Top 5 Unique Water Activities

The summer season is quickly coming to an end (already over for many)... and it's HOT! So, if you've had enough surfing, skimboarding and stand up paddling in the last few months, here's a look at my list of the Top 5 Unique Water Activities you may like to try.

5. SNUBA - It's a combination of snorkeling and scuba. You basically get the experience of scuba diving without having to get certified AND there's no heavy tank to carry. It's offered all over Hawaii, in parts of Florida and on Catalina Island! Check out Catalina Scuba Luv or snuba.com.

4. Jetpack Flying - This looks AMAZING!!! It seems like it's straight out of a James Bond movie and that was apparently the goal when Chinese-Canadian Raymond Li invented it. He had wanted to create one ever since he saw 007 in "Thunderbolt." Here's how it works. A jetpack is strapped to your back and attached to a tube that pumps pressurized water out, propelling you up, down, forward and backward high in the air or down into the water. Two places offer it in Newport Beach - check out adrenaline365.com and jetpackamerica.com.

3. Underwater Rugby - Picture all the fun of rugby without all the injuries. Two teams of six players chase a plastic ball filled with water from one end of the pool to the other trying to score goals and earn the most points. Players wear fins, headgear and masks, but they don't get as hurt, because they can't gain as much speed in the water. Can be played in any pool near you!

2. Horse Surfing - No, the horse is not doing the surfing... you are! This combines one person on a kiteboard holding a tow rope and another on a horse, with the horse doing all the work. Seems unfair to the equine! Just say "neigh!!!" Anyway, you skate across the water at about 25 mph without using any type of engine. Talk about horsepower! There are even horse surfing competitions all over the world. You can check it out online, if you like.

1. Glacier Surfing - This might be one of the riskiest water sports around. Not many people have even tried it, but back in 2007, professional surfers Garrett McNamara and Kealii Mamala successfully rode a wave caused by a splitting glacier. They spent three weeks camping in Alaska waiting for huge chunks of the icy wall to come crashing down creating humongous waves. McNamara told CNN that it was the closest he'd ever come to death. Keep that in mind if you're thinking about trying it!

Say UNCLE!

Say UNCLE!!! Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer come out tomorrow in Guy Ritchie's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", so here's a list of some famous uncles.

-Uncle Sam - Don't mess with this guy!
-Uncle Buck - John Candy's character from the 1989 John Hughes movie of the same name
-Uncle Jesse - John Stamos' character on the tv series “Full House”
-Uncle Jesse - Denver Pyle's character on "The Dukes of Hazzard" tv series
-Uncle Fester – from “The Addams Family”. Jackie Coogan played the role on the tv show from 1964-1966 and Christopher Lloyd played him in the movies (1991/1993).
-Uncle Miltie – Milton Berle (aka Mr. Television)
-Uncle Bill - Brian Keith's character from "Family Affair" tv series
-Uncle Charley - William Demarest's character from "My Three Sons" tv series
-Uncle Tom - the title character of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
-Uncle Rico - Jon Gries' character in "Napoleon Dynamite"
-Uncle Grandpa - Peter Browngardt's character on the animated tv series
-Uncle Philip - James Avery's character on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" tv series
-Uncle Vernon Dursley - Richard Griffiths' character from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

***I'm only including uncles with "uncle" in the name, but my vote for the most evil uncle ever... is Scar from "The Lion King"!!! 

Camp Movies

Whether you're sending your kids to sleepaway camp this summer or you have some wonderful memories of your own, here's a list of some camp movies you may (or may not) want to check out!

Dirty Dancing (1987) - PG-13
Meatballs (1979) - PG
Little Darlings (1980) - R
Friday the 13th (1980) - R
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) - R
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) - PG-13
Camp Nowhere (1994) - PG
Indian Summer (1993) - PG-13
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) - PG
The Parent Trap (1998) - PG
Heavyweights (1995) - PG
Addams Family Values (1993) - PG-13
Camp (2003) - PG-13
Jesus Camp (2006) - PG-13
Space Camp (1986) - PG
Camp Rock (2008) - G (tv movie, but we'll throw it in)

Top 5 Places to Get a Cold Treat in Laguna Beach this Summer

Temperatures are heading back up into the 80s this weekend, so what are the best places to get a cold treat in Laguna Beach this summer? Here's my Top 5 list... but keep in mind there are a number of fabulous spots in LB offering juices, smoothies, blended coffee drinks and the like. Indulge and enjoy!

