Top 10 Biggest Volcanic Eruptions in History

The recent eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland were a stark reminder of nature’s ability to bring human activity to an abrupt standstill. The cloud of smoke that drifted over Western Europe made aviation travel untenable, returning European skies to a quietude not felt for decades..

Luxury Dining Rooms Ideas

A lingering hint of contemporary gothic pervades these luxury dining room ideas by Cattelan Italia. Black and white color schemes throughout simply demand attention… hints of sparkle add glitz and glamour

Top 10 Most Memorable Celebrity Weddings

The upcoming Chelsea Clinton nuptials have provoked endless speculation – from whether she’ll opt for an Oscar de la Renta or a Vera Wang dress, to whether the former First Daughter will be serving anything other than vegan food to her guests.

Pirelli Calendar 2011

During a press conference in Moscow this past Tuesday, Karl Lagerfeld presented his rendition of the famed Pirelli Calendar for 2011.

Vogue Paris Calendar 2011

Mikael Jansson shoots the stunning new Vogue Paris 2011 Calendar featuring Daria Werbowy. Styled by Anastasia Barbieri and Jewels by Louis Vuitton.

Showing posts with label romantic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romantic. Show all posts

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Best Romantic Kisses In Walt Disney movies

In the classic tales the kiss usually is used to break an evil spell as he does sleep Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, but it was not always present. The Kiss appears for the first time in the Sleeping Beauty, the version written by Charles Perrault, in 1697. Romantic, funny or passionate in this gallery we present an overview of the most beautiful disney kisses of all time...
Enjoy!

1.Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

2. Sleeping Beauty (1959)


3.Tangled (2010)

4.The Princess and the Frog (2009)

5.Beauty and the Beast (1991)

6.The Little Mermaid (1989)

7.Cinderella (1950)

8.Anastasia (1997)

9.Aladdin (1992)

10.Hercules (1997)

11.Pocahontas (1995)




Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor


Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor


Abandoned pregnant and penniless on the teeming streets of London, 16-year-old Amber St. Clare manages, by using her wits, beauty, and courage, to climb to the highest position a woman could achieve in Restoration England—that of favorite mistress of the Merry Monarch, Charles II. From whores and highwaymen to courtiers and noblemen, from events such as the Great Plague and the Fire of London to the intimate passions of ordinary—and extraordinary—men and women, Amber experiences it all. But throughout her trials and escapades, she remains, in her heart, true to the one man she really loves, the one man she can never have. Frequently compared to Gone with the Wind, Forever Amber is the other great historical romance, outselling every other American novel of the 1940s—despite being banned in Boston for its sheer sexiness. A book to read and reread, this edition brings back to print an unforgettable romance and a timeless masterpiece.

Forever Amber is one of those books that you either love or hate it. Some hate it because the main protagonist is a total dimwit with zero scruples. Others feel it is a total rip of Gone With The Wind. And, hey, if I were a critical woman I'd agree wholeheartedly, but the fact of the matter is that I simply do not care as long as I am being entertained. Instead of rereading Gone With the Wind over and over, I'd so much rather read rip-offs and garner a new experience with new characters. And what better setting then that of Restoration England?

Kathleen Winsor:  en.wikipedia.org




Best Historical Romance Novels

Do you like reading romance novels that have a tinge of history in them? Well, if you do, then go through this list of the best romance novels of the history genre that you are sure to enjoy reading...

Even the most cynical readers amongst us have, at some point of time or the other, curled up with a romance novel just to give us something lighthearted to think about. A romance novel can sometime be a much-needed break after a heavy novel that forces you to think. A great genre of romance novel to read is the historical romance genre. Most novels that are based in a period before the Second World War are categorized in this genre. The first of these novels was written by author Georgette Heyer who wrote sometime during the early twentieth century basing her novels in the Regency period. The popularity of historical romance novels has only grown since then, until recently where there has been a slight fall. An author writing a historical romance is expected to create characters that are true to the period and with every background detail in line with the happenings of the period.

