Use this handy cheat sheet to expand your romantic vocabulary!
Marriage and relationship experts agree on the importance of communicating love to our partners often and in a variety of forms. In his New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman makes a strong case for spouses learning to communicate love to one another in many forms. Not the least of these is through the spoken and written word.
"I love you." It's vital these three important words be conveyed regularly and often to keep a relationship healthy and strong. How To Say "I Love You" Without Words
Throughout the almost 30 years of their marriage, Jim and Carrie Gordon — authors of The Intimate Couple and The Romantic Couple websites — have given and received hundreds of love letters and romantic cards to and from each other. Carrie asserts that Jim is a true romantic and has a keen ability to include romantic phrases in the love letters and greeting cards he gives to her. His use of romantic expressions clearly communicates "I love you" to Carrie!
Recently, Carrie sifted through her growing collection of cards and love letters from Jim to compile a list of loving words, romantic phrases and expressions of passion. We're including her partial list here as a cheat sheet for guys to use!
Refer to this handy list of romantic sayings the next time you're looking for a special phrase to personalize a purchased greeting card, add variety to a love letter or email, include in a text, write on a bathroom mirror or
use in a note tucked inside a book. 3 Love Lessons From 'The Hunger Games'
1. You, sweetheart, are my one and only.
2. You take my breath away.
3. Lovingly yours.
4. With you, forever won't be too long.
5. To the world's best wife!
6. When I see you, I think "Good job, God!"
7. You are the love of my life!
8. It's awesome to spend my life with you!
9. Love you, sweetheart! Learn To Say 'I Love You' In Over 100 Languages
10. I treasure you.
11. I adore you.
12. Sweetheart, you stir my soul!
13. I'm head over heels for you.
14. I cherish you.
15. You turn me on!
16. Life is incomplete without you.
17. To the one I love:
18. We were made for each other!
19. You're my soulmate and the love of my life. Advice: Is Finding A Soul Mate Unrealistic?
20. You're one hot babe!
21. I'm looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together!
22. Sweetheart, you add peace, subtract sorrow and multiply joy in my life!
23. I can't even conceive of life without you.
24. The best thing in life is spelled Y-O-U!
25. You, my love, are my inspiration.
Miss sweet is a woman who's positive, content with her life, always upbeat -- and just a blast to be around. She's a genuine person without a bitch bone in her body. She's always truly happy to see you and you find yourself looking forward to spending time with her. Miss Sweet is usually snapped out of the dating market right away, so they're pretty rare. But if you can find one, you're got a real treasure in your hand.
Miss Equality
This type of woman is a true feminist-- not one of the radical man haters, or the hypocritical pseudo feminist who think that equality means "I demand equal rights and an equal salary, but a man still has to pay for me" The Miss Equalitys of the world genuinely like men, and understand that equality means equality across the board, from holding the door open to fighting on the front lines. The believe that a should be 50/50 partnership, and are more than willing to shoulder their half of the responsibilities and dating expenses-- just because its the right thing to do.
Miss Sexual
You should be so lucky to encounter one of these! Miss Sexual loves men and loves sex-- and makes no bones about it. She's not selling it, she is not suing it as a tool to manipulate men-- she just naturally craves it. Miss Sexual is not to be confused with a nymphomaniac, who suffers from psychological problems-- rather, she has somehow bypassed the female societal training of autioning of the use of their vagina to the highest bidder. For this reason, most other women hate her, because she's giving it away free of charge. But men lover because she's a free spirit who's actually honest about her sex drive, very rare, but worth searching the ends of the earth for.
Miss Best Friend
Closely aligned with Miss Sweet, Miss Best Friend is another joy to be around. She's the kind of woman you're totally in sync with-- you like the same things, watch the same TV shows, enjoy going to the same places . You can spend five minutes with her and think you've known her for years. She is always on your side, laugh at all your jokes and calls you just to say "hi" because she genuinely misses you. She's just great to hang with. A word of warning though-- Miss Best Friend, you have to make your sexual interest known from day one because if she gets it into her head that you are going to be "just friends" its always impossible to change her mind.
Miss Straightforward
This is the type of woman who knows how to communicate. With Miss Straightforward, there are no, no expecting men to be mind readers, no behavior based on ridiculous, female- biased advice from articles in Cosmo or the rules. Miss Straightforward will pick up the phone and ask you out. She will do what she says she will do-- not say one thing and do just the opposite. Although she may be blunt at times, at least you'll know where you stand and you'll never have to spend hours trying to decode contradictory or emotion- based female behavior.
