When love won't pay the rent

Worried about losing your job? Having enough money? Your 401k? Forget worrying, and have more sex instead!

A study by Consumer Reports found that more than seventy-nine percent of people said that the recession has not affected their frequency of sex and over five percent said that they were even busier in the bedroom since the economy took a nosedive last fall.

While the downturn may have negatively impacted your bank account, it may prove to have unforeseen benefits in the bedroom. Here are six reasons why the recession will unexpectedly boost your love life:

Reason #1: Changing Priorities

Hard times have a way of bringing people together like nothing else and the stress of the failing economy has caused many people to reevaluate their lives and realize that close, loving relationships are just as important as the almighty dollar.

Reason #2: More Time Together

With massive lay-offs and companies cutting back on employee hours, the recession has given us more time to date, or if, you're already in a relationship, more time to be together. Instead of spending another evening glued to your Blackberry, you can finally reinstate date night and find a babysitter for the kids. No need to if you don't want to; just cuddling on the couch together can rekindle old flames.

Reason #3: No More Excuses

Also, there shouldn't be any more excuses for a having a less than stellar sex life. You may have blamed a rut in the past on being "too tired" or "having to wake up early," but, now, if you're working less, longer love-making sessions and more playing footsies under the table at breakfast the next morning should become the status quo.

Reason #4: More Men on the Market

If you're single, you have a better chance of meeting someone right now than you did a year ago. According to an article in Marie Claire, the number of personals in the Craigslist "Casual Encounters" section jumped from 1.4 million in September 2007 to 3.1 million in September 2008. Membership is also reported to be on the rise among online dating sites and matchmakers as well.

Reason #5: Less Stress

Sex won't make your problems go away, but if you're stressed out about losing your benefits or looking for a new job, it can function as a great stress management tool. Sex has shown to reduce blood pressure, flood your body with feel-good hormones, and put people in a better mood. (It also burns calories, if you are prone to stress eating.)

Reason #6: Cheap Fun

Lastly, forget fancy nights out at the theatre or $200 bottles of wine, some good, old-fashioned recession lovemaking won't cost you a cent.

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Hotter Sex

How to have hotter sex

The truth is, though, you'd like to take your sex life to new levels of excitement, but are just too embarrassed to talk about it with your partner. So how can you become the embodiment of the phrase, "it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for?"

Try one of these "take me now" tactics tonight:

Hotter sex: What would Samantha do?

Fantasizing is more than just imagining a romp in the sand with Sawyer from LOST (you're a prude, but hey, you're still a woman!).

The next time your mind wanders, visualize a sexier you, too, and keep those images in mind when you get down to business. Before you know it, you'll be channeling "Sex and the City's" Samantha in the bedroom.

Hotter sex: Add some props

We're not talking about anything hardcore here (you'll work your way up to that!), but leaving on a pair of sexy black heels or blindfolding your guy with a silk scarf during sex can spice things up considerably.

Hotter sex: Sexy texting

After a long day of work deadlines, family madness and shopping lists, it's tempting to leave romance off of your to-do list. Of course, by sending a few "hint hint" text messages to your guy throughout the day, there will be no forgetting. And the more the anticipation builds, the quicker the clothes will come off – try this one and see!

Hotter sex: Change of scenery

You're a good girl, so you probably have most of your sex in the bedroom at what seems to be a regularly scheduled time.

Shake things up by greeting your guy in the buff when he gets home from work, or sneak into his morning shower. Spontaneity works wonders -- he (and you) won't be disappointed.

Hotter sex: Create a wishlist

You have no problem sharing your Amazon wishlist with others, yet when it comes to intimacy, you're super shy. Start by sharing one desire at a time ("I love it when you go slow…"), and add on as you go along. How else can you be sure you'll get what you really want?

How to avoid dating disasters

Dodging Disaster

We've all had bad dates, but there are some that are so bad they are elevated to code orange status that, in plebian terms, we simply refer to as 'disaster.' Here are four possible scenarios and what to do if you find yourself in the midst of one.

