couple is hot! Will Eva get her heart broken again or has she finally found someone who truly appreciates her? How long will it last? What do you think? Will this sexy couple continue to sizzle or fizzle out?

Samantha's Beauty Pick-Sexy Summer Hairstyles

When it comes to hair, most women think that men find it the most attractive when women wear their hair down with lots of body and volume. However, in reality, men think one of the sexiest styles is when women tie their hair back in a ponytail. They find it extremely sexy that they can see your neck and collar bones, which are the sexiest bones on your body. In the new film Friends With Benefits, Mila Kunis rocks this sexy and powerful look throughout the entire movie. To get the perfect ponytail like Mila's shown here, first blow out your hair making sure there is extra volume at the crown of your head. Next, decide whether you want to part your hair or wear it straight back, either look is extremely hot. Gather your hair right in the middle of your head; make sure not to secure the ponytail too low otherwise you will lose the volume that makes it so sexy. Finally, add a little bit of hairspray to keep the look in place all night long. Not only will this style keep you cool, your date will think you look hot! To really accentuate your neck and collar bones, pair this sexy summer style with a fun halter-top dress!

Samantha's Celebrity Check-in-The Big Day

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

After only six months together, Kris Humphries got down on one knee and proposed to Kim Kardashian. With Kim's extensive dating history, everyone was eager to see how this couple's relationship would play out. Finally, a date has been set for the couple's much anticipated wedding. Guests recently received their crystal embellished invitations created by Lehr & Black confirming the summer wedding. Kim and Kris plan to celebrate their nuptials with a lavish black tie affair on August 20. Looks like things are going great for this sexy pair and Kim has finally found true love!