Miss Independent
This is a good woman to find if you don't have a lot of time to invest in a relationship or you're the type of guy who needs a lot of space. Miss Independent has a real life of her own and is happily going on her won positive direction. She's the type who wants a man in her life. And she is certainly isn't looking for man to solve all her problems or blame when things don't go her way.
Miss No Pressure
While many woman are chomping at the bit to get married, Miss No Pressure hasn't fallen prey to any such agenda. She's happy just to be with you. So you don't get any "Where is our relationship going? " or hint- dropping about the future or window- shopping at the jewelry store. She may want to get married at some point, but she is in no hurry-- she thinks that if it happens, it will just happen naturally.
Miss Secure
Miss Secure accepts herself as she is and is comfortable with her good points, as well as her bad. And she feels the same about you . Miss Secure doesn't need constant attention to shore up a sagging ego, has tons of self esteem and is always going in her own positive direction.
Miss Personality
Miss Personality is a great find. She might not be the first prize in a beauty contest (although she could be), but her intelligence, wit, and sparkling presence just light up the room, and she draws people like a magnet. Her personality is so charming that is easily overcomes the deficiencies she might have in the looks department, just because she is so great with you.
Miss Low Maintenance
The rarest of the rare, Miss Low Maintenance is the most atypical of modern women. She really doesn't care about how much money you have-- she just likes you for yourself and not for what she can take from you. She's likely to be a true feminist, and will gladly pay her share of the dating expenses. If you can find a Miss Low Maintenance, hang on to her for dear life!
Miss Right for You
A lot of guys choose women who are "arm candy" -- good looking trophy girlfriends who bolster their status among other men or counteract their own insecurities. That's all well and good, but if you find a woman who makes you happy, regardless of looks, age or social status-- or what any other guy thinks-- then you have definitely won at the mating game.
You don't have to fly to Paris or London to see some fine art—we have plenty right in our own backyard. Here are five exhibits, installations, and murals in the U.S. so great, they're worth making a weekend out of.
The Lightning Field, Walter De Maria — Western New Mexico
The art: Come for the exhibition calendar filled with contemporary art; stay for the mammoth Sol LeWitt retrospective on display until 2033. Housed in a 26-building factory complex, Mass MoCA is one of the largest centers for contemporary art in the country but has the experimental agenda of a smaller gallery. The highlight is Building #7, where the walls are penciled and painted with over 100 of LeWitt's drawings. Where to stay: The delightful Porches Inn sits right across the street from the museum, occupying the former factory's workers' cottages. Where to eat:Nudel Restaurant in Lenox for thoughtfully constructed pasta dishes. While you're there: Stop by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. In summer, enjoy outdoor concerts at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The Detroit Industry Murals, Diego Rivera — Detroit, Michigan
The art: Diego Rivera's monumental murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts are often cited as the best example of Mexican mural art in the U.S. And then there's the controversy over the work's supposedly Marxist agenda. Whatever your political views, there's no denying the power of the 27 enormous panels that cover the walls of the museum's Rivera Court. Portraying the history of Detroit's industrial rise, the murals are the result of weeks of photographic studies undertaken by Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo during the 1930s. Where to stay:The Westin Book Cadillac recently underwent a $200 million renovation, restoring the hotel to its former glory. Where to eat:Buddy's, a Detroit institution since 1946 famous for its square pizza. While you're there: Shop for Detroit-made watches at Shinola, or head to the Ford Museum in Dearborn (a 20-minute drive from the city).
Rothko Chapel – Houston, Texas
The art: Founded in 1971 as a place for meditation, the Rothko Chapel is a sanctuary of calm, and of course art. Commissioned by Houston philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel stars fourteen canvases by Mark Rothko as well as a sculpture by Barnett Newman. In line with its all-encompassing mission statement, the chapel is free and open to the public year-round. Where to stay: Central and plush, the St. Regis should be top of your list. Where to eat: At Oxheart, chef Justin Yu reminds you just how delicious vegetables can be, while at the more carnivorous-sounding Underbelly, Chris Shephard serves up a flavorsome mishmash of different cuisines. While you're there: Pick up a pair of custom cowboy boots from the experts at Tejas.
