Le Renee is on Wordpress

Le Renee has officially moved to a new site!  Thank you for supporting my ventures <3

New blog posts are up.  Come check it out!  www.lerenee.wordpress.com

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xoxoxo Le Renee

SAVE THE DATE! 04/26/13 Le Renee is Moving to www.LeRenee.wordpress.com!

Save the Date!

Le Renee's House Warming Party!

Friday, April 26, 2013

at

www.LeRenee.wordpress.com

Your Comments, Likes, Giggles and Shares are welcome!

Le Renee's Blog will officially be housed at www.LeRenee.wordpress.com so that we can enhance our blogging experience through new reading/blogging features and benefits.  

Thank you so much for each of your incredible support!

See you soon!

xoxoxo Le Renee

Flirt in the Space Between: Romantic Ideas To Show Them You Care

In new relationships, it's common for periods of time to go by in between dates. Projects at work or school can get busier and that special person in your life may be pulled away from spending extra time with you at the moment.  Don't get discouraged and don't let those sexy sparks between you two dissipate!  Channel your inner hopeless and timeless romantic to show that special person how you are thinking about them and that you care.  This is the time to really make an effort to display some of those feelings you are having about them by stepping out of the box and letting them know what they are meaning to you!

Remember your conversations or how they acted on your dates.  What were the things that they shared with you? What are they passionate about?  What do they do to relax?  What kinds of things do they wish they had more time to do in their free time?  What are their favorite things?  What gestures would mean the most to them?

Think about Breakfast at Tiffany's and engraving a cracker-jack ring.  It doesn't have to be extravagant, just thoughtful!  

Noticing these little things about them and showing them that you not only listened, but also cared enough about them to remember details about them will definitely keep heating things up between you two!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Bring them a single rose with a lovely note that tells them how much they matter to you.

Drop off a copy of their favorite book with something you signed on the first page.

Bring them a bottle of their favorite champagne or a bottle of wine from the brand you two shared on a date.

Order lunch for them and have it delivered at work. Better yet...deliver it yourself! :)

Stop by with a latte or espresso and a love note written on the disposable cup.

Make them a cd from songs that played while you two spent time together.  Or make a playlist on your ipod for them to borrow. (Returning it to you is another chance for them to see you...)

Leave them a sweet card at their door.

Rent a few good movies to drop off. Who knows, maybe they will invite you in to watch them! ;-)

Bring over doggie treats or kitty treats if they have animals.

Make them a gift that symbolizes something from a date you have had together.  

Win her heart by bringing her a Love It sized bowl of chocolaty goodness from Coldstone or a frozen yogurt place.  A girl loves her chocolate, especially when she is stressed!  A hug from you + chocolate= the cure for everything...

Drop off something for their child or children if they have them like a family game or something you have heard them talk about loving.

Give an inexpensive gift card to their favorite store so they can do a little "me" shopping. Even better-maybe you can go together.  

Bring them a delicious muffin or something sweet for breakfast.

Share a photo of the two of you.

Send a save the date invitation to a special date you have planned when they are free.

Offer to make them dinner.

The simplest way you can show them you care is to start off each day sending texts that let them know they are the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing on your mind as you drift off into your dreams.

Just remember that doing something is better than doing nothing and if this person is special to you, a little effort will make all the difference in your blossoming relationship!

Share your romantic ideas with Le Renee below!

In love,

xoxoxo Le Renee

Simply Spring: Create Patio Pots from Your Own Garden!

Colorado had a few unexpected snow storms this April and on one of my snow days, I was inspired to add a little touch of spring to my front porch!  I spent less than $10 on the entire project by finding inspiration in my own garden. 

I found these grape hyacinth hidden behind an area of grass in my lawn.  I dug them out by ensuring to collect their roots and bulbs in order to feature them where they can be fully enjoyed!

I looked for hardy plants like these violas since they can tolerate up to 20 degree weather to add color and dimension.  I wanted to add these baby daffodils  (narcissus) since they stand out by adding variety of texture and height. 

