Eight Sexy Ways to Stay Cool

Sparking the fire. Burning kisses. Steamy passion. Not exactly what you want to think about when nearly triple-digit temperatures soar outside, your backside is stuck to the chair and your hair is soaked with sweat.
Perspiration aside, the sweltering heat doesn’t have to stifle your love life. In fact, as the barometer soars, we have fun and sexy ways you can turn scorching days into romantic, raging infernos with your partner. Here are some suggestions on how to simultaneously beat the humidity and crank up the heat in your relationship:

BARE ESSENTIALS

Before there was modesty, there was Adam and Eve. What better way to cool down than by going back to the basics? Yes folks, that means getting out of your airless, constricting clothes in favor of your birthday suit (the fig leaf is optional). Whether you choose to take it all off in the privacy of your home or prefer the idea of a late-night skinny dip, you and your fellow chill-seeker will be left shaking and shivering.

For those of you who just can’t seem to take it all off, there is another sure way to stop the sweating…a wet T-shirt contest, of course. Sporting your favorite white tee, you, your partner, and a water hose can have your very own private competition. You’re guaranteed to come out a winner!
CHILL AND THRILL

What could be better than a fully-stocked refrigerator? How about a fully-stocked refrigerator that you and your mate are sitting in front of? Forget the energy bill for a night…. it’s time to open the doors wide and have some fantasy fun with food. Give new meaning to “heat in the kitchen” and grab the ever-sexy ice cube, the frosty Popsicle and some fresh, chilled berries and whipped cream.
STARRY-EYED

If you can’t feel romantic during the sweltering heat of the day, you’re sure to find relief at dusk. Some great, low-sweat nightfall activities include a moonlit stroll, rooftop stargazing, or relaxing in the hammock or porch swing. As well, having a sundown backyard picnic is another great evening activity where you can create your very own love nest by pulling out the big blanket, cracking open a bottle of wine, and snuggling up.
WINDBLOWN

When Aretha Franklin sang about the “Freeway of Love” she was onto something. There are few better, more enjoyable ways to escape the stillness of a summer scorcher than cruising along in a convertible. Beg, borrow, or rent a topless car and hit the open roadway . . . your hair will fly and your spirits will soar.
KIDDING AROUND

We all want to be a kid again. Soaring temperatures provide the perfect excuse to engage in some childlike shenanigans. Believe it or not, juvenile behavior such as flying a kite, prancing in the sprinklers, going to a nearby water park, or having a major war of water balloons will often lead to more adult-like romance.
DOWN THE HATCH

Save white Russian’s for winter. Summer is the time for “Sex on the Beach.” Yes, frosty cocktails are another way to beat the heat. Whether you favor tropical drinks (margarita, pi�a colada, etc.) or would rather stick with the more traditional (beer), mixing a few refreshingly icy beverages and lazing outside together in the shade of a big tree will certainly make the sticky air seem a little sexier.
HILLS AND THRILLS

Pack your bags . . . you’re going camping. With your tent and provisions in tow, you can set out to find a magical waterfall or strive to reach the highest peak. Away from the oppressive heat and pollution of the big city, watching the sunset together and sharing a sleeping bag will certainly keep the romantic fires blazing.
COLD RUSH

Finally, if you find yourself at the end of your rope, delirious and exhausted from the heat, there is one final suggestion. Though it’s not an original option, good old-fashioned air conditioning will effectively relieve you. Where can you enjoy the rush of cold air? Most restaurants (avoid the patio) and movie theaters (a great place to catch the couple-flick of the season) will put a chill in your bones, making you grab for the warmth of your partner’s embrace.

Romantic Cafes

A regional guide to the most romantic outdoor restaurants in the U.S.

If you�re searching for a new romantic hot spot to enjoy those sultry summer nights, try a caf� overlooking moonlit water or one tucked away on a charming street off the beaten path. Caf� wining and dining is one of the ultimate romantic experiences: savor succulent food and conversation with your sweetie while basking in a spectacular view and the cool night air. For the ultimate romantic caf� experience, there are several prerequisites your chosen restaurant should fulfill.

