It may be the dead of winter, but things are heating up in the bedroom. That's because it's Tiger month, and lovers get a boost from this animal's fierce passion and lust. Here are 5 tips to keep your engine revved over the new few weeks:

1. Try something new. Ditch the same old song and dance. No one likes boring routine in the bedroom, especially Tiger. Come up with a new move that will blow your partner away. Look to kama sutra books for some inspiration.

2. Take the lead. Whether you're male or female, your partner will appreciate someone stepping up into the role of the pursuer.

Good news! It’s a favorable year for seven of the 12 signs. Love is definitely in the year. I know; I know. You want to see what kind of luck you’re going to have. OK, let’s get right to it.

Rat
You’re looking at a very good year, one filled with possibilities. Your Rat charm fits right In with the Snake’s. But there’s more. Your warm heart? Your sex appeal? Your fancy wardrobe? Nope. What’s going to get you the most satisfaction is your mind. So use your quick wit to connect with that new love interest or the one you have.

Ox
You just might score big this year.

Got a Monkey in your life? If you know anything about this brainy, goofy, and mental-oriented sign, you probably already know that they can be difficult to understand sometimes. Just when you think you have a Monkey figured out—bam—he goes and does something that leaves you scratching your head. Here are some tips for pleasing the Monkey man in your life. And no—it doesn’t involve buying him bananas.

1. Don’t get so emotional, sweetie. Do you turn on the waterworks every time you have an argument? Monkeys think first and feel later. Do yourself a favor and approach tense situations with a logical point of view.

Ok. The summer’s almost over, and you and your man haven’t done a whole lot in the way of adventures. Ahem – sitting on the couch does not count. That’s OK. There’s still time to have some steamy fun before the sun gives way to fall’s chill. Here are 5 summer date ideas you might want to put on the calendar before you go back-to-school shopping:

1. Go to a baseball game. Nothing says summer like some beers and baseball. Don’t have a pro sports team in your town? Head to a minor league stadium, or even a college game. It’s a chance to wear those cute cut-offs, eat a hot dog, soak up some rays, and enjoy a summer pastime with your honey.

Of all the signs in the Chinese Zodiac, the Sheep is the most romantic and sensitive. Aww, how sweet, you’re thinking. Yes, being in a relationship with a Sheep guy can be dreamy and wonderful, but you have to know how to handle this sign in order to stay happy and healthy in your union. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re dating a Sheep man:

• Think before you speak. This guy is more sensitive than most men, so be careful how you word things and choose your tone of voice carefully. He’ll respond to subtle changes in your body language and will pay close attention to the words you use.
   
• Nurture his weird side. ‘Cause he will have one.

Summer is officially here – and so is the hot weather and jam-packed schedule. But that doesn’t mean romance should take a back seat. Here are some summer date ideas by the sign. Time to get creative, people! Put the spark back in the bedroom…

Rat. Need to cool off? Instead of paying for a ticket to a water park, hit the regular park where they have fountains and water play areas for the kids. Bring your bathing suits and a picnic. Get wet and friendly. Enough said!

Ox. Set up a lemonade stand. No, really! Use the money you make to go buy yourselves some beers.

So you’re a stealth-like stallion with an attitude. You go with the flow and gallop where the wind takes you. But you still know who you are and where you’re going – you just want a man that can keep up! You Horse girls are a rare breed, and you certainly need the right partner so you don’t get bored. Let’s take a look at the best Chinese Astrology sign matches for you hooved hotties:

Tiger. A Tiger man’s independent spirit is exactly what you need. He can certainly keep pace with you, while also being a good leader when you need a rest. This guy will keep you on your toes and will always be up for an adventure.

 

Hi Susan,

Hope this finds you well. A quick update about my place in Piedmont, CA. I have officially got my promotion on March 2012—you were right about removing my cat litter box to the guest bedroom’s bathroom.

If you know your reality TV, you know Emily Maynard. This season’s star of “The Bachelorette” is one tough cookie. Just listen to her story about how she overcame tragedy (losing her husband, raising her daughter as a single mom, breaking up with Brad), and you start to wonder how she handled it all.

Answer? She’s an Ox. Born in 1986, Emily is a Wood Ox, which gives her an iron will and a fortitude that is unmatched by other signs. Oxen are powerfully resilient, letting life’s challenges bounce off their thick skin and continuing to plod forward, no matter the weather.

When it comes to love, Oxen (and Emily) are no different.

Admit it: you’ve wondered whether your man might be the cheating type. Maybe you’re in a new relationship, maybe you’re just suspicious about his recent behavior, or maybe you just want to be prepared for when you do meet Mr. Right.

While we’re not here to make sweeping generalizations about men, it is worth noting some psychological tendencies that typically accompany each Chinese Animal sign. 

