Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog, page 11

Books That Make Great Holiday Gifts by Vivienne Diane Neal

With many celebrations coming soon, you areprobably wondering what items you should add to your Gift Giving List. You maywant to consider giving someone a book. Following are ten mysteries andthrillers that would make great holiday gifts. Just click on the title and shopuntil you drop. Purchase one or all ten. 

Forecast:Foul Play (TheWeather Girl Mysteries Book 1) byAshleigh Quinn - A popular meteorologist at a TV news station is accused ofmurdering her colleague.

Deceitand A Deathly Downpour (The Weather Girl Mysteries Book 2) by AshleighQuinn - The owner of a TV news station disappears when his mistress ismurdered.

AutumnAbduction (TheWeather Girl Mysteries Book 3) byAshleigh Quinn - After solving and bringing the murderers of her co-workers tojustice, a meteorologist moves to a small town where life is too good to betrue.

AssassinAwaken - by T. L. Crater - To make the killing appear natural, an operativereceives an assignment to eliminate a depraved President.

TheGirl in the Blue Blazer by Alretha Thomas - A college graduate wants to bean intern at a thriving investment firm but her actual reason for wanting towork there is to wreck its CEO and founder.

HollywoodEnding by Kellye Garrett - An unemployed actress becomes an investigatorafter inadvertently witnessing a murder and collecting a reward.

Beton Black (Book 3) by Alex Cage - An ex-Delta Force, traveling through Texas, unknowingly interfereswith an undercover investigation and is forced to work on a secret mission orface arrest.

TheLandlord by Brandon Massey - A struggling couple rents a stunning housewith a disturbing rental agreement.

ThePolitician by Tim Sullivan - A British social media influencer is foundmurdered in her home, which may have been a burglary gone wrong.

Thunderlandby Brandon Massey - A teen keeps having a persistent nightmare and seeing anodd message written on the bathroom mirror.

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Soignée Lifestyle Magazine is the perfect way toshow yourself some love and achieve your goals. Our goal is to provide you withthe inspiration and connections you need to create a life you love. So whetheryou're just starting out on your journey or well on your way, we hope you'llfind something here to help you along your journey. We believe that when youlove yourself, you can do anything. Prepare to subscribe today. For moreinformation visit https://soigneelifestylemagazine.com 

News for Travelers

 

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Is the Guy or Woman next door The 'ONE' for YOU?

InternationalRomance Author, Stella Eromonsere Ajanaku gives great advice on knowing if theperson next door is The One for You?

Enjoy!Please share and subscribe to her channel. 💓

Questions You Should Ask Before Engaging in Sex

Photo by AndrewSchwark
Engagingin sexual activity involves mutual consent, communication, and understanding.It's important to have open and honest discussions with your partner to ensurea consensual and comfortable experience. Here are some questions that you andyour partner should ask each other:

 

What are your boundaries andlimits regarding sexual activities? Are there any specific acts or behaviorsthat you are uncomfortable with or want to avoid?

Photo by TLeish

Have you been tested for sexuallytransmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Haveyou had yourself tested for STDs and STIs? What protection methods, such ascondoms or dental dams, will you be using? Years ago, a doctor on a TV talkshow said, “If you are having sex, you are participating in a high-riskbehavior.”

What contraceptive methodsare you using to prevent unintended pregnancies? Are you currently using anyform of birth control?

Photo by KlausNielsen

Are you at ease discussingdesires, preferences, and any concerns or fears? How will we both ensureongoing communication during the experience?

 

Are you emotionally readyand willing to engage in sexual activity? Is there a level of trust andconnection between us?

Photo by RonLach

What type of relationship areyou seeking? Are we both in agreement with expectations and intentions?

