Less Stress, Better Number Crunching

The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine has long reported the benefits of massage, including reduced stress levels.

And who doesn't have stress these days?

Touch can not only improve your physical health (who hasn't wanted a good massage after a grueling workout), it can improve your mental health as well.

Even the International Journal of Neuroscience found that massage has benefits - people who participated in a massage study completed math problems in less time than the control group. Even better, they made fewer mistakes!

Less stress and an easier time balancing the check book? Sounds like a good massage can make life a little more tolerable for all of us.

The Honeymoon Doesn't Have to Be Over Just Yet!

Listen to this, thanks to USA Today.

New brain scans of people who say they are still in love after being married for decades are similar to scans of those who have just fallen in love, leading researchers to conclude that long-term relationships can be just as passionate and romantic as new love.

"We're confident it's real," says psychologist Arthur Aron of the State University of New York-Stony Brook, one of the researchers involved in the study. "That's what the brain scans are telling us. People can't fake that."

"A lot of other research always suggested romantic love is over by 12 to 15 months. This suggests that may not have to be the case," says Richmond Thompson, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Bowdoin College, who was not involved in the study.

And just in case you think this is all scientific bunk, we can prove it's true!!

We have received more than 8 orders from people celebrating over 20 years today - isn't that crazy? After all these years they're still sending each other gifts they can share and enjoy.

And the cards are so nice.

So I believe what the scientists have proven. And I didn't even have to put on a lab coat!

Au Naturale

We've had several requests for organic or "vegan friendly" products. So we went on a hunt, searching for products that these members would feel comfortable using.

And we found some! The thing is, we like them so much, and like that they're made from all natural ingredients and most come in earth-friendly packaging, that we're going to include them in our standard surprises as well.

We hope that more manufacturers take a hint here and pursue the development of more products that contain or are made from natural, renewable ingredients. We'd love to find more!

Sweet Dreams

Ready to hit the pillow?

A little sensual massage followed by some dancing in the sheets releases sleep-inducing endorphins.

Nighty night.

But Does It Pay the Bills?

Tax time is right around the corner, but even if you dread the tax man, don't distress.

Sex makes you happier than having money does, according to a recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

A marriage that included regular sessions was figured to bring the same levels of happiness as earning an extra $100,000 annually.

Change it Up

Every couple needs to change up their sexual routine every now and again so it doesn't become just that -- a routine. Sexual experimentation is key for keeping a long-term relationship fresh, fun and fulfilling.

Opening up about your desires can also bring you and your partner closer together.

"Experimenting with each other requires a willingness to be vulnerable, which improves intimacy," says Mort Fertel, a Baltimore marriage counselor and creator of the Marriage Fitness Program.

Welcome 2009!

The start of a new year, and it's been a good one (all 12 hours of it so far).

This morning we've been receiving so many orders from The Boston Globe article that ran today.

Happy New Year to everyone!