The Female Den

Did you know that according to the 2008 National Census, 54% of unmarried single Americans are women?  Single women today have access to the same resources as men thus giving them money, social status and power. Yet these kitties, cats and cougars are still out on the prowl looking everywhere for Mr. Right. Hunting at bars, grocery stores, the gym or at work. Unfortunately, the dating pool doesn't always seem that promising.  It's full of men who claim to be overachievers yet their biggest accomplishment at the end of the day is actually showing up to work on time.  Ideally, most women do want the American Dream. Man + House + 2.5 kids + 2.5 pets + 2.5 cars. These ladies, however, are tired of waiting for Mr. Perfect to come along and complete their lives. In 2007, single women snapped up 1 of every 5 homes sold. That's roughly about 1.5 million, just in case you were counting. Setting up the perfect den for a single woman is no easy feat. These homes should appeal to all the five senses - SEE, SMELL, HEAR, TASTE & TOUCH. These, my pretties, just might help you catch your prey.

SEE

The appearance of your home says a lot about you. Women leave their dens every morning, hair & makeup perfect with a fabulous new outfit, locking their doors to a dirty little secret. They are slobs. So busy being "Miss Business" that they have forgotten the importance of home-sweet-home. Some single women's pad rival that of any single man. Piles of dirty dishes in the sink, remnants of an overcooked Lean Cuisine splashed all over the microwave and mounds of dirty clothes all over the bed and scattered on the floor. Picking up immediately after yourself is the first and most important step to keeping up a healthy home appearance. Too much clutter in one place can be very distracting. Keep your place simple and organized. This not only applies to the inside of your cabinets and drawers but to your choice in furniture and decor as well. If you need extra help, i recommend putting down this month's "Cosmopolitan" and picking up a copy of the book, "Houseworks: Cut The Clutter, Speed Your Cleaning and Calm the Chaos" by Cynthia Towley Ewer. Quick, easy help for all you dirty little vixens!

SMELL

Fragrance makes us feel good. Women wear tantalizing perfume and use fruity smelling lotions and shampoo which serve as aphrodisiacs to the opposite sex. The same thing applies to the smell of your space. It leaves an impression on people when they walk into your home and are immediately greeted with scented splendor. Candles have become an important part of our everyday lives adding warmth, style and mood to every room. Decorate your space with beautiful candles and light them regularly. Not just to cover the smell of the burned chicken casserole you tried to make Wednesday night. I retail a line of "Luminary Candles" at my salon which, in my opinion, are the best smelling, longest lasting candles in the market. And, believe me, i have tried many. With scents like Poppyseed, Tabacco Cognac, Tomato Vine and Bamboo Blossom, these 100% soy candles are a sure hit! Another option to sweeten your space are "Wallflowers" from Bath & Body Works. These pluggable home scents last 6 to 8 weeks, come in multiple fragrances and are a safer option that having a candle lit all day.  My favorite is Warm Vanilla Sugar and at a price of 2 for $20, I always have one plugged in the entry to my home. 

 

HEAR

Ludwig Van Beethoven said, "Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." I couldn't agree more. It can definitely be passionate, powerful or playful. On that note, whoever said, "Silence is golden" obviously didn't have a new fancy new Ipod with hundreds of song choices. Music immediately sets the mood of a home. Believe it or not, men are impressed by women who have unique taste in music. Whether you're cooking, getting ready to go out or just relaxing & having a few drinks with friends, music has the power to heighten whatever emotion you are feeling at the moment. And girls, please don't play the same Madonna CD over and over again! Update your music with new songs regularly or do what i do. My dish network system offers 24 hour continuous Sirius Music which i absolutely love! My favorite channel is 6035 which features lounge style smooth electronica music. It is so addicting!

TASTE

Let's face it. Most modern day single women will never be Martha Stewart. Although they may not cook often, women will always have gal pals, family and male friends over on the weekends. Throw away those old To Go boxes and try keeping food in your fridge and pantry that is fresh and healthy. Although men love women who can cook, they definitely appreciate the ones who try just as much. There is something about cooking and eating that creates intimacy. Like your mother always said, "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Foods like bagels, fresh fruit, milk, deli meats, canned vegetables, jams, assorted spices and eggs are just a few things that should always be stocked for a quick snack or early morning breakfast. I have a friend who loves peanut butter so much that he actually got irritated when HE finished off a complete tub of it at my place and i didn't replenish it with a new one immediately! Ladies, go to www.wikihow.com/Stock-a-Kitchen-Pantry for more tips on maintaining a kitchen prepared for anything. Just please try to look sexier than the woman pictured above when you are showcasing your own refrigerated items at home.

TOUCH

While the other four senses are located in specific parts of the body, the sense of touch is all over.  I remember watching an episode of "Oprah" (all you males reading can roll your eyes now) in which she was telling the audience that the first thing she wanted when she started making money was high quality, SOFT towels. Women should all want this! Keeping your home full of soft bath and linen items will impress house guests and visitors alike and leave them "ooohing" and "ahhhing" for days. There is nothing more delicious than slipping in between soft, comfortable sheets. It will definitely leave a lasting impression on that "special guy" and have him begging for more. Comphy Company manufacturer sheets that are unbelievable.  People ask me "What is the thread count?" The answer is that there is no thread count. It's a micro-fiber blend! But even after washing and wear, the sheets keep giving! So stock up on fine items like this for your homes, ladies and be ready to pounce at any moment!