Should babies be allowed to ‘cry it out’?

Provided By: Take To Fun

Hands down, the biggest mom fight I ever witnessed involved two Upper West Side parents debating the pros and cons of the "cry-it-out" sleep method right before a Mommy and Me class.

The young instructor, who appeared ready to cry it out herself, had to break up the fight so she could start class.

Cry-it-out is a sleep training method that advocates letting your baby cry (or the more innocuous-sounding "self-soothe") for varying periods of time before offering comfort. The goal is to get your baby to learn how to fall asleep on her own, so you, too, can rest.

Central to it all is stress and sanity: the baby's, yours and that of everyone with earshot.

The method is the subject of intense debate, passionate opinions and conflicting research findings.

A few weeks ago, the journal Developmental Psychology published a study supporting the notion that a majority of infants over the age of 6 months may best be left to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own.

Noting that sleep deprivation can exacerbate maternal depression, Temple University researcher and professor Marsha Weinraub concluded: "Because the mothers in our study described infants with many awakenings per week as creating problems for themselves and other family members, parents might be encouraged to establish more nuanced and carefully targeted routines to help babies with self-soothing and to seek occasional respite."

There is broad agreement that parents' well-being is critical to infants' health and development. Weintraub suggested that the link between infant awakenings and maternal depression would benefit from further research.

Adequate sleep is, of course, key to parents' stress levels. Loss of sleep has been associated with a dramatically higher risk of depression in mothers and marital problems.

It is how well (or not) the baby fares in the cry-it-out scenario that muddies the waters.

On the pro sleep-training side, an Australian study published in September followed 326 children with parent-reported sleep problems at 7 months. Half the babies were placed in a sleep-training group and the other half in a control group that did not use sleep training.

Five years later, researchers followed up with the now-6-year-old participants and their parents.

The children in the two groups showed very little to no significant differences in terms of emotional health, behavior or sleep problems. Mothers' stress or depression levels were roughly the same, as were the parent-child bonds in both groups.

The researchers found no harm in permitting children to cry for limited periods of time while they learned to sleep on their own.

Directly contradicting this study is research conducted at the University of North Texas that was published in the Early Human Development journal last year. Observing 25 infants aged 4 to 10 months in a five-day inpatient sleep training program, researchers monitored levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the babies, who were left to cry themselves to sleep without being soothed.

The scientists measured how long the infants cried each night before they fell asleep. The mothers sat in the next room and listened to their children cry but were not permitted to go in and soothe their babies.

By the third night, the babies were crying for a shorter period of time and falling asleep faster. However, the cortisol levels measured in their saliva remained high, indicating that the infants were just as "stressed" as if they had remained crying. So while the infants' internal physiological distress levels had not changed, their outward displays of that stress were extinguished by sleep training.

In the mothers, on the other hand, the stress hormone levels fell as the babies appeared -- at least outwardly -- to settle down and sleep.

The study did not clarify whether the babies' stress levels lowered as their sleep patterns settle over time. The researchers are now studying this issue, among others, in a longer follow-up.

As with most things in life, when it comes to babies and the science of sleep, the only certainty is that there is no certainty. Those of us on the roller coaster of modern parenting are the first to attest to the fact that perfection simply does not exist, especially when you're bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived at 4:15 a.m., with a full workday looming.

Some researchers suggest that parents may gain clarity by working backward from a longer-term goal.

Darcia Narvaez, professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame, studies moral cognition and development. Her research examines how early life experience may influence brain development, moral functioning and character in children and adults.

Narvaez advocates a more responsive style of parenting that mirrors nurturing ancestral practices, including breastfeeding, frequent touch, soothing babies in distress, outdoor play and a wider community of caregivers.

According to Narvaez, research shows that responsive parenting can help develop infants' self-regulation and may influence conscience, impulse control, empathy, resilience and other character-related attributes.

Narvaez's list is strikingly similar to a set of character traits discussed by journalist Paul Tough in his book, "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character."

In the book, Tough examines the skills and traits that lead to success and ultimately advances the hypothesis that character attributes may be more crucial than cognitive skills like IQ and intelligence.

