5 Talking Date Conversation Tips

A successful first date conversation has less to do with what you say and more with how you say it. Below are five tips to help you talk your way to a second date.


Tip #1: Have confident body language
First dates can be nerve-racking for the sheer fact that you don't always know what to expect. However, there are a few tricks to looking confident even when you're quaking in your heels. First, maintain eye contact throughout your conversation (but don't over-do it; it's not a staring contest!) If you feel your voice becoming shaky, stop for a moment and take a deep breath before you resume speaking. Also, watch for any nervous behaviors like tapping your fingers on the table or shaking your foot. Besides potentially annoying your date, they are dead giveaways that you're anxious. When all else fails, acknowledge the elephant in the room and admit you are excited to be there, but feeling a little jittery. (He's probably nervous too.)

Tip #2: Don't be a chatterbox
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in wanting our date to like us that we forget that we're supposed to be evaluating his potential as well. Counteract this and avoid talking too much by asking him fun, insightful questions that will helpfully reveal what he's passionate about. Some ideas to jump-start the conversation: Do you have any siblings? How about pets? Where has been your favorite place to travel to? Have you read any good books or seen any films recently? Don't forget to follow-up on what he's saying if anything in particular catches your interest.

Tip #3: Keep your answers concise and upbeat
On a first date, you don't want to be guilty of TMI. You both are just getting to know one another, so it's best to accentuate the positive, as the saying goes.
Foe example, if you're currently unemployed (which is understandable in this grim economy) and he asks you what you do for a living, just mention that you're currently between jobs and looking. Don't go on and on about what a jerk your former boss was and how unfair it was that they laid you off. You risk turning him off and giving him the impression that you're a high-drama person, even if you're not.

Tip #4: Be prepared
Besides, waxing your legs and teasing your hair, brushing up on current events, both nationally and in your community, can come in handy on a first date, especially if the conversation should slow at some point. Even if you're not a news buff, skimming a newspaper or taking a quick scroll through cnn.com should suffice, as men love to explain things anyway. Avoid sensitive subjects such as politics and religion, however.


Tip #5: Keep the date short
At this point, you should be well on your way to becoming an expert on at dating small talk however, even when you're feeling major sparks, resist the temptation to do a marathon date or talk to each other all night long. It's always best to leave them wanting more, so be sure to save something to chat about on the second date.

10 Fun spring date ideas

Flowers aren't the only things to bloom during the springtime, so there's no better time than the months of March, April, and May for a budding romance. Below are ten fun date ideas to look forward to this spring.


1. Visit a botanical garden
A romantic stroll through the winding paths of a botanical garden, marveling at the multi-hued varieties of flowers, is the ultimate spring date. It's inexpensive, leaves ample room for conversation, and allows you to take advantage of the thawing temperatures and cool spring weather.

2. Hit the gym together
Bikini season will be here before you know it, so if you and your beau both want to shed some winter pounds, why not make it a gym date and do it together?

3. Exercise alfresco
Or if you've been cooped up inside for too long, enjoy some fresh spring air by planning a bike ride or going hiking together at a local park. Spring is also a great time for bird watching with many flocks migrating south.

4. Enjoy a trip to the zoo
People aren't the only ones coming out of hibernation in the spring. Make some furry new friends at the zoo and ooh and ahh at the cute baby animals that make their debuts during the spring months.

5. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Who says Valentine's Day is the year's most romantic holiday? Whether your ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle or if you just enjoy wearing green, fete the Irish spirit by checking out a local parade, going on pub crawl, or just drinking some Guinness together.

6. Aruba, Jamaica... Ooh, I Want to Take Ya
Spring Break isn't just for college co-eds. Take advantage of the low airfare prices by packing your bathing suits and planning a romantic get-away to somewhere in the tropics.

7. Check out a farmer's market together
Spring showers bring May flowers, but they also bring berries, grapes, and other fresh produce to your local market.

8. Do some spring-cleaning
If spring had a motto, it would be "Out with the old, in with the new." Take a day trip to some outdoor flea markets with your honey to scour for new treasures.

9. Buy some peanuts and crackerjacks
A crowded baseball stadium makes for the perfect setting for a date. Even if you're not a baseball expert, men will leap at the opportunity to impress you with their baseball knowledge. (Or, to up the cuteness factor and skip any explanations of the complexities of defensive strategy, attend a little league game.)


10. Make it a picnic
Before the temperatures make their ascent to sweltering peaks, pack some wine and sandwiches and enjoy a picnic lunch together under the stars.

2 Ways to celebrate Valentine's Day without leaving the house

Why leave the house, when you really can have more fun at home! No need to brave the winter weather and fight for reservations - check out these 12 ideas and plan to celebrate Valentine's Day at home this year.


1. I double dare you!
Dare each other to spend the entire day naked! After all, you're not going to be leaving the house!

2. Make meal magic
Research a really intricate meal (with several courses!) and learn to make it together. Split up the duties or go step by step together. Working side by side in the kitchen will surely lead to more side-by-side time after dinner… if you can hold out until the meal is over!


3. Steamy fun
Take a long, hot sexy bath together. Help him/her shampoo his/her hair. Wash each body part slowly. Shave each other, if you wish. Don't forget the champagne!

4. Mystery meals
Make Valentine's Day take-out day. Order in all your meals, from breakfast to late-night eats. Vow to only open the door for the delivery people. Make each meal interesting by blindfolding your partner and taking turns feeding each other. (This works best with sexy foods such as chocolate-covered strawberries, and even sushi!)


