Overview

Colder temperatures are here and they call for a change in the cocktail menu. While the sizzle of summer means sipping on cool, fruity drinks like a margarita rimmed in salt or a tall gin and tonic, the change in season calls for drinks that are deeper, warmer and bring to mind evenings with friends around a crackling fire. Autumn is a great time to return to traditional cocktails. Dig out your cocktail shaker and try some of the drink recipes below before the holidays arrive. Then, make room for sparkling wines and festive champagne drinks.   Manhattan This classic drink brings us bac... more ...

I know u guys haven't seen me on here for awhile. It is because I met the woman I truly love here. You may or may not know her as capricorn1. We have been an item since last March and are deeply in Love. We need to thank you Graham and your partners for giving us the opportunity to meet on your site. This is the most awesome feeling I have had in my life to find true love at 58 and to all you people that haven't found the perfect match yet be patient. I remember being here with some very special people that helped me through some hard times when I first joined this site a few years bac... more ...

You live in one city and the one you love is across the country. Family obligations or work keeps each of you tethered to your towns but you are determined to hang on and somehow make your relationship work. Some people might think this sounds like heartbreak and torture and consider all long distance dating to be doomed. For others, long distance dating is romantic and somehow they make it work for them. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of a faraway romance.   Same Wavelength When you start a long distance romance, pick a moment to talk about the ground rules. Know that par... more ...

For many of us, there comes a time when we realize that our parents should no longer live alone. They may need to move into a different living situation because of health reasons, financial reasons or simply because their current home has become too large for them to manage on their own. Adult children want the best for their parents and sometimes they assume that moving their mother or father into their own home is the best solution. But is it? Consider some of the following issues before you make this decision.   Options Your parent may wish to move in with you or perhaps it is you w... more ...

If you tend to cringe when you open your utility bill each month, you probably need to be more proactive about how you use energy at home. Small, simple changes in every day habits can mean big savings, especially if you are consistent. Try some of these tips and you may be able to look at your next utility bill with your eyes wide open.       Lower the Lights Turning off the lights when you leave a room and only using the light you absolutely need seems like common sense but many people leave lights blazing throughout their houses as if every night was a party. Consider in... more ...

Life is stressful. No one can deny that every now and then even the little problems in life seem like too much to handle. While you can't get rid of stress, you can limit its effect on you. Simple tools that you can use anytime, anywhere can help put things in perspective and give you the calm you need to carry on. You don't need to be a yoga expert or spend weeks at a meditation retreat to use these relaxation techniques. Grab a cup of hot tea and try some of the following strategies to help you deal with every day stress.   Meditation There are many different kinds of meditat... more ...

As buying local produce and eating organic food becomes more popular, farmer's markets are cropping up everywhere, from big city streets to small town squares. If you are still a grocery store shopper and your local outdoor market remains a mystery, here are some tips that may help you navigate the market for the best and freshest produce of the season.     When To Go For the first few visits to your market, you may want to experiment by going at different times of day. Early shoppers can usually beat the crowds and have first pick of the best produce. If you prefer a colorfu... more ...

If you find you that you have extra space in your house and extra room in your heart, you may want to consider getting a pet. Caring for a pet has been linked to improved health and mental well being and animals everywhere are waiting for a human family. All you need to do is choose.   Make a Match Are you a dog lover? Do you have a passion for birdsong? Consider carefully before investing in what may be a very long-term relationship with an animal. A dog may live 12 years while a cat may live 20 and a bird may last several decades. Assess your lifestyle. Do you really have room for a ... more ...

When you are first dating, being in a group can be easier than being alone together. If you are in a group, others can fill in awkward gaps in the conversation and give you time to get comfortable with your date. Group dates also give you a chance to see how your partner interacts with others. Is he polite? Is she warm? Here is a sampling of casual settings and activities that will engage a variety of couples.       Give Back Organize a service project for the group. You can volunteer to paint a school, collect clothes for the homeless or work at a food bank. Community serv... more ...

It's mid-afternoon and your energy is beginning to flag. Visions of a refreshing soft-serve ice cream cone flash before your eyes. A double mocha latte pumped full of sugar seems like the perfect solution to help you get through the pile of work on your desk. You need a little pick-me-up but what can you choose that won't turn into love handles the minute it hits your palate? Believe it or not, you can snack during the day without risking too many excess calories and unwanted pounds. If you think before you eat and plan ahead, you can stock your pantry with healthy snacks that will qu... more ...