The Four Most-Unhealthy Halloween Candies

The average American eats 24 pounds of candy every year. And I'm not sure if you've heard, but . . . candy is bad for you. Just to put it in perspective:

--A pack of Skittles has more sugar than two scoops of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. And there are the same number of calories in nine Twizzlers as there are in a Wendy's Double Stack Burger.

--So if you want to avoid the worst-of-the-worst this Halloween, here's a list from "Men's Health" of the four worst Halloween candies, and what you should eat instead . . .

THE WORST "FUN SIZE" CANDY BAR: BUTTERFINGER. There's no faster way to swallow 100 calories and 4 grams of fat. Go with a 3 Musketeers instead. The fun size bars have 63 calories and half the fat.

THE WORST FRUITY CANDY: AIRHEADS. They're basically sugar, artificial flavors, and partially hydrogenated oil . . . which means they have trans fat. Give out Dum Dum lollipops instead. Kind of lame compared to Airheads, but they have half the calories.

THE WORST CHEWY CANDY: CARAMELS. Each one has about 40 calories and more than one gram of fat. And you never just eat one. Instead, have a "Now And Later." They have less than half the calories and almost no fat.

THE WORST NOVELTY CANDY: REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKINS. They're like regular Peanut Butter Cups, but bigger . . . which is why they're so amazing. But they also have almost two-thirds more calories.

--So stick with Reese's BITE SIZE Peanut Butter Cups. You can eat four, and it's still better for you than eating one Peanut Butter Pumpkin.

Six Ways To Stop Wasting Food

If you want to stop wasting food, obviously step one is eating what you put on your plate. But if you REALLY want to get serious, here are six tricks from "Country Living" on how you can make the most out of your groceries . . .

#1.) STORE COTTAGE CHEESE OR SOUR CREAM UPSIDE DOWN. It creates a vacuum that keeps bacteria from growing. Just make sure the lid's definitely on tight before you try it.

#2.) USE PAPER TOWELS TO LINE THE BOTTOM OF THE VEGETABLE DRAWER IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR. They'll absorb the extra moisture, which is what makes vegetables rot.

#3.) BEFORE YOU PUT A BLOCK OF CHEESE AWAY, SPREAD BUTTER ON THE END YOU CUT FROM. It helps seal in the moisture so you won't have to cut off a dry chunk next time.
--The only problem is, you save slices of cheese by wasting butter. And spreading butter on a block of cheese definitely won't make it any healthier.

#4.) MAKE VEGETABLES CRUNCHIER WITH A BOWL OF ICE WATER. You can make carrots, celery, or radishes crunchy again by putting them in a bowl of ice water along with a slice from a raw potato.

#5.) NEVER THROW AWAY HONEY. It doesn't go bad. So if it looks cloudy, it just means it's crystallizing. But you can turn it back into honey by running the bottle under hot water.

#6.) DON'T SEPARATE BANANAS UNTIL YOU'RE READY TO EAT THEM. They last longer if you keep them in a bunch.

Does It Embarrass Your Dog If You Put Him In A Halloween Costume?

We're less than a week away from Halloween. And with it comes the annual dilemma: Do you want to put an adorable but humiliating costume on your dog?

--The question is, of course, if dogs can feel embarrassment. Different experts have different opinions on the matter. Here's what some of them have to say.

--"The Pet Psychic" Sonya Fitzpatrick: "They feel everything. And they know when people laugh at them. I talk to thousands of animals . . . it really hurts their feelings."

--Another pet psychic, Patrice Ryan: "Pets know they're loved by their owner, and then the owner is allowing people to look at them and have a good laugh. It sends conflicting messages to the pet. So the pet is not really happy with that."

--Val Heart, animal communicator: Val isn't sure if dogs can be embarrassed or not, but, quote, "a lot has to do with the proper training to wear clothes that they've received and the responses or rewards they get when they're wearing it."

--Tamar Geller, animal behaviorist: "Dogs don't like to stand out because of their wild heritage: Wolves singled out from the pack were more susceptible to attack. They've never been taught to associate being dressed up with pleasure."

