Spicy Wifey Blog is moving!

Spicy Wifey is moving our blog to our homepage!

We hope that you continue to visit us there!

www.spicywifey.com

We will still bring you information and inspiration!

Your participation and comments are so valuable.

Thank you so much!

We LOVE our full figured Spicy Wifey's!

Spicy Wifey will offer full figured apparel, absolutely!

It is a high priority of ours and we are working very hard to meet those needs. We have offered full figured apparel in the past, however we elected to suspend production of those items until we were 100% satisfied with the quality and style of the merchandise.

We are seeking full figured options that are comparable in style and quality to the other apparel pieces we currently carry. Equally important to us, is to offer it at the same price points.

But know

it is COMING SOON!

Weight a Minute Monday - Celebrate Small Victories!

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series we explore ways to keep you fit & SPICY! Health and wellness are essential to maintaining our "Spice Factors".

We have spent the past few months chatting about healthy diets, lifestyles and getting physical. The goal is to develop a healthy "lifestyle" not to binge, diet, pop pills and yo-yo back and forth.

We want to encourage you to create healthy habits that will endure for a lifetime. Remember its not all about being thin...its also about nurturing your body for endurance and a long life!

This week our Weight a Minute Monday is all about ENCOURAGEMENT! Take a moment right now and say to yourself, out loud "I am beautiful as I am, I am capable of doing anything that I challenge myself to do, I am deserving, I am worthy, I can focus, I am strong!"

You have to celebrate the small victories and look at life has a journey...not a destination. Know that you can't measure success by reaching a weight loss goal. With that mind set, if you gain weight, you fail. No, the focus should be on milestones...because its a journey. Know there will be ups & downs. But when your goals become habits, you create a healthy lifestyle and that is success!

Stay encouraged! Keep doing your body good! Improve your lifestyle one day at time!

Quin, Co-Founder

The Way You Make Me Feel

What kind of energy do you bring to your relationship? When you see your significant other, do you feel a sense of comfort & support or just stress? When that person looks at you, do they feel the LOVE?

We have to be conscious of the affect we have on each other. As you think about these questions, watch this creative short film and then post a comment. The visuals are great!

Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.

Sweet Dreams are mades of?

I read an article about "bedtime being couples time" and I began to reflect on my bedtime routine. My husband is a night owl and always has been. With kids and work, late night is usually his "Me" time. My schedule is a moving target, so a bedtime schedule is non-existent in our relationship.

I've noticed that when we have different schedules and different bedtimes, our relationship feels a little off balance. Going to bed at the same time allows you to connect and get in sync physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Not to mention the positive effects ending and starting your day in the arms of your mate can have on your relationship! Ahhhhh!

There are always going to be phases in the relationship when you feel like roommates, not lovers. When you make a shared bedtime an essential part of your daily ritual, you ensure that you and your partner have some time each day to rekindle your passion for each other and have some quality time together each day.

In the article they provide some bedtime tips!

- Really make an effort to turn in together, as hard as it may sound. It's one of the best choices you can make for a good night's sleep and gives you and your partner a moment for each other.

- Make a point to snuggle when you first get into bed. Connect, touch, and talk.

- After a little while, if one person wants to go to sleep, the other can read, write in a journal, or quietly listen to music with headphones. Eye masks and reading lights make it easy to avoid disturbing the other person.

- From Spicy Wifey, get the kids out of the bed & always kiss goodnight!

So, this all sounds so simple right? But after talking to friends, I quickly determined this is an issue in many relationships. The dynamics of how & what "bedtime" is, can vary tremendously from person to person. Some of us have varied sleep styles and positions. Some of us snore, some of us like to fall asleep to music or the television. And thats just how it is. Most of us never considered the bedtime rituals of our partners before we married. Wow, right? Who knew experts needed to add a session in premarital classes just on bedtime, lol!

Whats your bedtime issue? Share some "bedtime" tips!

Quin, Co-Founder

Click her for more on Dr. Laura's Best Sex Advice

Weight a Minute Monday! Got a Juicer?

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series we explore ways to maintain optimal health & wellness to keep us at our spiciest! Last week we explored the many benefits of juicing! I personally, learned quite a bit from last weeks post! Drinking our fruits and vegetables can be life changing. If you missed, please read last weeks posts to learn more about the benefits of juicing.

I plan to start juicing! I feel like I have missed out on something monumental and plan on passing the benefits of juicing on to my family. But to juice...you have to have a juicer. We asked Spicy Wifey's to tell us about their favorite juicers. The winner is the Health Master! A friend first told me about this one. She made me a delicious fruit smoothie and went on to tell me it also could make hot soups! Wow, right!

The Health Master is being endorsed by former talk show host and U.S. Navy officer Montel Williams. This kitchen gadget not only does the job of a juicer, but also works as a food processor and blender. The HealthMaster can be used to juice fruits and vegetables, make smoothies, puree ingredients for baby food, and make sorbets and soups. The ingredients do not need to be cut or prepared before being processed in the juicer - you can just put them in whole. The Living Well HealthMaster,retails for about $200.00

Montel Williams announced that he had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. In his book Living Well: 21 Days to Transform Your Life, Supercharge Your Health and Feel Spectacular, Williams recommends drinking "green smoothies" for a "blast of nutrition and energy." Since his diagnosis, Williams has become an motivational speaker and the official spokesperson for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. He is also an advocate of the benefits of juicing.

This appliance is well worth the investment!