Possible Disaster #1:

You arrive home from your date only to realize that you've had a piece of spinach in your teeth the entire time!

Fix: First dates are all about first impressions and there's nothing like having food stuck in your teeth or a marinara sauce stain on your dress to give your date the loud and clear message that you're a slob! You can avoid this by keeping a compact mirror in your handbag to discreetly check yourself at various points through the evening. Also, when eating Italian food, it's best to avoid wearing white. You're just inviting spills to happen!

Possible Disaster #2:

You're excited that your date scored reservations at the hot new 'It' restaurant until your ex and his new girlfriend show up too and are seated at the next table.

Fix: How awkward! Hopefully, your ex will notice you before he and Miss My-Boobs-Are-Totally-Fake sit down and ask to be seated elsewhere. If not (or if the restaurant is crowded and it's not possible to move,) here's what you do: just pretend he's not there. In fact, even if you are on the most gut-wrenchingly boring date of your life, you act as if your date is the funniest, most glamorous person you've ever met and you are having the time of your life. If you do happen to lock eyes with the ex, give him a quizzical look and cock your head a tad, as if he looks familiar but you can't quite place him and then turn your attention back to your date and meal. If he acknowledges or speaks to you, gush, "Oh, I didn't recognize you! Nice to see you," and then say nothing further. You don't want to let him think that his presence has in any way impacted your meal or made you uncomfortable. You want to appear to be completely and totally over him.

Possible Disaster #3:

Your date walks you to the door and you sort of stand there, shuffling through platitudes of "What a great night!" and "We should totally do this again!" when you really just want him to kiss you.

Fix: What is this - high school? You should decide sometime by the end of the date whether you want to kiss him that night or not. If you don't, it's easy to avoid any awkwardness - a nice "See ya!" and a wave will do. However, if you do want to kiss him, it's good to give him signs beforehand. Don't act like an Ice Queen and then expect him to be overcome with passion. Instead, send flirty signals such as squeezing his hand, touching his hair, giving him long, come-hither glances. And then, at the end of the date, lingering as you say goodbye will no doubt let him know that you are looking forward to locking lips.

Possible Disaster #4:

After swapping emails, making goo-goo eyes across from each other, and several dinner dates that turned into breakfast, you and your beau have finally made it to couple-status! You want to shout it from the world until your best friend proclaims that online dating is for losers.

Fix: You have two choices. You can be truthful and tell people how you and your new boytoy met online (which some may find refreshingly honest or refreshingly lame) or you can just tell them that you met playing beach volleyball and just hope they don't press for specifics. Either way, just get your story straight. If you and Mr. Dreamboat reply "Match.com" and "Beach volleyball tournament" simultaneously when asked, people will think you're covering for something worse, like a "Craigslist Casual Encounters" hook-up.

How to meet a guy at the gym

Attract a Hard Bodied Hottie

As ordained by Cosmo, the gym is one of the best places to meet a healthy, good-looking man under 35. Below are five tips for turning your workout into a make-out.

Tip #1: Don't wear headphones

If you're looking to meet a guy at the gym, it's necessary to seem like you're open to chatting. Start by ditching the ear buds and the Ipod- they send signals that you want to be left alone – and become friendly with the regulars at your gym, including the staff. Even by just saying "hi" to people when you arrive, you will be giving off a social, approachable vibe that will attract a man's attention.

Tip #2: Peruse the free weights

You may love your 10am yogilates classes on Saturdays, but the chance of your meeting anyone besides a few middle-aged moms trying to lose their paunch is slim. Instead, peruse your gym's schedule for classes that involve boxing, martial arts, or anything that includes the words "boot camp" in the title to maximize your man meeting potential.