--Bonnie Beaver, a professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M: "If they're unhappy, [they're] probably reacting to the costumes themselves or the limited mobility they have when dressed up."

--The verdict? Four experts are against dressing up your dog . . . although only the psychics think the costumes embarrass the animal. One expert says that if you dress them up, you'd better give them a lot of treats. Now you know.

"Me" Time

Me time can be restorative as sleep. Savoring even a few minutes of it adds fuel to your being, enhancing your energy for the rest of the day," says Carol Kauffman, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "Indulging can even increase your performance at work." To savor stolen moments, remember this:

Start small. Close your eyes while listening to soothing tunes. Any activity can give you pep "if it calms and connects you to your core self," she says.

Relaxing daily is as essential as going on an annual vacation. "View each 24 hour period as a microcosm of your year, and take a break," Kauffman says.

You're worth it. "You invest time in people you love, so you should be one of them," she advises.

What you need to know about fruit

I got this email from a listener and knew I had to share it with you. All of this info comes from Dr. Oz.

We all think eating fruit means just buying fruit, cutting it up and popping it into our mouths. It's not that easy. It's important to know how and when to eat fruit.

What's the correct way to eat fruit?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUIT AFTER A MEAL! FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

Eating fruit like that plays a major role in detoxifying your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.

Let's say you eat two slices of bread, then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it's prevented from doing so.

In the meantime, the whole meal rots and ferments, and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach, and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

Eat your fruit on an empty stomach, or before your meal! You've heard people complain: Every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc. This will not happen if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas. Hence, you bloat!

There's no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruit becomes alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruit, you have the Secret of Beauty, Longevity, Health, Energy, Happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT the concentrated juice from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated. Don't eat cooked fruit; you don't get the nutrients at all. You get only the taste. Cooking destroys all of the vitamins.

Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit-fast to cleanse your body. Eat fruit and drink fruit juice for just 3 days, and you will be surprised when your friends say how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange!

AN APPLE a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby helping to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

EATING 2 - 4 ORANGES a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon: Vitamin C and Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer!

Can you believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this applies to you. It's nice to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you've just consumed, which slows digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks.

HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE

Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they're asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful, and be aware. The more we know, the better our chance to survive.

I've got no words for how awesome I think this is....

Celebrate Being Single!

If you've recently gone through a breakup, you might be working through some pain and not have a lot to celebrate ... until now. It's National Singles Week! Time to celebrate the fact that you're not stuck in a bad relationship and that you can do whatever you want and date whoever you want! According to YourTango.com, here are some reasons why being single rocks:

• More Free Time -- This is the no-brainer. Relationships are a major time-suck. You now have time for hobbies, laundry, working out and just goofing off all day with nowhere to be.

• Opportunities for Love -- Even if you don't have anyone in your sights right now, don't worry. When you find someone, you'll get to fall in love again. It'll be fun and exciting.

• Your Time Is Yours -- When you're part of a couple, it's considerate and pretty normal to check in with your significant other to see what they're doing and if they want to join you in what you're planning on doing. When you're single, you're free to do what you want, when you want and how you want -- without any need to run your plans by anyone else.

• Free to Be Weird -- We all have little weird behaviors that make us happy that we try to hide around other people. No more need to keep your guard up. Just relax and be yourself.

What Women REALLY Want in a Guy

When it comes to finding the perfect husband, attractive women really are pickier. They want a handsome, good-looking man to someone who will be loyal and devoted to them. David Buss from The University of Texas at Austin and Todd Shackelford from Florida Atlantic University have answered that age-old question: What do women want? These are the four qualities attractive women want in a man:

Good genes, reflected in desirable physical traits
Economic resources
The desire to have children and good parenting skills
Loyalty and devotion

Five Secrets You Should Never Keep

Everyone has a little something to hide --but some things are so serious they absolutely must be shared with your significant other. The love gurus over at redbook magazine discovered a handful of secrets that you should never keep to yourself!