Quin, Co-Founder

In the Bedroom - Now Casting!

Are you struggling with your sex life or relationship? Are you desperate to reconnect but don't know where to turn or don't have the resources to get the information you need? In The Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman, Dr. Berman's new TV show, is looking for Chicago-area couples who need help achieving greater intimacy and connection — and not to mention better sex! Click here to apply!

Would you talk about your sex life on TV? Would you watch?

Quin, Co-Founder

Spicy Outing Idea!

Spicy Wifeys in Atlanta, check out The Life Chef, Asata Reid this weekend!
Chef Asata is the chef for the Spicy Wifey Tasty Sessions. She focuses on tasty cuisine that features healthy, fresh ingredients!


Come out to a free and family friendly event -
See her at the Art of Healthy Cooking Pavilion at Centennial Park in Atlanta! Thurs @6:30pm, Fri @noon, Sat @ 2pm and Sun @ 4pm Learn more at www.nbaf.

Weight a Minute Monday! Got Juice?

Our weekly Weight a Minute Monday posts, are dedicated to your health & wellness. In order to be at your spiciest you must maintain a healthy lifestyle!

Its easy to make bad choices as it relates to our diets . Last week we talked about yogurt fruit smoothies. They are refreshing, filling and healthy- when made the right way. (Please revisit last weeks post to get fruit smoothie do's & don'ts and links to delicious recipes!)

This week we are going to piggy back off of that and explore "Juicing". Juicing has been linked to weight loss, improved skin health, fasts & cleanses and even disease cures. The benefit of juicing is that you are getting raw fruits and vegetables into your diet. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that have tremendous health benefits. Most of us simply don't eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables in our daily diets. Juicing is a simple and tasty way to do that!

Juicing is preparing and drinking fruit and vegetable juices. The body can quickly absorb larger amounts of nutrients from juice than from solid food because the process of digesting solids takes the body longer.

Enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables play a vital role in converting food into body tissue and energy. Enzymes also impact your metabolism, so one more health benefit of juicing is that it can increase your metabolism. Juicing also aids the body is getting sufficient amounts of phytochemicals, a substance in plants that is considered among the most powerful to fight disease.

Just like we try to get our kids to eat more fresh fruit and veggies, we must do the same. So try it, you might like it! Next week we will profile several devices for making smoothies & juices!

Quin, Co-Founder

Friday Night Live! Dating your spouse!

I recall dating my husband before marriage. I put extreme effort in to planning dates. I went through my ritual to insure I was looking good for my man...hair, nails, the perfect outfit! We married young, so during that period of our relationship, funds were limited. But we made the most out of every outing! We just loved being together! It was the dating that lead to the marriage. Its how we got to know one another and expressed our interests and expressed our feelings.

Fast forward to present time and we have many distractions and limited leisure time to daydream about our weekend rendezvous! That doesn't mean I have to stop dating my husband. Every once in a while it would be nice to capture that same exhilaration felt in the early days of dating when the relationship was new and exciting. In fact now that we have over a decade invested in our marriage, beautiful children and a life together, we have a lot to celebrate! In life, we are ever changing, so time spent getting to know one another is still critical. Taking time out to show our appreciation and interest should continue through out marriage.

Now we just need to creative about how we approach dating! Here are some tips:

- Be sure to plan something special for your mate! A night on the town or trip every once in a while won't break the bank if you plan. Make it a priority, budget accordingly and be attentive to special details. You might have to put money aside, but we must celebrate our unions! Spontaneity can be sexy, but don't forget to show your mate that you make them a priority and the effort made want go unnoticed!

- Don't neglect date night just because you are planning a special night or trip in the future. Nurture your relationship, small outings are just as important. Candle light at dinner, love notes, or a sensual massage at home are little ways to add spice to any night.

-Be sincere in all your efforts. Big or small...recall preparations made when you dated before marriage. Just coming over to watch television was an exciting adventure!

Share some of your favorite date night ideas?


Check out some resources on how to Date Your Spouse!
Learn how to add life back into your marriage!
"A great investment for any relationship"
http://www.howtodateyourspouse.com/

Quin, Co-Founder

Spicy Summer Savings!

Spicy Summer Savings alert

VIP's save 20% off your entire apparel purchase for the month of July!

Not a Spicy Wifey VIP yet, go to www.spicywifey.com and start saving today!

But don't tell the Bride!

Ok, so I know a group of single gals driving 500 miles to attend a bachelor party of a male friend. The Groom has requested a non-traditional bachelor party - a big weekend bash! Details include beach house rental, boating, DJ, cookout and a mix of ladies & gents! Sounds like Spring Break! His only stipulation is that none of the female attendees know the Bride to Be...makes me want to say hmmm.

As a Wifey, I of course feel some type of way. I have mixed views personally on the whole bachelor/bachelorette party situation anyway. Having one last unrestricted hoo-rah before you enter into the union of marriage is not my cup of tea. But, the concept of having a huge bash to celebrate getting married before your wedding is great! The co-ed component is great too! But the stipulation put on the guest lists is suspicious to me.

I believe each individual couple can make their own rules & define their marriage as they wish. I know women personally that may not have an issue with this type of bachelor party. I question it only because none of the female attendees can KNOW the Bride to Be. Which leads me to suspect that the Bride to Be, doesn't know about the details and her Groom doesn't want her to know. Why, I wonder?

At what point should you conduct yourself like you're married? Is it when you feel like you are ready for marriage and become engaged or is when the deed is official? What are your views on bachelor and bachelorette parties?

