Six fun, flirty first date ideas.

What can you do on your first date that is fun, flirty and perhaps doesn't start with an F?
First dates do not have to be a jittery nightmarish experience where you feel sick to your stomach. You can go out with your date and have a fun-filled time that rivals no other. In fact, you might just have so much fun, that your date will be talking about it for weeks to come.

There are all kinds of things to do on a first date that are filled with major frivolity. This way you can get to know your dating companion faster and a lot easier than sitting down at a dull meal asking all kinds of questions that everybody asks on first dates.  Six fun, flirty things to do on a first date:

1. Commune with nature. Unless you live far away from a beach or it is the middle of winter, try taking your date to a more natural setting for that all important first date. You will find out if your date likes nature, and if he or she can handle getting sand between her toes. You can go to a park and pack a picnic basket full or make dinner outside. You can go hiking, or bicycling, kayaking, or go for a long, slow walk on a pretty beach just as the sun sets.

2. To get to know your date better without all the standard first date rhetoric, take your date out for something completely different. Try parasailing, or hot air ballooning. This way you can have a great time and have a lot to talk about after or on the second date. This way you will impress your date and let your date find out more about your interests by participating in them now.
3. Find out what your date likes to do and do that for the day or evening. If he likes all things motorcycles, then plan the day to be a motorcycle themed day with going to a motorcycle show, or riding a motorcycle. The next date can be what you like to do.
4. How about trying a helicopter, plane or boat tour? Now while this may cost more than the average first meal and drinks after, it can be so much fun. You can tour your city and have a guide point out different locations of interest. You could go on a boat tour and have a relaxing date, finding out more about each other.
5. How about going to a concert together for a band that you both like? You could even go out and catch a free band in the spring and summer in many locations across the country. Even if you don't like the music it can still be a lot of fun hanging out, drinking your favorite wine and talking to your future partner.
6. How's this for fun? Going on a first date and taking a class in something neither of you have ever done before? You could try painting, pottery creating, almost anything. Just ask her before you schedule, and the two of you may find a new shared interest.
Break the ice by having something to do while working and talking.

Have a great time on your first fun, flirty first date. And like I already said, first dates are not meant for the f word. that happens later on when you get to know each other a lot better. Copyright 2011, written by Kate Johns, who has been freelance writing professionally since 2004.

How to be comfortable with your body so you can wear anything by Kate Johns

 How you can be comfortable with your body---

Most women do not have Jennifer Lopez's millions to afford having numerous plastic surgeries, body lifts, breast enhancements or bust reductions. Many famous women, especially the stars of reality TV shows like the stars of "The Housewives series" have had Botox or plastic surgery enhancing their bodies. Regular women can't afford to throw hard earned money on getting surgery, so here girls is a guide on how to look great in a swimsuit, or shorts this summer. How can you be comfortable with your body?
Here are the solutions:

WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS

Relax; life is too short to worry about how your body looks in shorts, short sleeves, and in a bathing suit. You don't worry about the way you look in your winter sweaters and unglamorous sweat pants. What it all comes down to is, will people that see your body in a swimsuit even remember how you looked in it? Chances are they won't even care. Everybody checks everybody else out at the beach and public pools. But they won't even remember what you looked like in that bikini, because they are more concerned with how they look.

WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
 

Every person has a different body shape. There are several distinct female body shapes such as the triangle, the pear, and the apple. This is an overall generalization that many women do not fit into. Look at yourself in the mirror without any clothes on. Then figure out what clothing will look best on you, what you can afford to buy and how it will accentuate your body. Learn to shop for clothing that works for your body, not what the department stores are selling this week.
Buy clothing that is the same color on the top and on the bottom. The same colored clothing will make you look slimmer. For people that have problem areas in the legs, buy shorts that are longer, not short-shorts. Wear longer tops that hang down a little lower, and don't expose the stomach area. Wear light pants and not shorts to cover the leg area if that's what you want. Wear light colored Capri pants that are longer than shorts, but shorter than slacks.

