Silence is a Girl's Loudest Cry

Do you agree?

I DO!

I am a very patient woman but when I am angry and I am terribly hurt I just keep quiet and try to ignore the people who have hurt me. I think that is the greatest way of telling them what they did and it is also the best way to tell them that they should stop IGNORING you as well.

He Needed a Confirmation

Is there someone you know that wants or needs to check on the real deal about his child? Well, why not recommend Paternity-Answers.com for paternity testing. I actually discovered this when a friend of mine tried it himself. He said that he was having doubts with his wife and with his youngest son. Although he love his son so much, he just want to be sure if he is his own blood. Unfortunately, his wife had an affair during their marriage and it was only about a year or two when they got together again. Pretty dramatic huh?

Oh well, that’s life sometimes you just have to be strong and fight.

All About Being Married

A friend of mine had a little chit chat a while ago. She is actually newly married and she was asking me some pointers and what married couples usually get into.

Well, of course I told her some issues that they might encounter during their married life. From financial, emotional, spiritual and social aspects their lives which will be very much different from their single living. After relaying that to her she ask me some private stuff that is usually very common on married couples. I answered some of her queries from where to buy some lingerie to how to use Massage Gel. Lol!

Truthfully speaking I am really not into that kind of stuff because of the fact that I’m really a very timid girl. Also my husband is always not in the house to lure me always. Lol! Anyways, enough of that stuff I don’t want to deal with that kind of topic today. Lol!

Life is not Easy

I’m currently at the office but my mind is set- off to something else. Quite frankly, I feel lazy and annoyed! Urgh! “Lazy – to do some office works and Annoyed – to hubby! :(”


I don’t really know why but there is something different about him lately, I felt that something is wrong between us but he insisted that everything is fine! Then why do I feel like this? Is there really a problem or am I just getting crazy? Hayy ewan!

I really want to talk to him and settle things soon! :,(

Bataan Getaway - the Cave (3/3)

Yes, I'm back from our trip! See more of our Bataan trips here:

Bataan Getaway - The Beach (1/3)

Bataan Getaway - Island Hop Hop ( 2/3)

And lastly, here is our Bataan Getaway- The Cave (3/3)

After our island escapade, we went around the island for some cave hunting..

And here are some of our pictures..

~ TO THE CAVE ~

Then unexpectedly it started to rain...

It was a bit scary actually, especially when you see the clouds and the waves...













But we still survive to smile :)





The we arrived... and the rain suddenly stopped...

~ THE CAVE ~

Opps, bakit may naligaw na groto dito bwahahaha :)

This is my hubby.. doing his antics, lol! :)

~ THE ISOLATED SPRING ~

Hay, what a day! I was so happy that everything went smoothly.

This is a day I will never forget, I never thought something this beautiful was just so near and within my reach. And btw, this was my first ever beach bonding moment with hubby! That's why it's extra special! :)

Bye everybody, till next trip!!! hahahaha

How do you find time for romance when you barely have time to brush your teeth? Here are 10 sweet, unexpected, totally doable ideas for squeezing a little you're-so-hot-when-you-burp-the-baby intimacy into every day. Try them on your guy -- and see how little things can make all the difference.

E-Mail Exchange

After an insane morning of getting your kids and yourself out the door, you realize you haven't even said "hi" much less "I love you" to your spouse. When you get to work, take five minutes to send him an e-mail or text message wishing him luck in that meeting or telling him how cute he looks today. Sharing those little details can make you feel romantic in no time at all.

2-for-1 Bonus

You've still managed to find time to shower, right? So why not do a little romantic multitasking? Invite him in with you now and then -- morning or night, as long as the kids are asleep -- washing up while you catch up (or whatever else...). You'll step out feeling squeaky clean -- and super sexy.

Dinner a Deux

Pureed squash all over the walls doesn't exactly set the stage for romance. So feed the kids early, put them to bed, and then have a late after-dinner dinner just for two. Make it date-night special by lighting candles and popping open some champagne -- even if you're only having tacos.

Pencil Him In

Instead of dealing with the hassle of last-minute babysitter booking, put your favorite sitter on a regular schedule and have a standing date night with your man. You'll figure out what to do later. Make the first Saturday of every month your night to get out of the house sans kiddies and remember that you're more than just Mommy and Daddy

Wake-Up Booty Call

Sometimes it's hard to find time for sex, even if you are in the mood (sad but true). So schedule it in by setting the alarm a half hour earlier, and have a first-thing-in-the-morning quickie before the kids are up. Go to bed a half hour earlier that night to make up for lost sleep -- and stay smiling all day long.