I added a little soil after arranging each plant, and voila!
You can see our snow there in the window background!

Everything is thriving in the Colorado sunshine! Layering plants by height and color is a great way to add depth and character to your pots.  Use your favorite flowers to display your personal gardening style! 

I found a few lilies as well to give this pot more depth when everything is in bloom.  Sometimes gardens with perennials need to be thinned out or rearranged to allow for more room for season growth. Adding your perennials to your pots is a great way to add space in your gardens while allowing you to enjoy them before warmer weather planting season!

After a little time, a glass of wine, and a little inspiration, I now have a lovely Colorado spring display with pink tulips to match my fabulous pink patio set!

Happy spring and happy planting!


xoxoxo Le Renee

Some Boys

Some boys are filling, some boys are filling the hole
They're making the killing at the top of the billings
Their role, and that's all that they know
But some boys don't listen, some boys don't listen at all
They don't ask for permission, they lack inhibitions
No walls, and they get what they want

But some boys don't know how to love

Some boys are singing, some boys are singing the blues
Joylessly flinging with the girls that they're bringing to their rooms
And then leave them, they're through
Some boys are sleeping, some boys are sleeping alone
'Cause there's no one that's keeping them warm through the evening
They know that they're on their own

'Cause some boys don't know how to love

Some boys are sleeping, some boys are sleeping alone
Some boys are sleeping, some boys are sleeping alone

Some boys don't know how to love 
No, some boys don't know how to love
No, some boys don't know how to love
No, some boys don't know how to love

They won't get what they want


Some Boys....

<3

10 Important Rules for the First Date

The first date is usually the most special, and that's because it comes and goes.  And sometimes, we aren't sure if we are going to get a second date-or maybe we don't want one.  I have created a list of 10 rules to follow when going on your first date with someone you think might be special.  These are rules you probably won't hear from Hollywood, but I believe they go such a long way towards ensuring your first date is memorable and that you will have many, many more successful dates to come.

Le Renee's Advice for the First Date:

1.  Make the first date super casual.  

Take away the pressure and expectations to just focus on noticing and nurturing the connection the two of you may have.  My recommendation is to make the first date a day date.  Keep it simple and sweet by going out for coffee. And, if you notice there isn't a strong connection, or this person isn't someone you desire to pursue something with, you are just a latte away from walking away.  There are less hard feelings and complicating emotions by keeping it casual.  And, if you hit things off, you will already have great chemistry built up for a more intimate second date!

2.  Keep the first date short.  

You want to see if that connection is there, and if it is, you don't want to burn it out or move things too quickly by rushing in.  Keeping your first date to a minimum allows for time for growth.  If this is something you want to last, you want to build a strong foundation you can build upon.  I recommend keeping the date to about an hour.  Just enough for great flirting and conversation and just enough to help the second date be that much more special.

3. Be romantic.

 Be seductive...but in a sensual way.  Even if you have a casual coffee date, you can still be romantic.  Bring her flowers or a single rose.  Give them a handwritten note asking them on the next date.  You can give them tickets to an upcoming sports game or show.   The key is to let them know that you are taking their time seriously and want to get to know them. Let them see your sweet and sensitive side early on!

4.  Ask thoughtful questions.

Don't just ask about what they do for a living.  Because unless they absolutely love their job, who they are is not what they do.  Ask questions about their dreams, goals, favorite city they would travel to this weekend if they could. Ask if they prefer to go out or stay in and make dinner?  Ask what type of dates they enjoy or things they've never done before.  What are their passions?  What do they like doing in their free time?  What do they wish they had more time to do?  All of these questions can give you great insight about the person and can help you to build a road map for several of your future dates together.  Be engaging.  Don't just talk about yourself-listen to what they are saying.  Be intentional about the conversations you initiate.  Get to know them!