Photo by cottonbrostudio

Remember, these questions are meant to be open and honest. Communicate in arespectful and non-pressure manner. Permission and ongoing talks are keyaspects to a healthy and enjoyable sexual happening.♥

How to Let Loose Your Lovemaking Side

Photo by MikhailNilov

Discoveringand embracing your intimate side is a personal journey that can be unique foreach individual. Here are some general suggestions to help you set free yourlovemaking side:

 

Understand your desires,fantasies, and preferences. Reflect on what excites you and what you arecurious about. This self-awareness will provide a foundation for exploring yoursexual side.

Photo by AnaMaria MorozOpen and honestcommunication is crucial, both with you and your partner or partners. Expressyour desires, boundaries, and interests respectfully. Effectivecommunication can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with your ownsexuality and with your partner(s).

Photo by MarinaAbrosimovaEducate yourself aboutlovemaking. Read books, articles, or reputable online resources about sexualhealth, pleasure, and different aspects of human sexuality. Understanding yourbody, sexual response, and different sexual practices can help you explore yourdesires more confidently.

 

Self-pleasure is ahealthy and natural way to explore your sexuality. Experiment with differenttechniques, fantasies, and types of stimulation that feel pleasurable to you.Pleasing yourself can help you understand your body and what brings you sexualsatisfaction.

Photo by AndreaPiacquadioConsider exploring newexperiences or activities that pique your interest. This can include trying newsexual positions, experimenting with different forms of stimulation, orengaging in role-play or BDSM (if consensual and within your comfort zone).Always prioritize consent and ensure that all activities are safe, sensible,and consensual.

Photo by JoshuaMcknightTaking care of youroverall well-being can positively influence your sexual side. This includesgetting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, andmanaging stress. When you feel good physically and emotionally, it can enhanceyour sexual experiences.

 

If you are strugglingwith sexual issues, concerns, or trauma, consider seeking professional helpfrom a therapist, counselor, or sex educator. They can provide guidance,support, and strategies to help you navigate your sexual journey.

 

Everyone’s lovemaking journey is unique. There is no right or wrong way.Always feel comfortable with sexual activities and respect your partner'sboundaries.♥

Popular Dating Sites for Single Pet Owners by Vivienne Diane Neal

I enjoy the commercial where the man’s date discovers how he keeps his dogfood in the refrigerator. This is a no-no in her world. He abruptly shows herthe door. What makes it even more hilarious is when he says to his dog. “Youwere right about her.”

 

Inour household, we always had cats and dogs. But as a child, I never thought ofpets being able to like or dislike an individual based on his or her aura.

 

So,when you are seeking a romantic partner and have pets, you may want to find someone who shares your love for cats, dogs, or both.

 

Followingare five popular dating sites that cater to single pet owners who are lookingfor likeminded pet owners:

 

Pet People Meet is designed specifically for dog lovers. It allows users to connect with other dog owners in their area, arrange dog-friendly dates, and share their love for dogs.

Photo by ElinaVolkova

Tindog is a dating app for dog owners. It works similarly to Tinder, where you can swipe right or left to indicate your interest in other users. Tindog focuses on creating connections between dog owners and their furry friends.

Photo by ArinaKrasnikova

Date My Pet is an online dating site catering to single pet owners. It allows users to create profiles for themselves and their pets, and search for other pet owners based on their interests and preferences. They also offer video profiles.

Photo by LorenaVillarreal

Meet Animal Lovers is a dating site that brings together singles with a passion for animals. It caters to pet owners of all kinds and provides a platform to connect with others who understand and appreciate the importance of pets in their lives.

Photo by HảiNguyễn

Fetch A Date is an app where you see the pet first before you become involved with the owner. You can create a free profile and find someone who loves your pet and you.

Photo by mgshotz 

Alwaysapply caution and follow safety guidelines when using online dating sites andapps. Meet in a public place for initial meetings and inform a friend or familymember about your plans.♥

News for Travelers

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The Best Places for Single Baby Boomers to Retire

Manybaby boomers, born from 1946-1964, will find themselves suddenly single inretirement, typically because they are widowed or divorced. Almost a third ofmen (31%) and more than half of women (55%) are unmarried at age 65 or older,most often due to the death of a spouse, according to Census Bureau data.