A Compliment a Day Makes the Romance Stay

When was the last time you told your husband how awesome he is? Put yourself on a compliment-a-day program to keep






Play Hooky

You know those personal days you get? We can't think of anything more personal than reconnecting with the hubs. Take one of those underused allotted days midweek while the kids are at daycare, school, or with a sitter. Go back to bed, watch TV in your PJs, see a movie, whatever...as long as you do it together.





Lights Out

Make a point of retiring to the bedroom before you're really tired. This way you'll still have enough gas in the tank for a little nookie.

Let's Do Lunch

Who says dates are just for nighttime? We say try a lunch rendezvous. Take an hour from your day to meet up and enjoy a mini-date, just the two of you. Bonus: If you're a working mama, you don't even need to hire a sitter

Ixnay on the Baby Talk

Your daughter's still got that cough, and junior's not using his words -- the subject of your kids could expand to fill every single second of conversation if you let it. Try taking at least a 15-minute break from kiddie talk every day to discuss your relationship, good memories, that naughty dream you had last night...anything so long as it's not about the kids.


There's no harm in trying right, that's why I tried some of these stuffs and it really worked!lol! :)

a peek from the past

No one ever forget their firsts! First Crush, first love, especially their first kiss! Am I right?

Well, as some of you don’t know, my hubby- Adrian was my first ever boyfriend! True! Promise! He is! Lol! Though, I have some modest MU’s before which I rather not mention who they are, it was only with Adrian or “Bal” as his friends call him, that I felt the out most felt feeling of love! Uyy. :)

We first met at work last 2003, we know each other formally but we were not friends. But when 2004 entered, destiny changed everything for us unexpectedly. Love indeed will just come at the perfect time, perfect place and with the perfect person. {*wink*}

And the end result of destiny’s work – “the creation of an everlasting bond”. {'sigh}

*These pictures where shot the day after our civil wedding – May 11, 2005.

Look, who wouldn't fall inlove with a man like him! lol! :) So wacky! I swear there was never a dull moment with him. " Ako lang minsan ang dull! bwahahaha :)

Oh, I just love the feeling of being “in-love”! {*wink*}

thank you very much

To all myblogmates, readers & visitors who supported my blog during last week's " Filipino Blog of the Week" award...

...Thank you much from the bottom of my Heart...

Eventhough the badge was not awarded to me, your votes, messages & appreciations served as my most memorable trophy in our blogging world.

10 small steps to being a better parent

Strengthen your bond with your child starting today.

Sometimes, just making a few tiny, relatively painless adjustments in the way you interact with your kids can bring about huge improvements in your family life. Here are ten doable changes -- requiring little investment of time and no major overhaul of philosophy, temperament, or parenting -- that any parent can make, starting today.

1. Praise your child's random acts of kindness.
Your son has allowed another child at the playground to ride on his beloved scooter. Your daughter made you a card with a smiley face and lots of red hearts. Take notice by offering a little praise.

Why you need to:
So often, in the bustle of our daily lives, we take for granted those sweet or generous behaviors we most like to see in our children -- and want to promote and strengthen. Noticing and praising your child's kind gestures is one important way to help her establish a core identity, a sense of herself as a person who feels good when she's good to others. Also, praising your child for something nice she did teaches her not to take others' kindnesses for granted.

How you do it:
You don't have to create the impression that drawing a smiley-face card or sharing a toy is the most fabulous achievement ever. Simply say, "That was really great, the way you shared your scooter with Paul at the playground." And then turn your attention elsewhere.


2. Stop arguing with a screaming child.
Give up trying to convince a furious 4-year-old that it's a bad idea to have another cookie right before dinner. The logic of that decision will be lost on him.

Why you need to:
It's futile to argue with a child who's in the middle of a tantrum. Instead of getting through to him, you will likely upset him even more. That, in turn, makes him feel miserable and you feel ineffectual.

How you do it:
Try changing your location: If you're in public with your child, move to a different aisle of the supermarket or cut your expedition short; at home, walk into another room. The key is to distract -- if not your child, then yourself. One mother told me that when she is approaching meltdown with her 3-year-old, she goes to the freezer, grabs two ice cubes, and holds one in each fist: "It literally cools me down! And it reminds me not to argue with him."