LEARN TO LOVE YOUR BODY

Learn to love the body you were born with. By accepting who you are and how you look will go a long way in making you feel confident. Stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself that you are beautiful. Do this everyday, and learn to love who you are. You may have silky gorgeous long hair or have long legs that look great in shorts. You may have very pretty eyes, and be able to wear clothing that is meant for shorter women. Accentuate the positive and play down the negative aspects of your body.
It doesn't matter what other people think, it matters what you think of yourself. Your body is what you were born with so why not make the most of it, and live life to the fullest, everyday.

How to Find out if he or she is the right one.

When becoming seriously involved in a relationship, you think about taking the relationship to the next level. You may want to move in together or get married. But, you need to know if he or she is the right one. Just how do you find out if he or she is the right one?

There are four relationship tests:

Trust your gut feeling----
When you are in a serious relationship, and you are wondering if your boyfriend or girlfriend is the right one, you will have to trust your gut feeling. When you have a feeling that something is wrong, that nagging feeling, then usually that means there is something wrong. You need to trust your gut. This may sound very vague, but you need to sit down alone, and really think about if he or she is the right person for you. If you really think something is wrong, then ask what is wrong.

The animal test----
In order to find out if a person is the right one, you need to find out if your partner is a good person. Try doing a test on your boyfriend or girlfriend. Introduce a dog or cat into the relationship. You can take your partner to a friend’s house to do this also, if you are not ready to have a dog or cat. Pick up the cat or dog and pet it. Watch in a casual, relaxed manner what your boyfriend, or girlfriend does. If your boy/girl friend runs in terror from the animal, this may mean she has not grown up with an animal, and has no experience with animals. An animal loving person is a person that shows love and compassion easily.However a person that hates animals may have major problems that need to be addressed before he can enter into a committed relationship with another person.
Child test---

Another test to perform on your partner is to find out if he or she likes children. You should find out if your partner can handle being around children. When a person has been raised with several siblings, or he has been raised in a large household, he will know how to get along with other people. When a child has been raised as an only child, he may be more selfish, more self reliant, and not be able to share easily with others.
When you are planning on having kids in the near future you will want to live your life with a person who can take care of children. When a person can talk to, and get along with children this is usually a good sign that you have met a “keeper.”

Family/Parent test---

To find out if your boyfriend or girlfriend is the right one, perform the ultimate test; introduce your parents to your partner. You will also want to meet his parents and family. While having your partner meet your parents, he may find that he has nothing in common with them, and that he feels he is making a mistake. Your parents may be more laid back, and charismatic, or just the opposite. You are better off discovering what his family is like before allowing the relationship to become very serious.
Making sure he or she is the right one is not difficult, just use common sense, and perform a few necessary tests. If you are still unsure of your future partner, hold off on the relationship for a while to give the two of you time to think about what you really want. Copyright (c), 2010, written by professional author Kate Johns.

Valentine's Day is Overcommercialized

Just when you thought it was safe to settle down in a dreary winter existence of working, and staying home cuddling under numerous blankets, along come the ads beckoning you to spend more money. Didn't we just end the money spending fervor, called Christmas?

Now we are brought to the brink of insanity with retailers forcing Valentine's Day down our throats.
Obviously they are trying desperately to make money. But do we have to run out to stores or order online expensive jewelry for our female soul mates? Does she really deserve to have another diamond ring foist upon her?

The ads start every year at least a month before February 14, with numerous jewelery ads showing expensive necklaces, rings and earrings. TV ads, online ads, newspaper ads showcasing pricey items filled our heads like those sugarplums of Christmas past.

All I want to know is when did Valentine's Day become all about buying expensive jewelry for the woman in your life? My husband has never bought me an expensive item for V-day. And when I told him that, he got huffy with me.