 

Whenchoosing a location to settle down for retirement, you’ll want to consider avariety of factors.

 

“Cost ofliving, weather conditions, local community, and access to quality health careare just some of the main factors to consider when it comes to choosing thebest spot for your well-deserved retirement years," says Mercedes Zach,travel expert at ASAP Tickets. "This decision is especially important forsingle senior citizens who are looking to find new hobbies and people to spendtheir time with as well as cut on daily expenses," she adds.

 

Single babyboomers might put more emphasis on communities and opt for more populatedcities than the traditional beach retirement towns. Here's a look at the 12cities with the most seniors who are currently single: 

New York

Los Angeles

Chicago

Miami

Philadelphia

Dallas.

Washington, D.C.

Boston

Detroit

Houston

Atlanta

San Francisco

Photo by RDNEStock project 

New York - The New York metro area, whichincludes Newark and Jersey City, is home to more singlepeople age 65 and older than any other city. There are more than 1 millionolder residents who are currently unmarried. Some 61% of women and 33% of menage 65 and older are single. New York has an unusually highproportion of people who have never married, but many older residents are alsowidowed or divorced. The biggest downside of retirement in New York is the high housingcosts. However, the city's extensive public transportation system can helpthose who live outside Manhattan to visit new places andmeet new people.

 

Los Angeles - Retirement in Los Angeles brings the excitementof living near the movie industry, prolific sunny weather, andpleasant California temperatures. Thearea's top-ranked medical centers also draw people to LA. Many people age 65and older, including 59% of women and 33% of men, are currently single, oftendue to widowhood or divorce. About 9% of older people in the Los Angeles metro area, whichincludes Long Beach and Anaheim, have never beenmarried. The high home prices can make it difficult to relocate to the area,but many people find the Mediterranean beaches and big city pleasures to beworth the cost.

Photo by RDNEStock project

Chicago - You will need tobundle up against Chicago's winter chills, butthere's still plenty of opportunity to meet new people. Some 58% of women and33% of men age 65 and older in Chicago are single. Many peoplein Chicago are unmarried due tothe death of a spouse, including 32% of older women and 12% of older men.Divorce is also a common reason to be single at age 65 or older, including 11%of men and 16% of women. About 8% of seniors in Chicago have never beenmarried.

 

Miami - Retirees are oftendrawn to Miami's beaches and warm winter climate. Thereare also plenty of single retirees in Florida. “The No. 1 locationthat comes to mind when thinking of the most popular retirement destinations inthe U.S. is Florida. With its favorableweather conditions and thriving social life, the sunshine state makes theperfect place for a forever home,” says Zach.

 Photo by KampusProduction

In the Miami metro area, whichincludes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, 62% of women and 35%of men are unmarried. Many Miami seniors are widows(34%) and widowers (11%), and 19% of women and 14% of men are divorced. Some 8%of people age 65 and older in Miami have never beenmarried.

 

Manypeople relocate to Florida for retirement, so youmay be able to connect with other people who are new to the area. But if Miami is not your speed, Clearwater, Tampa, and St. Petersburg top Zach’s list ofmidsized Florida cities for retirees.

Photo by GustavoFring


Philadelphia - Pennsylvania's largest city can be agreat place to meet other retirees. More than half of women (58%) and almost athird of men (33%) age 65 and older are currently single. Some retirees aresingle due to divorce, including 16% of women and 12% of men. A third of olderwomen and 12% of older men are widows or widowers. About 8% of the retirees in Philadelphia have never beenmarried. You may be able to meet other retirees by volunteering at the area'smany historic sites and museums. Located on the train line between New York and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia is considerably moreaffordable than these larger cities.

 

Dallas - Rapidly growingcities can be great places to meet new people. “Single boomers are going to beon the younger end of the retiree set and will definitely benefit from retiringto bustling cities with plenty of things to do and plenty of people to meet,”Ann Martin, director of operations at CreditDonkey, says.

