Love Potions – Any Way You Like It Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Love Potions - Any Way You Like It Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Cupcakes have risen to become the #1 dessert of choice these days. We’re delighted to feature Any Way You Like It cream cheese cupcakes in our featured romantic Love Potions recipes.

Ingredients

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese – softened
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 vanilla wafers – and / or Oreos
12 foil cupcake liners

Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2)  With an electric mixer, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Add flour, lemon juice, and eggs – one at a time – mixing between each.

3)  Line a cupcake tin with foil cupcake liners.  Place a vanilla wafer or Oreo cookie in the bottom of each liner.  Pour 1/3 cup of cheesecake batter over each cookie.  Bake for 25 – 30 minutes; until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

*  Any way you like it  toppings: Fresh fruit or berries, Oreo crumbles, Pie filling, Whipped cream.

Love Potions recipe contributed by MenuForTheWeek.com

Dating with Discounts – Dating Dos and Don’ts

Groupon, Living Social, and a myriad of deal-of the day sites have sprouted up like wild-fire. It’s too tempting not to look at a deal in your city. So what’s a dater to do when the options are presented to him, but he wants to make a good first impression when he meets his online date?

I was asked a series of questions on the subject in relation to the New York Post article, Discount Dating, and as a coupon-cutter myself, have some strong thoughts on dating with discounts. If you follow these rules of netiquette for dating in a web 2.0 world, you’ll be on your way to a second or third date.

1. Should you tell your date if you’re using a discount? Or should you keep the Groupon in your pocket a secret? Why or why not?

If you’re meeting someone for the first time, bragging about your two-for-one discount won’t make you look good. She’ll think your entire courtship will be done on frequent flyer miles. It’s best to just hand the coupon to the server when you place your order. Your date will notice and will appreciate your tact and desire to impress her while staying on a budget.

2. If you do tell your date, when should you let them know? Before the date or during the date?

If your discount-dating offer is for a very specific menu item or activity, you’ll need to share that with your date at the time you sit down to order or meet. There’s no point in saying in advance, “I’d love to have a date with you and I’ll be using a discount coupon.” You’ll run the risk of her turning you down as your frugal ways won’t be filled with sex-appeal.

3. If you feel using discounts on a date is tacky, should you speak up? Or suffer in silence?

There’s nothing wrong with using discounts on a date as long as they aren’t the focus of your conversation. Saying, “Hey baby, do you want to go on a discount date with me?” or “I’ve got this great coupon” won’t impress her if you’re on a first or second date. If you’ve been dating for a while, you should feel comfortable in suggesting an outing that involves a discounted item or Groupon offering. Dating can be expensive and if you’re looking to impress your date, going for more than coffee may result in you getting a second date with the object of your affection.

4. What type of discount is best to use (a discount for an unusual activity like rockclimbing or shooting range lessons — or a more traditional date like 50% off dinner?)

Activity discounts are never looked down upon as cheap. The tricky part is grabbing your discount during a limited time period while hoping that your date will want to go rock climbing or white water rafting.  There is something unique about activity dates where a woman will look the other way when the coupon is presented.

5. Is using Groupon OK for a first or second date?

Using Groupon on a first date for dining is just a step above asking someone to split an appetizer when you thought you were meeting for a full meal on your date. It can be awkward with someone you have just met.

You have a split-second to make a bad impression on a first date. I recommend saving the Groupon or deal-of-the-day offer for future dates once you’re more comfortable with each other. The only way Groupon is acceptable on a first date is when you go to a restaurant with a pre-paid purchase towards your meal. If you buy $50 worth of food at a great restaurant for $25 and it goes towards your total meal value, it’s no different than using a gift card that you might have received as a present. It’s best to downplay the use of Groupon or a deal-of-the-day coupon in front of your date early on in the relationship. If you’re worried you might make a bad impression by using Groupon or a deal-of-the day discount, or your deal requires that your date order a specific entrée, save your deal for future dates when you’ve gotten to know her better, or use your offer on your Guys’ Night Out.

6. What about using a  Groupon discount for all of your first three or four dates with someone?

Using a Groupon type service on all of your first few dates will backfire on you. She may be the Coupon Queen at the grocery store, but dating a Coupon King just isn’t very sexy. He’ll come across as cheap instead of someone who’s smart about money.

7. Are there different do’s and don’t for men and women regarding these discounts? IS it OK for women to suggest using the discount?