The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts – St. Louis, Missouri
Mountains are majestic and sweeping plains sublime,
but nothing fuels our wanderlust quite like a vast pool of water
(especially in the dead of winter). These spectacular bodies of water
are found everywhere from the jungles of Bali to the lava fields of
Iceland, but they all have one thing in common: the ability to make us
marvel.
Gorgeous details—ruffles of
pleats, buttons dotting the back—make this dress look 10 times more
expensive than it really is. All the more money you can spend on your
wedding cake.
White by Vera Wang Mermaid Gown with Pleated Skirt and Bubble Hem, $250, davidsbridal.com
Blake Lively isn’t the only girl who can
get married in Marchesa thanks to the designer’s newly launched line
for JCP. Oh, and if you accidentally call your husband-to-be "Ryan
Reynolds," it’s totally fine.
Pearl Georgina Chapman of Marchesa Long Organza Dress, $250, jcpenney.com
Nothing to see here...just an amazing PEPLUM JEWELED GOWN for every girl who was a fashionista long before she was a bride-to-be.
Laundry by Shelli Segal Satin Peplum Gown, $225, dillards.com
The on-trend mermaid silhouette and
layers of ruffled tulle give this deceptively simple dress a subtle
wow-factor. Just picture your sexy-ass man in a tux next to this.
Chills.
Tadashi Shoji One Shoulder Ruched Gown in Ivory, $184, tadashishoji.com
his all-over-lace dress is perfect for brides who are also sexpots. We're looking at you, girl.
Ralph Lauren Sleeveless Lace Gown, $160, ralphlauren.com
Do you know what is so baller about this
dress? You’ll look heart-stoppingly gorgeous and elegant, but unlike
any other bride who’s ever posted her photos to Facebook before. This is your special day, dammit.
Deco Beaded Blouson Gown, $258, cache.com
is vintage-inspired dress is the effing
bomb. You will want to wear it to ALL of the weddings you attend after
yours. Sorry we're not sorry, other brides.
Adriana Papell Dress, $299, macys.com
The crisp white color and goddess-draping
gives this dress an effortless feel, perfect for a destination wedding Ã
la Nick and Vanessa’s Dream Wedding. (This may or may not be
perma-saved on our DVR.)
BCBG Max Azria Barbara One-Shoulder Satin Evening Gown, $288, bcbg.com
You’ll love this off-white chiffon gown so much, you'll want to marry it.
Calvin Klein Strapless Pleated Gown, $180, dilliards.com
This untraditional wedding dress belongs
next to charming, low-key details: Hand-written place cards, old-time-y
drinks in Mason jars...you get the picture.
Dolce Vita Dress, $300, bhldn.com
Emergency crews work at the scene of a massive pileup involving more than 40 vehicles, many of them semitrailers, along Interstate 94 Thursday afternoon near Michigan City, Ind. At least three were killed and more than 20 people were injured.
By Jeff Black, Staff Writer, NBC News
Workers continued Friday morning picking through the wreckage of a massive pileup on a busy northern Indiana interstate that killed three people and injured 20 more.
More than 40 vehicles — many of them tractor-trailers — were involved in the chain-reaction wreck Thursday afternoon on Interstate 94, the main artery connecting Detroit and Chicago in Indiana.
At least one person was trapped in a vehicle for hours before authorities could come to the rescue, Indiana State Police said.
LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan said the victims are a 66-year-old Chicago-area man, who had a dog with him that also died, and a couple from Grand Rapids, Mich. The names were withheld until families are notified.
Advertise | AdChoicesState police scheduled a news conference later Friday morning during which officials expected to release identities of the victims.
Twenty other people were hurt and taken to local hospitals, state police said. At least three were in critical condition.
Snow and whiteout conditions were contributing factors to the accident, state police said. A band of heavy lake-effect snow was reported Thursday afternoon when the pileup began, dropping 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour and reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less, National Weather Service meteorologist Evan Bentley said.
NBCChicago footage taken from a helicopter showed snowy conditions.
Dixie Juchcinski, speaking in stand-still traffic some four miles from the crash, told the station the accident occurred in white-out conditions.
"When we first came to a stop, it was a complete whiteout," Juchcinski said. "It was kind of a surprise to us because we could only see one or two cars in front of us."
Scott Collins, 17, of Chesterton, Ind., was riding in a car with three other teens and saw the crash happen just behind them.