"(I)n the past decade, and especially in the past few years," writes Tough, "a disparate congregation of economists, educators, psychologists, and neuroscientists have begun to produce evidence that ... (w)hat matters most in a child's development ... is not how much information we can stuff into her brain in the first few years.

"What matters, instead, is whether we are able to help her develop a very different set of qualities, a list that includes persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit and self-confidence."

Can responsive parenting in a child's first year lay the groundwork for better regulation of social and behavioral responses and perhaps even greater life success? Seems like a heavy burden. And no one knows for sure -- not even the dueling Upper West Side mothers.

The most expensive hotel suites in the world

Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva

BornRich-Price: $52,000 President Wilson is situated on the waterfront promenade in Geneva and is regarded as one of the most elegant 5-star hotels. It is famous for the Royal Penthouse Suite which commands a price tag of $52,000 per night making it the most expensive suite in the world. 

The suite is a favorite among the heads of state and political leaders as the UN headquarters in very nearby and has already hosted celebrities like Bill Gates, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton. The Royal Penthouse Suite is on the 8th floor of the hotel and is spread over more than 5500 sq ft.

 The striking feature of the suite is the security that it offers. The windows are 6-cm thick and totally bulletproof, steel-reined doors, helicopter evacuation service and human-sized safe. The bulletproof windows afford a mesmerizing view of the Mont Blanc and the stunning Lake Geneva. 

The suite features a grand piano and a deluxe fitness center.

 The general room amenities include telephones in the bathroom, in-room safes, a fully stocked bar, high speed internet access and satellite TVs. No wonder, it is a dream for many to stay in this suite for just one night!

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas

BornRich-Price: $40,000 The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa spreads across 10,000 sq ft and it has been designed by the man himself. The suite is two storied and it has three bedrooms. There is a fully equipped gym, a sauna, a spa treatment room to massage your tired limbs and a rotating bed with ceiling mirrors. The guests are also entitled to a personal glass elevator and there are Plasma TVs in the room. But what makes this suite unique? It is the Jacuzzi pool that extends outside the suite and gives a clear view of the Vegas skyline. If you want to stay in this suite then be prepared to shell out $40,000 per night only.

Penthouse Sea View Apartments, The Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France

BornRich-Price: $37,650 a night The luxurious Penthouse Suite at Hotel Martinez in boulevard de La Croisette in Cannes comes featured with a sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with hammam, shower, a spa bath, mini-bar, dressing room, sauna and a big terrace. Further, the suite is equipped with all the present technology which includes include videoconferencing, plasma screen, computer and ADSL, satellite TV and Fax, providing the client with all the comfort one would expect.

Royal Penthouse suite, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland

BornRich-Price: $35,350 a night Known throughout the world as the largest and most luxurious of hotel suites, the Royal Penthouse Suite covers the hotel's highest floor at Hotel President Wilson. Located on the eighth floor with a total surface area of 1680 meter square, the suite features 12 full rooms and 12 full bathrooms along with luxury amenities like period pieces, majestic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, a private elevator, billiards, surveillance cameras, bulletproof windows, armored doors and bedside panic buttons.

Penthouse Suite, The Setai, Miami Beach

BornRich-Price: $30,000 For the truly discerning jetsetter who demands the absolute best in the Miami, here’s the superlative, spectacular and sumptuous penthouse at the luxury hotel The Setai in South Beach, Miami. Costing $30,000 a night, this suite with 10,000 sq. ft space encompasses the entire 40th floor of the hotel’s oceanfront glass tower, and boasts spectacular wrap-around views. Notably, a private elevator opens up into the south end of the penthouse suite which boasts Asian Art Décor style as rest of The Setai, and the impressive floor of flamed black granite and polished Cumaru teak wood leads you to the space overlooking the ever-enchanting panoramic views of the Miami Beach. The suite has four bedrooms, including two master bedrooms, along with four bathrooms which include two large Jacuzzi tubs, a steam shower and a powder room, two living rooms, music room and roof-top eternity pool. Guests can also captivate themselves by the music from the Steinway piano in the music room, while the dining room is sufficient enough to host a dinner catered from the full kitchen for 12 discerning guests.

The Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens, Greece

BornRich-Price: $34,500 a night The three-bedroom Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi is described to be an epitome of luxury, which is set on the south side of the peninsula boasting all the ease and charm of a luxurious private home. In terms of contemporary design, artwork objects, features and services, the spectacular villa is stunning and features 2 master bedrooms with king size beds, spacious living room with dining table and fireplace, two over-sized marble lined bathrooms. It has everything to impress even the most seasoned traveler. The Royal Villa features a business center with access of Wired & Wireless high-speed Internet, fax, laptop, machine, printer, scanner & a video phone. Other notable amenities include an an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, a gym, a private marina, a butler, private chef and a nearby beach, along with a separate bar area with fully equipped kitchenette and grill as well as BBQ facilities by the outdoor heated pool. Further, a large private wooden terrace opens to stunning sunrise views and accommodate a heated pool with hydro massage and counter current device. And, a private path leading to the beach and a private deck at sea level is one of the Royal Villa's most exclusive feature. 

Royal Suite on the 5th floor of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris

BornRich-Price: $26,000 Recently refurbished and redecorated by the noted interior designer, the co-founder of the Architectural Digest magazine's French edition, Marie-José Pommereau, the Royal Suite on the 5th floor of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, now stands as one of the most luxurious, spacious, and Paris's most expensive hotel suite. The expansive 4,834 sq ft. space of the suite boasts 4 lavish bedrooms, 4 full-baths, 2 lounges, along with an an office and a kitchen space. Blending traditional and modern styles, the suite boasts the shades of purple, while the furniture dates from the iconic Louis XV and Louis XVI periods, and includes golden and purple finishes delivering an elegant contemporary look. And, the furniture and fabrics finished in gold, raspberries and purple add an elegant modernity factor. Further, the bathrooms boasts Italian marble especially sourced from Verona, and one bath even features Jacuzzi and a steam room. Overlooking the iconic Eiffel Tower, the suite also offers views onto the famous Avenue Montaigne. Also, guests will find flowers from all four seasons around the suite, creating a vibrant and fresh atmosphere, all the times. Inspired by 18th Century’s refinements, the exceptional suite also offers state-of-the-art technology and high-end facilities. 

Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Italy

BornRich-Price: $27,600 a night Reaching a whole new level of elegance and splendor is the Presidential Suite at Hotel Cala di Volpe, Italy is by far the most magnificent on the Costa Smeralda. The charismatic décor spread throughout the suite's spacious layout illustrates the charm and romance of Sardinia's cultural history. This Presidential suite is a duplex featuring 3 full bedrooms, asolarium, a fitness area, a luxurious private swimming pool, an outdoor saltwater pool and a private gazebo. Further, the large terrace and the sweeping vistas displaying the coastline's enchanting allure completes the suite.

Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Italy

BornRich-Price: $27,600 a night Reaching a whole new level of elegance and splendor is the Presidential Suite at Hotel Cala di Volpe, Italy is by far the most magnificent on the Costa Smeralda. The charismatic décor spread throughout the suite's spacious layout illustrates the charm and romance of Sardinia's cultural history. This Presidential suite is a duplex featuring 3 full bedrooms, asolarium, a fitness area, a luxurious private swimming pool, an outdoor saltwater pool and a private gazebo. Further, the large terrace and the sweeping vistas displaying the coastline's enchanting allure completes the suite.

Penthouse Suite, Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills

BornRich-Price: $25,000 per night The Beverly Wilshire Penthouse Suite is located on the 14th floor which has key access only. The suite offers the largest room space in Beverly Hills and as soon as you enter the Suite, you will be greeted with marble flooring, chandeliers and high ceilings. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the huge balcony present a good view of the Hollywood Hills. There is a living room, a dining room, a media room, kitchen, the master bedroom, powder room and two guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The media room has a 55-inch flat screen TV and a very good quality sound system. There are 2 double beds and 2 king beds in the Suite and you can also get a crib on request. The guests of this room can enjoy certain complimentary facilities like personal concierge, the use of a luxury car, high speed internet and airport transfer. If you are looking for Penthouse Suites in Beverly Hills, then you need not look beyond this one. 