1. You've Got Money Issues. Remember the golden rule of communication --often couples don't realize the other is getting in deeply in debt because they simply don't talk.

2. There's a Chance Your Relationship Is In Trouble. JENNINE ESTES --a marriage and family therapist --suggests bringing up "scary feelings" like boredom or resentment before any real damage is done. Speak up quickly --even if it hurts.

3. You're Unhappy in Bed. "Faking it" may be an easy way out, but it's just not fair. Chances are the man in your life will be supportive --and will do almost anything to please you.

4. Something's Up With Your Health. Your well-being affects your entire family --open up and you could be surprised how the team will rally around you.

5. You've Had a Traumatic Past. People hold onto their secrets due to our good friend fear. Too bad hiding information can create distance in your relationship --open up, expose the scars and you'll probably see some major benefits.

6 things your body does that science can't explain...

From Cracked.com, here they are:

Yawning - it doesn't actually seem to serve any purpose. And it's strangely contagious.

Adolescence - Some believe teenagers were awkward balls of nerves and nose grease as early as the Homo erectus era over a million years ago, while others think it's a much more recent development.

Placebo Effect - A guy says he's feeling nauseous, you give him a sugar pill and tell him it'll cure it. He stops worrying about his stomach, thus the stomach calms down.

Dreaming - We really know very little about what causes them or what purpose they serve (Even though human beings are obsessed with dissecting and interpreting dreams).

Blushing - Some scientists, noting that women blush more than guys, have suggested that blushing developed specifically so they could prove they were honest and submissive towards men.

Pubic Hair - You're on your own on this one!

AI Auditions Online!

"American Idol" is now holding auditions online. Fox is celebrating the show's 10th anniversary by accepting videos from budding young pop stars at MySpace. The entries can't be longer than 40 seconds, and you have to choose from a list of approved songs.

Those include "Ain't No Sunshine" by BILL WITHERS, BARRY MANILOW's "Copacabana" and KEITH URBAN's "Kiss A Girl." Fox says some of the best entries will get an-in personal tryout in Los Angeles.

You have until October 6th to get their video audition uploaded, and you must be between the ages of 15 and 28.

Learn more a MySpace.com/americanidol.

What chefs never tell you:

C'mon, admit it; you've always wanted to know what the chef's know about dining out. Who better to ask? The people at the Food Network did and here are some highlights:

--Chefs are picky eaters; most in the survey said they hate liver, sea urchin, tofu, eggplant, and oysters.

--When eating out in other restaurants, chefs say they avoid pasta and chicken. They're often the most overpriced (and least interesting) on the menu.

--Appropriate tip: 20 percent, which is what chef's say they leave when they eat out (but 90 percent said it's fair to penalize bad waiters with a smaller tip).

--Menu "specials" are often experimental dishes. Only five percent said it's a way of using up old ingredients. Most use specials to try out new ideas or serve seasonal ingredients.

--Favorite restaurant: The French Laundry in California's Napa Valley. Dinner for ONE: $240. Before wine.

--Favorite fast food joint: Wendy's.

--Critics are more likely to get special treatment before movie stars do, by a 71-to-63 percent margin

--Roaches are more common than you think. Three-quarters admit they've seen roaches in the kitchen, but 85 percent give their kitchens an eight out of 10 for cleanliness.

--Only 13 percent have seen a cook do unsavory things to a customer's food.

--Chefs cook when they’re sick. Half admitted they did. It's not uncommon to get cut on the job, get stitches and come back to work.

--The five-second rule actually applies. One quarter said they'd pick up food that dropped on the floor and cook it.

--Waiters try to influence the order, according to 95 percent of the chefs.

--Restaurants mark up wine by a lot more than you think --up to 2½ times what it would cost in a wine store.

Seven Secrets of Low-Stress Families:

Life should be easy when you have a mommy, daddy, the pitter-patter of little feet and the family dog all under one roof, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case! Redbook magazine reports researchers from UCLA went on a mission to find how families with two working parents, at least two kids and a mortgage manage to keep it all together --peacefully!

