Tips from a Playboy

Dating can be stressful. We like to think that it's fun and enjoyable, but it's only a good time when you actually hit the jackpot and like the person you're dating. The act of getting to that point is nothing short of slamming your face against a wall.

I recently read about a somewhat famous guy named Portfirio Rubirosa, one of the most well known playboys (playboy is the classy way of saying whoreish player) of the 20th century. What's so compelling about this guys is that he wasn't tall or even extremely attractive for that matter, there was just something about him. Things that he did, the way he talked to women and just looked at them, made him irresistable. AskMen.com wrote a really great recap of what men can learn from Rubirosa to win over just about any woman.

Here are some of the AskMen tips:

Focus
Most guys want to talk before a girl has finished her sentence. Most people want to be heard. They don’t want to listen. You have to learn to be one of those rare people who can sit and listen. Wait until the echo of the last word in her sentence has faded before talking. The rewards will be immense.

If she spills her drink, wipe it up for her. If she pulls out a cigarette, you pull out a lighter. If she stands up to go to the bathroom, you stand up too. Remember, most girls, especially beautiful ones, think they are the center of the universe. If you act like they are too, they’ll adore you for it.

Take Risks
“It’s one of my fundamental principles; I would prefer risking everything instead of being bored,” Rubirosa said.

Think about that the next time you’re hesitant to approach a girl because she’s out of your league. What have you got to lose? The worst thing you might hear is “no.” But the best could be awesome.

Develop a Calling Card
Dating is like marketing a product -- in this case you’re marketing you. Like any product, you need to stand out from the pack. Following up with her the next day will help you stand out. However, doing it in a way that is original and cool will really get her attention.

Porfirio Rubirosa’s was a single rose along with a card that read: “A la mas bella de las mujeres.” (To the most beautiful of women.)

You think it’s too simple? Look at his results. He was romantically linked to Delores Del Rio, Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Veronica Lake, and Kim Novak. You might not recognize those names because this was the 1950s. That would be like a guy today being linked to Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Beckinsale, Megan Fox, Jessica Biel, and Halle Berry.

Don't Ditch Your Friends
Rubirosa proved as much as anyone that when it comes to choosing between your friends and the ladies, it’s not an either/or situation. It’s not a zero-sum game with the boys, golf and beers in the afternoon, then a shower, then white wine, and Celine Dion music at night. The two are entirely compatible.

So it’s not “the guys come first and then the ladies second” or vice versa. It’s both sexes together. Hang out together. Include everyone -- everyone benefits.

Keep Your Mouth Shut
You’ll annoy your friends if you constantly boast about where you’ve been, how you got there and what you did when you got there. Your friends will think you’re either bragging or lying. Word will get back to the girl you were with and she’ll be done with you. Friends of hers will hear about it too and any chance you had with them will be shot as well.

Rubirosa took the advice of the old football coach, the one who didn’t like celebratory dances after touchdowns: “If you get in the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.”

So...what do you think, is it all about these things that can make someone irresistible and a total dating success? Granted that Rubiosa had a certain jua de vive - but he was also smart and looked at dating like life...take chances, trust your gut, treat people the way you want to be treated and always leave a girl with flowers.

You Have My Attention, Now Try To Keep It!

What does it take to keep a girls attention? If you're a guy, I'm sure you've figured out what it takes to get it. But how do you keep it? Is it flowers, gifts, great sex, letters, a combination of the four?

It makes me wonder what can keep a girls attention on one guy. I have a great friend that decided about three years ago, after being fed up with her lacking love life, to declare a ballsy New Years resolution. She would go on 52 dates that year and be proactive about her love life instead of sitting back and waiting.

Her stories were epic. I've never laughed and gasped so much in my life listening to how her evenings of intended bliss turned into a drum roll of disappointing and ego-bruising affairs. She basically said yes to everyone that asked her out, dabbled in on-line dating, let her mom set her up, even made the most of her eligible apartment neighbors. All of them never seemed to work out. Don't get me wrong, some of them, she thanked her lucky stars that she escaped alive from. The silver lining of this story is that after date number 13 while randomly out at a pub she met the man she now loves and lives with.

The point of bringing that up is, what didn't these guys do to keep her interests peaked? I never remember her saying anything about them that made me swoon on her behalf. So what does it take these days to keep our attention?

I couldn't find a single article that provided relevant tips that I didnt laugh at. Help me out here. Let's come up with 5 tips for keeping a girls attention - leave your tip in the comments section.