Quin, Co-Founder

Weight a Minute Monday! - Smoothie Love

In effort to keep us looking and feeling our SPICIEST, we encourage you maintain a healthy lifestyle! In, our weekly Weight a Minute Monday post, we offer support, information and encouragement to help you maintain your Spice Factor!

Sorry the Weight a Minute post is a bit late today...my girls participated in our County Independence Day Parade and it ran a little long. It was a blazing HOT, sun scorching Georgia morning! Tired and hungry afterwards, it would have been so easy to stop at the nearest fast food restaurant and grab junk. But after all the walking, I really didn't want to eat a bunch of useless calories. Despite the heat & fatigue, I felt refreshed too. So staying focused on my new lifestyle, I asked myself what would be refreshing, light and tasty. Ahhhh....a fruit smoothie! Full of fruit, antioxidants, filling and refreshing!

Last Monday, a reader of the Spicy Wifey Blog shared the Best Fruit Smoothies.com site. They feature great fruit smoothie recipes and update the site each week with a new recipe! I recently visited the site and fell in love with their 4th of July Smoothie (a watermelon smoothie). Delicious! They also had juice recipes...which is another way to get in essential vitamins and minerals.

Here are some smoothies Do's & Don'ts. You have to avoid unnecessary calories and fat or you loose many of the benefits. Do smoothies made with healthy ingredients like nonfat milk or yogurt, berries or fruits, and shaved ice. These can satisfy your thirst and keep your caloric intake low, yet provide calcium and vitamins. To keep calories low, look for fresh, frozen or water packed canned fruit, juices and nonfat dairy products. You can increase your vitamin and mineral value by choosing a smoothie with honeydew melon, or cantaloupe, any kind of berries, kiwis, bananas, low fat yogurt or milk and orange or other fruit juices. In addition, choose whole fruit whenever possible, to increase the fiber content and increase satisfaction by giving a feeling of fullness.

Don't do smoothies with chocolate, heavy syrup, premium ice cream, peanut butter or whole milk on the ingredient list. Limit coconut, honey, coconut cream, fruit nectar, and protein powder. These ingredients are full of calories and fat!

Next week we will explore the benefits of juicing and some popular juicers currently on the market!

Enjoy!
Quin, Co-Founder

Fireworks in the bedroom!

Sex toys - totally or taboo? Toys can be a way to add fireworks in the bedroom if you and your mate our comfortable and open to it.

So the play on words is a little cheesy I know! But I couldn't resits.

I recently read a column by Dr. Laura Berman and made a visit to her website to further research some of the content and was surprised to find that her website is a like a retail store. You can pay for advice, personalized prescriptions for love & intimacy and TOYS! The site features two catagories for your shopping pleasure! One for novice sex toy users and one for the more advanced.

Some may be uncomfortable with the thought of bringing toys into the marriage bed. For some its almost like bringing in another "person" or outside source of intimacy into your relationship. Your partner may feel inadequate or self conscious and that is certainly NOT good for your intimate relationship. So, its recommended that the two of you discuss it and explore options together. Discuss what each perceives as pros & cons, concerns and apprehensions. Once you establish common ground, then look at it as a fun adventure!

Once a couple decides to take the next step, the issue may be where to shop. Well, if your aren't comfortable going in store to purchase the internet is a private and discreet way to shop. The Dr. Laura site is a great source and you can receive instructions and tips for using your new toys. There are even religious based website addressing the issue and selling products & toys such as The Marriage Bed.

Toys or no toys, Dr. Laura's site can be a valuable resource for your intimate relationship with your spouse. Either way, lets hope there are fireworks in your future!

More About Dr. Laura:
Dr. Laura Berman is a world renowned sex and relationship expert. Considered a thought leader in her field, Dr. Berman is the Host of The Dr. Laura Berman Show on Oprah Radio on XM 156 and Sirius 195 at 5 PM EST as well as a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Oz Show. She is also an assistant clinical professor of OBGYN and Psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. In working as a sex educator, researcher and therapist for 20 years, Dr. Berman has helped countless couples achieve success in establishing a secure and stimulating relationship and a heightened level of intimacy. www.drlauraberman.com

Dr. Berman is the author of the newly released book, The Book of Love: Every Couple’s Guide to Emotional and Sexual Intimacy. She has also authored the New York Times best-selling books, Real Sex for Real Women: Intimacy, Pleasure, & Sexual Wellbeing and For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life as well as Secrets of the Sexually Satisfied Woman: 10 Keys to Unlocking Ultimate Pleasure and The Passion Prescription.She is also a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun Times and has appeared on Fox News and CNN and in The New York Times, USA Today, and every major woman’s magazine.

Quin, Co-Founder

4th of July Desserts - Yummy!

Ok, so in the Weight a Minute Monday post I said we would follow up with some healthy dessert options this week BUT, who wants to eat healthy dessert, really? So lets compromise...we will share some healthy options and some that are little more decadent. Just exercise restraint and let "moderation" be your mantra!