 

Dallas is among thefastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has attracted145,915 new residents over the past decade. Single women often outnumber singlemen in older age groups, and in Dallas, the proportion ofsingle women (55%) is twice that of single men (28%) among those age 65 andolder. The Dallas metro area, which alsoincludes Fort Worth, has an unusually lowproportion of seniors who have never been married (5%). Most older residentsare single due to divorce or widowhood.

Photo by MarcusAurelius

Washington, D.C. - The nation's capitalattracts residents and visitors from throughout the world, many of whom arehoping to make a difference. Retirees may continue to play a role in politicsor policy or get involved at the area's historic sites or museums. More thanhalf of older women (57%) and more than a quarter of older men (29%) in Washington, D.C., are single. While 30%of older women have experienced the death of a spouse, only 9% of older men arewidowers in the metro area. Due to divorce, 17% of women and 10% of men aresingle. Some 8% to 9% of seniors in the District of Columbia have never married.

 

Boston - Boston's many colleges anduniversities hold many benefits for retirees, including the ability to attendclasses and events and take advantage of medical care and scientific research. Morethan half of women (58%) and 32% of men age 65 and older are not currentlymarried. However, only 10% of women and 8% of men in Boston have never beenmarried. Many older women are widows (31%) or divorced (15%). Smallerproportions of men are divorced (12%) or widowers (10%).

 

Detroit - Detroit's live music sceneprovides excellent opportunities for a memorable night out. Many retirees in Detroit are currently single,including 60% of women and 34% of men. About 7% of people age 65 and older havenever been married. Older men are often single because they are divorced (13%)or widowers (12%). Over a third (34%) of older women are widows and 18%are divorced.

 

Houston - Houston is the second-fastestgrowing city in the U.S. after Phoenix, and it has added224,751 new residents over the past decade. While many people come to Houston for jobopportunities, it can also be an attractive place to retire with an affordablecost of living. “Houston is the best place forsingle boomers to retire,” Lillian Dodd, lead publisher and travel editor atThe Hobby Kraze says. “I recommend Houston because it is adesirable spot to retire. You can live in a large city with a low cost of living.Also, there are various attractive sights, especially for elderly people.” Amongpeople age 65 and older, 54% of women and 29% of men are currently single. Farmore women (32%) than men (9%) are single due to the death of a spouse. Inaddition, 16% of women and 13% of men are divorced. About 5% of seniors in Houston have never beenmarried.

Photo by RDNEStock project

Atlanta - Atlanta is one of thefastest-growing cities in the South. Among people age 65 and older, 57% ofwomen and 31% of men are currently single. Most older women in Atlanta are single due towidowhood (30%) or divorce (19%). Men age 65 and older are more likely to bedivorced (13%) than widowers (11%). Only 5% of men and 6% of women in Atlanta have never beenmarried. “(Atlanta) offers many of the same weather-related advantages asFlorida and Arizona for retirees, and the Atlanta metro's huge variety ofsuburbs means that there's going to be a living situation perfect for anyone,whether they're looking for convenient urban living, natural beauty or awell-established and insular retirement community,” says Ann Martin.

Photo by KindelMedia   

San Francisco - You'll find plenty ofsingle retirees in the City by the Bay. More than half of women (56%) andalmost a third of men (32%) age 65 and older in San Francisco are currently single.The San Francisco metro area, which includes Oakland and Berkeley, has an unusually highnumber of older people who have never married. Single older women are oftenwidows (29%) or divorced (17%). Older men are slightly more likely to bedivorced (13%) than widowers (9%). San Francisco's high-paying tech jobsdraw many people to the area, but the astronomical housing prices can make itdifficult to relocate on a budget.

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Source: Copyright 2023 U.S. News & World Report

Keeping Secrets from Your Spouse?

InternationalRomance Author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, offers advice on keeping secretsfrom your spouse.

Enjoy. Please subscribe to her channel.