5. Gelato Paradiso - 448 S. Coast Hwy. Suite A
You'll definitely smell the freshly made waffle cones as you leave Watermarc or Nick's. Follow your nose towards the alley and you'll find flavor after flavor of the tasty Italian treat.

4. Active Culture - 1006 S. Coast Hwy.
After you leave Anita Beach with the little ones, pop into this spot for your choice of frozen yogurt with dozens of toppings, a Protein Dream Shake or a Blue-Green Envy Smoothie. The kids won't even know it's a healthier option!

3. Husky Boy - 802 N. Pacific Coast Hwy.
For more than 50 years, this drive-in style burger joint has been stuffing the faces of locals and tourists alike. It's one of Laguna's most recognized landmarks. Of course, they have a wide array of food choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's also a great place to grab a cool dessert or snack. Dig into a banana split, sundae or root beer float and you'll be smiling from ear to ear! It's close to the beach, it has free parking and it's affordable. Mmmmmmmm!!!

2. Ruby's - 30622 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Ruby's became one of my favorite places to eat back in the day when I was attending U.C. Irvine and all these years later, my taste buds haven't changed! The Oreo shake is my all-time favorite, but you may prefer a malt, Coke float or double hot fudge brownie sundae. Whhhhhhaaaaaaattttttt?!? And the Laguna location introduced its ice cream bar about a year or so ago, so you can sample a couple flavors before deciding how to fill your cone. Ruby's is a beach staple in Orange County... and there's a reason!

1. Chantilly Ice Cream - 202 Park Ave.
You may not know the name, but you know the place. "The one across from Main Beach." Ice cream, frozen yogurt, frozen bananas... it's the go-to spot if you're hangin' at our most crowded beach or cruisin' around Downtown. This place will help you chill out, man!

Top 5 NEW Things to Remember During an Earthquake

Top 5 NEW Things to Remember During an Earthquake

With Dwayne Johnson’s latest action flick, “San Andreas”, opening tomorrow, I thought I’d count down the Top 5 things to remember during an earthquake. Now, I’m not talking about all the advice you’ve been given over the years, such as getting under a table and staying away from windows, I’m talking about things you REALLY need to know.

5. PLAY A ROCKIN’ SOUNDTRACK. You’ll certainly need some good tunes to get you through the earthquake aftermath, because you may be trapped for a while. My top two suggestions?  “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King and “Housequake” by Prince. Soon enough, you’ll be shakin’ just like the temblor.

4. POP OPEN A BOTTLE OF AFTERSHOCK. If you haven’t tried the cinnamon flavored liqueur by Jim Beam, this is the perfect opportunity to spice up your life. Make sure enough shot glasses have survived the rumbling, because you will need them!

3. CONTACT CONAN O’BRIEN’S LONGTIME SIDEKICK, ANDY RICHTER, TO FIND OUT THE MAGNITUDE OF THE QUAKE ON THE RICHTER SCALE. You probably thought you should contact the Earthquake Lady, right? (In case you don’t live in California, Kate Hutton is a seismologist at Cal Tech and every time we experience a shaker worth mentioning, we see her on the news talking about it.) But NO! Dr. Kate’s not your go-to. You really want to have the right information, so Andy Richter’s your guy. Who knew a comedian could invent something so useful during emergency situations?

2. WATCH THE 1974 FILM, “EARTHQUAKE”, STARRING CHARLTON HESTON. Here, you’ll get some extremely helpful information about what to do and what not to do. I mean, wouldn’t YOU want Moses on your side when you’re stuck in the middle of a disaster?

1. And the number one thing to remember during an earthquake is… It’s not your FAULT!!!

Top 5 Foods to Eat in Bed

Are you anything like my husband? No, I don't mean handsome, smart and funny... I mean, do you like to snack in bed while watching t.v.? For us neat freaks, we may get a little nervous when food enters the bedroom, so I thought I'd count down the Top 5 Foods to Eat in Bed. I took into account flavor, of course, but also things like the amount of crumb production and likelihood of getting sticky fingers! (By the way, MY favorite things to eat in bed are popcorn in a big bowl sprinkled with Kraft Parmesan Cheese and a pint of Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Dazs ice cream all to myself!) Sooooooo good, but sooooooo messy.) Here's a list of my tidy and tasty recommendations, but what's YOUR favorite food to eat in bed??? Let us know.

