The Seduction Shuffle

Alright, so you and your significant other are about to enjoy one of the perks of a perfect match -- otherwise known as 'getting busy.' You've got the candles lit, the curtains drawn and the massage oil standing by. Sweet, sexy sounds are streaming in from your iPod, and everything's perfect. Until the next track comes on.

Nothing can ruin the mood quite like your date finding out your iPod is just as likely to play Miley Cyrus as Marvin Gaye. Of course, you can always build a 'passion playlist,' but that takes time. And, if you've got any sort of sex life, that playlist will probably play itself out after a few rounds of play. The last thing you want to do in the bedroom is get stuck in any sort of routine, and nothing says stale faster than finding yourself choreographing your moves to the same predictable rhythm every time you get it on.

That's why God (or Cupid) invented Pandora. Using its proprietary music genome technology, Pandora will automatically build a custom playlist based on any artist or song. Basically, Pandora hones in on certain traits of the tunes you give it, and uses those traits to pick a whole playlist of similar songs. If you're into rhythmic drums, hard bass lines and minimal vocals, it'll build you what amounts to an entire radio station of that particular kind of music. If uptempo jazz beats and classical orchestration are more your thing, then that's what you'll get. And, with almost a century's worth of music in their database, Pandora will keep serving you up with something different every time you turn it on. With Pandora, you'll always have a new playlist to put on when you're looking to get turned on. And anyone who has ever gotten it on to the sweet sounds of a Sade or a Sam Cooke knows that nothing makes the mood quite like a little mood music.

Basically, if variety is the spice of life, think of Pandora as cinammon for whatever you're baking in the boudoir. Because a little sugar in your bowl is good and all, but sugar and spice is just so much more nice.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Feeling Cheeky?

So you've been to a SpeedLA event, found that special someone and now you're looking to add a little spice to your repertoire. Something fun, something tasteful and something on the cheeky side... I have just the spot. Hustler Hollywood offers a flirty mix of all things provocative. From edible massage oils to lacy lingerie, indulge your naughty side in an atmosphere that is more fun than seedy. If not for the staff wearing 'Relax, It's Just Sex' t-shirts, one would never know the naughty treasures this store beholds.

Referred to by some as the "Barnes & Noble of porn," this bright, sparkling novelty-and-coffee shop, is sure to please. Hustler Hollywood also offers an array of candles, kitchy coffee mugs, clothing and gifts suitable for all. Located on Sunset Boulevard near San Vicente, it's brings a whole new meaning to 'The Sunset Strip'. Also well worth a mention is their yearly Freedom Sale. With all things discounted upwards of 15%-50%, it is the perfect opportunity to get cheeky on a dime.

Hustler Hollywood - Sunset Strip

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Looking to Make a splash?

So you want to do something cool? Something unique? Something that's romantic and fun? Well head for the Marina and check out U-Drive - Boat Rentals of America. Located off the wharf in Marina Del Rey, is the perfect opportunity to create that perfect date. First you need some nibbles. Plan ahead and be that gentleman we both know you are. A good place to find a tasty meal for takeout is California Pizza Kitchen, on Admiralty Blvd, just before the Wharf. For the Organic lover in you, swing by Organic Panificio, two doors down from the Ritz Carlton, on Admiralty, next door to The Marina City Club. This spot can create that perfect picnic basket for two, organic style. If you are feeling flush, Whole Foods does amazing picnic baskets, including the all important picnic basket itself, as well as all the glasses and utensils needed for "Operation Picnic in a Boat".

Now that you have the treats sorted, pick up your date and head for the water. Once at the wharf, U-Drive is very easy to spot. Unless you are a glutton for punishment from your date, I would stay away from the Kayaks and Pedal Boats. Lovely for when you reach couple status, not ideal for a date in a skirt. Step up to the 18' - 19' Off Shore Powerboats or if they are sold out, then the 17' In-Harbor Powerboat. The former is perfect to layout that picnic at calm sea with still enough power to show her your Bond side after the picnic. Powerboat hourly rentals range from $65 an hour for the smaller engines and $125 for the 'scare the living daylights' out of your date, engine. During summer, try to book ahead as they tend to rent out quickly. Off-season is a good time to pick up some deals and breaks.