Atlantis Bridge Suite, The Atlantis, Bahamas

BornRich-Price: $25,000 The Atlantis Bridge Suite comes for $25,000 per night. So what do you get at such a price? First and foremost, it is the location. The Bridge Suite is located on top of a bridge which connects the two Royal Towers buildings. It is a 10-room suite that is decorated red, black and gold. The guests are entitled to privileges like butler service, bar lounge and an entertainment center. The mater bedroom is huge with a separate sitting area and closets. The bathrooms are fully marbled and have dolphin fixtures. In fact there are two separate master bathrooms. The kitchen has its own entrance so that you do not get disturbed whenever the cook comes in.

Royal Suite, The Savoy Hotel, London

BornRich-Price: $16,000 The Savoy Hotel in London is a British icon since 1889 and it was reopened in 2010 after a massive £100 million renovation. The Royal Suite, which has made it to the list of the most expensive suites in the world, was alone refurbished at a cost of £2.5 million. It spreads over the entire 5th floor and has a magnificent view of the River Thames. Guests enter the suite through a marble foyer which opens into a wood-paneled office complete with all kinds of office equipment. You can then proceed to the living room and the dining room that can seat 8 people. The master bedroom has a King bed and overlooks the river. The suite also has a service kitchen which is perfect for those traveling with a personal chef. There is also a second guestroom that has an ensuite bathroom. The standard amenities of the Royal Suite include high speed internet access, complimentary shoeshine, private bar, Loewe flat-screen TV, Mascioni bed linen and iPod docking stations. The suite even features a $75,000 Savoire bed for their VIP guests. All these and more at $16,000 per night. 

The Palace Suite, Beach Villas, Resorts World Sentosa

BornRich-Price: $15,000 In February this year, Resort World Sentosa announced the opening of a high end hotel - Beach Villas Establishments - with an eye to attract the more high paying customers. The hotel has as many as 22 villas and the price starts from $1200 for the one-bedroom one. The Palace is the most luxurious of all and it sports 4 bedrooms and a private Infinity pool. The villa spreads over 731 sq m and it charges $15,000 per night. The villa is all about luxury and you get a 24-hour butler service and a menu to select the choice of pillows. You will also get a Private Lap Pool and 24-hour dry cleaning service. The suite offers a range of amenities which will impress even the most discerning travelers. There is an IP LCD TV in the Living Room, Bedroom and even in the Bathroom! The fridge is well stocked with bottles of best quality mineral water and an integrated fridge. If you want to heat food then you can simply do that in the in-room microwave. 

Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

BornRich-Price: $15,000 The Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C. was recently renovated. The suite covers massive space of 3500 sq ft at a nightly rate of $15,000. The three-bedroom suite comes with a living room, kitchen, bathrooms and a a separate dining area. But the showpiece of this suite is the huge room in the suite which has enough seats for a cabinet meeting! The room has views of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. There is a study which connects the living room and the bedroom which also doubles up as place for intimate meetings. We are not finished yet! The master bathroom will blow your senses away. It has a TV placed above the SOK tub and there is a separate spa shower with rain shower heads, handheld nozzles and body jet. There is also an option for a third bedroom.

Presidential Suite, Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles

BornRich-Price: $13,500 Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles is a legend in itself and the multi-million dollar renovation has resulted in a posh Presidential Suite. It covers more than 6700 sq ft with a price tag of $13,500 per night. There is a private dining space that can seat up to 10 people, a chef's kitchen, a study, a great room and a private pool. The suite has French doors through which you will enter the great room. There is a monolithic fireplace and vaulted ceilings in this room. The great room and the bedroom open into a lush private courtyard that has seating and dining arrangements. To make the suite look like a home, there is also a terrace that overlooks the gardens.