Another good idea is to stake out the free weights section of your gym during peak hours. Don't worry if you've never lifted before; asking about proper form may just provide the perfect conversation opening! If all goes well, be sure to segway the conversation to another location for après-workout smoothies.

Tip #3: Look cute but not obvious

You don't have to show up the gym in a teeny-tiny thong to grab a man's interest, but a coordinated ensemble that shows off your assets will attract more attention than wearing a pair of sweat pants and your favorite old college tee. (Check out FitCouture.com for some stylish and comfortable options.)

Conversely, you don't want showing up at the gym wearing loads of eye makeup or in any kind of outfit you can't actually workout in (don't even think about heels!), as this will come across as too obvious and desperate.

Tip #4: Try not to act like the treadmill is pure torture

Sometimes just the thought of exercising can put a scowl on your face, but when scoping out the singles scene at your gym, it's important to seem as if you're happy and enjoying yourself. (If you're not, try switching up your workout or doing something to get yourself motivated again.) Also, don't be afraid to make eye contact and smile when spotting a possible gym crush contender.

Tip #5: Coregasm

Lastly, if you really want to attract a man's attention: indulge in a coregasm. According to Women's Health, a coregasm is what occurs when a woman climaxes by exercising certain core muscles, specifically when doing hanging leg raises. Consider it a reward for all of your hard efforts, as well as a surefire way capture the attention of any man at your gym!

You need a diversion

This past week I received the following e-mail from a reader: “I am confused and I don’t know where else to turn. I have this problem.I suffer from premature ejaculation.I can’t think of anything more humiliating. I know the trick about picturing something ugly. The trouble is, I can’t keep that picture in my mind. I’m like overtaken by the intensity and I just lose it. Is there anything else you can suggest?”

I don’t usually do this but I’ll share a little bit of my personal life here. I’ve experienced premature ejaculation too. It’s part of sex. The experience can be so overpowering, the energy so focused and relentless, that yes, we just lose it.

What you need is a diversion. Something to take your mind off the intensity, something to unfocus your energy. Here’s a list of the first five things that come to mind. Feel free to use more than one simultaneously, if the need should arise.

1) Listen to bad music during the lovemaking.

I’ll even suggest a tune: Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life.”

“So many nights I sit by my window

Waiting for someone to sing me his songs

So many dreams I kept deep inside me

Alone in the dark but now

You’ve come along”

Yuck. Can you imagine ejaculating prematurely while that’s playing? No way. The syrupy sentimentality is a sure turn off.

And if for whatever reason that doesn’t do the trick, consider a different version of “You Light Up My Life.” The duet sung by Pat and Debbie Boone.

“Rollin’ at sea, adrift on the water

Could it be finally I’m turning for home?

Finally, a chance to say hey,

I love you
Never again to be all alone”


This is a father and daughter we’re talking about. Fathers and daughters should never sing romantic duets. There should be a law.

And if for whatever reason that doesn’t do the trick, consider a different version of “You Light Up My Life.” The duet sung by Donnie and Marie Osmond. This is a brother and sister we’re talking about.

2) Turn on the television.

I know, I know, there’s no way she’ll go for it. But I’m not talking about watching football. Let her choose the programming. All you’re after is the background noise and the image to distract you.

If she lets you choose the programming, watch a comedian. There’s some incredible footage of Chris Farley from his Saturday Night Live days. There’s no way you’ll ejaculate prematurely with Matt Foley in the room. He’s the motivational speaker living in a van… down by the river.

3) Wear condoms.

If I sound like an advertisement for safe sex, good. But condoms also serve a function here. They slow everything down. Getting that thing out of the package, unrolled and on is a form of gymnastics. Use that time to calm down. This in fact is the most effective time to picture something ugly. Personally, I’m a fan of Ronald Reagan. Yes, that’s right. I picture the old man while I unpackage the condom. A sure relaxant.

4) There is a sex toy worth considering.

Desensitizing penis creams. These are “control creams,” according to the advertising, to “keep it hard and strong, all night long.” If that’s really what you want.