Pro flowers ads have sprung up on the Internet so much so, that I now hate and don't ever want to see another red rose. Big box stores are in on the game:
Kmart even is hawking jewelry. Last year, I remember getting numerous Walmart ads decorated with everything red for your sweetie, including stuffed animals, and candy hearts. By the way---Where's Victoria's Secret in the melay?

Next, major retailers will be counting down to Valentine's day. They will force us to buy a Valentine's tree complete with red, pink and white ornaments. Do you really need another mug laden with red,and pink hearts?
Enough already!!

I say we go back to the days when Valentine's day was not over-commercialized, and forced down our throats. We are making single people feel like crap! Stop bludgeoning us over the hearts with candy, lacy red teddies, and expensive presents!! Let's go back to celebrating Valentine's Day the way it was meant to be celebrated; between two people who love each other. Celebrate in your own way, whether that is staying home cuddling, or painting the town with pink, red and white hearts.

Before you know it, there will be Valentine's parades, and cupid for kids to ask for presents from. Do we really need to get everyone in the family V-day gifts? Do the kids need candy hearts, and new stuffed animals? Do we really have to have Valentine's parties for the kids? Do we really have to over do buying everyone at work heart candy, cakes, or doughnuts?

It's gotten to the point where it is expected that men run out and buy their sweetheart expensive presents for Valentine's Day. But you don't have to go into debt to satisfy your Sweetie! A good old fashioned romp in the hay will do the trick, Guys! Hint hint, and acting like a romance novel character will enhance the pleasure. copyright 2011, (c), written by professional author Kate Johns.

How to have a cheap company Christmas party.

Where my husband works, they are trying to cut costs anyway they can. So, I was surprised when they had a Christmas party. They held this festive affair in January. The business where he works even took some of my cheap ideas, and came up with some of their own. They held the party after Christmas in January, didn't serve dinner, and made employees pay for their own booze.

Number one- Have an office party instead of a big party at a restaurant or club. Ask everyone to bring a dish to pass, including Christmas cookies. One person brings a Cd player and the Christmas jams. Another person can bring a karaoke machine. Everyone can chip in to buy any booze you will need, unless you are having an alcohol free event.

Number two- Tell employees to chip in to pay for the party. Your Scrooge-like employer will not have to pay for the entire affair. This may mean the difference between raises, a party, or letting someone go.
Number three- Have a work related party at the boss's home, or a co-worker's home. Once again, everyone can bring a dish of food to pass, and a bottle of alcohol. This way you get to have a party and don't have to pay all the expenses that go with a club, bar or restaurant.

Number four- Have the party at happy hour at a club or bar. You can get free appetizers, cheaper prices on drinks, and still everyone gets to have a good time outside of the workplace.
Number five- Plan on having the work party after Christmas during a slower time of year, such as in January. At this time, many restaurants, and clubs will be begging for business, and your office can get lower prices than offered at Christmas time.

Number six- Save money on a work holiday party by trading business for the party. In other words, your business can give something to the restaurant, bar or club in exchange for the Christmas party. Depending on what kind of business you work at, you might be able to set up a very sweet deal!

Number seven-Save money on a work holiday party by doing something completely different. Don't have a regular, Christmas party. Instead throw a sledding party, or a party at the boss's home. Everyone can make snowmen, and ice-skate on a homemade ice skating rink.

Number eight- Have the holiday party during the warmer months and rent out a shelter at a park, picnic site, or at the beach. Why not, it's cheaper then renting a large room at a club. You might even be able to afford to buy tickets to a baseball game.

Number nine- Instead of having a Christmas party, splurge for the staff to go to a holiday show, or a holiday concert. You can even get a discount rate on a large order. Community Theater is cheaper than big city theater productions!

Don't be a total business Scrooge this year, have a company Christmas party, with proper prior cheapo planning!! Copyright 2010, written by Kate Johns, who has been writing professionally since 2004.