3. Read bedtime stories as often as possible.
Lie down with your child before lights out and read one of her favorite books, or even a single chapter of it. Or expand your horizons: A father in one of my parenting workshops told me that he enjoyed reading to his 6-year-old daughter, Vicky, but often found himself drifting off over her kiddie stories. To liven things up, he began reading Oliver Twist aloud. Although he was sure there was much about the story she didn't understand, Vicky would tug at his sleeve every evening, saying, "Read to me about Oliver, Daddy."

Why you need to:
Stories, of course, teach kids about life in many indirect ways. But research also suggests that the cadence, rhythm, and tone of being read to -- as opposed to the sounds of other kinds of talking -- soothe a child and help relieve anxieties. "When I'm reading to Vicky," says her father, "I can see the peacefulness in her face."

How you do it:
If you currently read to your child once a week, double up to twice a week. Or extend storytime from 15 minutes to 20 minutes. "Every three or four evenings, I schedule uninterrupted reading and storytelling," says Amanda, the mother of 6-year-old twins. "The TV and video games go off and the answering machine picks up the phone. I refrain from comments about clothes to be picked up or backpacks to be loaded." As a result, the activity is not only pleasant and reassuring, it is also a treasured ritual.


4. Drop one event per week.
Somewhere, in nearly every American household-posted on the refrigerator or tacked to the bulletin board in the family room -- there is a monthly calendar jammed with activities. This calendar resembles a city map -- dense, crowded, gridlocked! At a certain point, all those penciled-in to-do items cease to be enriching and instead become a prescription for emotional and physical meltdown. Dropping just one activity a week will do wonders for the quality of your family life.

Why you need to:
Simply stated, most of us are wildly overscheduled. Having your child attend one or two fun events a week, rather than several, can mean the difference between a child who's contented and calm and one who's overexcited and impossible for hours at a time.

How you do it:
View a mental rerun of the past week or two. Ask yourself, "Is there a point at which we always seem to run into trouble -- when my child gets especially worn out or cranky or I get especially on edge?" Perhaps you'll recognize a trouble spot -- after Wednesday's swim class or Thursday's toddler gymnastics. Can you eliminate that activity from the weekly schedule? At the very least, can you skip it one week and see if you or your child feels calmer and happier?


5. Get physical with your child.
Give him a quick hug. Tousle his hair. Scratch his back. Hold hands. Sounds obvious -- yet so many rushed parents and children these days barely have a chance to speak to one another, let alone touch.

Why you need to:
We grown-ups place great importance on communicating -- expressing thoughts and feelings in words -- yet we often undervalue how much communication goes on through touch. We forget how powerfully casual physical gestures express love. A quick kiss or stroke on the cheek as your youngster bounds off to school leaves a little piece of you with him for the day.

How you do it:
Ask yourself, "Have I expressed my love today through touch?" Be sensitive to your child's preferences: One youngster might love a good, hard hug, while another would shrink from it in embarrassment or discomfort. Find the mode of touch that works for your child.


6. Imagine the best, not the worst.
This is a tough one, because parents are natural worriers. Your toddler wants only cereal, and you're afraid she'll be the fussy eater you were. Your son gets bossy at the playground, and you're sure he'll never have any friends. You can reverse such thinking by consciously imagining the best possibility instead of the worst.

How you do it:
Identify some unimportant issue and just let it go without the usual struggle. Perhaps your son is dawdling in the mornings before school. Instead of stressing about whether he'll be tardy and convincing yourself that he'll always be disorganized, tell yourself, "He's learning to make decisions, regardless of whether his clothes look funny or he's a few minutes late."


7. See the world through your child's eyes.
On occasion, put yourself in your child's place.

Why you need to:
Adopting your child's point of view is one of the most powerful parent-child connectors around. It reaffirms for her that you appreciate what she's thinking and feeling. An added bonus: You get to see things with the often-magical vision of a child. One father, noticing his 3-year-old leaning into the TV, asked why she was standing so close. "I want to be in there with Barney," said his daughter. Seeing things as your child does provides a glimpse into her world.

How you do it:
Once this week, as your child is telling you something, stop yourself from correcting, teaching, reacting, or interpreting. Just say, "Tell me more." Listen and perhaps marvel at what you hear. You will be rewarded with even more details about what your child sees and feels.


8. Let go a little.
This is an assignment especially for mothers -- and one they find difficult to carry out: Delegate some responsibilities. Let someone else -- your husband, your children, a friend -- do some of the work.