Because this is America, the land of choice, these desensitizing creams come in different substances. There’s Ginseng Root and Hemp Seed and Benzocaine and even cherry Benzocaine. Yum. The Benzocaine numbs the head of the penis. There’s a spray too, for less mess.

I’m not sure how these others work. The hemp, I assume, gets you high and silly, which reduces the overall intensity.

5) Finally, I’ll offer one more suggestion. I alluded to it in number three. Men need to take breaks.

Consider a sports analogy. In football and basketball, there are timeouts and ends of quarters. In baseball, the inning ends. In tennis, there’s a change of serve. Why are these breaks built into the games? For the players to relax and reinvigorate. Why is sex any different?

Pregnancy and sperm count

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Are you worried about how sperm count affects getting pregnant? Well, you are not alone! Here is your answer.

Question:

Dear Ashtyn,

My husband recently found out that he has a low sperm count. I am worried that we won’t be able to conceive. What options do we have? We both want children and are willing to do whatever we can to become parents. Thanks!

Stella

Answer:

Hello Stella! Thanks so much for emailing. It is so rare that I get to answer a question about pregnancy that the opportunity to do so is nice.

First, let me say that while your husband might have a low sperm count, unless he has additional problems, he may still be able to help you conceive a child. The first bit of advice is to keep up what you are doing. Try to have sex during those times when you believe you are most fertile, but also whenever the mood strikes you. Some of the best conception stories come from the time when the woman didn’t plan to have sex or wasn’t in that overly “fertile” time of the month. Remember that each woman is different and her time to conceive will differ based on many different factors.

If you have been trying to have a baby for more than a year, you may want to consider other options, though you should keep trying on your own until you are certain you want to go in another fertility direction. Approximately 10% of men with low sperm counts will help to conceive a child within the first year or two in which the couple has been trying to have a child.

If you have been trying without success, there are other options. First, you need to make sure that you are healthy as well. If you are, you can choose a few different routes. The first one is going to a sperm bank or finding a sperm donor for artificial insemination. With a sperm bank, you have the anonymity factor. This person does not know you. You can pick out sperm based on looks, intelligence levels, body types, family history, race, religion, ethnicity, and so on. Some people go the friend/relative route. If your husband has a brother who is willing to donate sperm, then your husband will still be genetically related to your child. While this may seem unconventional, it is always an option. Some couples just seem more comfortable going with a friend or family member instead of a stranger and that is okay.

Another option is fertility treatments and IVF. You are better off going with a sperm donor merely because IVF is more expensive, has more risks, and you are more likely to get multiple births (twins, triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, etc.) from IVF. Doctors are more likely to offer IVF to a woman with a fertility problem as opposed to the man having a low sperm count. You should really talk to a fertility doctor about this option.

You could consider having a friend, family member -- or even a surrogate -- to carry your child. Again, this is typically done when a woman is having fertility problems though some people might be willing to do this for you, for the right price. This opens up the question, “Where are you going to get the sperm?”

Finally, you should consider adoption. There are many children around the world who are in need of good homes. The United States, in particular, has many programs that work with places in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Central America. There are also domestic adoption agencies. I don’t know if you are in the United States, but this can be quite an expensive option that requires months (sometimes years) of dedication. Of course, the end result is always worth it. If you have the money, I highly recommend you consider adoption as an option.

I hope this information helps you out, and good luck with whatever you decide!

Maintain Your Sexy

Valentine's Day is here, and although it is, in fact, a commercial holiday, it'd still be a lot of fun to show your love on the special day. Stoked for the special night but don't know how to prepare? Don't slack - get lingerie ready by following these simple tips. And remember, this advice applies to other romantic nights of the year, so use them as necessary.

