Blog Posts by Woman s Day

By Jill Provost

Has your love life gone from sizzle to fizzle? You don't have to memorize the Kama Sutra to spice things up between the sheets. In fact, it's the positions you assume outside the bedroom that could really heat things up. According to research in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, sexually dissatisfied women who took up yoga and practiced mindfulness techniques reported higher levels of arousal and desire, and better orgasms. To reap similar benefits, perform the 10 poses below at least three times a week, spending a minute or so in each position. If this is your first time practicing yoga, don't worry; we've linked each pose to a video tutorial so you can learn them at your own pace.

Wide-Legged Straddle Pose (Upavistha Konasana)

"This move is good for low libido," says yoga instructor Kate Hanley, author of The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide. "It improves blood flow to the pelvic area, and where the blood goes, so do energy and vitality." Research shows that

By Mandy Major

While cutting into the steak you order every time you eat out, how often do you look across the table and envy your dinner companion's dish? Whether you're overwhelmed by the menu or simply afraid to branch out, the result ends up being the same-old plate of food that often leaves you feeling unsatisfied. To help get you out of your food-ordering rut, we talked to industry insiders to learn the art of the perfect restaurant meal. From what not to order to a different approach to dining, learn how to conquer the menu the next time you dine somewhere new.

1. Do some research first.
Knowing about where you plan on eating is as important as deciding what you'll eat when you get there. When possible, check out the restaurant before you go. "I always go to a restaurant prepared," says Elizabeth Karmel, grilling expert and executive chef of Hill Country in New York City. "What I mean by that is spending two to three minutes doing research online. See what they're

By Woman's Day

Though Spring-inspired, this sweet flower-and-button accessory is perennially pretty. Choose any color combination of felt you please, and then follow the easy five-step guide below to create one-or a whole bouquet-of wear-worthy blooms.

Materials

• 6" strips of felt in varying widths from 1 1/2" to 2 1/4" (1 or 2 per brooch)
• Straight pins
• Small sewing scissors
• Sewing needle and thread
• Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
• Buttons
• Pin backings (we used Westrim 1" silver pin backs, $2.29 for 60; CreateForLess.com)

Instructions

1. Fold one of the wider strips of felt in half lengthwise and pin the long edges together. Cut a series of slits along the length of the folded side; space them about 1⁄3" apart and leave a 1⁄3" uncut border along the pinned edge. Thread the needle with 36" of thread (in a color that matches the felt strip), double it and knot at the ends. Start to sew the felt together along the

By Jennifer Tzeses

Now that the last traces of winter are gone for good, you can pack away your cold-weather beauty regimen too (well, at least for the next six months!). Warmer temps and the changes in climate call for a few tweaks to your daily routine. Here, advice from the pros for updating your skin, hair and makeup to welcome the season.

Hydrate Strands

Rescue your winter-parched hair from months of bouncing back and forth between icy outdoor air and drying indoor heat, says Matrix artistic director Nick Stenson, owner of Chicago's Caviar Salon. A conditioning mask can rejuvenate dry hair by restoring shine and vitality, says Stenson. Try Oscar Blandi Trattamento di Jasmine Smoothing Hair Treatment ($26; OscarBlandi.com). It repairs damaged hair by delivering intense moisture, resulting in a silky-soft and shiny mane.

Trim Your Tresses

Even if you're not ready for a whole new 'do, a good trim can bring your hairstyle back to life, says Stenson. "On

By Amanda Greene

Springy Things

Whether you're looking for something special to wear on Easter Sunday or just want to invigorate your work-week staples, these 10 dresses are not only versatile but affordable, too. From brunch-ready frocks to office-appropriate sheaths, you'll want to slip into one of these picks, all under $100.

Go Long

Maxi dresses are hot for spring, and for good reason. This version from Victoria's Secret features a soft, romantic floral pattern and spaghetti straps that lend a delicate, feminine touch. Plus, smocking in the back ensures a great fit. Henley Maxi Dress, $78; VictoriasSecret.com

Palette-Pleasing

ook tailored in Loft's watercolor shift dress. It's equally perfect for the office (pair it with low heels and a cardigan) or a weekend brunch (wear it with sandals). The delicately pleated neckline and grosgrain ribbon in the back give the piece some added prettiness. Watercolor Floral Shift,

By Katie Kretschmer

Super Storage

Proper storage is the key to a clutter-free kitchen, allowing you to maximize your space and cooking efficiency. From labeled containers to stacked canisters, check out these products that can help streamline your area and put everything in arm's reach.

New Order

Poggenpohl's latest drawer styles have ultrathin right-angle sides to make the most of internal space, plus a modular walnut or maple box system that holds everything from ceramic containers to spices. About $400 as part of a custom kitchen. 973-812-8900; PoggenPohl.com for locations.

Dry Idea

Simple Human's bamboo-and-coatedsteel dish rack improves on the standard model with an extendable drip tray that sends water into the sink and adjustable flip-down tines that accommodate plates or bigger items. $80. 877-988-7770; SimpleHuman.com.

Well Stacked

These crystal-clear Flip Tite canisters stack neatly to save space in

By Jen Lancaster

Bright Lights, Big City, by Jay McInerney

"This novel, about a man teetering on the edge of addiction, does for the '80s what The Great Gatsby did for the Jazz Age, providing an unvarnished look at a decade long on style and short on substance."

Big Trouble, by Dave Barry

"I've always loved Barry's hilarious take on his everyday life, but nothing's funnier than this slapstick crime novel full of bumbling bad guys and hallucinogenic toads set in South Florida."

The Mercy of Thin Air, by Ronlyn Domingue

"Told from the point of view of a dead woman, this is possibly the most hauntingly beautiful story of love and loss I've ever read."

Read a good book lately? Share your review on our Lit Fix blog.

By Arricca Elin SanSone

Renting a vacation house is a family-friendly option for any budget. "With a whole house you get more amenities, such as a full kitchen, and more privacy than a hotel room," says Alexis de Belloy, vice president of HomeAway.com. The biggest perk? A house rental is often 30 to 50 percent less expensive than a hotel. Add in the money you'll save by cooking for yourselves and having a private garage or driveway to park in, and it's a deal you shouldn't pass up. Plus, all that extra space will provide families with plenty of room to spread out and stay out of one another's hair-making for a very relaxing vacation. Whether you're looking for beach, mountaintop or big-city accommodations, here's everything you need to know before you rent.

1. Rent from a trustworthy source.

Check out established vacation home rental sites such as HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com and TripAdvisor.com, which offer homes rented directly through homeowners or