F Suite, Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires

BornRich-Price: $9500 The F Suite is South America's most expensive suite at $9500 pr night. The imperial style furniture is the hallmark of this suite. The suite looks all the more beautiful with red velvet curtains, lapacho wood and fine touches of Argentine decor. The suite is located on the sixth floor of the building and comes complete with a living and dining area, private kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 24" flat-screen TV sets and a master bathroom that is fully marbled with a rain shower and Jacuzzi. The guests of this suite enjoy a private access, an outdoor terrace and a dedicated Manager took after every need in detail.

Penthouse Suite, Hotel Le Bristol, Paris

BornRich-Price: NA The famous Rue de Fauborg Saint Honore is home to the luxurious hotel, Le Bristol. It boasts of high profile patrons like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. The Penthouse Suite located on the 7th floor of the building is the most talked about room in this property. The terrace is the best part of this suite as it offers unobstructed views of the dome of the St Augustin's church. The suite covers an area of 2200 sq ft and consists of a sitting room, dining area, an office and a large bedroom. The bathrooms have a couple of washbasins, a bidet and a separate shower. If you want to make it a private home then you have the option of adding 1 - 3 bedrooms or two duplexes.

Tycoon Suite, Hotel Zaza, Houston

BornRich-Price: $20,000 The swanky looking Tycoon Suite is very popular among the celebrity circles. The 2200 sq ft suite is priced at $2500 per night. The 11th floor accommodation consists of leather club chairs and a Texas sized sectional sofa. The large chandelier brings in a sense of aristocracy in the suite. The bedroom has a huge leather-accentuated bed. There are 2 bedrooms, an equal number of bathrooms, a full gourmet kitchen and a large sized balcony with a soaking tub. The suite is often booked for anniversary celebrations or corporate events. In those occasions you can book the entire 11th floor which will make you poorer by $20,000 per night plus food and beverages.

Maharaja’s Pavilion, The Presidential Suite

BornRich-Price: $15,000 Built in 1727, and located in the middle of four main palace complexes of Jaipur, India, the historic Raj Palace hotel offers its illustrious guests the Presidential Suite. Speaking of this suite, it’s a four floor apartment with an area of 16000 sq. ft, making it one of the biggest suites in Asia. The suite offers complete royal apartment blocks within the palace, along with an own private pavilion and private entrance through the Victory corridor and Charbagh. This entrance leads the guest to a private secretarial and luggage room followed by an entrance to the Diwan E Khas (historic hall for discerning guests of the king) which boasts a lavishly furnished seating lounge, earlier used by Maharaja. Overlooking the inner Palace courtyard and Charbagh gardens on alternate sides, the lounge is connected to other three floors with a private gold paneled elevator. The first floor of this Presidential suite, earlier the sleeping chamber of the Maharaja is decorated with luxurious ornamentation including gold leafed painted walls, mirror work, stucco along with furniture decorated with gold and silver. The bedroom is richly decorated with historic gold furniture and rich ivory, and comes connected with two full luxurious bathrooms. The second floor boasts meeting rooms, additional accommodation rooms, office space along with library, and luxurious dining rooms connected with a private kitchen. Earlier used as a pleasure pavilion by the Maharaja, the third floor is now a private roof top terrace delivering panoramic view of the Jaipur city. Further, this floor is equipped with all the entertainment amenities that includes, private gym and spa alongside the pleasure pavilion, Jacuzzis, private swimming pool, private access to hi-tech home theater with large soft seating arrangements. Last but not the least, all this luxury living will cost a total of $15000.

Sydney’s Park Hyatt at The Rocks

BornRich-Price: $16,000 a night With floor-to-ceiling glass delivering uninterrupted views of the famous Sydney Harbour, the 350 sq. m, two bedroom luxury pad located on the custom built fourth floor of Sydney’s Park Hyatt at The Rocks is one of the most expensive hotel rooms with a price tag of $16,000 per night. Built as the part of the $60 million upgrade of the hotel, targeting the especially VIPs and delivering them the contemporary luxury greets with their latest technology equipped bathrooms and master bedrooms. The master bedroom of the Sydney suite boasts kind bed with custom made luxury cotton linens along with other amenities including five 60 inch LED TVs, spacious living room, fireplace, sauna, outdoor and indoor dining space for 8 people, and a private 24-hour butler at your service. The guests can also enjoy the spectacular views of the Luna Park and Harbour Bridge in a toilet boasting latest technology and luxury, that includes a massager, built-in seat warmer, a sauna/steam room, a television fitted into the bathroom mirror, a luxurious and spacious lounge situated beside the giant egg-shell bathtub. Further, the entire floor can be made private featuring two smaller ‘entourage’ suites, only if you are willing to pay a total of $50,000 with a minimum requirement of two-night stay. 