Buy Something New

Hello, Fredericks of Hollywood, Victoria's Secret and Figleaves. It's time to purchase some sexy in the form of pretty lingerie. Before the romantic evening, ask your man what he likes. Who knows, he may want you in a football jersey. Or, like most men, he'll probably ask to see you in lace and chiffon. It's good to communicate expectations beforehand so he can grow in anticipation and you can plan ahead. Visit your favorite lingerie store (if applicable, that is) and get something you know not only he will like, but you will love to see yourself in.

Groom Yourself

This goes without saying - don't forget to shave, trim, wax what you need to. Depending on yours and/or your lover's preference of hair, of course, groom accordingly so there are no surprises during the romantic night. If you're feeling a little frisky, consider a special design on your you-know-what, like a heart or star.

Stay Away from Junk

Newsflash - salty foods make you bloated. So stay away from potato chips, fast food, and ramen noodles for a week before your fab fling. Consuming foods with a lot of sodium will only add water weight, making your tummy look bigger than it normally is. Stick with natural foods before your romantic night. Shop at Wholefoods and farmer's markets. Eat salads with light dressing and lots of whole grain pastas, rice and bread. Doing so will make your body sexier than it already is!

Set the Mood

To sex up the room, you'll need two manipulate two important things: the lighting and aroma. Give your bedroom or living room that romantic glow it doesn't normally have.. Instead of using plain old tealight candles, consider PartyLite's Scents of Illumination. These unique translucent solid frangrance-filled wine glasses will hold tealight candles. It really provides a nice touch to your wine setup and table setting. You can get them in scents like champagne pear (if you're having white wine) and Tuscan vineyards (if you're having red wine).. They retail for $32.95 each or you can get two for $62.95 at www.partylite.com. You can also get the tealights there for $9.50 for a dozen.

Own Your Sexy

No matter what you do to get ready for the lovely day - whether you groom, eat right, and dress sultry - your sex appeal won't go very far if you don't own it. After you follow the steps above, it's very important to know, remember and maintain how sexy you are. Once you and your lover are "in the moment," just enjoy yourself, each other and the night. Then, repeat every day if possible to keep that love alive. Valentine's Days, anniversaries and honeymoons aren't the only occasions for fun loving.

Sex to rekindle the heat

My Rating

In long-term relationships, it's easy to settle into a routine with your partner that, while may be comfortable, can make your sex life a tad mundane. However, by shaking it up and using these sex tips, you can revive the spark that first brought you two together. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Sex Tip 1: Keep it pretty

First things first, it's impossible to have great sex if you don't feel sexy, so treat yourself to a blowout or some new lingerie, whatever is needed to put the "va-va-voom" back into your step.

Sex Tip 2: Flirt with each other

Make a habit of sending playful, sexy messages to him throughout the day. Make him salivate with anticipation by telling him what you're wearing and what you want to do to him later.

Sex Tip 3: Set the mood

Don't underestimate the power of lighting a few candles. Make sure your bedroom is sexy and doesn't have toys littering it. And turn off the tv!

Sex Tip 4: Just kiss

Agree to place a ban on sex for a certain length of time and just kiss and focus on foreplay. Abstaining from sex has the added benefit of charging up both of your libidos.

Sex Tip 5: Surprise Him

Don't wear any underwear and let him find out.

Sex Tip 6: Watch an Erotic Film Together

It doesn't have to be porn for it to be sexy. Some favorites: Body Heat, Belle du Jour, Last Tango in Paris, Like Water for Chocolate.

Sex Tip 7: Play an adult game

Check out Game night for couples and Games that lovers play for some naughty suggestions.

Sex Tip 8: Discover a new position

There are over 60 different positions in the Kama Sutra, so there's no excuse to not try a new one at least once a week!

Sex Tip 9: Share your fantasies

A little role-playing can be fun and it doesn't have to be limited to the bedroom. Start the fun before you even get home by meeting at a bar and pretending you just met.

Sex Tip 10: Get out of the bedroom

Sometimes a change of locale is all that's needed to rev up the action. Try having sex somewhere unexpected; just be careful not to get caught!