1. Low-Stress Couples Don't Divvy Up the Chores. The key word here is "we" --no keeping score, no keeping track --happy households are focused on their common goals and partners pitch in without being asked.

2. Low-Stress Families Find Small Moments of Togetherness. While "bonding" may be nice to look at on the front of a Hallmark card, the true connections don't have to made on family vacations at Disneyland. Taking time to help out with homework, brushing your little girls' hair or making everyday tasks like laundry fun can go a long way.

3. Low-Stress Parents are Role Models --Not Pals. When mom and dad are patient and supportive of one another the kids can feel it and will be more inclined to act the same. Furthermore, parents who delegated chores to children as opposed to asking which ones they'd prefer suffered through fewer tantrums.

4. Low-Stress Moms Make Dinner From Scratch. Researcher MARGARET BECK discovered that almost every family spends an hour getting supper on the table, whether or not they're using "convenience" foods. Have a picky eater in the house? Put the little ones to work --Ms. Beck found that kids who assisted in food preparation always ate what was served and the mood in the house was lighter with a little team effort.

5. Low-Stress Moms Take Five Minutes of Me Time. The working woman is under a lot of pressure, but unwinding for just a few minutes is a key to keeping mom healthy.

6. Low-Stress Families Watch TV Together. If the gang wants to kick back with some tube time, don't sweat it! Believe it or not --laughing together over a sitcom or checking out your favorite sports teams can be a great way to bond.

7. Low-stress Families Embrace Daily Rituals. Routine and continuity helps families thrive. Reading bedtime stories every night, saying what you're thankful at dinner or any "little moment" repeated daily makes life comforting.

Seven Ways You Can Increase Your Child's Success in School

School is back in session for lots of kidlings around the country, so how are you gonna help your child tackle another year of new experiences? The parenting gurus over at Shine!.com put together this list:

1. Make Sure Your Kids Get Enough Sleep. Lack of z's can seriously impact a child's ability to learn and perform. Set a bedtime routine, stick to it every night and shut off the cell phone, TV and computer at least thirty minutes before bed.

2. Applaud Their Efforts the Right Way. Studies from Colombia University show how you praise your kids can enhance --or impede--their achievement. Rather than emphasize getting straight A's, ask how hard they're working. This will encourage their persistence and they'll be less likely to blame bad grades on lack of ability.

3. Respect Their Learning Style. There are eight kinds of intelligence or, simply put --ways people learn. Pay attention to which type your child gravitates to, even if it's not the way YOU would do it.

4. Pay Attention to Their Peers. Peer pressure exists --but it's not always bad. Keep tabs on their friends' grades and talk, talk, talk about the future and all the possibilities. One Ohio State University study found that kids are more likely to have buddies who plan to attend college if they have a warm, positive relationship with their parents.

5. Make Family Meals a Must. Get everyone together at the dinner table and you'll be poising your precious bundles of joy to make good choices. Colombia University researchers discovered kids who eat with mom and dad are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, develop eating disorders and achieve higher grades. What you have really doesn't matter --but turn off the phone and TV so you can enjoy one another's company. Are you schedules headed in every different direction? If time doesn't allow a group supper, shoot for a late-evening snack or dessert.

6. Cut the Stress. Conflict within the home impedes a child's ability to learn. "De-stress" your babies with long walks, group stretches or movie night. Do you have a sticky wicket in the house? Teach them its okay to walk away from an argument, refuse to engage with a "screamer" and watch for warning signs that someone's about to come unglued.

7. Tailor Expectations to Your Child's Abilities. It's natural to imagine your mini-me is the next Rhodes Scholar --but every child is different. Approach school like a rubber band --gently stretch but don't snap! While a neighbor may brag about test scores, grades or their offspring's gift of intelligence, the apple of your eye will still go on to do amazing things. Remember this mantra: "Tailor thy parenting only to thy child."