5.  Be genuine.  

Be yourself.  If you have a wild crazy, passionate side, or a nerdy, quirky side, own it!  Rock it out!  Keep in mind that you may not want to share every detail about your personality (see my post about being spongeworthy).  However, if you are smiling at the person sitting across from you, mean it.  Don't try to be someone that you aren't.  If you are outgoing and energetic...be outgoing, bubbly and energetic.  If you are shy, quirky and cute...be shy quirky and cute!  You will have much more success in relationships by being who you are when someone isn't looking because who you really are will show sooner or later.  So you might as well start off your relationship being the incredible you that you are!  The keepers are the ones that prefer that side of you anyway!

6.  Give and receive compliments.  

Even if the girl or guy of your dreams is two feet away from you, don't rush in.  If you are really feeling a connection, create one or two meaningful moments to share it with that person.  And by meaningful, I don't mean a first kiss.  And by sharing, I do not mean that you should go into details.  Remember, this is your first date, so if things go well you should have many more opportunities to be romantic and tell them how you feel.  Today, you just want them to walk away knowing that you are as interested as they are in developing your connection.  If it was love at first sight for you, tell them after you've told them you love them-not today.  Give a thoughtful compliment about how striking they are, how interesting they are, or how inspiring they are.  And if they don't return a compliment, don't worry.  Don't seek out reassurance.  You will be assured when they accept your proposal for a second date. :)

7.  Limit your focus on physical attraction .  

On the new hit show, Ready for Love, incoming bachelors pick their potential matches by hearing their voices and learning a little about them before actually meeting them.  This is because physical attraction can only go so far.  Relationships that last are built on friendship and companionship, with a balance of sexual intimacy and physical connection.  You want your relationship to have emotional substance and provide intellectual stimulation.

On your date, it is important for you to focus on the person in front of you and you can't do that if you are constantly picturing what they look like with their clothes off.  :)  It's good to notice your attraction to them and it's nice to tell them, but choose your moment wisely and make it count.  It can be when you first see them, or sometime as you are getting acquainted.  Rather than simply saying "you are gorgeous".  Make an effort to really compliment them.  Smile at them, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, make eye contact and say "Wow.  I cannot believe how beautiful you are".  You probably aren't the only one that has complimented her on her looks, so help your compliment stand out and really make an impression.  And, now that you have complimented them on their physical appearance, it's time for you to find something deeper to acknowledge.  If all you compliment is their looks, that person will understand very quickly that you are only interested in a hook up.  But, if you make the one or two times that you compliment their beauty count, she will remember your words and how she took your breath away.  Just be sure to mean whatever compliment you give.   See rule number 5.

8.  Be patient.  

Take your time in the date.  If you are nervous, let them know that you are excited about the date and that it is making you feel nervous.  But then work to get those butterflies a little less fluttery!  Don't feel like you have to run around to open doors and pull chairs out.  Slow down.  Take a deep breath.  You don't have to have all the perfect words come to you.  Refrain from planning and talking too much about the future.  Save that for upcoming, more serious dates.  Today, just be present and take in the moment with this new person you are sharing your time with.

9.  Ignite sparks not sex.  

If you have stuck with my advice so far, you are making a great impression and are working to set a solid foundation in your potential relationship.  So, as much as you want to affirm your emotions with a kiss or something more physical, refrain.  Save it for later.  This date is about building that connection you started with when you two decided to try a first date.  Like when starting a blazing fire, you need to start with sparks and small, slowly burning flames.  Your first one to three dates should be all about those sparks.  Make sure they are meaningful and noticeable.  Make them count!

 If you you are out for coffee, see if you can sit closely together or side by side for more intimate proximity.  If you are standing in line together, girls, reach out and touch his arm. Guys, place your hand gently on the small of her back, just for a few moments (enough to send chills up her spine).  Smile so that it reaches your eyes.  Ask her how she likes her coffee.  Lean towards her a little as you collect the coffee from the barisata.  And, when you hand it her, hold it for a second while she takes it from your hand.  Make eye contact.  Again, grin, giggle!  Be sure to be respectful and confident when ordering your coffee. This stuff all matters!!  These are the sparks that we have forgotten about, yet they make all the difference.

