JMag » Expert Advice

Heart’s Desire

Editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:03:58 +0000

Every February 14th love-struck men and women spend more than 1 billion dollars on chocolate products. Our infatuation with chocolate first began 2,000 years ago when it was discovered in Latin America. The Maya and Aztec elites infused cocoa beans with water to form frothy chocolate drinks for special occasions and as sacrifices to the gods. The Aztec ruler Montezuma believed that chocolate was an aphrodisiac and routinely drank it before entering his harem, thus increasing chocolate’s popularity and its association with love and romance. Modern-day scientists have linked the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate to feelings of excitement, attraction and even pleasure.

Ways To Romance Your Valentine…For Any Budget

Editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:34:00 +0000

There are numerous ways to jazz up your Valentine’s Day with wine, and something sparkling or something red are the obvious go-to’s. However, if you’re looking for more than just a wine recommendation, but rather, a wine-themed Valentine’s Day experience to enjoy with your special someone, here are my favorite two ideas that work whether you’re “on a budget” or a “big spender!”

The Hora-Scopes: Your February Forecast on Life & Love

Editor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:49:34 +0000

Danielle Paige has stars in her eyes, and we think that’s a good thing! Paige is JMag's in-house astrologer and she has your monthly forecast on life, love and so much more for the month of February!

For one sign in particular, it's time to shine your light, show everyone how playful you can be, and work on that creative project you’ve been putting off for a while. Another sign (hint: it's an earth sign) may expect a call from an old flame this month! What's in store for you? Read The Hora-Scopes and find out!

How can I open up to others through online dating?

Editor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:44:31 +0000

Dear Rabbi,
I have to say, I'm really out of touch when it comes to this whole "online dating scene". You see, being 39 and single (and struggling just to make new friends in this town I've lived in for almost 15 yrs) has been downright exhausting! I've turned to temples, synagogues, JCCAs and the Jewish Federation for help, and now I feel like the only direction to go is online. Even though I've tried this online scene before and failed, I keep coming back to it because everyone says this is where you'll meet people, this is where you'll meet your beshuva, to which I reply, "bah humbug" (for a lack of better words!!!).

Super for the Waistline and for the Super Bowl

Editor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:03:17 +0000

Fried anything is delicious and perfect for the Super Bowl, but while I am up for a fun afternoon of food and friends, I am not willing to spend the next few weeks regretting an afternoon of indiscretion.

What IS A Junior Bridesmaid Anyway?

Editor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:41:11 +0000

Your younger, but not thaaaaat much younger cousin whose hair you used to french braid for dance class every Thursday. The cute girls down the street who considered you their favorite babysitter when they were tiny and you used to gossip with their mom after she’d come home from work. Your fiance’s only niece and the other cute girl in his life who takes him up on every offer for a piggy back ride and tea party. None of these girls are young enough to be the toddling and cute-but-clueless flower girl who walks down the aisle. But they’re also not old enough to be a bridesmaid who can do and afford all of the bridesmaid-y events. So, you have an epiphany and say to yourself, “Self! I know! [Insert Name Here] can be a JUNIOR BRIDESMAID!”

Creating Transformation in Practice (Part 1)

Editor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:05:54 +0000

Someone who lives a transformational life lives according to the idea that humanity is at heart interconnected and unified. We are all a part of one family – or on an even deeper level, different parts of a single organism. As such, we care about one another and feel a sense of responsibility for one another.

Living transformationally means that one is always aware of the status, issues and needs of everyone around you. There is no such thing as being oblivious. When walking down the street, one is aware of who is passing. When sitting in a subway car, one is always aware of who has gotten on. There is a situational awareness that is similar to that of a soldier on duty – although the mission is slightly different. One never drops this level of awareness - it becomes habitual. The universe may not ask anything of us in that moment – but if it should, will you notice? Will you be ready?

How to Spot a Homing Pigeon – Part II

Editor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:25:19 +0000

The elusive Homing Pigeon is a man who reeks of wanting to get married and can be spotted from a mile away. The Homing Pigeon is your perfect catch if you’re looking for a serious relationship. This rare breed can be spotted by looking for the following signs: he has married siblings, is a homeowner, lives in the suburbs, has a satisfying career, is constantly talking about his nieces/nephews and he values exclusivity.

Want to learn more? Read on to determine if he’s just looking to play around, or to put a very expensive ring on your finger!

Certain Habits Doom Relationships: Are You Guilty?

Editor — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:15:52 +0000

Love isn’t just about finding someone. It’s about keeping them. If you are only focusing on the finding, and not on the keeping, how can you ever hope to achieve a lasting partnership, which is what you profess to want?

Relationships don’t fail. It’s relationship skills that fail. Skills can be learned. Are you actively studying and learning those skills now? Well, you should be.

Hits & Mrs: Permission To Break The Millionaire Matchmaker’s Cardinal Rule

Editor — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:30:56 +0000

Patti Stanger, known to most as “The Millionaire Matchmaker” from Bravo’s hit TV series, has a lot of rules. She’s cited as having 11 basic commandments*, most of which are very reasonable: keep your commitments, don’t talk about your ex, don’t drink too much, etc.

However, her one cardinal rule is no sex before monogamy. And when we’re talking sex, we’re talking all forms of it – I won’t get graphic, you know what I mean. I have my own rules about sex but for me, Patti’s approach (as with most of her advice) starts off in a good place, but takes things to the extreme. Monogamy is a heavy word and while sex can be a heavy thing, putting too much emphasis on it, and whether or not you’re having it, can cause undue stress in a relationship. The rule I give my clients is...