Domestic Habits That Annoy Women

Men. They drive us crazy, but we woman can't live with them and we can't live without them can we? Whatever the reason, men have a unique and sometimes gleeful way of irritating the ones they love most. Here are the 10 most annoying things men do when living with women. If you can think of more, feel free to comment below!

1. Men leave a wake of empty containers
2. They splash the mirror when they brush their teeth
3. Leave hair in the sink after shaving
4. Use 10 drinking glasses a day instead of one
5. Pee on the toilet seat
6. Litter the ground with laundry
7. Don't do house work
8. Burp and fart indiscriminately
9. Develop a martyr complex when sick
10. They channel surf rapidly (and seemingly aimlessly)

What's Your Purse-onality?

One of the most vital pieces of a woman's wardrobe is her purse. And what's inside your bag provides a wealth of clues about her:

Colorful clutch -- Bright-eyed and energetic, you bustle through life with a charming effervescence that draws others to your circle in droves. You overcome most of life's pitfalls with a cheerful grace, and you easily pump up the spirits of family and friends who are feeling blue.

Couture -- You're a go-getter who wouldn't be caught dead without your designer duds. Sure your bag may be costly, but you're a self-confident sort who knows you deserve only the best. Your belief in your own abilities makes you a natural-born leader, and others trust your judgement in important situations.

Backpack -- You're an unpretentious woman who's physically fit and ready for whatever life brings. You're never more alive than when you're enjoying outdoor activities that challenge your endurance, but your loved ones are also vital to your happiness. Wherever you go, your family unit will always be included.

Carryall -- There's a cornucopia of items in your bag -- from over-the-counter drugs to a complete makeup kit. You're a practical woman who's prepared for any contingency, and your mother hen approach is just fine with your family and friends who thrive on your nurturing warmth.

Shoulder bag -- You have your eye on the man chance, and you believe that hard work coupled with burning ambition will carry you to the top. People admire your drive because you get ahead with out hurting others. You're also a witty conversationist who is a welcome addition to any gathering.

What your dreams mean....

Ever wake up in the morning and wonder what that strange dream you had last night was all about? Dr. Martin J. Aronson, professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, says the meanings of dreams vary tremendously, but the interpretations of certain dream symbols is universal and easy to translate to your everyday life. Here are six of the most common themes, and how they could relate to you:

Caves -- Tunnels, doorways, bureau drawers or mossy caves represent a desire for affection of the need to get closer to a female in your life.

Running -- Being chased means you are running away from something that is too difficult or you are avoiding a confrontation.

Aliens -- Dreaming of creatures from outer space can be an indication that some outside force is playing a role in your life and you are uncertain of your surroundings or something that is going on in your life.

Water -- A calm stream of water stands for security, safety and comfort. Turbulent water on the other hand can mean there is a disruptive force in your current environment or that you feel overwhelmed.

Falling -- A drop generally means instability in your life but a free fall with no clear beginning or end represents a lack of connection the world around you.

Nightmares -- Contrary to what most people think ongoing nightmares are nothing to worry about.

And the celebrity you dream of reveals changes you may have in your life, if you dream of...

Madonna -- You'd like to make a change in your life.

Johnny Depp -- You want to make more intellectual, independent choices.

Courtney Love -- You'd like to be more gutsy.

Robert Downey Jr. -- You fear your own talent is somehow being squandered.

Britney Spears -- You're unsure how you should present yourself to the world.

Ben Affleck -- You want to be more carefree and adventurous.

Simon Cowell -- You fear that you're inadequate.

Sick of it All?

Being sick is terrible. You look horrible, feel bad and have to blow your sick days recuperating. Sick of it all? Here's how to wage germ warfare at the office.

Close your mouth. Germs travel through the air. In fact, they can fly as far as 30 feet. So if you're forced to sit near someone who's coughing, wheezing, or sneezing, keep your mouth shut; it's better to breathe through your nose where tiny hairs act as filters to keep out the germs.