Sparks help to build a connection, strengthen chemistry, help to build trust.  Be intentional, authentic and thoughtful about them, and with the right person, they will burst into sexy flames :) Guys, at the end of the date, smile, let her know that you enjoyed yourself and that you are excited to get to know her more.  Offer to walk them to their car.  Or, as she is leaving, give her a meaningful hug. Don't give her a pat on the back kind of hug.  And don't awkwardly hug her for too long.  Just gently pull her in, hold her tightly for about three seconds.....one....two.....three.... then slowly let her go.  No more.  No less.  Again, no matter how much you may want more! ;)

10.  Follow up after your first date.  

If you said you were going to call them/text them about the next date, then follow through!  But before that, validate the date experience you just had with them!  Don't let days or weeks go by so that you can "play it cool".

Text him/her when you get home and let them know they are special enough to still be on your mind.  At the same time, don't send them billions of texts telling them you think they are the one and are so amazing.  See rule number 8.

My recommendation is to let that person know that they made a difference in your day and that you aren't just playing the field.  You can put a huge smile on their face by sending the right kind of text or calling with the right statements.

Try this great text: "I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed meeting/seeing you today and that I can't stop thinking about you and your beautiful smile.  Thank you for such a great first date! I am looking forward to seeing you soon!"

Don't send: "Wow.  You are the most amazing woman I have ever met.  I think that we could be really great together and I see a future with you.".  Don't get me wrong.  This is the perfect text to send after you two have been on a few dates together. But to send it after the first date, it is too soon.

Another not so great text is one where you are seeking reassurance after just meeting: "Wow.  You are incredible.  I am very attracted to you both physically and emotionally.  I hope you feel the same about me." Again, the reassurance will come when they agree to go out with you again.   

 When they respond, thank them for the compliment they probably returned: "Aw :) Thank you so much!  I hope you have a great rest of your day!  I know I will have a smile on my face today."

Then leave it at that!  It is tempting to want to keep telling them how amazing they are and how lucky you are to have met them....but you don't want to scare them off or rush into things too quickly if they feel the same.

Now get to planning that fabulous second date! ;)

xoxox Le Renee

Little Love Wishes

I don't think I have met anyone who truly desires to spend their lives alone.  People may feel called to be abstinent  or life circumstances like divorce or death loss may create experiences of loneliness   And some people unintentionally continually end up alone.  But I am inclined to believe that simply choosing to be alone-without any desires to connect with another human being-is rare.

We are human beings after all!  We long to feel a physical connection with someone else.  We have emotional urges and desires to connect intellectually, emotionally, spiritually.  We have physical urges.  We have sexual urges.  They can be primal, natural, and ever persistent if left unfulfilled (and even when completely satisfied).  

There is something about being face to face with someone, looking into their eyes, seeing their smile, feeling their warmth when you press your body against theirs.  It can be explained scientifically, psychologically, spiritually.  And what it comes down to is the fact that humans seek out and belong around other human beings.

Have you ever hugged someone so tightly and connected with them so greatly that after they leave, you can still smell their perfume or cologne and you can still imagine what it feels like to have them in your arms?

Have you ever been kissed so gently yet so passionately that just the thought of having the experience with them again sends chills up your spine and butterflies in your stomach?

Have you ever laughed so much with someone that your body aches and you still smile while remembering the feeling you shared?

Have you ever been so nervous, yet so excited to think of this person, see this person, be with this person, that it's hard to contain your goosebumps and permanent grin?

If so, you may find yourself smiling more often.  Your heart beat skips a little when you think of them.  You feel incredibly nervous and excited all at the same time.  You lose your breath just a little...

It may not be love. But we all want it and wish for it and hope it gets there soon.

More love wishes:

Finding someone who inspires you to be a better person.

Finding someone who accepts you for you.

Finding someone who treats you the way you deserve to be treated.