5. Say CHEESE! Though country crooner Barbara Mandrell sang "You can eat crackers in my bed anytime", you need to skip the crackers AND bread. Cheese is a bit better with its crunchy or doughy counterpart, but it's still scrumptious on its own. String cheese, cubed cheese, cheese stick, sliced cheese, Mini Babybel... I could go on and on.

4. Goin' NUTS! They DO need to be shelled though. Marcona almonds, peanuts, shelled pistachio nuts, etc. I've done chocolate covered almonds and that works too... just make sure the chocolate doesn't melt. And if you want to keep bugs (besides those pesky bed bugs that are probably already there) far away from your mattress, choose a nut that isn't salted or covered with hickory flavoring or something.

3. Juicy FRUIT! Make sure it is bite-sized and has a skin you can eat. Grapes and cherries are the best, though with cherries, remember to bring a bowl for the seeds. One additional bonus when it comes to eating cherries, they are apparently one of the few natural foods that contain melatonin (the chemical that helps control our body's internal clock), so they'll even help you sleep! Dried fruits are a fine choice as well, but they won't help you catch your ZZZZZZZ's.

2. I want CANDY!!! While candy bars are not a good option, there are plenty of delicious candies that make no mess at all. Here are some of my favorites: Swedish Fish (my all-time favorite candy), licorice, Jelly Bellies, Skittles, Gummy Bears, Gummy Colas, Starbursts and Hot Tamales. What's wrong with a little sweet treat before bed?!?

1. When it comes to number one, all rules get thrown out. CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST IN BED!!! With a tray, of course. Eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage, toast, yogurt, whatever you like... and a bit of the bubbly! And let's face it... often times, when you're having breakfast in bed, you're at a hotel, so spilling some runny yolk on the sheets is not AS big of a deal.

Now, get snackin', then get snoozin'!

Top 5 Patriotic Movies You Can Watch with Your Kids

The 49th Annual Patriots Day Parade takes place this Saturday in Laguna Beach, so I'm counting down the Top 5 Patriotic Movies You Can Watch with Your Kids. They're all rated PG!

5. Rocky - Rocky Balboa goes up against Apollo Creed for a shot at the heavyweight boxing title. It happens on the 4th of July in the City of Brotherly Love. An underdog literally fighting to achieve the American dream - a lesson we can all learn from. (Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire)

4. Top Gun - Maverick, Goose, Iceman... need I say more? Probably not, but I will! The friendship and rivalry between these students at the Navy's fighter weapons school makes it worth seeing alone, but the fighter pilot scenes are awesome. Buckle up! (Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan)

3. Apollo 13 - "Houston, we have a problem." NASA must come up with a way to get the Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth safely after something goes seriously wrong. If YOU had a problem, wouldn't you want Tom Hanks on your side trying to save you? (Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, Bill Paxton)

2. Miracle - "Do you believe in miracles?" After seeing this movie, you will. Back in 1980, the U.S. hockey team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history (I always hate that term "upset) used in this way) by beating the Soviet Union 4 to 3. U - S - A!!! U - S - A!!! (Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson)

1. National Treasure - Nicolas Cage plays a treasure hunter trying to get rich. He believes the map leading him to the fortune is written in invisible ink on the back of the Declaration of Independence. If you want to get your kids interested in and curious about American history, this is the movie to do it. Just be prepared to answer their questions or find the answers on the internet! (Diane Kruger)

Top 5 Valentine's Day Gift/Celebration Ideas in Orange County

Top 5 Valentine’s Day Gift/Celebration Ideas in Orange County

5. Laguna Beach Food & Cultural Tour. Take a guided stroll through The Village as you learn about landmarks and historic sites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll get the inside scoop on Laguna and get the chance to visit some cool, hidden spots you might otherwise miss. Enjoy 5-6 food tastings at various venues chosen for their uniqueness, character and delicious menu items. $55.00 per person. Takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (949) 464-8830

4. Couples Massages. There are a number of places in Laguna to get couples massages – some at the higher end spas like the Montage and Surf and Sand… others at less expensive places like Massage Envy and Hand and Stone. At the chains, often times, you can get a deal, especially if it’s your first time there. And don’t think it won’t be a good massage if you don’t spend a fortune. Sometimes, they’re even better. It all depends on who you get. Search online to find the right couples massage for you and your special someone.