Wash your hands. You get infected by touching hard surfaces: the coffee maker, the copy machine, and elevator buttons, where filthy, germ-encrusted co-workers have inadvertently left behind viral critters that can live for hours. A study by Purdue University says that the fix is to wash your hands often with antibacterial soap and warm water.

Hit the gym. Moderate exercise two or three times a week will help ward off a cold: A mellow workout increases the circulation of your immune cells, boosting the chances that they'll collide with and vanquish the virus.

Get a window seat. You want to avoid stagnant, germ-laden air at all costs, so get to the conference room early for meetings and snag yourself a spot near an open window or an air vent.
If you must share an office with a bonafide sicko request a desk fan.

Have a party with your buds. More friends, fewer colds, according to a Carnegie Mellon University study, because your pals help you deal with immune-system-suppressing stress. And a couple of stiff drinks a day seem to help keep the colds at bay. (Some docs say alcohol hurts a cold virus's ability to reproduce.) But the bartender should cut you off after two so you don't get dehydrated.

Kiss someone hot. Good news: Lipsmashing is still safe, since 90 percent of cold viruses lurk in your snot, not your spit.

Three Beauty Wives Tales to Ignore!

1. Eating Chocolate and Greasy Foods Makes You Break out. Sorry, unless you actually rub the pizza on your face this probably won't happen. DR. DIANE BERSON admits there are a few foods that can increase the risk of blemishes --the levels of iodine in sushi, shellfish and soy sauce have been known to cause inflammation and clog pores.

2. Dry Skin Causes Wrinkles. Moisturizer won't solve all your aging issues. Collagen breaks down far below the surface of the skin, but keeping your complexion soft will relieve the look of fine lines. If you're serious about caring for your precious looks the best thing to do is grab your sunscreen, preferably one that contains vitamin C.

3. Cold Water Will Shrink Your Pores. This is thanks to genetics, not H20. One tip you can follow is to keep those pores clean --they look bigger when they're clogged with oil and dead skin and any product with salicylic acid will wash them right out.

LIVE & LOVE LIKE NEWLYWEDS

The following list is from Dr. Schwontkowski's book "Partners for Life -- 50 Ways to Keep Your Love Honeymoon Fresh Forever."

Plan and serve foods and beverages your lover likes. There are several ways to a man's heart, the stomach is one of them. The same holds true for women, and savvy guys and gals will take advantage by taking the time to prepare those favorite snacks, meals and refreshments as a token of their love.

Don't be stingy with sex. And try to select love locations that your partner likes or finds adventurous and exciting. You don't always have to "go to bed."

Talk with your lover, and prepare yourself in advance for conversation that lasts awhile. If you have trouble starting a conversation, rely on topics that everyone is interested in and knows a little something about: Food, fond memories and friendly gossip come to mind.

Compliment your lover honestly, lavishly and often, both when you are alone and with other people. Whenever your lover does something that you appreciate, say so. Make sure you find something to praise every day, even if it's just "Thanks for putting the cap back on the toothpaste, dear," or "My don't you look good in that sweater."

Touch your lover's "oohhh baby" spots -- even when you're in public. Be discreet, but send a strong signal that you can't keep your mind -- or hands -- off your sweetie. Don't think you have to be a centerfold to use this strategy -- you don't.

Give your lover a stress-busting massage every day. With practice you can go head to toe in five minutes, bonding all the way.

Have you written any love letters lately? If so, keep it up. If not start now -- and don't stop.

Say, "I love you," at least twice a day and even more when you can squeeze the words in. Everyone needs to feel loved and needed. Enough said.

Regularly set aside time to romance your lover for hours on end. Not to guys: If you're a "two-minute man" and don't know how to maintain for hours, there are plenty of excellent how-to books and manuals. This doesn't include regular morning or late-afternoon walks together, which are highly recommended for your health and for bonding as a couple.

Make your lover laugh every day. Practical jokes dished out in the spirit of fun can work wonders for a relationship. Or you can get up a few minutes early and find the best comic strip in the newspaper you can share.