Finding someone who is loving and trustworthy.

Finding someone who is worthwhile.

Finding your soulmate.

Growing old with that someone.

Building dreams with that someone.

Raising a family with that someone.

Writing and living never ending love stories with that someone.

May all of your love stories and wishes come true! <3

xoxoxo Le Renee

Sponge-worthiness

Recently I have decided to start dating again.  I don't know exactly what I am looking for, but I am open to the experience.  I am constantly determining if the person I am connecting with is someone that I find to be interesting, intriguing, genuine, sweet, and potentially compatible with me.  Can I see a future with him?  Are my feelings about him worth it if I get hurt in the end?   After beginning to think about the possibility of dating someone again, I started really thinking about myself.  I spend all this time trying to determine if someone is right for me...but am I right for them?  What do I bring to a relationship, and is it enough?

We spend so much time while dating just trying to evaluate others, keeping our guards up or rushing right in.  Sometimes it's good to take a second and reflect on ourselves and check in with who we are and what we are really looking for.  Do we deserve more than what we are pursuing?  Or do we have some work to do?

Our Sponge-Worthiness

Think about these questions for yourself: What do I want in life?  What do I want in a potential partner?  Am I being honest with myself about what I need?  Am I able to acknowledge and accept my flaws? Do I understand where there are areas where I can grow?....Am I willing to grow and change?  

When I meet someone special, how will I recognize that they are special?  How will I know? Am I am able to share my heart with someone, love someone, be there for someone, grow with someone...Be inspired by someone and strive everyday to be the best me I can be?

These questions and thoughts are normal.  Doubts about the authenticity of the people we talk with, doubts about the possibility of ever finding the one, doubts about yourself and your self-worth...It's scary to put yourself out there!  What if it doesn't work?

It's important to notice when you begin having these thoughts so that you can change them into something that supports your needs, desires and dreams.   Remember, you can't get to where you are going if you don't keep going!  It's one thing to be appropriately guarded or hesitant to keep yourself protected in new relationships (I may or may not be guilty of this...(: )  It's another thing to become so hesitant and doubtful that you never go on that first or second date or that you never really put what you want into the relationship long-term, out of fear that you will be hurt.

The beauty about online dating is that, at first, there is a natural barrier between you and the rest of the world.  Use this opportunity to your advantage!  Step out of your comfort zone a little.  Take your time messaging potential matches so that you can make sure you say exactly what you mean to say.  Don't just settle for the first person who responds.  Be patient with the process and practice being the very best version of yourself that you can be.  Think about the movies Hitch and Housebunny.  Each leading character already had amazing qualities.  They just needed to do something a little different to position themselves for success.  Remember Carrie Mae and her unforgettable "...to do something mysterious" comment?  It was absolutely hysterical, and might have worked with the right guy.  But maybe our future dates don't need to see the fullness of our personalities until a few dates in...you know, after they are hooked! :)

Take the time, behind the monitor and keyboard, where you can edit, to build up your confidence and to understand more about who you are, what you want, and what it will take to get there.   Above all, have hope.  Albert Brenneman got his lady Allegra, and you too can end up with your match.  And you absolutely deserve the very best!!

Wherever you've been, whatever you've done, whatever you've been through, your future can be different, better, brighter.  Accept the past for what was, appreciate who you are now and work towards the future self you want to be!  You deserve love.  And the right person will find you to be very sponge-worthy!

You are you.  There is no one else in the world like you.  And you are the perfect match for someone else out there.  It's not easy and it can hurt, but after all, you have been there for everyone else.  Now, it's time for someone special to be there for you.  It will happen for you.  You just might have to save your sponges and try something a little different to notice when the right one comes your way.  <3

xoxox Le Renee

Pre-Dating Worries

Please be as cute as you were in that photo.

Please be as sweet as you were in your text.

Please be as patient as you were when we messaged.

Please be as honest as you were online.

Please be as intriguing as you were on the phone.

Please don't be a secret douche bag!!!

Please be respectful to my friends!

