OK, guys —We’re down to the wire on Valentine’s Day. How many of you have done absolutely nothing to prepare yet? How many of you are planning to do absolutely nothing? (Come on; don’t be so cynical).  How many of you would like to do something special, but are scratching your head for an original idea? Trust me, I know Valentine’s Day can be a hassle—the challenge to be “romantic,” the pressure to spend money, the sexy lingerie you know will end up at the bottom of her closet. There’s got to be a better way. . .  Well, let me offer you some last minute V-Day tips and suggest you focus your efforts on a romantic, inexpensive night at home with your wife, which will end, by the way, with some hot sex.  First, to turn your bedroom into a “love nest” you’ll need a few simple supplies. Luckily, shopping for Valentine’s Day can be as easy as a trip to your local pharmacy. These days, drugstores stock lots of fun intimacy enhancers: From female arousal gels like K-Y Intense to a new line of vibrators from Trojan, to massage oils, scented candles, and even sleep masks, (which can easily double as blindfolds), there’s no shortage of sexy accessories to be had easily and inexpensively.  And while you’re at the drugstore, pick up some window cleaner and dishwashing liquid—they might end up being the most romantic things you purchase! I’m only sort of kidding. Tonight, before the real foreplay, focus first on a little choreplay: Research suggests that it may help you get lucky in the bedroom. One recent study from the University of Western Ontario found that wives are happier when their husbands pitch in with housework. Another report from researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago even suggests men who help clean, take care of their kids, and do other domestic chores may see the benefits of their labor pay off in the bedroom. Choreplay helps women stop stressing about everything else they have to do and promotes relaxation, which research shows is necessary for women to attain orgasmic bliss. While you’re cleaning up and getting the kids to sleep, tell your wife to take a relaxing warm bath.  Whatever you decide to do for dinner, eat light and save some room for nookie. There’s nothing like a full belly to kill any chance of sex. Transition into the bedroom with a bottle of champagne and a bar of chocolate. The former hits the bloodstream faster than regular wine, and the latter contains PEA, a stimulant that is produced in the brain during infatuation. Before you get down to business, give your wife a 30 second hug. It might sound like a long time, but studies have shown that hugging for 20 to 30 seconds boosts levels of oxytocin, the feel-good “cuddle hormone” that helps bring couples closer.  The brain is the biggest sex organ, so how about sharing a fantasy? If you’re feeling a little tongue tied, find some find old photos of your wife when you couldn’t keep your hands off of her, and take a stroll down memory lane. If you need some ideas for turning up the heat you can instantly download my book 52 Weeks of Amazing Sex, which has a lot of fun scenarios to choose from: from the perfect couples massage (with happy endings) to a sexy game of truth or dare or a quick primer on the kama sutra. Or if you have an iPhone, download the fun app, Sex Life, which includes games like a slot machine with sex positions.  Regardless of which sex-path you choose, don’t forget to end with a good, long cuddle – come on, it’s Valentine’s Day, guys:  Take a cuddle for the team.  Ian Kerner is a sex therapist and NY Times best-selling author of numerous books including She Comes First and Love in the Time of Colic. He is the founder of GoodinBed.com. Ian lives with his wife and two sons in New York City.
Guys, are you prepared for Valentine's Day? There's still plenty of time to focus on a romantic night, which if you play your cards right, will end with some hot sex