Cream Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Berries

Ingredients
20 whole large strawberries, hulled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each strawberry so the berries stand upright. Place berries, cut side down, on a serving platter. Carefully cut the berries into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, the bottoms with a criss-cross cut. Fan wedges just slightly, taking care not to break them. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until combined but still stiff. Using a teaspoon or pastry bag with decorative tip, fill the strawberries with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the stuffed strawberries. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Paula's Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Strawberry cream cheese frosting, recipe follows
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners' sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.
(Both from the Food Network...note Food Network has "how to videos" you can watch online)


Red, White & Blue Cupcakes! Be patriotic & get your antioxidants.
This recipe is lower fat, and lower sugar, but relies on delicious fruit, that happens to also be the colors of the American flag. Serve these at picnics, parties and fireworks festivals! Yield - 12 cupcakes

Line a muffin pan with cupcake paper cups. Preheat oven to 325.

Ingredients
1 cup egg whites (approximately 5 eggs)
1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
pinch of salt
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries (diced into ¼" bits)

In a medium mixing bowl (preferably glass or ceramic) beat the first 3 ingredients until the whites are stiff and form peaks. This can take several minutes, don't give up! Then add the sugar, honey, vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until combined, but please don't over mix.
Gently fold in ½ cup blueberries, and ½ cup strawberries into the batter, with a tablespoon. Add the remaining pieces of fruit to the tops of each cupcake.
Gently spoon into the prepared cupcake paper cups and bake approximately 30-40 minutes.

Optional variation: instead of placing fruit on the tops of the cupcakes for a very low-sugar treat, you could make a frosting with confectioners sugar and butter, and add the fruit to the top of the frosted cupcakes, but that's of course, much higher fat and sugar!

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/drnorrischumleysatisfiedlife/2010/06/recipe-delicious-4th-of-july-c.html#ixzz0sOrPyt2N

Weight a Minute Monday! - Healthy Holidays Options

In our Weight a Minute Monday series we explore health, fitness and wellness. Its important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain your SPICE FACTOR!

The Fourth of July holiday is upon us! But no worries there are ways to enjoy the festivities without sabotaging your healthy lifestyle. Cookouts present a unique opportunity to eat healthy options that taste great! So pass on the usual processed foods and select lean grilled meats and vegetables. If you are attending or hosting a 4th of July holiday gathering, consider integrating some healthy menu options with your traditional fare! Consider some of these tasty recipes (below)!
Later this week we will post some healthy dessert recipes too - Yum!


Herbed Potato Salad
Prep: 15 min., Cook: 25 min., Cool: 30 min., Chill: 1 hr.
Yield: Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup, not including garnishes)
Ingredients
2 pounds red potatoes, cubed
1 (14-oz.) can fat-free chicken broth
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Garnishes: fresh dill sprig, chopped toasted pecans

Preparation:
1. Bring first 3 ingredients and 2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool 30 minutes.
2. Whisk together yogurt and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
3. Gently fold potatoes into yogurt mixture. Cover and chill 1 to 12 hours. Garnish, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Calories:274
Fat:10.4g (sat 1.6g,mono 5.3g,poly 1.3g)
Protein:7.7g
Carbohydrate:40.7g
Fiber:3.9g
Cholesterol:3.3mg
Iron:1.9mg
Sodium:702mg
Calcium:71mg
Susan Conley, Natchez, Mississippi, Southern Living


Lemon-Grilled Salmon
Prep: 15 min., Soak: 8 hrs., Grill: 20 min.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Soak: 8 hours
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
2 (15- x 6-inch) cedar grilling planks
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 (6-oz.) salmon fillets

Preparation:
1. Weigh down cedar planks with a heavier object in a large container. Add water to cover, and soak at least 8 hours.
2. Combine dill and next 5 ingredients; set aside.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on salmon.
4. Remove cedar planks from water, and place planks on cooking grate on grill.
5. Grill soaked planks, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 2 minutes or until the planks begin to lightly smoke. Place 2 fillets on each cedar plank, and grill, covered with grill lid, 15 to 18 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. Remove fish from planks to individual serving plates using a spatula. (Carefully remove planks from grill using tongs.) Spoon herb mixture over fish, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Calories:310 (47% from fat)
Fat:15.7g (sat 2.4g,mono 6.6g,poly 5.3g)
Protein:38.7g
Carbohydrate:1.4g
Fiber:0.3g
Cholesterol:107mg
Iron:1.8mg
Sodium:378mg
Calcium:31mg
Southern Living

Thank You!

Thanks for another great session! Alkhyseam is amazing and taught us a very sultry routine. We still felt the burn and had a blast! Model Bootcamp (Project Katwalk) is coming up soon!

Join us Tomorrow, Sunday June 27th!

Project Katwalk Fitness Session has been modified.



TODAY at 4pm!

Instructor Al Watson will make up "The Bringing Sexy Back" Session that was cancelled due to an unexpected tragedy. Pre-payment and registration is required and is only $10.00. *All proceeds will benefit The Ronald Watson Memorial Fund. Visit www.spicywifey.com to register today!

Bring your heels and prepare to sweat away calories while keeping it sexy & spicy!

In the Atlanta area? Join us this Friday at a fashion event for HIM!

FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY

Present
HIS FASHIONS ON THE RUNWAY

The fashion event of the season celebrating "all things gentlemen"
Friday June 25, 2010
6:00 - 10:00 pm

Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center
3405 Lenox Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

HIS FASHIONS ON THE RUNWAY is the main even during Fashion & Philanthropy weekend. This all male show will feature the latest fashions from top designers, brands, and local boutiques.

Fashion & Philanthropy was designed by Corporate Code to raise awareness and funds for select non-profit organizations whose missions are centered around changing the lives of men in transition.

Enter Coupon Code: SpicyWifey and receive $10 off the ticket price!

Visit www.FandPatl.com to purchase tickets.