There are so many stereotypes as it relates to dating and digital dating has it’s own set of rules. Women who use coupons are looked upon favorably by men.  A guy will think she’ll be considerate about how to spend his money and that dating her won’t break his bank. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as it relates to men. A woman will look at a discount guy as cheap early on in the relationship. It’s best for a man not to suggest a discount on a first or second date. Bragging about his recent Groupon acquisitions just isn’t sexy to a woman.

8. Who should pay (man or woman) if a discount is used? The person who does the asking? The person who finds the coupon? Should it be split if the coupon is giving you 50% off?

Generally, men pay on the first date and most dates with or without a coupon. If the woman has purchased a Groupon or deal-of-the day coupon, it’s her way of offering to pay or at least contribute the value of the coupon towards the meal. Asking to split the cost of the Groupon or coupon is like asking someone to go Dutch treat. It’s a netiquette no-no.

8. Any other do’s and don’ts you advise when it comes to discount dating?

Discount Dating Do’s:

Do let your guy take the lead. If he suggests a discount dating event, feel free to suggest one for a future date.

Do expect to pay for your deal-of-the day or Groupon meal or activity if you purchased it on your own. Asking to be reimbursed is a netiquette no-no.

Do find plays or activities of interest to you and your date using deal-of-the-day or Groupon type specials.

Do downplay your Groupon or discount if it comes up while submitting it to the server. Make your date think she’s worth every moment and every cent.

Discount Dating Don’ts:

Don’t make every date a discount date. Select a restaurant or venue within your budget and vary it up.

Don’t make the subject of discount dating at the top of your list. It goes hand-in-hand with talking about your ex, and that breaks the rules of netiquette for dating.

Don’t take inventory of all of your Groupon purchases while on a date. Even at 50% off, it can add up and you’ll appear to have a spending problem.

Don’t complain to your date that they are cheap if they are using a discount dating offer. Dating can be expensive and if he wants to take you somewhere other than a coffee shop, appreciate his efforts to impress you and act like a lady.

Are you using discount coupons while dating? We’d like to hear your thoughts and comments.

Julie Spira is an online dating, social media, and netiquette expert. She’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online and The Rules of Netiquette: How to Mind Your Manners on the Web.  Follow her on Twitter @JulieSpira. Visit her at CyberDatingExpert.com. Like her at Facebook.com/cyberdatingexpert

Cyber Love Song of the Week – Baby I Love Your Way

Peter Frampton calls this his very favorite love song. Enjoy Peter performing Baby I love Your Way live.

We’d LOVE it if you’d LIKE us at Facebook.com/cyberdatingexpert

Weekly Flirt

Click here and let the flirting begin>>>

Love Lessons from Dame Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor sadly passed away this week at the age of 79. With her 8 marriages to 7 husbands and 2 Academy awards, Liz knew how to love and she loved well.

Liz spent the last 15 years of her life as an unmarried woman who embraced social media and spent time online on Twitter and Facebook. She regularly tweeted with passion and her love of her friends, humanitarian efforts and jewelry were a big part of her life.

Thousands visited her star on Hollywood Boulevard with flowers and prayers. Worldwide, social media enthusiasts viewed her videos on YouTube and left messages on the Elizabeth Taylor Tribute Page on Facebook. I stared with sorrow at her Twitter page @DameElizabeth, where she sent her last tweet on February 9, 2011 with enthusiasm about her excitement on her Harpar’s Bazaar magazine interview with Kim Kardashian. Taylor was a regular tweeter and enjoyed staying in touch with her fans through social media.

On Thursday she was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Forest Hills Memorial Park, the same resting place as her close friend, Michael Jackson. Although she suffered through a myriad of health related problems, Elizabeth Taylor represented class, style, and will forever remain on a pedestal that she so very much deserves.

Elizabeth Taylor deserved an award for having faith in the institution of marriage, casting a wide net with a variety of seven husbands. She followed her heart when she divorced Richard Burton, only to remarry him again a year later.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor was all heart. She loved her friends dearly and devoted her time and resources to AIDS, at a time that most others looked the other way. I recall seeing Liz just two years ago at the Macy’s Passport event in Santa Monica, CA supporting AIDS research. Looking frail as she arrived in a wheel chair, she stood up and spoke to the crowd, she showed up and once again she gave her heart. Unrecognizable as the woman who starred in Cleopatra, she chose to stay in the public eye to help others rather than hide from the years of wear-and-tear. Taylor received a special Academy humanitarian award for her work with AIDS research.