If any of the ideas makes you feel nervous, then you should definitely try it first. The great part of being with someone for an extended period of time is that you can fully trust and feel safe with him, so don't hesitate to try something out of your normal comfort zone, especially if it means revving your sex life up!

Sexual partners: What's your sex number?

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As if the number of birthday candles women blow out each year isn’t enough stir up insecurities, the number sexual partners has become etched into their minds, and possibly hearts, as well. These days, it’s hard to determine an “appropriate” number of partners. So how many is too many? Consider your own sex number and find out the averages for both men and women here!

Sexual partners & sex numbers

The percentage of women who have had a lower number of sexual partners (10 or less) is generally higher than men, according to an ABC News’ poll, the American Sex Survey. And at the start of the tier of 11 partners and above, the percentage of men increases while the number of women decreases.

In other words, comparatively, the majority of men have had a higher number of sexual partners, and the majority of women have had a lower number of partners. Psychologist and Professor Norman R Brown and his colleagues at the University of Michigan report that -- on average -- by the time a man is in his 40s, he has had 31.9 partners, while women have had 8.6 partners.

What does the sex number mean?

But women don’t need statistics to know that typically a man’s number is significantly higher and more socially acceptable. Men can be more open about sexual activity with multiple partners, and it’s considered acceptable for them to give precedence to the shape of a woman’s legs over her lifelong goals. Who hasn’t heard inappropriate comments made about women followed by the universal and pathetic excuse, “But I’m a guy...”

Conversely, women’s sexual histories and beneath-the-sheets activities remain hush-hush. Unlike weight, there’s no BMI to pinpoint a healthy sexual lifestyle. “The number” has morphed into another notch in the bedpost for men -- and a self-deprecating representation of past failures in search of Mr Right for women.

Why such a stigma?

Why should our sexual past carry such a stigma that we’re reluctant to reveal our number, even to our gynecologists? A woman in her late-20s says, “I think men prefer women to be more pure than they are. It’s a turnoff if they think a woman is more sexually experienced. It’s a blow to the ego.”

This creates a problem if men expect to have sexual adventures when young, yet settle down with “conservative” wives years later. This leads to women being judged for being "prudish" when young -- yet any subjective “high” number insinuates sloppy intoxication, low self-esteem or a need for attention down the road.

A number, however, that seems to get overlooked and under-judged is oral sex partners. Somehow it’s become acceptable to have an infinite number of oral sex partners, as opposed to the number of intercourse partners. Fair or not, foreplay has less social and emotional repercussions, besides being defined as a tease.

Does casual sex carry emotional benefits, not only baggage?

A young woman explains, “I’m much more inclined to have sexual experiences with someone I know I don’t have a future with. It’s a defense because I don’t get hurt.” Some women have one-night stands as a way to receive sexual pleasure. Others use it to stave off hurt or gain equal ground in future relationships. Sometimes, sex becomes a spiteful and defensive action against men -- an attempt at unemotional, unattached, hot-animal sex.

One woman explains that a one-night stand for her made her feel powerful for her next sexual relationship, as well as helping her overcome a brutal breakup. Another woman, who refers to her sexual fling as "Mr Z," says that he “helped me to feel wanted again, and gave me the opportunity to a rebuild badly shattered self-confidence,” after her fiancé left her.

Although most women would agree that no matter how hard they try to keep sex casual, emotions often get involved -- and attempts at being Samantha Jones from Sex & the City leave them feeling shameful and lonely.

How are women keeping up with the times?

With significant social changes taking place, such as couples waiting longer to marry and an increase in the prevalence of reliable birth control methods, women will increasingly have healthy sexual histories on par with men. To expect men to accept higher numbers and more experiences from potential wives, women should also be confidently comfortable with their own non-monogamous, active sexual lifestyle. Steamy nights might lead to romance or they might fizzle out to be just another hook-up.