Should you blind date?

Provided By: Jawhara Arabia

By: Lizzie Cernik

If you ever watched UK television in the 1990s, it was hard to miss Cilla Black’s Saturday night dating show ‘Blind Date’. Setting up total strangers through a series of questions rather than a face to face meeting, contestants were sent on dates which were discussed live on air the following week.

With the arrival of new reality shows and internet dating, the traditional blind date seems outdated in 2012. But if you’re stuck in a dating rut or can’t meet anyone new, it could be a good way to spice up your love life. (Or at least give you a funny story to tell next time you’re out with the girls.)

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

Meeting someone new
When you’re single, it’s easy to start hanging out with the same friends in the same social circles. A blind date gives you the option to meet someone completely new and means you can break away from your usual ‘type’.

It’s exciting
For those that like an exciting dating life, trying out a blind date could be a great option. Even if it all goes horribly wrong, you can just chalk it up to experience and spend next Friday telling your girlfriends all about it.

Cons:

You might have nothing to talk about
Unlike an internet date, where you’ve been chatting before you meet, blind dates leave your compatibility completely in the hands of fate. Even if a friend has set you up or suggested you’d get on really well, there’s still the possibility of long silences and awkward pauses.

It’s not good for shy people
Unless you’re really outgoing, a blind date would be more nerve wracking than reading out your essay in school assembly. If it’s not for you, don’t feel you need to go just because your friends are twisting your arm. Stick to your guns and find your next date by more conventional methods.

How to survive your blind date
If you’ve bitten the bullet and decided to go for it, here’s a few tips on how to play it.

1. It may be easier said than done, but it’s important to stay relaxed. If you’re jittering like you’ve just downed 26 espressos, chances are your date will think you’re a bit odd. And after all, it’s only a bit of fun not a marriage proposal.
2. Even if he looks like Quasimodo’s ugly twin, you can’t stand him up when you catch a glimpse. If you really don’t fancy him just be polite and friendly. You never know, he may have a personality so sparkling he’ll win you over.
3. If you’re interested, be sure to ask him plenty of questions and be an engaging date. He’ll appreciate that you’re making the effort to get to know him, despite the potentially awkward situation. Just don’t take it too far or he’ll feel like he’s on a date with a quiz show host.
4. If the date’s not going well or you have nothing in common, find an excuse to politely excuse yourself. It may seem cruel but it’s better than leading him a merry dance.

Lost Your Satisfaction in Bed?

Provided By: Jahwara Arabia

Part 1:
Is your sex life with your husband becoming a mission that lost its enjoyment?
You forgot what satisfaction felt like and all the love fantasies you had hidden in your mind are blown away?
Good news: It can be fixed! You will get back that ultimate mind blowing and body shaking experience that you have always dreamt of.

The secret is: Communicate
It is hard for a woman to talk about her secret fantasies and the way she likes her man to make love to her, but if you choose the right time then it won’t be a big deal so follow these steps:

Preparation:
I’m sure women can master preparation before making love such as the atmosphere, lights, perfume, lingerie…etc. So let’s skip what you know already to the part where you need to communicate, which is another kind of preparation of its own.

After making love don’t give your man the chance to go away immediately and keep him in bed for few minutes, some men know that women love to cuddle in these moments. Some men don’t mind it, while others avoid it. In some cases men don’t really know its importance to you, and that’s where you need to communicate.
In all cases don’t let him leave the bed, just put your head on his chest, massage his arms and hands gently, wrap yourself around him and tell him how you love and enjoy the warmth of his body.