Check out their website at http://www.boats4rent.com/ for a 10% discount.

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

A Dog Eat Dog Day at the Beach...

Nothing says California Sun quite like an afternoon at the Pier. It also provides the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, have a lovely bit of sun and people watch... all without breaking the bank. A wonderful shortcut into the Pier, without paying Pier prices to park, is to head north on Ocean Boulevard past Colorado Ave and make a right on Seaside Terrace. At the bottom of the street lies Hot Dog On a Stick and is surrounded by a metered parking lot, with a going rate of about a $1 an hour. With the Pier just to the right, a wonderfully romantic Merry-Go-Round and a bevy of Carnival games, the Pier can make even the most staunch adult, feel like a kid again.

Another easy on the wallet option is to stop by and grab a Corn Dog at Hot Dog on a Stick. The employee-owned corporation staffs its branches with perky workers who don the brand's iconic 1960s-inspired uniforms: whimsically colorful jockey caps and striped smocks. The short menu offers 100 percent turkey franks, which are served skewered and battered, as well as all-beef wieners in a bun. Extras include "Cheese on a Stick" (also coated and deep-fried in the secret-recipe batter) and shoestring fries.

Be Merry, be Cheeky and save a pound while doing it.

Hot Dog on a Stick - Santa Monica Pier

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

All the help you can get...

Have that special someone you've been dating for awhile? Looking for a little fun with food? I found a website that specializes in all things "Gourmet Food and Cooking" related. Within this treasure trove of information, I found a page dedicated to 'Aphrodisiac Foods'. A bit of history, why certain foods are considered 'aphrodisiac', food list and of course, recipe list. From Almonds to figs, to mustard...some will definitely surprise you. Try not to fancy yourself a Gordon Ramsey while using all the ingredients and suggested recipes on the first date. It's a lovely bit of fun for that lovely in your life.

www.gourmetsleuth.com/aphrodis_foods.htm

After you have feverishly copied the food list and recipes do try to stop by the main site where one can educate themselves, Gourmet Style. Their goal is to help inform and educate people interested in food, cooking and eating. They have a wide assortment of culinary articles on various foods and cooking topics and publish recipes that take a "how to" approach. They also answer culinary related questions and do so eagerly.

In addition to their own content, "Gourmet Sleuth" maintains a huge database of food, beverage (wine, beer, alcohol) related sites. So if you are looking for recipes, looking to add to your culinary database or to act like you know what you are talking about, this is a great place to start.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Shape Up Lad!

Looking good in Los Angeles is no easy task for men. Between salon prices, salon reservations and salon stylists stuck in the 80's, I have the perfect spot for that hip lad in you. I offer you Rudy's Barbershop. With 5 locations in Los Angeles ranging from the chic locale in the Standard West Hollywood and Standard Downtown to the understated glam of Silverlake. With $20 dollar cuts by a talented female crew, you can't go wrong. Should you find yourself with that last minute date, don't fret about last minute appointments. At Rudy's Barbershop appointments aren't necessary. Consider Rudy's a reinvented barbershop that incoporates music, style and art. A comfortably chic, fun and funky spot sure to impress that gent looking for a great cut at a great price.

For that extra savings, be sure to sign up for Rudy's Newsletter, athttp://www.rudysbarbershop.com/ , for loads of discounts and perks.