"One of the semis started sliding and I think it jackknifed in the middle of the road" and collided with another semi, he told the Associated Press. "After that happened, multiple semis locked up. ... We were pretty nervous."
1 3–4-lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste 3 cloves garlic 2 scallions, roughly chopped 2 sprigs parsley 1 sprig thyme, stemmed 1 Scotch bonnet chile, split 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced 2 tbsp. canola oil 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced ½ red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp. tomato paste
2. Heat oil in a 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Scrape marinade from chicken; reserve marinade. Add chicken to pot and cook, turning once, until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Add remaining green bell peppers, onions, and red bell peppers to pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, 8–10 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Return chicken to pot, along with reserved marinade and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover pot slightly; cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Traditional Muslim weddings are always events of a lifetime, with
every friend and distant relative attending, lavish costumes often
adorned with gold or silver jewelry, and precise Islamic religious
rituals to be followed.
Still, people are people, and each culture tends to evolve its
own ways of celebrating. So a Muslim wedding in Egypt might look one
way, while a Muslim wedding in Africa or India might follow completely
different customs. Sure, there will be certain core religious traditions
that are constant, but beyond that each culture may have very different
Muslm wedding traditions.
I was just blown away by bride, Saira and her wedding attire and beautiful accessories, the exquisite accents of gold, red and blue
creating an explosion of color. We are all generally fascinated by weddings
of another culture and this one is truly a beauty to behold.
Saira and Rizwan married via a Muslim ceremony at Cams Hall in Hampshire in April Last year...
Saira’s beautiful dress was sourced from the Karachi region
of Pakistan. In addition to the traditional red and golden threads
popular in Asian Muslim wedding dresses, Saira also chose to
incorporate royal blue and turquoise hues into her outfit.
Having been given away by her brothers to the sound of ‘It’s Life’ by
Niraj Chang, Saira, her new husband and their guests enjoyed
entertainment throughout the day from Storm Roadshow, a leading bhangra
entertainment company.
From disinfecting your cell phone screen to scrubbing cast iron pans,
experts dish on the right way to clean nearly everything in your home
Ever mop your floor only to find it duller than the blind date you
had with your aunt's "handsome" co-worker? Yeah, us too. Turns out, as
simple as housekeeping seems, there's definitely a right way to clean
things. From granite countertops to iPhones to pillows, we rounded up
the correct way to tidy up everyday items in your home.
1. Smartphone screens
You know that cloth you get with a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses? Melissa Maker of cleanmyspace recommends
using it to rub makeup, fingerprints and even bacteria from your cell
phone’s screen. For stubborn smudges, put a drop of dish soap into a cup
of warm water. Dip one corner of the cloth into the water and wipe the
dirty area clean. Use the dry part to buff away any moisture.
2. Laminate floors
To pick up dirt and dust on laminate flooring, Pergo suggests
using either a dust mop or a vacuum with a hard-floor attachment. For a
deeper clean, dampen a cloth mop with a mixture of one cup of white
vinegar and one gallon of warm water; change the solution as it gets
dirty. Want to get your flooring extra shiny? Stay away from soap or
detergent-based cleaners, wax and polish, and instead buff the dry floor
with a towel.
3. Granite, marble or stone tile
Dust and grit can mar your natural stone surface, so frequent dusting or mopping is important, according to the experts at the Marble Institute of America.
If you choose to vacuum, first check the attachments and wheels for
sharp points that can scratch some stone. For a more thorough clean,
dampen a soft rag mop or a soft cloth with a solution of stone soap, a
neutral cleaner or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent, and warm water.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid film and streaks.
Rinse the surface well, changing water as needed, and dry with a soft
cloth.
4. Microwave
We love this simple, nontoxic microwave cleaning tip from How Stuff Works.
Mix 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup white vinegar in a microwave-safe
bowl. Use at least a four-cup bowl so the solution won't boil over.
Microwave on high until the mixture comes to a rolling boil and the
microwave window steams up. Let it cool for a few minutes, then wipe
down the interior with a damp sponge.
5. Windows, Glass and Mirrors
The experts at Woman's Day
suggest using only a microfiber cloth and warm water to make glass
sparkle. Prevent streaks by using one wet microfiber cloth for cleaning
and one dry one for drying. For heavier cleaning, switch from plain
water to a mixture of one part ammonia and three parts water with a bit
of dishwashing soap.