Popular Historical Romance Novels

The genre of historical romance novels can be further divided into twelve sub genres which include the categories of Americana, Civil War, Colonial United States, Elizabethan, Georgian, Medieval, Native American, Pirate, Regency, Tudor, Victorian, Viking, and Western. Since 2001 the number of historical romance books published every year has dropped with a wider preference for romance novels based in the contemporary period. In 2004, according to statistics, only 486 romance novels of this genre were published in America which accounted for about 20% of all romance novels published that year. Despite a perceived fall in popularity, there are still many readers who remain die-hard fans of the genre. The list given below is a subjective compilation of some of the best selling and most popular historical romances of all time.
  1. A Kingdom of Dreams    Judith McNaught
  2. A Summer To Remember    Mary Balogh
  3. All Through The Night    Connie Brockway
  4. Almost Heaven    Judith McNaught
  5. And Then He Kissed Her    Laura Lee Guhrke
  6. As You Desire    Connie Brockway
  7. Banner O'Brien    Linda Lael Miller
  8. Bet Me    Jennifer Crusie
  9. Bound By Your Touch    Meredith Duran
  10. Bride    Stella Cameron
  11. Cotillion    Georgette Heyer
  12. Devil In Winter    Lisa Kleypas
  13. Devil's Bride    Stephanie Laurens
  14. Devil's Cub    Georgette Heyer
  15. Dreaming of You    Lisa Kleypas
  16. Emma    Jane Austen
  17. Flowers From The Storm    Laura Kinsale
  18. Gone With The Wind    Margaret Mitchell
  19. Honor's Splendour    Julie Garwood
  20. It Had To Be You    Susan E. Phillips
  21. It Happened One Autumn    Lisa Kleypas
  22. Lady Sophia's Lover    Lisa Kleypas
  23. Lord of Scoundrels    Loretta Chase
  24. Lord Perfect    Loretta Chase
  25. Married by Morning    Lisa Kleypas
  26. Mr. Impossible    Loretta Chase
  27. Mr. Perfect    Linda Howard
  28. Not Quite a Husband    Sherry Thomas
  29. Once and Always    Judith McNaught
  30. Outlander    Diana Gabaldon
  31. Paradise    Judith McNaught
  32. Persuasion    Jane Austen
  33. Pride and Prejudice    Jane Austen
  34. Private Arrangements    Sherry Thomas
  35. Rainbow Season    Lisa Gregory
  36. Ransom    Julie Garwood
  37. Rebecca    Daphne du Maurier
  38. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton    Julia Quinn
  39. Saving Grace    Julie Garwood
  40. Scandal In Spring    Lisa Kleypas
  41. Seduce Me At Sunrise    Lisa Kleypas
  42. Something Wonderful    Judith McNaught
  43. Suddenly You    Lisa Kleypas
  44. Sunset Embrace    Sandra Brown
  45. Tender Rebel    Johanna Lindsey
  46. The Bride    Julie Garwood
  47. The Duke and I    Julia Quinn
  48. The Duke of Shadows    Meredith Duran
  49. The Flame and the Flower    Kathleen Woodiwiss
  50. The Grand Sophy    Georgette Heyer
  51. The Lady's Tutor    Robin Schone
  52. The Last Hellion    Loretta Chase
  53. The Leopard Prince    Elizabeth Hoyt
  54. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie    Jennifer Ashley
  55. The Magnificent Rogue    Iris Johansen
  56. The Proposition    Judith Ivory
  57. The Raven Prince    Elizabeth Hoyt
  58. The Secret    Julie Garwood
  59. The Secret Pearl    Mary Balogh
  60. The Seduction    Nicole Jordan
  61. The Serpent Prince    Elizabeth Hoyt
  62. The Shadow and The Star    Laura Kinsale
  63. The Spymaster's Lady    Joanna Bourne
  64. The Viscount Who Loved Me    Julia Quinn
  65. The Windflower    Laura London
  66. Then Came You    Lisa Kleypas
  67. Thunder and Roses    Mary Jo Putney
  68. To Have and To Hold    Patricia Gaffney
  69. Untie My Heart    Judith Ivory
  70. What Happens In London    Julia Quinn
  71. When He Was Wicked    Julia Quinn
  72. Where Dreams Begin    Lisa Kleypas
  73. Whitney My Love    Judith McNaught
  74. Wicked    Susan Johnson
  75. Worth Any Price    Lisa Kleypas
  76. The Perfect Mistress  Victoria Alexander
  77. Lord and Lady Spy  Shana Galen


Pick up the books given in this list of best selling romance novels of the historical genre and you are sure not to be disappointed.

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Perfect Mistress by Victoria Alexander

The Perfect Mistress by Victoria Alexander

A dazzling new romance in which one otherwise proper lady discovers the passion that is her legacy…

Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, has inherited a book—a very shocking book—that every gentleman in London seems to want. For a charismatic businessman, it’s a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a proud, domineering earl, it means everything…

Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, can’t let the obstinate Julia release the shameless memoir that could ruin his family’s name. But the only way to stop her may be equally sordid—if far more pleasurable. For his rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire the book. And Harrison isn’t the sort to back away from a competition with the stakes this high. Now the winner will claim both the scandalous memoirs and the heart of their lovely owner…

Victoria Alexander official website: www.victoriaalexander.com
Victoria Alexander Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org




Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen

Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen


Chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Top 10 Romance Picks for Fall!