3. Private Surfing Lessons for 2. Really think about whether your significant other would enjoy something like this as much as you, before you book it. If you’d both like to hit the waves and take in the ocean air, this could be a fantastic gift. It depends on which company you go through, but it generally costs about $150.00 for 1 hour and $250.00 for 2 hours. This can be done right in Laguna Beach, if you like. Search online for the best options. 

2. Hit the Water in Newport! If you’d rather be in some type of a boat ABOVE the water, Newport Beach offers a number of fun options. Gondola cruise for 2 through Newport Harbor. It’s romantic, relaxing and memorable. Prices start at $137.00 for 1 hour. $197.00 for an hour and a half. You can upgrade a bit by doing a Gondola lunch cruise. $190.00 per couple. If you don’t mind sharing your experience with other people and you’d like some live entertainment, try the champagne brunch cruise. $86.00 per person. If you’d rather sleep in with your sweetie, go for the dinner cruise. $119.00 per person. Search online to find what’s best for you. 

1. Wine Tour in Orange County. Start out at Laguna Canyon Winery (open 11-6 Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday). Then, YOU decide where to go next. Believe it or not, Orange County has a few choices when it comes to wineries. Giracci Vineyards and Farms is a fabulous choice. Ten acres of beautiful vineyards, vintage historic buildings, trails, streams, oak trees and riding. It’s off the 241 toll road in Silverado - about 35 minutes from Laguna. Wine tasting every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Another wonderful option is Hamilton Oaks in San Juan Capistrano. Gorgeous grounds - located on a historic landmark. You can also visit Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, and Rancho Capistrano Winery. There are various tasting rooms across Orange County, as well. Be sure to get a sober driver or pay for a tour. Orange County Winery Tours costs $109.00 per person for 2 wineries and tastings. $139.00 per person for 3. Ride in style in a luxury SUV or limo. There are plenty of options for larger parties and some packages include a bottle of champagne to kick off your day just right. Lunch is arranged for you too, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. OC Winery Tours (949) 203-3891

Top 5 Cocktails Named After Celebrities

We've all heard of the Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers and Arnold Palmer (I'm a HUGE fan of the first two!), but what about when the grown-ups wanna get their drink on? Here's a list of the Top 5 Cocktails Named After Celebrities:

5. The Meryl Streep.

This true talent has taken home Oscar gold 3 times and is nominated this year for "Into the Woods", her 19th nomination!!! So, it only makes sense that the cocktail bearing her name contains flakes of gold and classy Champagne for the class act that she is. Cheers!

From Gourmet.com -

1 tsp. Goldschläger, including some gold flecks
1 tsp. Benedictine
Well-chilled demi-sec Champagne or Prosecco

Combine Goldschläger and Benedictine in a Champagne flute, then top off with Champagne.

4. The Mary Pickford.

This silent film star has been called Hollywood's first female movie mogul. She won an Oscar in 1930 for her leading role in "Coquette", but perhaps even more impressive is that she was one of the 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. You may have heard of the 18 acre Pickfair estate in Beverly Hills (now demolished) - it's named after Pickford and her husband in the 20s and 30s, actor Douglas Fairbanks.

From Liquor.com -

1.5 oz. White rum
1.5 oz. Pineapple juice
1 tsp. Grenadine
6 drops Maraschino liqueur

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. The David Bowie.

From "Changes", "Young Americans" and "Suffragette City" to "Let's Dance", "Modern Love" and "China Girl", I loooooooove David Bowie! But will The David Bowie drink concocted by Ziggy Stardust himself be something to sing about? I'm not too sure, but try it!