Windows to the soul...

When was the last time you held hands with your spouse and "gazed" into their eyes? We aren't talking about casual eye contact or an extended glance...at the alter perhaps? Well, thats been too long. Eye gazing or Soul Gazing is something we should do often and can actually deepen your connection and your confidence!

In the Spicy Wifey Lap Dance 101 Seasoning Session, I was surprised by how much of the class focused on connection. A very important part of the class was staring directly into your husband eyes when doing your dance. It was a power move, but it was also part of the seduction.

Eye gazing is an intricate part in Tantra and Karma Sutra as well because of the power, seduction and connecting that occurs when you gaze into someones eyes. Speed dating sessions across the county also use this technique too, to see if you feel "fireworks" instead of the usual introductions and small talk. On a less romantic note, law enforcement and body language specialist pay close attention to the eyes as well when interrogating or interviewing...and there is a reason why. We have all heard the expression that the eyes are the windows to the soul.

I found this article on How To Soul Gaze and wanted to share it with you!

How To Soul-Gaze:

- Find a quiet place where you and your partner will be undisturbed. Then, stand across from your partner and place your right hand on top of his/her left hand, while your left hand should be placed underneath his/her right hand. Imagine that you are a mirror image of each other.
Begin to pace each others' breath and as you do this, slowly allow your connected hands to gently rise on the inhale and descend on the exhale. Continue breathing in this manner throughout the exercise.

-With your left eye, gently look into your partner’s left eye (from his/her perspective). Gaze at your partner softly and take your time, because this isn't a staring contest. Make sure that you blink naturally.

-Use your right eye to see peripherally. This will open up your second sight (3 or 4 points of attention) and give you a greater depth of perception. You may begin to feel a sensation building within you as you connect with your partner. Simply honor it and focus your mind on filling him/her with white light or unconditional love.

-Now, test out the connection you have established. To do this, gently lean back at the same time as your partner and notice how the connection is broken. Then notice how the chords between you are reattached once you lean back in.

-To end your soul-gazing session, disconnect your hands and close your eyes. Then, place your right hand on your heart and left hand on top. As you inhale focus on your navel and as you exhale, focus on the top of your head, for a total of 4 breaths. As you exhale on your fourth breath, slowly open your eyes.

-Make sure you thank your partner for sharing in the experience with you.
As you soul-gaze you may notice a number of things going on. Many people first notice their partner's face begin to morph. Sometimes a younger or older face begins to surface, which depending your beliefs might be indicative of past lives. Other times, people see colors of the aura or the face of an animal, which many indigenous cultures believe to be our animal guides.

But, regardless of your spiritual beliefs, Soul-Gazing will help you connect first with yourself, and with a partner. all, what is intimacy about, if not about its root meaning in relating to one in another?

The next time you have an argument with your mate, instead of talking it out...hold hands and look directly into one another eyes in silence for a moment. When you are in that posture its hard to yell and be aggressive.

Eye gazing is a simple way to connect and add a little spice. So lets try it and tell me what you think! Quin, Co-Founder

Soul Gazing instructions from http://womenawakened.blogspot.com

Weight a Minute Monday! Lets get physical!

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series we explore health & wellness. Most recently we've been discussing diet and healthy eating habits. Maintaining health & fitness is important to feeling good and looking good! Along with a healthy diet, its important to to incorporate physical activity too.

Many find it difficult to commit to an exercise regiment. Experts say any activity is better that no activity. 3 - 5 days a week at 20 minutes a day is the recommended minimum. So be creative in your approach to physical activity if you hate to exercise! Spicy Wifey has hosted a few fitness inspired Seasoning Sessions. Each featured a non-traditional to approach to exercising but still got the job done!

Pole Fitness incorporates the sultry & sexy pole dance seen in strip clubs. This skill requires a strong core, use of upper body muscles and leg strength. This can be quite a workout!

Burlesque Dance or any dance routine is fun and doesn't feel like a workout at all! Once you learn a routine you can turn on your music at home and get in an aerobic style workout.

*For added spice, you can dress up and create a sexy alter ego for both! Incorporate props and accessories like boas, gloves, whips, handcuffs and fans.

As we have highlighted in past post...SEX another big calorie burner and releases endorphins that have other health benefits! In our next few posts we will focus on getting physical and bring you other sexy workouts options you can try in lieu or in additiona to traditional workouts.

"My Wife Makes Me a Better Man"

I came across this headline while checking my email and just melted! Tim McGraw & Faith Hill may be a hot & sexy "celebrity" couple but they still have to work everyday to keep their marriage in tact. Together they have conquered many obstacles, specifically alcoholism. I read the article and wanted to share it with you! Quin, Co-Founder


Tim McGraw is opening up about his marriage to country superstar Faith Hill, and more specifically, what his life would be like if she wasn’t in it. Tim admits that before he met Faith, his life was headed down a path of destruction. Speaking with People magazine, McGraw reveals “Right before I got married, I was a full-fledged rock star… (If I hadn’t met Hill), I’d be dead… “I would have partied too hard. I might have caught myself somewhere along the way and put the brakes on. I don’t know if I would have gone (to rehab); I don’t think I could have been talked into that during those times.”

Tim further goes on to say that plain and simple, Faith saved his life. “Faith saved my life in a lot of ways – from myself more than anything. I can go down a dark road sometimes, when you’re not feeling good about yourself, and she pulls me out. My wife makes me a better man,” said McGraw.