But like turning a year older, another number might just mean more experience and wisdom both inside and outside the bedroom -- which is beneficial to both sexes.

14 Tips to look better naked

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It is a cruel fact of life that exactly 1.5 months after gouging on holiday feasts, you are expected to slink around in barely-there lingerie for your lover on Valentine's Day (while simultaneously avoiding chocolates and other treats.)

However, if you still haven't loss those 5 pounds of holiday weight gain, don't despair. There are a few tricks to looking better naked without having to hit the gym. Below are fourteen tips for looking sizzling in your birthday suit.

Look better naked tip #1

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate: especially in the wintertime, skin tends to be dry and flaky, so it's important to scrub off dead skin cells in order to look radiant in the buff.

Look better naked tip #2

If you are self-conscious about your curves, tanning is a great way to look thinner without actually having to diet. For a chiseled face, sweep bronzer across the apples of your cheeks, or for Bar Rafaeli-like legs, use a darker bronzer on the outside of the leg and blend with a lighter shade on the inside. A tan can also hide other imperfections like spider veins and stretch marks.

Look better naked tip #3

Makeup may make you feel sexier; however, you don't want it to smear all over your sheets. Instead of using a heavy foundation or cream, opt for an oil-free tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone, such as the aptly named Naked Glow Shimmer. It blends easily into the skin, can be used all over your body, and contains tiny light reflecting prisms to give you a dewy, sensuous look.

Look better naked tip #4

Make-up artists swear by Preparation H to camouflage any bruises.

Look better naked tip #5

Another reason to nix the white sheets: colored sheets can give you the appearance of a warmer skin tone, even without a tan.

Look better naked tip #6

Looking sweet is irrelevant if you don't also smell great. Draw attention to your décolletage and wrists by dabbing on a warm, spicy fragrance such as Coco by Coco Chanel.

Look better naked tip #7

Try not to wash your hair if possible. Styling is easier to do on day-old hair and tousled, wavy hair can be sexy.

Look better naked tip #8

And don't forget to groom the hair down there! Accessorize your bikini line with crystals or have it waxed into a playful shape. Or, for those who prefer to go au natural, just a quick trim with scissors can make all the difference.

Look better naked tip #9

Looking good naked isn't just about your body; a soft lighting scheme can help flatter your figure. Avoid harsh fluorescents whenever possible and instead try to incorporate mood lighting, such as candles or floor lamps.

Look better naked tip #10

You will also want to make sure the temperature in the room isn't too hot or cold before ditching your clothes. Too warm will have you sweating whereas icy temps will leave you shivering and your nipples prematurely erect.

Look better naked tip #11

Don't underestimate the power of a simple mani/pedi.

Look better naked tip #12

Eat lightly before stripping down to the nude. (Otherwise you will risk looking like you're pregnant with a food baby.)

Look better naked tip #13

Just because you are naked, doesn't mean you can't accessorize. High heels are sexy and have the advantage of making your legs look especially lean. Or, for a more playful option, don a feather boa or a rocking' piece of jewelry.

Look better naked tip #14

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy yourself. Remember, if you feel sexy and fabulous, you will look it, even in the buff.

Four tips to consider before taking a home pregnancy test

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Am I pregnant?

Whether it's a broken condom or a planned event, the pregnancy question is raised by all of us at some point in our lifetime. How do you know if it's the right time to start to worry? Check out our guide.

Consider before taking the test

Walking through the pregnancy aisle at the local drug store can be a daunting, nerve-wracking task. A woman wants to choose the right test to ease her anxieties about her future, but there are so many questions to ask—what kind of test, which product, when to take it? Before making your purchase, there are several elements to consider. Dr. Craig Richard, assistant professor in biopharmaceutical studies at Shenandoah University gives some insight into the human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG (the pregnancy hormone) that may answer some of these questions.

How long after sex will hCG show?