Why you need to:
Lightening your load is critical to your sanity and your reserves as a parent. More subtly, it will lower the resentment you may often feel. In countless polls, mothers have revealed a high level of repressed anger because they feel so totally overwhelmed by all they must do to keep their families functioning.

How to do it:
Delegating may feel odd at first, but it gets easier with practice. Remember, start small: Add one extra night to the number of times Dad puts the kids to bed. One day a week, share chauffeuring of kids to after-school activities with another parent. Get your children to perform household tasks: A 3-year-old can feed a hamster; a 5-year-old can set the table; a 7-year-old can put away groceries. Gradually, as the family grows accustomed to the idea, add to everyone's responsibilities -- except your own.


9. Sometimes, just hang out together.
Many studies point to a disturbing fact: Even when families think they're spending time together, in reality Mom is at the computer, Dad is in the basement, one kid is in the den with his Game Boy, and another is in the living room, building with blocks. Yes, they are under the same roof, but they're nowhere near each other. Yet quiet, unstructured time together is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids.

Why you need to:
Children tell me again and again that the times they love most are when the whole family watches a video or plays a board game together. Kids cherish simple moments of sitting with other family members, doing not much of anything at all. One day, when Emily, now 12, was 5, she stayed home from school with a fever. She and her mom spent the day lazing on the couch, watching three of her favorite videos and dressing her Barbie in one outfit after another. Says Emily, seven years later, "That was one of the best days of my life."

How you do it:
Once a week, find time to be together as a family in a way that's restful and comforting. Invite the kids to climb into bed with you on Saturday morning and just lounge around for a half hour or so before the weekend frenzy kicks in. Or, one night a week, instead of rushing to clean up after dinner, linger with the whole family over dessert, the way you might if you went out to a restaurant.


10. Smile more.
And while you're at it, make a point of laughing more too.

Why you need to:
A smile is the most visible way we humans make ourselves and those around us feel better. Even when you are not initially in the mood to smile, scientists have found, the mere act of forcing your lips into that shape actually elevates your spirits. Research also shows that children, especially very young ones, mirror our facial expressions. So if you smile more, your child smiles more and is in a happier mood. Also, when kids perceive themselves as people who bring their parents happiness, they feel better about themselves. In my work with children, I am always struck by how thrilled they are when a parent laughs at one of their jokes.

How you do it:
Ask yourself every day, "Have I smiled or laughed today at something my kids did or said? Have I found the humor in the ordinary business that has gone on between us?" So many of the moments that try a parent's soul center around everyday transitions -- getting everybody out of the house in the morning or to dinner in the evening or to bed at night. A simple smile can break the tension and instantly improve the mood. If you sense that frowns have outnumbered the smiles on your face lately, change that picture -- immediately. Ask your 7-year-old if he's heard any new knock-knock jokes, or tell one yourself. While you're giving your 3-year-old her bath, stop thinking about the six other things you have to do, and just watch her race her plastic boats or feed her rubber duck.

Raising children can be an overwhelming job. It becomes much more manageable if you remember that enormous changes for the better begin with tiny steps. Put just one of these steps into practice this week -- the one that strikes you as most doable or compelling. With that small step, you've already begun the process of change

it's a date

For 2 1/2 years, me & my hubby still likes going out & having dates. A few days ago, he invited me for dinner, which syempre go naman ako! lol!

Here are some of our pics that we shot for your viewing pleasure! hehehehe :)




For me, married couples should spend time with each other. Yun sila lang dalawa db? It strengthen the bond and will make you reminisce the first time you fell in love with each other.

rekindle romance

Recharging your marriage can make you happier -- and a better parent.

With so much at stake, parents should take active steps to halt the sexual drought that so often accompanies parenthood. Here are suggestions for changes that you and your spouse can make to remind yourselves why you got married in the first place.

Never talk "business" during lovemaking.

A husband starts making love to his wife and she suddenly jolts upright in bed and asks, "Mark, what was that noise?" No, turns out it's not a burglar carrying off little Sammy. It's actually the sound of her imagination carrying off her love life.

Don't let your mind wander to whether you accidently left the oven on or whether you remembered to sign Emily's homework assignment. Your brain can be an enemy to your sex life. It gets stuck in the "function mode" -- and worries about everything else that's going on around the house or at the office. But remember, function is not romantic; function reminds us of dysfunction, and that may lead to all sorts of other discouraging ideas.