Tim’s been sober now for almost two years, a decision that he says was “the right thing to do.” He managed to quit on his own and revealed “I’m not a moderate kind of guy. My last drink was probably a year and nine months ago. I didn’t do a 12-step programme (rehab); I just stopped.”

Tim and Faith have been married for 13 years and have three daughters.

Article From: countrymusiclove.com

In the Atlanta area? Kick off your Fathers Day weekend tonight!

Fathers Day is THIS SUNDAY!

Don't forget!

In honor Dads, we have extended our free shipping offer! You can order your "I'm a Lucky Man" & "MY WIFE IS HOT" T's and receive free shipping until Fathers Day. It may not arrive by Sunday, but give it just because later!

Visit http://www.spicywifey.com/ and use code: SW10DAD at checkout!

Not feeling so Spicy?

I recently read an article about body image & how it often hinders intimacy in the bedroom between couples. As a woman and mother of 3, I can so relate. There are things about my body that have certainly changed over the years and it has taken some time, for me to embrace all the changes and reconnect with my SPICY side.

Fortunately, I have a spouse who doesn't seem phased. Most husbands probably want nothing more, for their wives to unleash their insecurities along with that cellulite and get crazy in the sheets! But if YOU feel unhappy with your body, its easy for doubt & insecurity to creep in and wreck havoc on your confidence. Despite support from your spouse, you have to feel spicy & sexy.

Joy Davidson, author of Fearless Sex writes, "Eighty percent of women are dissatisfied with their bodies. Five to ten million adolescent girls and adult women struggle with eating disorders in the United States alone. Almost half of all American women are on a diet any day of the week."

In conversation with my spouse, and my husband hates when he makes the blog by the way, lol! We had a pretty candid discussion about the topic and he provided some interesting insight from the male perspective. He stated most men don't perceive their wive's body they way she does. Men see the changes but don't perceive the changes as flaws. He also states, men find confidence a turn on and when women are hard on themselves, because men don't see the problem, the lack of confidence can be a turn off.

Interesting right? What are your thoughts? Lets hear from the men!

Quin, Spicy Wifey Co-Founder

DR. TRINA READ AND DR. BRIAN PARKER, male & female sex experts face off and debate the issue of Body Image - to read more visit hitched.
Dr. Trina Read has a doctorate in human sexuality. Dr. Read is also an international speaker and offers free sex tips on her website http://www.bestsextipsever.com/.

Weight a Minute Monday! Organic- Whats the Hype?

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series, we explore health, fitness & wellness. All are very important to keep us at our SPICIEST!

Last week we discussed the Organic craze. Organic foods are EVERYWHERE these days. Many consumers have questions...are they healthier, why do they cost more and what is organic anyway?

What we've learned is that Organic "produce" does not have chemical pesticides & preservatives. Organic foods such as "meat", animals are fed more nutritious diets, aren't given growth hormones and are not packaged with the synthetic preservatives.
So, some of the benefits of eating organic meats, is that the meat contains more vitamins and minerals because the animals are fed healthier diets. And with both organic produce & organic meats, you aren't eating the chemicals, growth hormones and pesticides.

Many consumers are extremely concerned about the intake of such chemicals and believe they are linked to cancers, specifically breast cancer. Cornell University has information regarding consumer concern about pesticides.

Read more here:http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs24.consumer.cfm

Academy Award nominated documentary film, FOOD Inc. informed and entertained millions away from the dinner table! The film covers everything from farming, processing, packaging and the politics of it all. It is certainly worth checking out.

Last Day for FREE SHIPPING!

Purchase a Men's T shirts and receive FREE shipping on your entire purchase! Order today to insure delivery in time for Fathers Day. Order at http://www.spicywifey.com/ and use discount code: SW10DAD at checkout!

Yes, these are the T shirts that Nick Cannon requested on The MoNique Show! He got his and is representing for his "Spicy Wifey" Mariah Carey! Make sure your honey has his too.

Spicy Wifey is BRINGNG SEXY BACK!

Headline Entertainment LLC presents
Bringing Sexy Back!

June 13th @ 4pm

Gotta Dance Atlanta - Dance Studios

This is a fitness session with a SPICY TWIST! Bring your heels and dance off calories while keeping it sexy & sultry with our professional dance choreographer!

For event details and to register, visit www.spicywifey.com

Daddy/ Daughter Brunch in Atlanta!

This is a fabulous event, celebrating a worthy cause!

If you are in the Atlanta area,

Daughters together with their Dads can enjoy

afternoon brunch together!

Sunday June 13th

11am - 2pm

(Click on invite image for an enlarged view of event details & menu)

Please share and pass on!

Organic...whats the hype?

In our Weight a Minute Monday series, we are committed to exploring ways to maintain optimum health and wellness! Being healthy and fit is a way to say at our SPICIEST!
This week we are going to talk organic...is it really better? Why is it more expensive?
What is "Organic" and what does that mean?

"Organic" -- This means the food has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. It can also use the organic seal. “Made with organic ingredients" -- This means the food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These foods cannot use the seal.

Meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy labeled "organic" must come from animals that, among other things, have never received antibiotics or growth hormones. Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts. The use of antibiotics in conventional meat production helps create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This means that when someone gets sick from these strains they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Not feeding animal byproducts to other animals reduces the risk of mad cow disease. In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy. The more crowded the conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick. Organic standards for seafood have not been set yet.