The rate at which fertilization and implantation of an egg occurs can be crucial to the accuracy of the results of a home urine test. Assuming that the fertilization happened immediately after sex followed by implantation five or six days after—a home test can detect hCG as soon as nine days after sex, according to Richard.

However, fertilization and implantation can take much longer, and a home test can take up to 20 days after sex to detect hCG. Richards says, “The variability of hCG detection in home tests can result in false negatives if home users are not aware that a pregnancy can take this long to be detected by a home test. A home pregnancy test can detect about 90 percent of pregnancies at about the time of the first missed period.”

How accurate are early detection tests?

If you don’t know what to look for in a pregnancy test, research will show that some products have better track records than others with accuracy and consistency. With all of these chances of your body delaying the detection of hCG, you might wonder about early detection home tests.

Richards says that First Response Early Result has proved the most accurate and consistent in controlled studies. However, many inaccurate results come from misuse of the home-tests. He emphasizes that no matter which product you choose, it is imperative that you do not use it too soon, follow the directions, and follow with a blood test for your clinician.

Digital vs. line test

The latest development in technology among home pregnancy tests is the new digital indicators as an alternative to the traditional line test. The question at hand becomes if these tests are more or less accurate than their predecessors. According to Richards, “There may be some potential advantages but currently they are not the most reliable, the easiest, or the most inexpensive to use.”

Melissa Martin, group product manager at First Response says that they chose to make the development based on consumer desire. User-friend words like, “Yes” and “No” are easy for the consumer to interpret. Also, they developed a test indicator that reveals if the test is properly functioning in order to obtain the most accurate results; however, these new developments do not make these tests more accurate than their line tests.

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Did you know? 10 sex facts

A recent visit to Manhattan's legendary Museum of Sex yielded more than a mob of 18 year-old girls giggling in the foyer -- it provided an entertaining and education look into the history of sex.

Here are some little-known sex facts that may surprise you – or at least give you ammunition for a fascinating dinner conversation!

1. The best medicine...

According to the Museum of Sex, the vibrator was originally used as a medicinal treatment for female "hysteria" during the 19th century. The vibrator-induced orgasms helped doctors dissipate hysteria's anxiety-related symptoms.

2. Say cheese!

Semen contains zinc and calcium, both of which are proven to prevent tooth decay.

3. Hop to it.

The iconic "Rabbit" is renowned for two things: excellent results and an odd smiley face on its tip. Women's Health tells us the smiley face was actually a result of conservative Japanese customs. Apparently, Japanese consumers frown upon "the production of sex toys that too closely resemble phalluses," so the smiley face was added.

4. Does he measure up?

The average size of an erect penis is 5 inches, and the average flaccid penis measures about 3 inches.

5. The sad truth.

While this fact is neither entertaining nor humorous, it’s shocking to note that homosexuality remained on the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental illnesses until 1973.

6. Protect our troops.

Today the government issues "Support our Troops" paraphernalia; however government-issued brochures and videos featured a slightly different slogan during the WWII era – "Don't forget – Put it on before you put it in." During the Second World War, many soldiers returned home with venereal diseases, costing the government millions of dollars in medical expenses.

7. Work it.

Hate the gym? You burn about 200 calories during 30 minutes of active sex.

8. What a tease!

Burlesque costumes are the epitome of sexy – think Dita Von Teese and lingerie; however, a few centuries ago, the outfits had a slightly different purpose. According to the Museum of Sex, merkins (the bottom half of burlesque costumes) were originally created as "pubic wigs" for 15th century prostitutes. The designs helped hide pubic lice and syphilis symptoms. Make sure to share this information with your boyfriend the next time he heads to Vegas with the boys.

9. Justice is served.

In Hong Kong, adulterous husbands get more than a steep monthly alimony payment – a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her husband if he cheats on her – but she may only do so with her bare hands.

10. Whatever happened to Southern comfort?

The sale of sex toys and vibrators is banned in Alabama and Mississippi.