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, England's preeminent spies. Their identities are guarded even from each other. After years of secrets and lies, their marriage is little more than a crumbling façade. But even love isn't as important as The Mission—to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte.

But what happens when the mission is complete?

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, out of work spies. Lady Sophia Smythe will scream if she has to attend another tea party. Lord Adrian Smythe will hit someone if he's forced to while away another evening in Parliament. What are secret agents to do when the war is over?

There's one chance left to get back into the game. The prime minister needs a murder investigated. The problem? Two spies. One position.

All's fair in love and war.

Shane Bolks' official website: www.shanagalen.com
Shane Bolks' Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org



Monday, August 8, 2011

10 Greatest Love Books Of All Time

Romantic novels have earned themselves a special position in literature. As a result, they have an entire genre dedicated to them. Romantic books have been written in every language in the world. For most people the idea of love begins with the romantic novels. Their ideas for their partners are based on the descriptions written by the authors.

For many of us, the introduction to romantic books happens with the famous Mills and Boons series. The tall, dark and handsome but rugged highwayman sets the parameters for our ideal dream partner. However, as time passes by we take interest on the top romantic novels which have passes the test of time to become immortal.

Here is a list of top 10 romantic novels which would find admirers in all ages in every generation. Romantic novel is a famous genre of literature. A study has revealed the almost 55% of the paperbacks published in North America is dedicated to love novels. It is therefore a difficult task to choose the top 10 romantic novels when there are thousands of them.

However, we have taken the responsibility upon our shoulder to bring you the list of top 10 love books, which you must have in your bookshelf.

Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell

May be no list of romantic novels is complete without mentioning ‘Gone with the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell. She has created Scarlet with whom every woman can associate with. She is the true representation of a woman in love. Scarlet would go to any extent to win over the man she loves and every woman knows how very true it is.‘Gone with the Wind’ has also made into a successful Hollywood flick. Now, if you have only seen the movie but have not read the book yet, then it may be the time to add it to your library.


Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

If you are for classics then it is an obvious choice for you. This is an eternal love story of two young hearts, created by the master of English literature- Shakespeare. The story has been so relevant even in the modern time that more than once it has been adopted for films and every time it was a sure success in the box offices. We can even safely assume that ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has set the basic guidelines for romantic novels upon which other writers have weaved their stories.


Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen

It is considered as the epitome of Jane Austen era. Jane Austen has created the two most sought after romantic characters of all time- Elizabeth Bennet and William Darcy. It is a telltale about pride, ego and love of two very different personalities. Elizabeth happens to be a very proud woman, who wouldn’t sacrifice her pride to sougth a matrimonial alliance. On the other hand, Darcy is a very complex character who harbors both love and rejection for Elizabeth. Once you start reading the book there is no stopping till you finish it.



Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Love is not always perfect. But it is full of conflicts, dilemma and contradiction. Also it has the question of commitment to be answered. Claire Beauchamp, the main protagonist of the book, has experienced every emotion in her returning journey to Scotland during which she has to choose between her young love interest, Jamie and her husband, Frank.The book is written in the backdrop of WWII, where Claire was a nurse to war torn England. Claire met with the young soldier, Jamie, who talks about life even when facing death everyday. Frank on the other hand has lost his interest in life. Outlander is full of drama and conflicts of a woman’s heart and you have to read the book to know who Claire chooses at the end.

Love story by Erich Segal

It’s one of the most widely read romantic books of all time and for the obvious reasons it features in the list of top 10 romantic novels. Erich Segal with his literary skills has woven the mesmerizing tale of Oliver and Jennifer.The story is told from Oliver’s perspective on how he has met, loved and lost the love of his life, Jennifer. The opening line of the book tells it all."What can you say about a twenty-five year old girl who died? That she was beautiful and brilliant. That she loved Mozart and Bach. The Beatles. And me"



Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

It’s a tale about a female professor who wants a baby but doesn’t want the troubles that comes with marriage. Where can she find a man who would be stupid enough to deliver her what she wants? The modern approach to the story has made it one of the most widely read romantic novels of the modern literature. Hence, quite naturally it has earned its place in our list of top 10 romantic novels.

Emma by Jane Austen

Jane Austen had been the master of creating the most loved characters of all time- Emma being one of them. Jane weaved Emma with lots of innocence and goodness at heart. She is too full of herself to consider what other feel about her nosy parker attitude. The story revolves through romance, heartbreaks and falling in love again.

