“Kiss her. Slowly, take your time, there’s no place you’d rather be. Kiss her but not like you’re waiting for something else, like your hands beneath her shirt or her skirt or tangled up in her bra straps. Nothing like that. Kiss her like you’ve forgotten any other mouth that your mouth has ever touched. Kiss her with a curious childish delight. Laugh into her mouth, inhale her sighs. Kiss her until she moans. Kiss her with her face in your hands. Or your hands in her hair. Or pulling her closer at the waist. Kiss her like you want to take her dancing. Like you want to spin her into an open arena and watch her look at you like you’re the brightest thing she’s ever seen. Kiss her like she’s the brightest thing you’ve ever seen. Take your time. Kiss her like the first and only piece of chocolate you’re ever going to taste. Kiss her until she forgets how to count. Kiss her silent. Come away, ask her what 2+2 is and listen to her say your name in answer.”

“20 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO EVERYDAY 1. Wake up earlier. Not only does this improve productivity but it also gives you more time to make a good, hearty breakfast. 2. Make your bed. Let’s be real, being welcomed to a tidy bed after a long day at work/school (or a long day in general) is probably the best feeling anyone will ever experience. 3. If you want, spend a little more time on your appearance. Take some time choosing an outfit, applying make up or whatever. Do what helps you boost your confidence and self-esteem. 4. Stay hydrated, folks. Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go. 5. Stretch everyday or start yoga (or do both, why not?) 6. Create a playlist consisting of songs that make you happy and listen to it. Listen to songs for the mood you want to be in, instead of the mood you are in. 7. Compliment at least one person per day. This could be an acquaintance, co-worker, class mate, stranger, whoever! 8. Use your manners. If someone holds the door for you, lets you go first etc, they did it voluntarily and didn’t have to do it, so a “thank you” wouldn’t hurt. 9. Eat your fruit and vegetables and always choose the healthy version over the junk food. 10. Have a good laugh. Catch up with friends, watch some ‘Parks and Recreation’, go see some stand-up comedy, reminisce about funny moments that have happened to you. You don’t need to be a doctor to know that humour has many benefits. 11. Be optimistic. Always look at the positives. There’s no point on focusing on the negatives because that isn’t going to help anyones mood at all. 12. Exercise. It doesn’t have to be anything to intense. A run around the block, a walk with your dog or even a ‘Just Dance’ session will do the job. 13.Bring a book/magazine or collect the daily newspaper with you. Spend you spare time reading. 14. Try and learn something new everyday. This can either be an interesting fact you saw online or a new skill someone taught you. 15. Help others when you are able to. Help your classmates with school work or offer to help you struggling neighbour lift those heavy objects. 16. Stop procrastinating. No matter how unmotivated you are to, push yourself and complete what you need to complete. Do what you gotta do. You know you’ll love yourself for doing it. 17. Drink some tea, because that stuff is goooooood (and also beneficial). 18.Make time to do things that help you relax, whether that’s painting, having baths, doing you nails or going for a run. 19. Don’t dwell on your mistakes, but instead grow and learn from them. 20. And lastly, be kind to yourself. If you love who you are, everyone else will”

“100 Ways to be Elegant (without depending on a label) 1. Send thank you notes, always and to everyone. 2. Practice good posture 3. Speak more softly 4. Listen without interrupting 5. Wear solid colors 6. Ignore fads, or use them sparingly 7. Have a signature wine that you serve at home 8. Wear only 2-3 accessories 9. Have impeccable manners 10. Read on a variety of topics 11. Maintain a budget 12. Study the arts 13. Have one signature perfume/cologne 14. Show restraint in expressing anger 15. Learn the art of conversation 16. Learn French 17. Wear a trench coat 18. Learn how to wear a scarf 19. Wear a tuxedo, when one is called for 20. Practice quality over quantity 21. Don’t yell or scream 22. Learn to dance the waltz 23. Have one fabulous signature meal you serve guests 24. Remember birthdays 25. Go on picnics 26. Wear dresses/suits more often, and on dates 27. Simplify your life, your home and your calendar 28. Wear pearls 29. Open the door for ladies 30. Let him open the door for you 31. Remember that it’s more important to be kind than it is to be right 32. Serve coffee or tea after meals 33. Arrive exactly on time 34. Don’t complain 35. Dress to travel 36. Be well travelled 37. If you’re a women, don’t wear black shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day…wear spectator pumps instead 38. Keep your home clean and uncluttered 39. When guests stay over, put a small pitcher and glass for water on their nightstand, along with a book they might enjoy 40. Learn how to host a small dinner party 41. Have one subdued solid color scheme throughout your home, use accessories to add color 42. Learn how to make the perfect martini 43. Learn how to tie both a regular tie and a bow tie (whether you’re a man or a woman) 44. Be a lady or a gentleman at work, especially when delivering a difficult message or when tempers flare 45. Wear lovely/handsome hats 46. Don’t point out the mistakes of others 47. Wait your turn patiently 48. Don’t curse 49. Chew each bite 20 times 50. Sip your drink 51. Learn proper etiquette for all situations 52. Accept compliments graciously 53. Be quietly self confident 54. Don’t boast 55. Be respectful of others 56. Have fresh flowers in your home 57. Write a letter rather than send an email to those you love 58. Keep your nails well manicured 59. Maintain your shoes and clothing 60. Don’t ever lose your joie de vivre 61. Be well groomed 62. Remember that money does not equal elegance, nor is it necessary to be elegant 63. Wear less make-up 64. Wear well-fitting clothes 65. Spray lavender on your sheets 66. Be positive 67. Learn to politely say no 68. Be concerned with making others feel comfortable 69. Maintain good health 70. Don’t overindulge 71. Hold yourself to high standards 72. Turn your mobile off at dinner PLEASE 73. Wear simple, classic hairstyles 74. Think before you speak or act. Ask yourself, can anything good come from this? 75. Apologize quickly and sincerely 76. Have integrity, even when no one is looking. 77. Don’t speak ill of others, or gossip 78. Always take a gift to your host or hostess 79. Tie a scarf on your handbag 80. Take a clutch in the evening 81. Wear well fitting jeans with either a long sleeve white shirt or solid sweater for more casual events 82. Only wear sneakers for exercise 83. Use white sheets, white towels, white dishes 84. Be sure your clothes are pressed 85. Your car’s horn should say “pardon me, but do you see me?”, rather than “get out of my way!” 86. Overdo empathy 87. Light candles in your home 88. Go for walks in the park on Sunday 89. Give others sincere compliments 90. Understand your own worth 91. Learn how to open a bottle of champagne 92. Dress appropriately for the occasion 93. Do small favors for others, without expecting anything in return 94. Say please and thank you 95. Take the time to stop and listen to others, especially children 96. Take responsibility for yourself and your own happiness 97. Keep a journal 98. Give thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones 99. Less is more 100. Savor the moment”

“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”