Please be as open as you were when you asked me out.

Please be as close to the person that I connected with behind the screen....In fact, please be better!

And after we meet, and connect, and meet again and again... please hug me, and hold me and make me smile.

Grow with me!  Don't tell me you are amazing....Show me you are amazing!

You don't have to be perfect by any means, just be you.  The real you!

And if you are fake and just trying to get laid, we will just add one more to the douche jar and call it a day.  :)

xoxoxo Le Renee

A Pursuit of Happyness

Decide today that your life is worth more and that you deserve more.  That you deserve better.

Wake up each morning asking yourself what do I want from today and how can I make a difference that will impact my dreams?

Dream something bigger, dream something happier.  Determine to accept that you deserve it.  Then go for it!  

And pursue it with every ounce of your being!

xoxox Le Renee

Throwback Thursday, SoulSisterhood

The last time that I got to see one of my very best friends, Jewels, was on June 5th.  Our photos are even time stamped because they mean so much to me.  Jewels is seriously one of the most incredible women I know.  Spending the day with her was literally one of the best moments I have ever experienced.  There we were, just hanging out in her bed, giggling about everything, and absolutely loving life!

She is the most gorgeous, sexy, beautiful, inspirational, woman, mother and wife in the world and I am so very blessed to to call her my soul sister.

She has been on bedrest for almost three years due to medical complications, and yet constantly strives to help others and raise her son and be the best wife she can be.  If there is one person who can change the world, it's Jewels.

Jewels, I just know with everything that I am that this year is your year to receive your miracle!!!  You will get back to the life you dream of.  I am amazed by you.  We are all here to support you.  I believe in you so very much and know that you and your family will look back on this realizing that you always have been and are, strong enough. Keep Swimming my dear lovely friend.

I am so very proud of you and I will love you for life.

xoxoxo Your Soul Sister

For more information about blonde, ambitious and fun-sized, Jewels, check out her blog at http://www.ablondewalksintoablog.com/

Find Happiness Within Yourself, and Your Happily Ever After is Just Around the Corner

Le Renee's Advice for Online Dating

So you are thinking about trying online dating?  Maybe a friend has been encouraging you, or you have seen the advertisements for websites on commercials, or maybe you are tired of the bar scene or dating colleagues...regardless about what brings you to dating online, there are some things you definitely need to consider!

Setting Up Your Profile

Sign Up

First, you need to do some research about the different sites that out there and think about how they are going to serve your needs.  There are numerous online dating sites you can try.  Match.com provides you with the option of creating a free limited profile or a full profile after signing up for a monthly subscription.  You can also sign up for a free profile on Plenty of Fish, www.pof.com.  There are also several niche sites like christiansingles.com .  Whichever site you choose, think about the type of person or people you ultimately want to meet and sign up on a site that may suit their needs as well.

Complete Your Profile

After you have signed up for at least one site, you need to create and complete your profile.  Whether you are looking for friends, casual dating, or the one that you would like to spend the rest of your life with...be sure to take the time to fully complete your profile.  You certainly do not need to write a  novel about yourself or your desires.  However it is important for you to take the time to be thoughtful about who you are and what you are looking for.

Use spell check :)  Write in complete sentences.  Avoid using texting language like shortening "you" to "u", etc.  Remember, this is often the first or second impression you will be making on someone so you definitely want to put your best face forward.  You don't have to be a perfect writer by any means!  Just show that you care enough about yourself and meeting someone that you took the time to make it worthwhile.