From Cocktails.about.com -

2 1/2 oz. New Deal Mud Puddle chocolate liquor
1/2 oz. Bourbon (choose a sweeter bourbon like Four Roses)
Orange wedge (some websites show it as lemon instead), for garnish

In an old fashioned glass, pour first two ingredients.
Add ice, stir. Garnish with orange wedge and serve.

2. The Mel Gibson: A Bipolar Cocktail.

This Oscar winner, who wrote, produced and directed the epic, "Braveheart", used to be a mega superstar. He was funny, charming, sexy, talented, a great interview on late night talk shows... and then one day back in 2006, people started to see him in a totally different light. That's when he got arrested in Malibu for driving under the influence. He called the female officer some unbelievable things... and it was all down hill from there. Soonafter, a New York City bar came up with a drink to "honor" his unsavory behavior. Drink up!

From People.com -

1 oz. Van Gogh Vodka
1 oz. Bols V.O. Genever Gin
¾ oz. vermouth
3 oz. club soda
Splash of cocktail onion juice

1. The Murricane.

Hurricane cocktails fill the streets of New Orleans, but this is The Murricane, named after funnyman Bill Murray. Dan Aykroyd apparently gave him this nickname due to his mood swings, but the drink didn't start out with this name. It used to be called "Love and Trust", but Murray ordered the drink so often at one his New York haunts that the bartenders at The Anchor agreed to officially change the name in his honor. Down the hatch!

From Dujour.com -

4 or 5 basil leaves
1 nice-sized chunk of fresh watermelon
1.5 oz. Bulliet bourbon
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Freshly ground black pepper and watermelon wedge, for garnish

Combine the watermelon and basil leaves in a mixing glass or shaker and muddle until the watermelon is crushed and juicy. Add the bourbon, lemon juice and St. Germain, along with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish, if desired, with a sprinkling of black pepper and a wedge of watermelon.

Awards season may be the perfect time to try these out, but always remember to drink responsibly and arrange a safe ride home.

Avoiding Coyote Chaos

Whether you live in Laguna Beach or Chicago, coyotes have been causing quite a raucous lately. There have been many sightings where I live in recent weeks, not only in the canyon, but in neighborhoods. Here are some helpful tips to help keep you, your family and your pets safe.

-Always keep your dog on a leash and avoid retractable leashes.
-Keep your dogs close to you. If you spot a coyote, pick up your dog if it's small. If it's a bigger dog, bring it closer and put it behind you.
-Carry a big stick on walks and hikes.
-Officers advise not to leave food and water outside for our pets, especially during the drought.
-Barking attracts coyotes during the December to March breeding season, so try to keep your dogs from barking and bring them in at night.
-If you encounter a coyote, back slowly away while hazing it - yell, wave your arms, use a whistle or other noisemaker, use a squirt gun, throw rocks at it.
-If you often see a coyote on your regular walking route, avoid that path for a few months. You may be passing a den with pups or a mate.
-And lastly, pay attention while you're out walking. Be on the lookout. If you notice a coyote in the distance, as opposed to right in front of you, you have more time to figure out what to do and options to avoid it.

Top 5 FREE Things to Do in Laguna This Weekend

People keep saying how boring January is - after all the holiday hubbub in December. I say... "You're bored? Then, quit complaining and get outside!" Here's a list of the top 5 FREE things you can do in Laguna Beach this long holiday weekend (and pretty much all year round).

5. Farmers Market in the Lumberyard Parking Lot. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine. This is a CERTIFIED California Farmers Market, which means it's “The Real Thing” - California grown and certified by the state of California. Farmers are selling their crops directly to the public, so the farmers and consumers are saving money – no packing, shipping and wholesale costs. Buy delicious fruits and vegetables, then go home and either invent your own recipe or find something online that incorporates what you bought. If you're trying to eat well as you begin 2015, this is a fabulous place to start! Bring sturdy bags or a cart/baby stroller and clear out some room in your fridge before you leave.

4. Laughing Yoga. Yes, that's right! LAUGHING YOGA! I did it once for a documentary-style t.v. show I was on once called “This is Why You’re Single”... and it was freakin’ hilarious!!! Meet at the northernmost end of Main Beach. Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. The instructor uses the practice of laughter as a form of exercise.