Emma by some is the best creation of Jane Austen and hence no wonders that it has sealed a position in the list of top 10 love books.

P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Life does go on and true love would teach you how to live your life to the fullest. It is the story of Holly and Gerry, who were inseparable when they were together. Now, when Gerry is gone, Holly is finding it hard to continue her life. Just about when her life is about to fall apart, Holly receives a packet full of letters written by her dead husband, which he had written before his death to instruct his beloved wife on how to live life when he is gone. Gradually, Holly gets back the rhythm of life and continues without Gerry.

The Irish background upon which the story is set is the added bonanza.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Considered to be the best of the 3 books written by Nicholas Sparks- The Notebook has all the drama that is expected from a romantic novel. The book tells the tale of Noah and Allie. The story is such told that you can relate yourself to it very easily.

It is a story of heartbreaks- boy meets girl, loses her, he finds her again and loses her once more. This is the story of every love story as it captures the ups ad downs of passion. When you would read The Notebook you can easily understand why it features in the list of best romantic novels of all time.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

This Tolstoy novel is a must add in the list of classic romantic novels of all time. Set in the backdrop of Russian high society this story tells the tale of Anna Karenina who has found herself an anew love conflict. Despite being married she was attracted to Count Vronsky. Her desire was so powerful that it has made her estrange her husband, Alexie. When she was denied divorce she has to live her life seeking acceptance for her new relationship.

You have to read the book to find out the heart wrenching ending of Anna and to understand why this book is an obvious choice for the list of top 10 romantic novels.




The story is based on the two warring clans and how family rivalries have engulfed the lives of two young lovers.

Try to find them in:




Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring is time for love - Beautiful pictures and one poem



Emily Dickinson
clr gif

A Light exists in Spring

Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know
It almost speaks to you.

Then as Horizons step
Or Noons report away
Without the Formula of sound
It passes and we stay —

A quality of loss
Affecting our Content
As Trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a Sacrament.
 
















Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Spicing Up Your Relationship With Romantic Bedroom Games

After spending so many years with each other you might think that you know everything about your spouse. But things are not necessarily as you think. If you feel bored and think you are falling into a routine, you should try to do something to change that. There are many romantic bedroom games available that can give you ideas on new things and fun things that you can do in your bedroom. If you think that there is nothing much that you don’t know, you are probably right. But games are not about things that you know, they are about fun games and spending time with each other.
No one likes to admit that their relationshiphas maybe hit a lull or a momentary pause in passion.  It cannot always be like it was when you were first getting together, right?  Well maybe not, but there are definite steps you can take as a couple to truly keep things new fresh and original between the two of you and keep each other guessing.  Mystery keeps things exciting and the best way to keep the mystery after years of being together is adventure and finding something new to try.  These things do not have to be wild and crazy but slight variations on normal activities that add an element of daring and intrigue or, perhaps, introduces some naughtiness and playfulness to more mundane acts you have tired of.  A perfect example of one of these activities is kissing.  Kissing is an integral part of the foreplay and lovemaking experience but few couples have a way to truly spice up the act.  There are fantastic games such as Naughty Bedroom Dice which makes a partner kiss a certain way for a certain amount of time on a certain part of the body or Sealed With a Kiss which contains playing cards with instructions and ideas for enhancing the kissing experience.  When these games are mixed with steamy sensual products such as the Kama Sutra Earrthly Delights romantic gift set  or another excellent bath and body product called Honey Dust by Kama Sutra  old passions and feeling really come back to spice things up.
Other romantic bedroom games suggest that you should change the scenery of your bedroom. This can be achieved either by doing something different or by doing something in a different place. Environment plays an important role in relationships . So if you are bored of using your bedroom all the time, you can use other rooms of the house. If you simply cannot do that because you have children, the game Between the Sheets gives you some great ideas on things to do in your bedroom that are new and exciting. You can find something that is suitable to you and your lifestyle.
Exploring Ultimate Fantasies is a game that allows you to explore your partner’s body through touch. Touching is also something vital for your relationship and it is also something that people neglect as time goes by. So this game can bring back the touching in your life. Using feathers can be a lot of fun as they give a soft tickling sense to the body just like touch. The game also has many other ideas and suggestions for you, if you are the kind of person that likes touching and you are sensual.
Another thing to try is Chocolate Tease game that suggests a number of fun things to do with chocolate. You can use some chocolate to write things in your body and the fun part about this is that it is edible. So no risk if you kiss your spouse. Another thing with using chocolate is that the smell is relaxing and sweet and can help you relax and enjoy your time. As you see, there are many romantic games you can play and have fun and laugh with each other again. This will certainly bring you and your partner closer.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Romantic Body Language - What We Know About This?