Upload Photos

Next, you need to upload photos of yourself!  It may be tempting to upload half naked or shirtless photos, photos of your blood shot eyes from having a great time partying, or a photo-shopped cropped photo that hides your special place where you keep your Starbucks...but the most attractive photos are the ones where you are smiling.  And, as much as you want to showcase that great body you have been working on, refrain from uploading tons of pictures of yourself standing in front of a dirty mirror at the gym...You probably do look hot, but your picture portrays that you overly think so too. Don't get me wrong.  Confidence is definitely sexy!  But there is something about taking photos in a gym that suggests something more egotistical than humble and confident :)  And if you must show off your body (which if you have been working on it, you should definitely showcase your sexy self)....but do it by leaving a little to tease with...Take a photo showing how your upper body fills out your shirt, or of you holding something cute like a puppy, or flowers, or a book, or something that allows you to flex a bit...but not too much!  Leave us wanting more ;)  Try to use recent photos (within the last year or so) and if you feel like uploading oldies but goodies, just be sure to indicate that they were taken a bit ago.  You may like how you looked then, but the people who meet you are going to see who you are now.  So there's no point in trying to hide those freckles, that balding spot or those lovely extra side curves.  :)  Besides, those may be some of the features your future partner find sexiest about you.

 If you do not have any recent photos of yourself, here are a few basic tips:

• Take a shower first!  Your face looks the best when it's fresh!
• Use good lighting.  Natural lighting is the very best.  Look in the camera and avoid shadows.
• Wear something that you love and that looks great on you!  Make sure it's not too tight or too lose and definitely make sure there are no stains or holes. :)
• Boys, wear a hat in at least one photo!  Hats draw our attention to your eyes and facial features.  Smile, and you have just created an intensely sexy photo!  Also take a photo with your hair styled so that we can see more depth in you. 
• Girls, style your hair by straightening or curling.  Use hair spray.  Mascara, white eye shadow in your inner eyes, dark eyeliner and blush help make your best features pop!  
• Take a few close up photos and ask someone to take a few body shots.  Just be natural and genuine...and smile!

Okay, now that you have completed your profile, you are ready!

Start Making Connections!

Search

Start your search for potential matches.  Once someone catches your eye...say hello!  Tell them your name and why you are saying hello to them.  Let them know you are different from your competition because you recognize and appreciate that they are different.  

Compliment

Give them a compliment!  Say something that doesn't sound too creepy or cheesy.  It's best if you just say something you mean!  Try "Hello, my name is ____.  And, wow!  You really caught my eye!"  Or, "I can't believe how beautiful (or attractive) you are!"  Or "I was browsing through and I just had to stop and say hello to you after seeing your gorgeous smile".  Be genuine in your compliment and read their profile BEFORE you say anything to them!  Show them that you are thoughtful enough to learn more about them and that you are not just messaging them for the hell of it.  

Be Curious and Genuine

Remember that their inbox is already flooded with simple and obnoxious messages.  If you want to ensure they reply back, ask them a great question about something you read in their profile.  Here are some starter questions if your conversations get stuck: (And I would like thank a few people I have met online who gave me some of these ideas:)

• What is your favorite color?
• Tell me something about your family!  (It is also important to recognize that not everyone has perfect childhoods and sometimes talking about family can be hard).
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• If you could be anything or anyone for a day, what would you be?
• What are your favorite flowers?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Who is the person you are closest to in the world and why?
• If you were on a deserted island and could only eat one thing for a whole year, what would it be?
• What is your favorite thing to cook?
• What is something unique that you do in your free time?  (I always have a hard time when someone asks what I like to do for fun.  I think that most things are appealing to a lot of people. So ask them about something unique to learn something more incredible about them!)
• If you could fight for one single cause in the world or make one difference in the world, what would it be?
• If you had to play one song on repeat for an entire month, what would it be?
• Tell me about the teacher or person who has made the biggest impact on your life.  
• Would you rather be outside, soaking up sunshine together or inside, snuggling up on a snowy day?
• If we could do one thing together without talking (and without touching), what would it be?
• How long would you wait before you introduced someone you like to your friends and family?
• What is your favorite song to dance to?
• What is something that makes you laugh every time?
• If you could spend the rest of your life doing something you absolutely love, what would it be?

