NATURAL LIBIDO ENHANCERS

In many cases, the more satisfied couples are with their sex life, the more satisfied they are with their relationship. Couples looking for a little help getting in the mood can try these strategies.

Mindfulness

In her book Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire (Greystone Books, 2018), clinical psychologist and sex researcher Lori Brotto explains how a mindfulness practice can significantly improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

Herbal aphrodisiacs

A 2015 review study found emerging data that maca, tribulus, ginkgo, and ginseng may improve sexual desire, satisfaction, and function. Some research also shows that fenugreek seed can boost libido in women and men.

It’s a myth that happy couples don’t fight. In fact, relationship researchers say that arguing productively is a good thing, promoting closeness and connection. Here are some tips to stay constructive when things get heated.

Listen and validate

Staying empathic during a conflict is incredibly difficult, but it’s the golden rule of couple communication. Instead of minimizing your partner’s concerns (“It could be worse!”) or getting defensive (“Why are you blaming me?”), try to listen without judgment, joining your partner in their feelings (“I can hear how hurt you are.”).

Open up

It can feel uncomfortable to communicate your feelings, but doing so in an honest and vulnerable way promotes connection. Use “I” statements (“I feel so hurt when …”) rather than partner attacks (“You’re never attentive to me!”).

Watch your body language

Use a soft, gentle voice without any eye-rolling, heavy sighs, or arm crossing.

Take a time out

If things start to spiral, take at least 20 minutes to let your body calm down. To give yourself renewed perspective, try to breathe and channel your energy into something unrelated—such as vacuuming or going for a walk—instead of ruminating about the conflict.

Assume the best about your partner

Be on the same team and communicate from a place of commitment to growth. And try to respond positively to attempts your partner makes for connection, such as making an inside joke or reaching for your hand.

Reduce and repurpose your waytofestiveelegance helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer

There’s no need to give up your green-living goals or spend a fortune to create a whimsical and festive tablescape for the holidays. To dazzle guests and create a beautiful and sustainable holiday table, get inspired by these DIYs that make use of items you likely already have.

Nature-inspired centrepiece

The star of any tablescape is its centrepiece. Start with a base, such as a tray, for an elegant look or a wooden crate for a rustic, natural look. Fill it with your choice of decorations, such as vases or jars filled with pinecones or ornaments; holly, DIY dried oranges, or cranberries; cedar boughs and/or other greenery; candles; and even mini living evergreen trees. Alternatively, use greenery to create a garland table runner along the length of the table.

DIY Christmas crackers

Cracker snaps can be purchased from craft stores, but all other materials can be upcycled, such as toilet paper rolls (for support), craft paper (for covering the rolls), and ribbons or twine (for ties). Consider homemade or bulk goodies for the surprises inside.

Save wine corks through the year and use them to create mini Christmas trees. Glue them together and consider adding twine, ribbon, greenery, or pinecones for decoration.

Place settings

Homemade placemats can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as linen fabric, wooden plaques, greenery, burlap, cork, or even sturdy paper decorated with stamps. Consider involving the kids! Then complete the look by adding plates with a cloth napkin in the centre topped with a pinecone, cinnamon stick and dried orange, or piece of holly.

Use chicken wire to sculpt a base for your chandelier, and stuff it with natural greenery such as cedar boughs and/or holly from your backyard. No yard? Greenery can often be purchased from a florist (or ask a friend who has a backyard!). Use S-hooks and a chain or rope to hang the chandelier.

Homemade wreath

It’s not just for the door! Wreaths can be hung indoors in windows or used on a table with a candle in the centre (make sure it’s not too close to the greenery). You can also put a Mason jar with pinecones or ornaments in the middle. Bases can be purchased from craft stores and reused for many years. Similar to the chandelier, collect and attach greenery artfully to the base.