1. Ambience: Your caf� should set the mood for a night of hand-holding and feeding each other luscious goodies. Look for low lighting in the evening (preferably candlelight), beautiful flowers and plants sprinkled throughout, and smaller tables for two�� your knees should almost be touching when you sit down.
2. Intimacy: While a smaller table will make it easier to hear whispered sweet nothings and ensure that holding hands is practically unavoidable, make sure your little table isn�t too close to other couples. Romantic pet names are for a couple�s ears only�� “my little pookie” won�t sound as endearing to other caf� patrons.
3. Setting: Whether it�s a caf� by the water or a candlelit restaurant with an expansive balcony overlooking the street, your backdrop must exude romance. Think sweeping vistas overlooking the water, breathtaking city lights, amazing sunsets, and vibrant street life.
4. Savory food: Even those sitting cheek-to-cheek need to eat. Nothing spoils romance more than tasteless cuisine. When you feed each other over dinner and dessert, it shouldn�t be a chore.

With this checklist in mind, we searched the entire country for ultra-romantic caf�s where you and your honey can relax and enjoy an intimate dinner�� and each other. Click on your region to see which caf� is closest to you.

Prepare yourself for a right royal romp

Just about every little girl dreams of meeting her Prince Charming someday and becoming a royal princess. For some little girls, the dream comes true � literally. For others, dreaming isn’t necessary � they are born princesses.

Our monthly royal romance column lets you live vicariously through these charmed men and women who also happen to be royal. We’ll keep you in the loop on their love lives and let you in on the special romantic advice that only eHarlequin.com could give to these exalted blue bloods. Consider the time you spend here the crowning moments of your month � and prepare yourself for a right royal romp.

When the Tables Turn

It’s human nature for us to want what we don’t have, so don’t despair if you find yourself envying those who belong to what seems like the exclusive club of “coupledom.” What you must keep in mind is that the grass isn’t always greener (sorry for the clich�, but it is effective). You see, although the married couple will remain enthralled with their union throughout the honeymoon (we hope), it won�t be long before they spend some time living vicariously through their single friends’ dating escapades and seemingly exciting and glamorous lives. Remember that if you start feeling low during the first dance.

Lessons Learned

Be outgoing; talk to everyone. Be competitive in catching the bouquet. Check your pantyhose for runs. And, in the end, if all else fails, make yourself useful. Dancing with the lonely looking grandfather will certainly make his night, offering to help the bride in the bathroom will certainly make her night and, if you just can’t make a go of it, calling yourself a cab will certainly make your night. Just remember before you’re whisked away, don’t judge a book by its cover… the guy in the powder-blue tuxedo at the next table may very well be your Mr. Wonderful.

Armed and Dangerous

There is something to be said about the Boy Scouts’ motto, Be Prepared. As a single woman out on the wedding circuit, make your purse contents count. Never leave home without a small mirror (as there is no one to tell you about the spinach lodged in your middle tooth), pen and paper (for passing out your telephone number), powerful breath mints (because gum cracking is a big no-no), and of course, the customary wad of facial tissue.

Life of the Party

Why not be an optimist? A little fun never hurt anyone. However, there is one crucial thing to remember as you begin to unwind�� video captures everything for posterity. Avoid getting on a first name basis with the martini bartender. A little drink may loosen you up, but a lot of drink will undo you. Even if you croon like Patsy Cline or cut a rug like Ginger Rogers, there�s nothing worse than a video record of you dirty dancing the macarena in your stocking feet with the bride�s second cousin Merv from Montana.

Dress for Success

Listen up. Leave your prom dress at home. Put the slinky number on hold for the night. Forget wearing the white flowing gown with lace and beading detail. This is not the place to try to upstage anyone (the bride in particular). You can put your best foot forward by standing tall, not standing out. Putting some time into your appearance will not only help you look elegant, but will help you feel exquisite. Treat yourself to a manicure, get your hair done, or have a professional do your makeup.

The Single Girl’s Guide to Weddings

Yes, you can go solo with these easy steps

Bathing-suit season isn�t the only reason many women dread the summer. All those wedding invitations ominously decorating your refrigerator can make your spine shudder, especially if you have no idea whom to take as your date. How are you going to survive the overwhelming love, adoration, and coupling? Well to start with, stop feeling like the spinster with forty cats and begin acting like the proud-to-be-single woman you are. With that said, leave your cousin at home and go stag.

Sound easier said than done? Possibly. But is it do-able? Positively. Armed with the right information and attitude, you�ll be able to face the bachelorettes’ dreaded B’s: brides, bouquets and bridesmaids bedecked in baby blue.”

Optimize the Opportunity

There are few other venues in which romance hangs in the air, where people dress in their best, and champagne flows freely. Take advantage of it. A wedding is an ideal place to meet other single people. How? If you know the bride or groom well enough, you can ask in advance to be seated with other singles. If not, mill around other people at the wedding who appear to be without a date.