Open up and express:
Praise your man on how good he was “men love it!”, he will give you a smile, and that’s your chance to talk.
Ask him what he enjoyed in this night, if he liked your perfume, and what position he preferred the most. In addition, ask him if there is a move that you did that he did not like in order to avoid it the next time. Let him tell you his fantasies, positions he would like to explore, and scenarios he dreamt of doing with you.

After he shares his comments and fantasies, now is your turn! Tell him what you enjoyed, but don’t give him a long list of the bad moves! Give it to him one at a time, men have a big ego when it comes to love making.
If after every time of your love making you share just one thing that you liked and disliked, then your love life will be better by time. He will unconsciously do what you liked more and avoid what you disliked.
After reaching this point, why not cross the line you couldn’t before and tell him about your dreams, fantasies and what you really want him to do?

Not having enough courage yet? Then keep on practicing and read part 2 for more tips!
Tip of the week: “All the above conversations are done with a smile and a shy eye contact every now and then, remember it’s the body language now that is most heard”

Women dream of being chased, and men about sex

Times of India - Women have more nightmares and men dream more of sex, a new study has revealed.

For the study, scientists at the University of Montreal spent 11 years collecting data on the different nighttime dreams of men and women.   They found that the happiness index for dreams is at its lowest when we are between the ages of 20 and 30.

The new study found that both men and women both dream about sex, but men have it on their unconscious minds a little more often.   The survey lists 56 dream themes, including falling, floating, being chased, snakes, swimming, flooding and losing your teeth, the New York Daily News reported.  

Sex was the most common dream theme for men, with 85 per cent of respondents saying they dream about it at least occasionally.   Women weren't far behind, with 73 per cent responding they dream about sex at least once in a while.   Women are more likely to dream about being chased — 83 per cent compared to 78 per cent for men.   For both men and women, dreams of falling are the third most frequent dream, the results indicate.   According to the Toronto Sun, researcher Tore Nielsen said that there appears to be a clear 'dream theme diversity' between the two sexes.  

Women are more likely to dream about someone dying, being paralyzed by fear, or spiders and snakes. Women also report more nightmares than men.   Men dream about flying, having magical powers, trying to kill someone or travelling to distant planets.   The least surprising part of the study was that as we age, the range of things we dream about becomes smaller.

A Guide to the Male Orgasm

The Phases and Complexities of the Male Orgasm

The male orgasm is the height of the sexual experience in men. It is not only proceeded by the release of semen, responsible for procreation, it also produces an intense euphoria. There is a process that the male body goes through to reach orgasm defined by phases. During each phase, the body goes through physiological changes that lead up to the male orgasm, the climax and ejaculation.

Related Topic :

Top 5 Facts About Female Orgasms

Orgasm is not only necessary for procreation, it is also essential for the health and well being of men. Many studies have proven the positive effect of male orgasm on not only the physical health of a man, but their psychological fitness as well. The age at which a typical male will have their first orgasm varies, as does the experience that they describe, but one common experience they all report is the elation that they feel after an orgasm is reached. A great stress relief, it is an important aspect to their daily lives. It is possible to experience a male orgasm without ejaculation only further giving evidence that the real benefit of male orgasm is not always found in its necessity to recreate life.

The first phase of the male orgasm cycle is the arousal phase. It is the time at which the body starts to become “excited”. When a man engages in sexual contact, his body begins to experience several physiological changes. During the arousal phase his heart rate will increase, his breathing will begin to become more rapid, and blood rushes to the penis. During arousal, the erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood, allowing the penis to become erect. The more aroused a man is, the more erect the penis becomes. The swelling of the erectile tissue moves along the base of the penis, causing a swelling in the penis cap. When the penis is erect the scrotum will begin to tighten signaling for fluid to begin to make its way up the shaft of the penis.

The next phase of the male orgasm is the Plateau phase. It is when the male body becomes tense. During this phase rapid thrusting motion begins, intensifying with time. There may be a minute amount of fluid that is released from the penis called precum. It is not only lubrication for the act of intercourse, it also contains live sperm that will be ejaculated when the orgasm is complete and there is a forceful release of sexual tension. It is also at this point when the heart rate, breathing, and intake of oxygen is at its highest peak.