Honeymoon together at least twice a year.
The happiest memory of my childhood was when I was 6 years old and my parents went away to Israel together to try to save their marriage. Sure I missed my mother and father. But I realized that they went away for the sake of our family, even if, in the end, they wound up more distant than the Arabs and the Israelis.

Make arrangements for your children to stay with relatives or close friends, then go on vacation and act like newlyweds. Make love, giggle, and have meaningful conversations so you can rediscover that you're not just a mother of someone with a runny nose, but a woman with a beating heart. If this is something you can't afford, then try getting the kids out of the house. You can perhaps send them to their grandparents so that you and your spouse have time together at home.

Start dating again.
Set aside a regular night for couple time. It's okay to meet friends, but save at least the first hour or so for just the two of you. Don't blow the evening on a movie. Get emotionally naked. Discuss your fears, and comfort each other in a way that allows you to really connect. Do everything you can to bring new surprises into your relationship, whether that means sexy lingerie or scented candles to heighten the mood.

Make kid-related conversation off-limits for at least 15 minutes a day. This means a few hours a week when you're not allowed to discuss the children or their needs. (You're people, too, and you have your own needs.) Instead, take this time to talk about and to each other. But do make sure to avoid perfunctory topics like finances, work, and domestic affairs.

Get in touch with your physical side.
When you come home from work, hug your spouse. When you wake up, kiss each other. Nothing creates better communication and closeness than experiencing love through touch. The more you feel with your hands, the more you'll feel with your heart. The same is true with smiling. If you try keeping a happy disposition, eventually you'll discover that you have many things in your life to feel happy and smile about. This is especially important in these turbulent, anxiety-ridden times.

Declare family time over at 9 p.m.
From 6 to 9 every night, have dinner with your family, bathe the children, read them stories, help them with homework, and allow them time to come and talk to you about anything they want. But at 9 p.m., make sure all the young children are in bed with the lights out and that teenagers understand you're not to be disturbed. This gives you time to unwind, read, cuddle, and maybe even have sex! Oh, and turn the TV off. Stop watching other people make love when you should be doing it yourself. Remember, love, unlike Monday night football, is not a spectator sport.

habits of very happy moms

1. Ask for help

Happy mothers are not afraid to ask for help from family and friends. While morose, martyred moms miss those out-of-town weekends and movie nights with their husband because they can't find a babysitter or a willing relative, Very Happy Moms just say, "Please."

2. Leave the house -- now

Have you been outside today? Fresh air, sunlight, and nature are believed to be critical mood enhancers for women, and moms can get this little lift while pushing strollers or swings. Look around that playground. Who looks happy? Go talk to her, right now.

3. Plan some big fun

In my research, I've found that VHMs work really hard to find time and money for vacations. Take away the alarm clocks, the homework, the deadlines...bring on the sunsets, the sand castles, the card games. Suddenly you remember why you spend so much time doing these people's laundry.

4. Get your groove on
You call him "honey," and he calls you "sugar" -- but are you giving each other enough sweetness? Happy moms like getting busy. It'll put a smile on your face. And it's nice to have a Very Happy Husband hanging around.

5. Eat, sleep, and be merry
Being sleep-deprived may be a badge of honor for those with young babies, but the sooner you can figure out how to get your eight hours back, the more delirious with joy you will be. Follow that well-deserved rest with a bowl of oatmeal and a banana instead of three cups of coffee and the remains of somebody's Pop-Tart, and see what happens.

6. Have a six-pack
I thought the main habit of Very Happy Moms might be popping Prozac, but I asked around and not a single happy mother mentioned drugs. Not even margaritas. Sigh. What they did mention, in droves, was exercise. And of course they're right: Just about equal to how good regular exercise makes us feel is how insidiously the gloom creeps in when we weasel out of it. Fortunately, to a mom, exercise can feel almost self-indulgent -- after all, you're doing something for yourself, in the company of other grown-ups. And that's part of the buzz.

7. One is not the loneliest number
Carving out time away from the kids is crucial, whether it's poker night with the girls or just a long bath with a magazine.

8. Be nice to thy neighbor
You would think that moms would be tapped out in the giving department. But most happy moms make doing things for others a regular part of their lives, whether it's baking a lasagna for a family with a new baby or offering a ride to an elderly friend. Remember: Your helpfulness is another deposit in the karma bank.