Whether you choose locally grown, organic, or conventional foods, just make sure to eat your produce. The health benefits of such a diet outweigh potential risks from pesticide exposure. Government guidelines recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables so you can take advantage of their diverse nutritional benefits. Adults should aim for 4-5 cups of produce every day for their health-promoting, disease-preventing substances.

Our expert, Dalana Myers suggested we take a look at, Buying Organic Foods
(Source http://www.webmd.com/)

Buying and eating organic foods are good for you and the earth! However, there is no need to break the bank trying to buy everything labeled organic. You can try just buying organic for the things you eat most or buying the items that you know you will eat the outer peel (apples, peaches, plums, etc).

Below is a list of the best produce to purchase organic:
Bell Peppers
Celery
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Nectarines
Grapes (especially buy organic if you are pregnant or feeding them to children)
Lettuce/Spinach –USDA Pesticide Data program found 57 pesticide residues in spinach and 51 in lettuce
Potatoes
Carrots

Other tips:
If you remove the tough peel on some produce, the remaining food will have less pesticide for you to ingest. Mangoes, bananas, kiwifruit, pineapple, avocados, papayas, onions, and corn are among these foods.
On a budget? Purchase your produce from a locally grown market that offers slightly cheaper prices. If you simply can’t afford the price of organic fruit in your area, consider scrubbing the skin under running water to remove of the pesticides.
Look for the USDA Organic Seal
When buying organic, look for the following USDA regulated terms on food labels:
"100% organic" -- This means the food has no synthetic ingredients and can use the organic seal.

We will discuss the effects that pesticides and growth hormones have on us!

Wedding Bells are ringing!

The month of June is one of the most popular months for getting married! As many of you know, I work as a professional makeup artist and I get quite a few inquiries this time of year from brides seeking makeup services. When I consult with a bride, I can't help but reflect back on my wedding day...

All of the planning, fussing over details, the excitement and anticipation for the future! I recall all the details building up to the ceremony, my actual wedding, my honeymoon and then on to building a life as husband & wife.

Then my mind drifts to present day. Over a decade and 3 kids later, I think about all the advice I received as a new bride. The one piece of advice that stands out is one I received over & over again. Mostly from older couples and it stood out because it struck me as simple at the time in comparison to all the notes left for me. It wasn't profound, it wasn't long and simply was "always kiss before bed".

Now that I have put in some work, I understand how profound and deep that advice really is. Its the one piece I pass on to new brides I work with. It can apply to every couple and will help you come together every night despite whats going on in life. A simple kiss goodnight, can bring a moment of calm in any storm, reaffirm your connection and is simple reminder of the tenderness that should always exist between you and your spouse.

What wedding advice have you received? Did you use any of it? What advice would you pass on to other couples or brides?

Quin, Co-Founder

Vision Boards - Remixed!

You've probably heard of a "Vision Board" or actually done one. Typically they are done to help you visualize goals for your life or your career aspirations. Natalie, ( Spicy Wifey Co-Founder) and I were discussing vision boards and I thought this could be a powerful tool in your relationship or marriage. Of course, it would need a little revamping and spicing up first. But could be fun and effective!

What is a Vision Board: A vision board is a collage of sorts of your visions for future or dreams. You attach images to a board to serve as a visual reminder to keep you motivated and stimulated on your pursuit. You can make it simple or extravagant. There are no rules...
Draw, sketch, attach words, notes, photographs, clippings...WHATEVER. Not only does your subconscious get a does of visual stimulation, the process of creating the board serves as constructive affirmation too. Spicing Up the Vision Board: Think Marriage Board or Wifey Boards! (Boards or scrapbooks to address the dreams for your relationship!) Apply the vision board concept to your relationship. Always begin with SELF, so do a Wifey Board first, to address the type of woman, & partner you want to be in your relationship. For example, a better friend, confidant or lover. Anything!
Then you could do a Marriage Board. Think about where you want to see improvement in the future...better communication, more intimacy, children, finances...endless possibilities and create your vision board. When you are ready, we suggest you do one with your mate too! Gratitude Boards are another way to explore whats fabulous in yourself, in your mate and your relationship! Then graduate to a Spicy Board!

We are planning a Seasoning Session around this concept and what we hope we can inspire you to take this concept and apply it to your relationship!

Quin, Co-Founder

Weight a Minute Monday! Whats the tea?

In effort to keep us at our SPICIEST, our Weight a Minute Mondays series explores ways to maintain optimum health and keeping fit!

Summer is upon us and presents the ideal backdrop for getting out and about! In the summer heat, its easy to fill up on sugary drinks in efforts to cool off and stay refreshed. You would be surprised how many calories you can take in from one glass of juice or tea. Keep in mind not all "sugar" is bad, but all sugar requires moderation. Get your sugar in from FRUIT and minimal amounts of REAL SUGAR and avoid synthetic sweeteners. Don't forget to spice up your glass of water with fruit or berries too!

Here are some low fat, low sugar and low calorie beverages that are sure to cool you down without weighing you down!

So you know all about the health benefits of green tea, but maybe you don't like the taste by itself. Maybe you want to kill two birds with one stone, and make a smoothie that can double as a snack or meal, but will give you your green tea fix.






Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
•1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
•1/2 cup fat-free milk
•1 Tbsp green tea powder
•3 cups frozen fruit
Instructions
Whisk together vanilla yogurt and green tea powder. Transfer to blender and add milk and frozen fruit. Process until smooth.