Romantic Body Language Reading

When you learn how to read body language it can give you insight when someone has a romantic interest in you.  Accurately reading the body language of the opposite sex will allow you to know if the other person is wanting to get to know you better. Reading body language can ensure that you are not sending the wrong messages to the other person.

Romantic Body Language Is Subtle

Body language is usually subtle and is driven by the subconscious. When you are familiar with your own body language you can make sure you are sending an accurate message to the intended party. Reading body language isn’t difficult and actually ready body language can be very natural when you start paying attention. Reading body language can keep you from missing out on potential mates that are sending you signs that they are interested in a romantic relationships with you.

Your Romantic Body Language Actions May Be Unconscious

When a person stands closer to you than normal that can be a clue to whether someone is interested in you romantically. Their distance from you can relate directly to their romantic interest. The two foot rule can usually be applied in this situation. What that means is that, if a person does not get closer than two feet from you, they aren’t interested in you romantically. The distance is critical, a length of two feet is about arms length and standing this far from you makes the other person feel safe that you will not touch them. In body language avoiding closeness of 2 feet  or more with you is a sign of no interest romantically. On the other hand if the person stands closer to you than 2 feet  they are sending you a signal that they are interested in you in a romantic way. It is quite clear that when someone stands closer that 2 feet away their body language is saying they have a romantic interest in you.

When someone begins to copy your body language that is a clue that someone is interested in you. When this happens it is usually done subconsciously, if you notice someone copying  your behaviors you can take it as a sign the are  interested in you. This behavior may begin very quickly and is often easy to pick up on. In noticing this copying you may feel annoyed as if the person is making fun of you, but this is not the case. You should see this act as flattery  it is just an indication that the person admires you. Many times the other person does not even realize what they are doing but it is often a subconscious instinct to imitate those that we admire. When someone is copying your behavior and mannerisms it is a clear body language signal of romantic interest.
Another form of body language is body positioning which can also be a signal of romantic interest or disinterest. When a persons body and especially their torso is turned towards you when talking to them can be a signal of interest romantically. This type of positioning of their body leaves then unguarded which displays trust in you. Without trust in you the other person would not put themselves in that vulnerable position and would usually turn their body slightly away from you and may even lean away. When a person positions their body toward another person it is a body language indicator of romantic interest.

The Eyes a Big Part of Romantic Body Language

Very often your eyes send body language messages to others around you indicating if you are interested in them. When you make eye contact and blink often you are sending the message of romantic interest. Your eyes can provide  some of the strongest body language messages that you are attracted to them and are interested in what they have to say. When you avoid eye contact that tells a person that you are not comfortable with them and there is no romantic interest. A person that is uncomfortable looking someone directly in the eye and avoids eye contact is sending the message that you are not interested. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and this is true when it comes to body language.
Even though your body language is usually subconscious act  it sends a clear message when it comes to romantic interest. Being that body language is typically a subconscious act is what makes it such an good indicator of romantic interest. Body language is a way of communicating messages that would be difficult or uncomfortable to do in verbal communication.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Stone Patio Furniture Idea

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Set against a wonderful, but rough stone background, this patio furniture comes into its own. An idea by Paola Lenti, the furniture is soft and welcoming, instantly transforming the cold, hard environment into an oasis of relaxation. The contrast serves to emphasise the comfort of the patio furniture… daybeds, large wicker armchairs, and even a full size sofa are all scattered with plump cushions for you to sink into. The colours chosen here have very different effects. The buff and beige complements the grey concrete and blend naturally in to create a soothing space. The rich burgundy, on the other hand, warms up the environment and adds a hint of romance and spice. Make the outdoors more livable with this and other ideas by Paola Lenti of comfortable, durable patio furniture that is at home both inside and out.
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Outdoor Lighting Ideas

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Illuminate the outdoors with these lighting ideas from Antonangeli. A private courtyard or garden can take on an air of intimacy and beauty with the right lighting and furniture. It’s so unusual to see a lamp with a traditional shade outdoors – but these resin glass shades are made to withstand the weather. Here, the glowing Miami standing lamp is the centre of attention – perhaps angled over a smart-looking table so you can read or enjoy a meal with your family. Or, line a path with a row of the standing lamps to welcome and guide your guests. Simply add some casual, yet classy chairs to complete the look. The chairs shown here combine a certain elegance with an open, criss-cross construction – a look which complements the refinement the Miami light can add outside. Create a cosy environment just like your living room with Antonangeli modern lighting inspiration! 

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