9. Love the one you're with

The happiest moms don't compare and compete. Neither they, nor their kids, nor their cars, nor their houses have to be the smartest, cutest, newest, or neatest. The green-eyed monster has chewed up the happiness of many a mom. Around A.D. 89 the philosopher Epictetus offered advice for Very Happy Moms: To be content is greater than riches, so love what you have.

10. Hang with your gal pals
Very Happy Moms have close mom friends. Knowing that others are in the trenches with you is key. From the super-petty issues to the deadly serious crises.

simple secret of happy families

Keep a journal, be open with your kids, share the housework -- these are just a few of the surprisingly easy ways parents can strengthen family ties.

1. Find a community that fits your family. Key questions to ask: How well do you know the neighbors? Are there lots of children in the area? Can your kids play safely outdoors? Are you impressed with the schools, library, and other services? People who are highly satisfied with their neighborhood are 25 percent more likely to be happy with their family life.

2. Get a pet. An animal offers unconditional love, trust, and acceptance. Whether your child has just had a bad day or is facing a real crisis, Rover can make it all seem better. Family members who are under stress are 22 percent more likely to feel hopeful if there's an animal in their life.

3. Talk to your kids. When we don't communicate with our children, they're more likely to feel pessimistic and insecure. When kids are upset and withdrawn, it's up to you to start a conversation and ask what's bothering them. Your kids need to hear from you to know you really care.

4. Write down your thoughts. Research shows that parents who keep a journal are happier with their family life. Recording your reflections about the world, your hopes and dreams -- or anything else that's on your mind -- gives you some nourishing personal space.

5. Share the chores with everyone. Maybe you think it's easier to do the housework yourself. But when you, your husband, and the kids share the work, it shows commitment and mutual respect. When household tasks are divided fairly, family happiness is increased by 32 percent.

6. Be nice to your in-laws. Having a good relationship with your husband's parents -- and vice versa -- not only helps everyone in the family get along but also lets you better understand the person you married.

7. Tell your family story. Sharing memories about past generations strengthens family bonds. Talking about your history gives kids a sense of who they are and where they came from.

8. Believe in yourself. There's nothing mysterious about great parenting -- it's about being present in your kids' lives and offering love, understanding, and reassurance. So be the best mom or dad you can be, and feel good about what you're doing!

9. Don't coddle your children. Kids raised by ultraprotective parents are less likely to form strong social relationships outside the family. Don't shield your children from negative stuff -- explain it. Let them know that bad things do happen but that you'll always try to keep them safe.

10. Treat your husband and kids the way you treat your friends. It's inevitable: We sometimes take our family members for granted. Cheer them on, nurture them, be there for them -- just as you are for your best girlfriends.

11. Control your temper. Studies show that four out of ten families regularly yell during arguments. Behavior like this is intimidating to kids and doesn't solve any problems. When you're too angry to think straight, excuse yourself from the discussion.

12. Cherish traditions. Whether it's a weekly pizza night or a yearly holiday event, family traditions build bonds. Consistent rituals encourage your child's social development and boost family togetherness.

13. Show up on time. It may sound trivial, but always being there when you say you're going to sends a powerful message. It teaches your kids to be responsible and demonstrates how much they matter to you.

14. Welcome other adults into your family. An aunt, an uncle, or a close friend can offer your child a fresh perspective and be a role model. Studies show that kids who have nonparental adults in their lives are happier.

15. Tell 'em you love 'em. Even if your affection for the kids and your hubby is obvious to you, they need to hear it -- often.

make room for romance

Parent or parent-to-be? You still deserve a little romance!

As a busy parent or parent-to-be, it's difficult to make time for romance. With a little effort and creativity you can renew the excitement and attraction that brought you and your partner together. Try these tips to inject more love and romance into your day:

* Take a long, leisurely bath together. Enjoy a glass of champagne or juice with sparkling water, and drop a cherry in it.

* Give each other a slow, soothing shoulder massage. Try using oils scented with a sensual aroma like jasmine, rose, or musk.

* Play exotic or soft music. Dance slowly by candlelight.

* Rent a romantic video and snuggle under a soft blanket. You can even try watching it "au naturel."

* Feed each other. Try chocolates and fresh fruits.

* Tell your partner what first attracted you to him. Then talk about what you love the most now.

* Look through photos taken when you first met. Remember how you felt when you started falling in love.

* Relive your first date. Return to the scene or re-create it as closely as possible.

* Sit together in the moonlight and just hold hands. Let nature take its course.

Getting a babysitter is optional. Just wait until the kids are asleep and stay up a little later to give each other some undivided attention.