Green Tea Ginger Cooler
Ingredients
•1 Tbsp hot water
•1/2 tsp green tea powder
•1 cup ginger ale
•1/2 tsp honey (or to taste)
•ice cubes
Instructions
Dissolve green tea powder into hot water. Pour over ice and stir to cool. Add ginger ale and honey to taste. Stir until combined

Very Berry Iced Tea
Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:10 min
makes:8 servings (1 cup each)

4 cups water
3 tablespoons instant iced tea mix
3 cups raspberry-kiwi fruit juice, chilled
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1. In 2-quart pitcher, mix all ingredients except raspberries. Stir in raspberries.
2. Serve tea over ice in glasses.

* For a special touch, freeze fresh raspberries in ice cubes and use them in glasses for this tea.
Garnish with a small skewer of fresh kiwi fruit pieces

Watermelon Lemonade
Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:1 hr 15 min
makes:12 servings

3 lb watermelon (without rind), seeded and cut into chunks
3 or 4 medium lemons
2 medium limes
4 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
Watermelon or lemon slices, if desired
1. In blender, place watermelon. Cover; blend on medium speed about 45 seconds or until smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer into 2-quart or larger pitcher.
2. Squeeze juice from lemons and limes; add to watermelon puree. Stir in cold water and sugar. Refrigerate 1 hour.
*Honeydew melon balls taste great and add a colorful touch to this crowd-appealing drink. To make melon balls, scoop out balls from honeydew melon with a melon baller. Freeze the balls about 1 hour or until frozen. Just before serving, float balls in lemonade.

Reciepes courtesy of Eat Better America and hubpages.com.

How do you keep your relationship SPICY?

Do tell! There is no one way to add a little spice. It can be mild & simple or caliente & creative!

Have you done something that your mate thought was so HOT, that they keep talking about it? Is there something you would love for your partner to do, but not sure they would and you are afraid to ask?

Being in a married committed relationship gives you the license to do whatever you want! Release your inhibitions and allow yourself to be completely free and vulnerable with your mate.

Lets have a conversation...we can't wait to hear from you!

Its too late to apologize

As the song goes...but its NEVER too late to apologize! Especially to those you love. So why when we argue with our mates, those we love the most, do we find it so difficult to say "I'm sorry"?

Saying "I'm sorry" isn't about admitting you are wrong or accepting responsibility for something you didn't do. It can be a way of simplying express that you don't want to fight or argue and that you love and value your mate enough to let an issue go.

When you apologize it has to be sincere! Don't make it a big deal. "Now, I apologized! So get over it" - not gonna work. So if you don't mean it or not at a place yet where you can offer a sincere apology, say that. At least be honest..."I am not at place yet where I can offer you a sincere apology. I want to move on. But I love and respect you to much to simply pacify you. Give me some time to process what you are saying."

If you have a problem saying the WORDS, you can also say I'm sorry in other ways. First being, by changing the behavior that caused the argument. Say it with flowers, whisper it in your mates ear during an embrace or slow dance or write a note. Think about things your mate enjoys and incorporate that into your apology.

Avoid arguing over who started it first! Its pointless and will set you two steps back verses moving the issue forward. Be certain you are genuinely sorry when you offer an apology. Otherwise, the issue will continue to resurface in the relationship.

Ever recall a time when you were arguing, then fighting, then it escalates to not speaking...and you don't know when or how you got to that place? And deep inside you want nothing more to just move on and have great make up "you know what"? Thinking about that time, I bet there was a moment somewhere way back in the early argument phase, had someone simply apologized or said "I'm sorry", it wouldn't have escalated to the point of co-existing in silence...

How do you say "I'm sorry"? And when you do, it never hurts to put a little "spice" on it either!

Weight a Minute Monday! Vegan Friendly Reciepes...

In our most recent Weight a Minute Monday Posts we explored the lifestyle of being a Vegetarian or Vegan. The posts featured the personal journey of Spicy Wifey friend, Christa. Christa shared some of her personal experiences of becoming a Vegetarian and eventually, a Vegan.

There are many avenues to optimal health and fitness and Spicy Wifey wants to expose you to as many as possible. So that you can consider what works for you. I have always been curious about the lifestyle and certainly learned more. Christa has shared some of her favorite recipes below! AND ANYONE, regardless of dieting lifestyle can enjoy these! Christa has recently started her own blog, Veggin' Out with Christa... so please visit Christa for more delicious recipes and veggie chatter!


Black-Bean Toss
Makes 4 Servings
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 14 minutes

4 5-inch corn tortillas
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup chopped red onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large mangoes, peeled and diced
2 15-ounce cans black beans, diced and rinsed
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (or to taste)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
8 cups mixed baby greens

1. Preheat the over to 375. Stack the tortillas and cut them into 1/4 inch wide strips, then toss with 1 tablespoon of the canola oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin and the salt. Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray; arrange the strips in a single layer and bake 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and remaining cumin and cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in remaining canola oil and the mangoes, black beans, lime juice, Tabasco and cilantro.

3. Divide the greens among four plates and top with the bean mixture and tortilla strips.

Pumpkin Waffles
Equipment:
A Waffle iron, mixing bowls, a wisk or a strong fork

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup demerrara or brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 Tablespoons soy yogurt
2 cups soy milk
15 oz pureed pumpkin, fresh or canned
1/3 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions
Sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together wet ingredients until well emulsified. Pour wet into dry and combine. Prepare waffles according to manufacturers instructions. I use a normal 4 waffle iron, but I've made Belgian ones, too.