Picture pulled from Artofseductions.com

Dance to the Beet

So back to the produce share. I am a big believer in eating fresh and buying local whenever possible. This year I decided to buy into a Community Supported Agriculture group, or CSA. How does it work? Farmers offer a number of shares of their produce to the community. Each week an email is sent several days before pick up with an update of what is going on at the farm and what kinds of delicious farm treats will be available. These CSA groups are growing in popularity and are popping up all over the country. My produce has come from Stoneledge Farm in NY state and everything has been wonderfully fresh and equally delicious.

This week I got some beautiful beets. They are a luscious red color and I could barely fit them in my reusable bag! The greens were sticking out of the top. Now, I know some of you are thinking "Yuck! Beets!" but believe me, when it comes to beets, fresh is definitely best! When we think of beets, most probably remember the floppy red things that come from the can. But when you buy fresh it's a totally different ball game. They are sweet and tender and there are lots of possible uses.

Here is what I do. Cut the stems from the beets. You can use these later by sauteing them like spinach. Also, very yummy. Preheat an oven to 350º and take out a cookie sheet. Drizzle the cleaned beets with some olive oil (or whatever you have handy) and season with some salt and pepper. To add a little extra flavor I used Penzey's Lemon Pepper but that's optional. (PS... I am a BIG fan of Penzey's spices. My spice cabinet looks like Penzey's exploded in it. Thanks Auntie Lauren!)

Cover the beets on the cookie sheet with aluminum foil and bake for about an hour, depending on the size of your beets. You'll know they're done when a paring knife can be inserted easily. Let them cool slightly and use a paper towel to rub the skins off. After that you can do anything with them. Cut them and toss in salads, eat them as is, OR make some beet risotto! I did and it was amazingly good. The risotto is good for timid beet users/tasters. The flavor of the beets are not overwhelming and it's creamy and delicious. Here's how to do it:

Using a blender or food processor, blend 2 medium beets with 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth. When well mixed add another 1 1/4 cups of broth and blend completely. Over medium heat add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add 3/4 cup of Arborio rice and toast slightly. Add about half of the beet puree and stir occasionally until completely absorbed. Then add the rest of the puree a little at a time, waiting until each addition is completely absorbed before adding more. When it's finished add salt and peper to taste and fold in 2-3 tablespoons of butter. Serve immediately.

Happy Eats,
The Food Nerd

Time Travel and Other Nonsense

The Time Travelers Wife came out this weekend with mixed reviews. I haven't seen it yet. I'll get there, but before I do I'm going to read the book again.

If you haven't, read it.

I've never read a book like it, it's such a far-fetched story (but I found myself believing in the magic if it). Let me remind you that this blog is loosely based on the idea that sometimes life can be just as entertaining and romantic as chick-lit novels and movies, you just have to search for the dreamy-eyed silver lining.

I read that this particular book, written by Audrey Neffinnegger, started as a metaphor for her failed relationships. The authors take on the idea that a "romance of a lifetime" is one that can never be completely had. But instead of writing a, "poor me"kind of story, she went literal on that concept and actually created a character that has a genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time, in an out of his life and the life of his wife from when she is just a child through to when they have a child of their own. It's just as much about the time when he's not a part of her life and how that makes her feel as it is about their romance.

I'm interested to see if Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams have chemistry. To be honest if they threw Ryan Gosling in there with her again, they would have made a killing at the box office. Let me know what you think - book or movie, is it a story worth being moved by?

Image is pulled from the movie The Time Travelers Wife - how incredibly romantic is a dance in the kitchen...I'm not being sarcastic with this one.

The "Fabulous" Side of Life

I'm quite certain that the word FABULOUS can never be used too much. Queens and Sex and The City lovers I'm sure would agree. .

Men, you are allowed to bow out of this one. But, I'm sure you'll agree that fabulous moments are ones to live for.

What makes for a fabulous moment? Outfit? Opportunity?

We strive to look fabulous in that great black dress and stunning new pair of heels. Or even tell someone that they're FABulous for doing something fearless or kind. But should we define it? What does that word really mean to you?

Tell me your definition in a comment...

If you're wondering who that is a picture of, it's a young Lauren Becall. She is simply fabulous to me. Beautiful, successful, passionate about life and love, married Humphrey Bogart, dated Frank Sinatra and never apologized for any of it.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

I can do anything better than you! Remember that little ditty from Annie Get Your Gun (or tons of random commercials)? Well, I sang it last night for about two hours as I assembled a 3-in-1 file cabinet table thingy. I argued with a friend later that he could have put it together in half the time, but I was so proud that I did it myself, that I completely disagreed and truly believe it would have taken just about anyone two full hours while watching the last two episodes of True Blood.

There are handy girls out there. Doing it ourselves is just not usually our first choice. Men, in many cases, we can definitely assemble that IKEA furniture or program the VCR, Cable and Surround Sound onto one remote. We just choose to have someone else do it.