The next phase, or the Orgasm phase, is when the muscles in the body begin to spasm and contract involuntarily, sometimes in the hands and feet, but often throughout the entire body. There is a feeling of release in the body as orgasm is reached which is called the climax. During climax, the muscles of the penis begin to rhythmically contract which leads to the penis to ejaculate semen. When climax is reached and for a short while after, the man may experience a euphoric feeling, and an intense flushing, making the skin feel warm and electrified.

Once orgasm is reached, there is a resolution phase. The resolution phase is characterized by a relaxation of the muscles. Most men will experience fatigue and satiation, and feel the need to rest. It is also during this period when they are most likely to feel intimate toward their partner. The physiology of the male will return to normal, or baseline, as the body reaches a state of homeostatic balance. During the resolution phase there needs to be a refractory period, which is a time when the male body will not be able to reach orgasm again. The length of time for the refractory period varies from man to man and depends on many factors such as age. The male orgasm is not only necessary for procreation; it is also something that contributes to the overall health and well being of a man.

Defining Postpartum Fitness Regime

Moms-to-be can benefit from regular physical activity. The type of exercise one should opt for along with the duration and intensity of exercise will depend on the background. It is important to choose activities that utilize large muscle groups in rhythmic contractions that can be performed continuously.

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Aerobic Training:
Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, and water exercise (e.g., swimming, aerobic classes, and jogging) are recommended during the first few months postpartum. Water aerobics and jogging can be performed in waist- to chest-deep water, and the arms are involved. Regarding Training Heart Rate (THR), it should be 135–150 beats/minute or 23–25 beats/10 seconds. Start at the lower rate, and increase to the higher over a 1-month period. The duration of training in the THR zone should be 20–45 minutes/session. If limited on time or on days when strength exercise is also performed, a 20-minute duration is adequate as it provides the minimum threshold necessary for a cardiovascular training effect to occur. Longer durations are more beneficial for weight control purposes. Try to workout 3–7 days/week. Start at 3 days/week, and increase to at least 5 over a month period. Daily workouts are important for weight loss.

Resistance Training:
Strength (resistance) Training can prove beneficial for pregnant women. Areas most affected during pregnancy are the back, abdomen, chest, arms, shoulder, legs, calves and hips. Women tend to put on weight in and around these body parts. Pay special attention to signs of fatigue; reduce the resistance; decrease number of repetitions, but increase sets and use good biomechanics to avoid pain. Certain modifications might need to be incorporated into your workout routine.
Avoid any exercise which arches the lower back, rotating the body without bending knees, bicycling using shoulder stand, sit-ups with straight legs. Abdominal and pelvic floor exercises should be performed as part of the routine and repeated throughout the day. A good, stable posture should be maintained throughout the movements. It is recommended that 8–10 different strengthening exercises utilizing the major muscle groups be done at least twice a week. If a machine on which resistance can be adjusted is used, the setting should be heavy enough to allow at least 8–12 repetitions, depending on the exercise.

Flexibility Training:
Stretching needs to be an integral part of postpartum fitness regime. Stretching large muscles before vigorous exercise prepares the body for work. Stretches should be done in a slow manner- never overstretch and avoid bouncing. The muscles needing the greatest attention are those that may get shortened during pregnancy and may include those of the lower back, hip flexors, chest, hamstrings, inner thighs, and calves.

Best results are achieved when Flexibility Exercises are done following the aerobic phase of the workout and before strength exercise. Each of the positions should be achieved by slow movements and held at a point short of stretch pain for 15–30 seconds. Through deep slow breathing and concentration, the muscles are allowed to relax. When tension has subsided, the stretch angle can be increased slightly. A less flexible person should not feel pressured to bend farther than her own limitations allow since injury could occur.

A regular regimen of physical exercise, coupled with eating a low-fat diet, may be undertaken during pregnancy only after consulting your gynecologist.