Be Engaging

Reply back.  You have done all this work to finally reach out them so why hold back now?  Keep in mind that their inbox is filling up with messages that push yours down on the list.  So you don't have time to play the games of playing hard to get and waiting a few hours or days before replying to them...You are just wasting their time and yours while you are trying to play it cool.  If you want to get something you want, you have to go for it! :)  And you need to make the time to find out if they are someone you could really see yourself with.  To do that, you need to get to know them :)

Don't be creepy.  Don't be needy.  Don't be pushy.  Don't be douchey.  

Ask them what they are looking for and respect their boundaries.  Unfortunately, the internet is full of people who either do not not know how to communicate properly and use horrible grammar and pick up lines, or they are too impatient and pushy and expect the person they are messaging to just give up their standards or boundaries and hurry up to meet their needs.  Even if you feel an incredible connection with that person, ask before giving your phone number to them or expecting them to just start calling you or texting.   I have personally had a few guys ask before initiating texting and calling, and it made all the difference.  :)  It's completely okay to be excited about them!  But just let them take their time if they need to.  And if you need a little time to work up to meeting them, say so!  The right guy/girl will totally understand.  Respect someone's hesitation about giving out their number.  It means that they are smart and cautious and it does not necessarily mean that they are cautious about you personally.  Blocking someone online is a whole lot easier than blocking someone's phone number or having to change yours because a stranger went too far.

Be Patient and Flirt

Ok.  If you already practicing the tips above, you are already standing out for sure!  If you aren't getting immediate replies, keep in mind that this person is just really busy.  There is always the possibility they aren't interested, but that just means that you will meet someone who is :)  So, after you have been chatting for a while (depending on how open the two of you are, you might be chatting for a few days to a few weeks), you can start being a little more romantic and start discussing some of the more important topics like sex, kids, and marriage.  Don't get too serious about these topics.  You haven't met yet!  And even if you have been on a few dates, these conversations are meant for discussing with someone you are starting to really care about.  However, it is a good idea to ask generally what they have in mind, just so you know that if you are someone who has been dreaming about having kids and the person you are talking with has decided they absolutely do not want to have kids or that they refuse to be a step-parent and you already have a little child of your own...well it's nice to know those things up front and in advance so that you do not get your hopes up with someone who isn't right for you. Start being a little more creative.  Be cute and sexy.  Flirt more!  Let them know that you are thinking of them and let them know why.  It is incredibly attractive to receive a random photo or message from someone that says you are on their mind!  

 "Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't say it mean." Emily Maynard, The Bachelorette. 

Recognize the vulnerability in texting and messaging.  Be clear when you are talking with each other. Understand that the autocorrect feature on smart phones doesn't always interpret the right word.  If you are being funny or sarcastic, emote that!  Use the wink ;) smiley face or say "jk".  The last thing you want is for the person to take what you said seriously or get their feelings hurt. You also don't want them to interpret what you said in the wrong way or think that you don't like them because you use one word sentences or don't directly say that you like them.  This is the time to be sweet and meaningful and to be vulnerable with yourself a little.  Tell the person that you are starting to care for them or that they put a smile on your face :)

Decide to Meet!

When you both start feeling comfortable with each other and feel like you are ready for the next step, discuss meeting!  It is definitely more attractive and exciting for the guy to officially invite the girl on a date.  My suggestion and an upcoming trend is to first meet up for coffee and/or a walk in the park.  I find this to be really appealing because it takes the pressure off of the first date.  Think about it.  If this was someone that you had already met and asked you out...well, you have already met them!  So think about meeting in a public place just to finally see each other face to face and see if you feel the chemistry you feel online.  And, remember that nerves might get in the way during that first meeting.  So you if you felt chemistry online and didn't quite feel the same in person, give it a second chance on the first romantic date :)  (so the next time you meet).   At the very least, if you mutually respect each other, you can have a great time as friends.

Be Open and Ready for Love

I absolutely believe that every single person in this world deserves to love and be loved and that you get 10 times what you give back.  So, keep your heart open.  Love life.  And be ready to let go and jump in when love finds you!

Best wishes on your romantic journey!

XoXoXo

Le Renee