The point is, that it's nice to have the option of having someone else around to do it. Putting things together or dealing with 20+ pages of directions sounds very empowering, but it's also nice to have someone around to fight with while assembling it.

Men, disagree with me all you want on this, but even if it takes a little bit longer, and even if we're not sure about the difference between a Phillips head and an Allen wrench, anything you can do, we can do!

Care to agree or disagree? Leave a comment!

Feel empowered and do something just for you with no help today!

Food That Rocks Your World

Please welcome the first post from High Heels & Pink Frosting's food contributor, The Food Nerd.

You'll find all things food here. Whether it's finding a new place to eat, a great ingredient to explore, or an entire recipe to try, I'll be talking about it. I am a complete "Food Nerd" and enjoy all of the above so hopefully you'll find something to inspire your love for eating and/or cooking. I mean, come on, we all have to eat right? Why not make it interesting and fun?


Today I had planned on writing about my new adventures with my organic produce share (more on that later) but I ended up having an amazing meal in NYC's Greenwich Village Saturday night that rocked my world! The Little Owl on the corner of Bedford and Grove Street in NYC falls in the top 5 meals I've had EVER IN LIFE! Each dish was perfectly seasoned and I would have licked each plate if I could have done so without completely embarrassing my husband.

We started with an appetizer of tagliatelle with warm tomatoes and shrimp in a light and tangy sauce. The kitchen kindly split the plate for us and gave us delicious bread to use for the broth. We both had fish dishes that were equally wonderful and the ingredients were as fresh as can be.

Dessert was not in the plan but when the beignets came out for another table the temptation was too great. Each beignet had a fresh raspberry at the center and was accompanied by a Nutella dipping sauce. It was only after the meal had begun that we realized the building we were in was the setting of the outside shot of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. apartment. Added bonus!

I hope that if you are in NYC you try The Little Owl. I try and explore new restaurants when I go out but I am definitely going to have to go back and have another meal here again sometime soon. Just remember to make a reservation at least a few days before you plan on going. The restaurant itself is small and the tables are, not surprisingly, in high demand.

Happy Eats,
The Food Nerd

A Moment for Mr. Hughes

Can you remember that moment? The one where Jake shows up at the church where Samantha's sister was getting married and they had that awkwardly perfect moment when she said she could skip the reception. They get in his red car, her Dad nods his approval, and they spend the day together...any guesses on what I'm talking about?

How about the one where super sexy Lisa is taking a shower with Gary and Wyatt as they stand fully clothed in the corner, in their glory? Or how about when Duckie danced his way into the record store to Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" and how heartbroken he felt when Andy left with Blayne...C'mon! Or the kiss in front of the car after the prom! Blayne's hair was horrible, but I remember thinking "Gosh, prom had better end with an incredible kiss like that".

It didn't. In fact, I'm still waiting for one like that.

The movies I'm referring to are Sixteen Candles, Weird Science and Pretty in Pink. Movies all directed by one Mr. John Hughes. His passing last week definitely made me take a look at all of the incredible movies that impacted me in so many ways when I was younger. He was responsible for The Breakfast Club, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Uncle Buck, Curly Sue, Ferris Bueller...

He produced and wrote Pretty In Pink, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Some Kind of Wonderful, Career Opportunities, Home Alone, Mr. Mom, and The Great Outdoors! He's responsible for the majority of films that mattered to twenty-somethings and teens all throughout the 80's.

Imagine having the talent, ambition, and overall vision to create stories that influenced so many people, started so many careers, and continue to impact the way teenage girls look at their crush, unfair detentions, and even family vacations. Hats off and much respect to a director that truly made movies that inspired moments throughout my life.

Watch a couple this weekend. Remember how they made you felt the first time you saw them. Guarantee you can find one that relates to what's going in your world right now.


Image pulled from Sixteen Candles

Could You Imagine...

One of my favorite Sunday night shows (aside from True Blood) is WE's Bridezilla's. At first glance you might think "okay, it can be a stressful day for some women," but after watching a few episodes it's clear that these women are not only crazy, but mean, nasty, and just downright absurd. I applaud WETV anyways - thanks for capturing the insane, they are, if nothing else, extremely entertaining!

I've had a good number of friends waltz down the aisle and have been lucky enough to be in the wedding parties of a few as well. My girls have never even come close to being the kind of bride that some of the women on this show portray themselves to be. Thank goodness.

If I was one of these post-nutty husbands, after watching this show or even experiencing the wrath during, I would go running for the hills. Fast. With help from the witness protection program. Although, in a lot of ways its just as much them as it is her, for letting her talk to and behave the way they do during the show (free honeymoon or not, I couldn't imagine being portrayed in such a horrific way).

Anyways, check it out. This is one of my favorites. This particular bride wanted her guests to play a planned game of "Clue" during her reception. Oh my is this one for the record books.