Rudy's Barbershop - Los Angeles

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Get Pampered...In Style

It's hard to find that perfect nail salon in Los Angeles. Sometimes you want to splurge on La Vie L'Orange, but it can get expensive if that is your weekly nail rescue stop. For those of you who have not discovered it yet...welcome InStyle Nails. With three locations, one in West Hollywood, one in Westwood and lastly Montebello. In Style nails is truly in a class of it's own. Sure we all want the inexpensive mani/pedi, but we could do without the inexpensive atmosphere. At InStyle Nails, there has been no expense spared. Before you get comfy in one of their top-of-the-line massage chairs, check out their package deals. How many of us have been half way through a manicure and added a 10 minute massage half way through or yanked off our socks to throw in a pedicure?! Well at InStyle Nails they have put together lovely packages at great rates. I am not sure if all of the locations offer the exact same packages, but I am sure they are all comparable. Once you have picked your package, it's time to get cosy in the massage chair. Set your level of massage intensity, soak your feet in hot water infused with salts, instantly relax your muscles and melt away your stress.

If this wasn't heaven enough, directly across from you are numerous large flat screen TV's that screen various shows depending on when you go. A couple of times they have shown the Victoria's Secret Show which is always fun to watch, sometimes they feature MTV videos or a random film. In Style Nails has created a fabulous environment without inflating prices. Services outside of Nail treatments, also include waxing and massages. Recently they added Eyelash Extensions for only $150!

On the InStyle Nails website they have a referral incentive. If you refer a first time client they will send you an invitation with a 15% discount on their services.In Style Nails is open 7 days a week, most days until 8pm. Their Spas are beautiful with state-of-the-art technology and very friendly, talented nail care technicians. Make an appointment or just walk in today! You will love it.

InStyle Nails - Westwood/ West Hollywood/ Montebello

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush atanoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Diane - Altadena
  I really like this guy I’ve been dating. How do I move the relationship along without him freaking out that ‘I’m moving the relationship on’?

Hi Diane,
Thank you for your interesting question. I would like to know more details, such as how long you have been dating and what you mean exactly by “moving the relationship on”. However, I think in most instances, this is a tough one if only one side wants to nudge along. If for example, you have been dating a while and you would like to move in together, this can be tackled in a gentle way. You can get a good read on him, if this is what your intentions are, by staying over more often, leaving things of yours at his place and of course, doing the ‘pop-in’ far more frequently! This should start to give you a good barometer reading on where he thinks you guys are heading. If he starts to neatly keep all your things together in a box by his front door, protests that suddenly he has to start getting up early for work or answering his door less and less it could be that you are pointing north and he’s pointing south, my dear. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

• Jesse - Burbank
  I’m a first time Speed Dater, any advice?

Hi Jesse,
Thank you for your great question, I get asked this one all the time! Most people are nervous the first time they do anything and speed dating is no exception. My best advice to you is just to be you. There is nothing that you can do wrong, there are no wrong answers. The absolute worst possible scenario is that you do not feel that “click”. Chances are it’s mutual, so who cares? In a few minutes you’ll be on to the next potential date-mate! Ask questions that you genuinely care to hear the answer to, not general, predictable questions. Listen to the answers you hear as opposed to waiting to ask your next question. If you really listen, you can start a good conversation within a minute. Some people tend to get into ‘interview’ mode and panic about the time that is ticking away. It takes a few moments to start a good conversation and if you both enjoy it, chances are you’ll have a match…and you can continue the conversation at a later date.

• Janet - Silverlake
  I’ve been dating my sister’s ex, ex, ex, ex boyfriend.:) for about 2 months now. Every time I think about telling her, I go from thinking shecouldn’t care less to moving any sharp items out of her house. They were together for a very short while a very long time ago. I don’t want to be an evil sister, what do I do?

Hi Janet,
This is a very interesting question, thank you for writing in.
The first thing you must do is tell your sister. The longer it goes on, the more you will hurt her in the long run. The worst part is surely not that you are seeing someone from her past but that you could not tell her? If she really liked this guy, something would have come of the relationship in the first place. I am sure she will understand and wish you guys nothing but the best… just don’t wait much longer in telling her what’s going on!