Her resume of husbands included:

Husband #1: Hotel heir Conrad (Nicky) Hilton, 1950
Duration: 8 months
Love Lesson: 18 years old is too young to know what you want in a marriage.

Husband #2: British Actor Michael Wilding, 1952
Duration: 5 years
Love Lesson: Long-term marriage for Liz resulting in 2 children.

Husband #3: Producer Michael Todd, 1957
Duration: 13 months
Love Lesson: The death of a loved one revered him as one of the true loves of her life and produced a beautiful daughter, Liza Todd.

Husband #4: Singer Eddie Fisher, 1959
Duration: 5 years
Love Lesson: The only way to get over mourning a death of a spouse is to fall in love again.

Husband #5: Richard Burton, 1964 and 1975
Duration: 10 years and 1 year, respectively
Love Lesson: A true love with a bond so strong that the year apart was unbearable. When in doubt, it’s worth a second shot. The two adopted a daughter.

Husband #6: Politician John Warner, 1976
Duration: 6 years
Love Lesson: Being a politician’s wife was worth trying out, but not for her in the end.

Husband #7: Construction Worker: Larry Fortensky, 1991
Duration: 5 years
Love Lesson: A Hollywood icon can open her arms to a high school drop out and still lend a hand many years later after their divorce.

Hollywood has lost many legends, but there were none like Elizabeth Taylor, who loved like no other. How ironic that this woman filled with heart, died of heart failure.

May her star continue to shine brightly and may she rest in peace.

Enjoy Chemistry’s Free Weekend

Just in time for Spring Fever, Chemistry.com is having a free communication weekend from Friday, March 25 – Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Now’s your opportunity to jump online and find your dream date and a compatible partner by signing up for their service for free this weekend.

Click this link to get started! Free Communication Weekend 3/25-3/27

If you need some hand holding, we’re happy to help you with your profile.

Just in Time for Spring – SpaFinder Wellness Week

Spring is here and it’s time for some spring cleaning, a wardrobe change, and finding ways to feel better about your body, mind and soul before a big date.

While sitting in the Apple store learning how to use my new iPad, I received an email from SpaFinder announcing their Spring Wellness week. From March 21-27, 2011, numerous participating spas from around the country and world are offering either 50% off or $50 specials for spa treatments, Pilates, and yoga worth opening your wallet for.

Within in minutes, I was booked at Tikkun Holistic Spa, just around the corner from the Apple store in Santa Monica for a 50-minute massage at only $50. Regularly priced at $95, it included free use of the Clay room, Lava room, and Himalayan Salt room before my treatment.

Hundreds of spas around the country are participating Wellness Week. If you’re out of town, some of the finest 5-star hotels have spas with 50% off specials to enjoy during your trip. Already lucky in love? Try a couples massage to spice up your love life.

Click here to book an appointment in your city.

Cyber Love Song of the Week – Good Day Sunshine

Donating Love and Support to Japan – Find Love and Donate

If you’re like me, you’re probably emotionally devastated just watching the videos from the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear blast in Japan.

I have been a visitor to Japan prior to this tragedy and found the country to be so beautiful and it was one of my most memorable trips, ever.

To show support for the victims of Japan, I will be donating 50% of my online dating coaching fees for services that are paid through the end of March. I’ll help you find love and you can help support the American Red Cross fund for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. It’s a win-win.

Help me help those in need this week. Your support means so much to those suffering in Japan and I know together we can raise thousands of dollars for the cause.

Click here to Sign up for Irresistible Profiles.

The Flirt – Review and critique of your existing profile  ($125 will be donated to the American Red Cross)

Going Steady – Brand new irresistible profile, complete with a catchy screen name and one personalized search ($247.50 will be donated to the American Red Cross)

Totally in Love – All of the above plus an autographed copy of the bestseller, The Perils of Cyber-Dating and 30 days of Unlimited email support  ($397.50 will be donated to the American Red Cross)

Click here for a straight donation to the American Red Cross.

Thank you from the bottom on my heart.

Julie Spira – Cyber-Dating Expert – Dating in a Web 2.0 World

Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert Dating Advice

Do you have a question about online dating? Are you not sure which sites are the best for you? Are you frustrated that he hasn’t taken down his profile?

If so, send us your questions and we’ll discuss them on CyberDatingExpert.com, Facebook, and on our radio show, Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert.

With over 15 years of online dating experience, I’ll teach you how to create an irresistible online dating profile and help you with become successful at dating, love and romance in a Web 2.0 World.

Click here to submit your question.

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