So you’ve met the man of your dreams. But is he the marrying type? Depending on your guy’s Chinese Animal Sign, he may or not be inclined to tie the knot. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Rat.
The Rat guy is more than happy to marry – after he’s had his fun, first. This guy is looking for a gal pal that is on his same wavelength. She’s gotta have both brains and beauty. When he finds the right girl, he won’t hesitate to commit.

Ox.
An Ox guy is definitely the marrying type.

There’s no getting around it – Dragon blows every other sign out of the water when it comes to grand love gestures. He may not be able to match the Sheep or Rabbit in the romance department, and he certainly can’t compare with the Ox or Pig in terms of being a stable partner, but Dragon does it bigger and better – no doubt about that. Here are some tips for spicing up your love life over the next few weeks: 

Put it all out there.
If there was ever a time to profess your love for that platonic friend, it’s now.

Are they on? Are they off? No one can really tell what’s going on with these two celebs, but they seem to have an attraction that they just can’t shake. Who are we talking about? Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, of course. Let’s take a look at their Chinese Animals signs to learn more about this hot and cold duo.

Justin, born on January 31, 1981, is a Monkey. Jessica, on the other hand, was born a year later, on March 3, 1982. This makes her a Dog. Ahh…. And maybe herein lies the problem!

As a playful Monkey, Justin’s all about having a good time.

Right around Valentine’s Day, we all start thinking about love. Love is gentle. Love is kind. (Or sometimes love is downright mean when it pulls the rug out from under you!) Anyway, you get the idea. We’re all focused on it – whether it’s expressing our sentiments to a spouse or sharing a special day with our kids.

But did you know that his Chinese Element has a lot to do with how he loves you? Yep. Whether he’s Water, Wood, Earth, Metal, or Fire, he’s got his own signature style. Here are the deets on each one:

Water Man: If your man was born in a Water year -- well – lucky you.

Tiger month can be one heck of a ride. Claws are out, fangs are sharpened, and people are ready to pounce! The energy of this animal is strong, fierce, and assertive. And if you have a Tiger in your life (or are one yourself) you know exactly what we’re talking about. Here are five tips for getting along with a Tiger, whether it’s your spouse, your boss, or your best friend:

• Be loyal. If you want to make good with a Tiger, you’re going to have to be a loyal partner. Tigers need to know that you’re there for them in their darkest hour (or even when they need you for something small).

When it’s frigid cold outside, no wonder your sex life gets icy. Forget heating up the bedroom with passion – you’re just trying to stay warm! While I know you’re busy just trying not to freeze your buns off, it’s still important to keep the sparks alive in your relationship. Despite the cold winter weather, there are some things you can do to stoke the flames.

• Bring back date night. Are you sitting on the couch watching reality TV night after night? Get off your bums and go on a date! Take your Tiger man to a wild nightclub or your Pig man to a nice, quiet French restaurant. Chivalry isn’t dead – you just need to bring it back.

• Get cozy.

By Mara Tyler

It’s that time of year again. But before you go buying tons of holiday decorations and cramming presents in your closets, it’s probably a good idea to Feng-Shui your home for the holidays. The added energy of clutter, Christmas trees, presents (and not to mention family members!) can change the vibrations of your home. It’s great to deck the halls and get into the spirit of the holidays, but do it right. A little preparation and a nod toward basic Feng Shui practices will keep your nest harmonious and cozy all winter long. Here are some ideas for things to incorporate into the nine areas that make up the ba-gua map of your home. 

• Fame/Reputation: For this area, add some bright, burning candles.

By Mara Tyler

• Stay Close.
  Your kiddos, spouse, or friends might be a bit more clingy, so try to please them by staying close when they need you. Plan some fun activities with everyone you love so they feel special – and don’t leave anyone out!
   
• Help Out.
  Rat month reminds you to pitch in and help out.

By Mara Tyler

In case you’ve been living under a rock, you should probably know that the two stars of the popular Twilight series, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, don’t only share on-screen chemistry as lovers: they’re real-life sweethearts as well.

But is their relationship destined for success or will these two vampire idols become just another chapter in the Hollywood romance history book? Where else to look but astrology to find out?!

So, here’s the deal: Robert is a Fire Tiger, born in May (which also makes him a Taurus). Kristen happens to be a Metal Horse and Aries. 

I mean, really.

Think relationships are as simple as your sign compatibility? Think again. Ever wonder why someone who’s supposed to be a good match for your sign ends up driving you crazy? Aren’t Rats and Dragons supposed to get along great? How is it that a Pig and a Snake can make it work? The answer is more complicated than you might think and it all has to do with the Chinese Elements. 

In Chinese Astrology, there are five fundamental elements that make up the world – Metal, Earth, Fire, Water, and Wood. Additionally, each Chinese Animal sign is associated with one of those elements.