The Crazy Clue Bride

Happy wedding season. Be thankful for the great friends (and somewhat normal family members) that make great brides. Check it out on Sunday nights. It will not disappoint!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Dinner and drinks with good friends are highly underrated. What a great thing to do on a random Thursday night. My good friends are hosting a little get together this evening and are making Lobster Pot Pie. Surely it was a recipe from our favorite Food Networks chefs.

To give you some ideas about what can be great to make for friends, family or even your awesome self, I'm going to introduce you to a High Heels & Pink Frosting contributor named The Food Nerd. Every Monday she'll be bringing you some of the most amazing recipes that are not only freakin awesome in your mouth but won't break the bank or take too much of your time.

I thought this would be a great way to bring another talented blogger perspective on how to inspire people...but through food. To get you even more pumped for Monday's post, check out this trailer of Julie & Julia that is coming out this weekend.

Bon Appetit!

Can You Feel The Tingle?

Tingles are a magical thing. It's been a long time since I've felt them. Regardless, of where I am with my tingle situation, it's one of those feelings that we strive for. Let me be clear that I am not talking about your "cash and prizes" tingles, but rather the butterflies of excitement when you're seeing someone new (or maybe even the person you've been with for a long time).

The idea that someone else can make you feel so good about yourself when you're around them that they actually make you physically feel different. To me, that is an amazing thing. Now let me follow that up by saying there are people that can make you feel the physical opposite, but in the light that I would like to keep on this blog, I'm talking about the good kind.

Why do we feel them? Is it something scientific or something emotional? I watched a really great special on Discovery called Anatomy of Sex. It was the scientific breakdown of attraction and sex based on what we know from animal procreation and from our own natural animal instinct. It talks about why we are attracted to certain faces and body types, why we chose the people we do, and that the idea that "love at first sight" is really based on physical perception and responses.

What's your thought? You aren't attracted initially to someone because you think "oh, wow that person must be really nice and have a great personality."

Sure those things can make someone seem more attractive to you, but there has to be something physical there to begin with.

So maybe all those tingles we feel when we're with someone new, is just the physical way of your body saying, JACKPOT!!!

Random Wednesday Fun: Ice Pops and Such

Happy hump day. Take that whatever way you would like. (You know you chuckled). Wednesday's are always toss up days for me. I can either be super excited that the week is halfway to the weekend or it can end up being a manic work day.

I choose this Wednesday to chat about a simple summertime favorite. Freeze Pops. I love them. I can eat multiple in the same sitting. The best part about this treat is that the cheapest ones are most of the time my most favorite.

I'm sure you can think of many things that you love about the summertime. Random rainstorms when the sun is still shining, tanning and napping on the beach, annual saucy picnics, even the way it can be easier to meet people.

Think of three things that you love about summertime. The easy things. Baseball games. Convertables. Making out at the beach. Regardless of what they are, pick three and make them happen today. Make it a challenge. Make it easy. Just make it happen. I dare you.

Tell me about them tomorrow.

FYI, comments on this blog can be anonymous. Have a voice. Tell me what you think!

Looking Sexy Naked.

I came across a pretty interesting article on SheKnows that I thought was worth sharing. This probably pertains more to the gals than the dudes, but keep reading anyways.

Here are a few "tips" on how to look better naked. Guys, let us know if you agree and/or if they work...

Looking and feeling sexier naked starts here...maybe (a couple are ridiculous, but worth another set of eyes to agree). Let me know what you think?

What a Beautiful Mess...

This past weekend I was able to see Jason Mraz in concert. Great show. I always think that the best shows happen when the audience can see and feel how excited and how much the performer wants to be there. He never rushed off stage, came back for a healthy helping of an encore, and all around played his light-hearted, feel-good music.

Music is one of those few things that if you can really connect with the words, you can end up finding a new favorite. There are many reasons why songs might become your new favorite. Maybe it's a person or moment in which it reminds you. Regardless of how, music can change you. Your mood. Your perception. Your perspective.

Let me cut to my point here. Snazzy Mraz has a great song off of his new album called A Beautiful Mess. He sings about a girl that is, to put it plainly, simply awesome, but flawed. The relationship is flawed, the way they interact isn't perfect and its messy. But the point is that even though this idea of perfect may not exist between them, its still amazing.

It's a beautiful mess, yes it is. It's like picking up trash in dresses.

I liked the cleverness of the words and the way it got me thinking. Maybe all of these ideas of "happiness" and perfection really don't work out. And that sometimes the best and most amazing times can be messy and hard, but totally worth it.

If nothing else and my epiphany of a moment didn't shine through to you, take a listen to the song. You might like it!

Listen Here at Last.fm