3. Hike Laguna! Top of the World, Alta Laguna Park, Laguna Canyon, Crystal Cove - the list goes on and on. BRING YOUR CAMERA OR CELL PHONE and capture some amazing, scenic shots! And prove to your friends that you did it! A few specific things this weekend – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Saturday morning. Help restore the wild lands. Great lesson for the kids. Edible and Useful Plant Hike – Saturday morning at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

2. Gallery tour. Art Walk is fabulous, but that’s only once a month. Check out the galleries when they’re less crowded and even make your own map based on what kind of art you’re interested in. LagunaArt.com is a fabulous website that has over 60 Laguna galleries listed with a map to see how close they all are to each other. You can search art based on your taste – abstract, landscape, pop art, realism, etc. Make your own set schedule or just wander in and out.

1. Coast Highway Walk. Park around Bluebird Canyon near Surf and Sand Resort and just stroll. Go in every single store, restaurant, you name it – just to see what they sell. Check out merchandise, prices, etc. Stay for 2 seconds, stay for a half an hour. We locals drive by these businesses every single day, but are we really that familiar with every business on PCH? BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN. People travel from all over the world to spend time in Laguna and we GET to be here every day. This is an awesome way to spend the day. You can even get to know some of the merchants.

YOU CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS ENTIRELY FOR FREE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE DOUGH, TAKE YOUR TIME, GRAB A COFFEE AND ENJOY THE OCEAN VIEW WHILE SITTING ON A PICNIC TABLE OR GRAB LUNCH AT ANY OF THE SPOTS ALONG THE WAY. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70s through Monday, so the conditions should be just about perfect. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy a little leisurely exercise.

The Visitors Center Downtown is a great resource for all things happening in Laguna – NOT JUST FOR VISITORS. 381 Forest Avenue. Pamphlets, brochures. Website too. Visitlagunabeach.com.

Have a blast and be sure to tell me about your experience.

TOP 5 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS YOU SHOULD THROW OUT THE WINDOW!!!

I took a look at the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2015 and chose the top 5 you should cross off your list. Here's a peek.

5. Get Organized – If you’re not organized to begin with, you probably don’t know how to GET organized... and if you’re lucky enough for someone to help you get organized, it doesn’t really matter, because you’re the one who has to KEEP everything organized. Not an easy task for a lot of people. That said, clean up your act!

4. Spend More Time with Family – We tend to make time for things we want to do. If you don’t see your family much now, do you really want to? Let’s face it – Uncle George is a bit weird, Grandma Bertha tends to get on your nerves after about 3 minutes and little Sally Sue ALWAYS breaks your latest gadget. If you want to see your family, call them and make a plan… TODAY! Don’t wait until next January to realize you haven’t seen much of them.

3. Fall in Love – If you say “I’m going to fall in love this year”, chances are you will not. OR you will make yourself BELIEVE that you’ve fallen in love just so you can feel like you accomplished one of your goals and end up with the wrong person. And that leads to the big D – DIVORCE! The best way to fall in love is to just give up, throw in the towel, legitimately acknowledge that it’s just not going to happen… and then all of a sudden, poof! He or she shows up when you least expect it. On this one, I’m speaking from experience. That’s what happened to me. So, STOP TRYING SO HARD. Just be happy, focus on other things and you just may be surprised about what happens.

2. Spend Less, Save More – As soon as you say you’re going to spend less and save more, you probably go out and buy some ridiculously expensive end tables, plan a trip to the Congo and test-drive your future new car. Just be smart about money all the time, live within your means and don’t max out your credit cards. There are so many things you can do inexpensively and so many bargains to be found. Splurge on things that are truly worth it and care about the price on other things.

1. Workout, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, Eat Healthier – Forget it! Why do you wait until January to make this resolution? You should do it as soon as you realize your pants are getting snug. Gyms wait for this time of year to get all those new members to sign up and make a long-term commitment, so they can make tons of money. They KNOW you’re going to quit before February starts IF you ever start at all. Eat what you want, enjoy it and live an active lifestyle. Take a walk along the beach or hike in the hills – it doesn’t really feel like exercise, but it is! Live an enjoyable life and you just may find that you slim down and feel great!

Now, I'm sure many of you won't agree with my list... and that's o.k. GO OUT THERE AND PROVE ME WRONG!!! Oh, and Happy New Year!