6. Cast Iron Pots and Pans
Forget soap -- plain water and a sponge are all you need to clean a cast iron skillet. If you need to remove burned-on residue, The Kitchen.com suggests putting baking soda or boiling water in the pan. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.
7. Rugs and Carpets
Slow and easy, that's what the Carpet and Rug Institute recommends
when it comes to vacuuming your rug or carpet. Stick with back and
forth motions, moving slightly to the left or right about every four
strokes. Also, change the bag or empty the dirt cup when it’s about 1/2
to 2/3 full.
8. Automatic Coffee Makers
You don’t need a special solution to de-gunk your coffee maker. About.com’s Mariette Mifflin
recommends filling the reservoir with a solution of one part white
vinegar to two parts water. (If your coffee maker has a permanent filter
or a water filter, remove these first.) Run through a brew cycle, and
allow the mixture to sit a few minutes before discarding it. Follow with
two cycles of clear water to rinse. Let the brewer cool down between
cycles.
9. Stovetop Iron Burner Grates
Stove burner grates are notoriously tough to clean. Not so with this easy tip from The V Spot:
Put 1/4 cup of ammonia and a burner grate into a large plastic zippered
bag. Place the bag on a cookie sheet overnight, and wipe the grate
clean in the morning. The fumes from the ammonia will dissolve the
grease and hardened oil.
10. Pillows
Wait, we need to
wash our pillow two or three times a year? Considering all the sweat and
skin cells it collects (ewww!), the answer is a resounding yes. We like
this tip from Melissa Maker of cleanmyspace.
Start by squeezing excess air out of the pillow before placing it in
the washer. (For top-loading washers, you can launder two pillows at a
time. Front-load models can handle one or two pillows.) Use a
fragrance-free detergent and, if needed, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to
the wash to help remove pillow odors. Run a full cycle using warm water,
and do an extra spin cycle to remove excess moisture. Then dry on low
using dryer balls. (You can make your own by tying a tennis ball in a
white sock.) At the end of the cycle, inhale deeply into the pillow. If
it seems to contain moisture, put it through another dryer cycle.
We don't know if it's the dramatic views or
outstanding design, but either way, we'd be happy to just hang out in
the lobbies of these Gold List hotels for the rest of our lives.
Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest, Hungary
Located at the foot of the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of the Danube,
this Art Nouveau–Secessionist building features mosaics, stained glass,
and ironwork.
Primeland Resort Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
The rustic-chic eco lodge, located south of Meadows of Dan, features a
brick and wood-paneled lobby overlooking sprawling green vistas.
Four Seasons Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The resort's nature-inspired design is reflected in its dramatic lobby,
which features local lava rock, wood, clay tile, and imported marble.
Westin Riverfrint Resort & Spa in Avon, Colorado
This LEED Silver–certified resort is finished simply in stone and glass,
and is "not too over-the-top," according to our readers. Can't say the
same about those stunning views from the lobby, though.
21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas
The lobby, like the rest of the museum-hotel, is both elegant and
modern, with high ceilings, cool tones, polished concrete floors, and
touches of artwork. The integration of natural light is a central focus
throughout the 100,000 square foot property.
St. Regis in New York, New York
This 18-story Beaux Arts landmark off Fifth Avenue is nothing short of
opulent. Just look at that crystal chandelier, frescoes, gold gilt
ceilings, and Louis XV furniture.
Le Sireunuse Positani Hotel in Amalfi, Italy
This stunning hotel, located on the Amalfi Coast, features distinctive
Moorish Baroque design elements. Its lobby boasts whitewashed walls,
glazed turquoise tiles, and domed ceilings.
Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
A 87-foot-long, 3,700-pound sculpture of the Colorado River is suspended
behind the check-in desk inside the Aria lobby. Though the lobby's
sparkling, gold-illuminated veneer might distract you from even noticing
it.
![25 Romantic Ways To Say 'I Love You' [EXPERT]](http://images.tangomag.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/node-full/image_blog/iloveyouuuuu.jpg "25 Romantic Ways To Say 'I Love You' [EXPERT]")
Santorina Greece, Santorini Hotel
Budapest Hungary, Hotel Gellert
Ubud Bali, Ubud Hanging Gardens
Gringavik Iceland, Blue Lagoon
Canyon Point Utah
Uluwatu Bali, Allila Villas Uluwatu