5. Sexy sheets
Pre-Valentine's day, purchase your honey some super soft and cozy new sheets. On the big day, make his/her bed with the (washed, of course) new linens. Cover the bed with chocolate candies or rose petals. Then spend the day/night "breaking in" the new sheets!

6. I dare you
Play a sexy game of truth or dare, fill out a book about your relationship, such as All About Us by Philipp Keel, or ask each other intriguing love questions from the If3 (Questions for the Game of Love) book by Evelyn McFarlane and James Saywell.


7. Private dancing
Turn on his/her favorite slow tunes, dim the lights and ask him or her to dance in your living room.

8. Umm... just do it?
Vow to "do it" in every room of the house. Try a new position in each room. Sure, you can take a break for snacks!

9. Sweet scavenger hunt
Spend the morning hiding little gifts and sweet cards around the house. With each note/gift, leave a clue that will lead your honey to the next one.

10. Make sparks
Light a fire in the fireplace (or light lots of candles), turn off all the lights and create a makeshift bed on the floor in front of the TV with lots of cozy blankets or even an air mattress. Rent tons of romantic movies and stay up all night watching them or fall asleep while watching them in each other's arms.

11. Have a campout!
Set up camp in the backyard, complete with a tent and super warm sleeping bags, a fire pit or chimenea stocked with logs, marshmallows for toasting (and s'mores makings), as well as a bottle of champagne. When the fire dwindles, you can snuggle up to keep each other warm.

12. Be your own cozy bar
Set up a bar in your house (or use the countertop) and stock it full of all your favorite spirits and mixers. Spend the night creating fun cocktails or "mocktails" and testing them out on one another. Be sure to write down the recipes for your favorites so you can make them next year!

Tips to avoid holiday weight gain

The holidays are here – and so are those expanding waistlines. Between binging on caloric cookies and drinking candied cocktails, it’s no wonder the average American gains seven to 10 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid the dreaded winter weight gain without eliminating the fun. Here are three.


Festive fitness
With all of the partying, shopping and spending time with family, the holidays are nothing short of hectic. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on your sweat sessions. Even just 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times a week will keep you fit during the festive season. Go for walks around your neighborhood to check out the lights and holiday décor – add lunges, sprints or squats into your routine for an added boost. An even better option? Sign up for one of the many fun runs occurring each weekend during the holiday season (see Runner’s World Race Calendar for one near you). Ranging from three to 15 miles, you can get in a great cardio workout and then sample all of those sweets!

Domestic exercise
Whether you are slaving away in the kitchen or shoveling snow all day, you can pack in a powerful body boost right under your own roof. You can burn extra calories with a few extra moves while you are cooking (click to get the dish on kitchen fitness). You can also work in a work out by shoveling snow, raking leaves or any other household activity that gets you moving. You’ll stay in shape and be an enviable domestic diva.


Dine wisely
Heading to a dinner party? Make sure to munch on healthy treats like nonfat yogurt or fruit beforehand so you don’t show up starving. Skipping snacks earlier in the day may make you eat more later, which can easily lead to weight gain. And when you’re choosing what to chow down, go the healthier options like brighter veggies (they’re more vitamin-packed) and avoid heavy cream sauces. When you hit the dessert table, satisfy your sweet tooth with small slices or samplings of pies, cakes and cookies.

5 Celebrity diet secrets that work

Many of our favorite female Hollywood stars have something in common: they are paid well to be perpetually slim and trim. While some celebrities go to dramatic and often unhealthy lengths to maintain those million-dollar figures, most A-list stars maintain their sizes the old fashioned way - through nutritious foods and regular exercise. Here are five of our favorite celebrity diet secrets that really work!


1. Exercise is about quality.
Taking a long, leisurely stroll around the neighborhood every night is nice, but it is not going to knock 10 or 20 pounds off your frame. You have to raise your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes each day to shed the fat! A trainer at your local gym can calculate your target heart rate for you, usually at no charge. Celebs favor running, Pilates and yoga to stay trim and toned. Bonus tip: exercising in the morning keeps your metabolism raised for the rest of the day, meaning your body can burn more calories with no more effort than if you had waited until later for your workout.

2. Reach for nutrient-rich fruits and veggies.
These major components of the food pyramid offer necessary vitamins and minerals in fewer calories than other foods. To get the most bang for your calorie "buck," swap empty-calorie items and reach for foods and beverages that are rich in beneficial nutrients. A study from the University of Florida shows that pink grapefruit juice provides more nutrients per calorie than many other commonly consumed 100 percent fruit juices, including apple, grape, pineapple and prune. So, think "pink" when you drink!

3. Load up on fiber.
Fiber-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, help to move things through your digestive system and can help make you feel full longer. Many stars favor asparagus, which may have natural diuretic effects, before red carpet events. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten as close to their natural state as possible: raw or lightly steamed, with no sauce.

4. Ban whites.
While ridding your diet of all carbohydrates is extreme, you should favor whole grains such as whole wheat flour, brown rice and oatmeal over "white" or refined carbs such as white flour, white rice, white potatoes and refined cereals. Whole grains are better for your body, and the fiber will help keep you feeling fuller, longer.

5. Practice portion control.
Most of us eat portions that are far beyond what a serving should be. Many stars go so far as to measure each portion as a means of controlling their calorie intake. A proper serving of meat is the size of a deck of cards; fruit and vegetables, the size of your fist; steamed brown rice, the size of a cupcake wrapper; and pasta, the size of a scoop of ice cream. Stars are aware that portion control translates to fewer calories, and fewer calories mean a slimmer look on the red carpet!