Beer-belly, your “spot” on the couch, never wearing a shirt while in the house.  This is every woman’s nightmare of what life will turn in to after making a life-long commitment to a man.

Naturally, once a couple makes a commitment to live together, each person will get a bit more comfortable.  But can a couple get too comfortable?  I argue that yes, it is possible to be too comfortable as a couple.  Here are some sure-signs you and your life-partner are more like college roomies than a hot couple.

1.  You leave the bathroom door open. I’ve always had people tell me I’m a bit neurotic about this, but I do not want to walk by when my mate is reading the newspaper while sitting on the throne.  Seriously, what is less sexy than watching your mate take care of business?  This is a call to all couples – please close the door.

2.  You forget the manners your momma taught you. I know when you live with another human being, sounds are going to just hop out that would get you slapped at the dinner table as a child.  In addition, it can be easy to forget that there is another person sharing space with you.  However, please have the manners to still say “excuse me” and pick up after yourself.

3.  You’ve both packed on the pounds. Although weight-gain is allegedly an inevitable part of aging, letting yourself go after you’ve landed your life-partner is definitely a sign you are far too comfortable.  You should want to be healthy for yourself and for each other in old age.

Gaining comfort in having a life-partner is normal and natural.  Just remember, it doesn’t mean it’s a free pass to let yourself go!

Rather than focusing on what you can’t afford to do with your partner, start to focus on what you can do to save and make money so you can afford to do the things you want.  Although none of these tips are going to give you enough money for a cruise around the Caribbean, they are fun ways you and your partner can make some cash to enjoy a special night out.

1.  Garage Sale. Miscellaneous mugs, plates, books, and movies tend to pile up when you combine your single-days, hodge-podge of possessions with your mate.  Choose what can be sold and pick a day to host a sale.  You’ll have an up-front cost for advertising, but after that the cash is yours.  Although it may not be legal in all states, sell hotdogs and soda.  If someone doesn’t buy your left-over stuff, they may pay a buck for a cold drink.

2.  Go Thrifting. If you and your mate have a fashion sense, take a drive away from a big city and hit the local thrift stores that haven’t been picked over.  Choose twenty pieces that you know can sell in resale boutiques in your area.  I have friends who have made a living off of shopping in Mid-West thrift stores and bringing the items to cities like Los Angeles or New York for consignment.

3.  Do one of the “E’s.” If inviting people to your house to rummage through your things or thrift-store shopping sound awful, join the Ebay or Etsy bandwagon.  Combine your brain power and create a fun Etsy site.  If you’re crafty, the world of internet stores is your oyster.  Old records, cd’s, t-shirts, you name it, can all be recycled in to items you can sell if you’re feeling creative.  Coasters made out of old cd’s, purses made out of old record sleaves, and artwork made out of vintage shirts have all been bought and sold on these sites.  The sky’s the limit if you’re creative.

But we should care. Below are four reasons you should care about this important reform and what you can do to help.

1. 47,000,000 Americans. That’s the estimate of how many of our citizens do not have health care. Conservatives estimate it’s “only 10,000,000.” Either way, it’s millions too many.

2. Read the info from the people happy with the status quo. As I looked for sites and organizations happy about the current state of health affairs, I stumbled upon http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba649. The site heralds the top ten good things about our current system, reminding us that “Americans are responsible for the vast majority of health care innovations.” What does this have to do with whether our current system works for its citizens though? For 47 million, it’s clearly not.

3. 28% of us can’t fill our prescriptions. Whether it’s asthma inhalers, birth control, or meds for more serious conditions, over a quarter of us who can go to the doctor, can’t afford to fulfill the doctor’s orders.

4. You could be denied. I have a heart condition — mitral valve prolapse. Recent statistics show 3% of the population has this condition. I have no symptoms, do not take prescription medication for the condition, and can jog comfortably for five miles. When I applied for health insurance through Anthem Blue Cross, I was denied due to this condition that has not yet impacted my life in any major way. This is just one of the reasons you or someone in your family could be denied coverage.

As our elected officials move to vote on Obama’s health care plan, educate yourself. Visit  http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ to learn more about the plan. Call your representative and urge your friends to do the same. I do not propose that Obama’s plan will cure all the ills of the U.S. health care system, but it is a step in the right direction.

Photo via LibertyRise

Today, as I write, I feel disgusted with the choices I’ve made and have thus sunk into a mild form of diet depression. I drank excessively while friends were in town, and now that the party dust has settled, I feel horrible. My body is sluggish today as it recovers from a week-long bender with my best friend. And while it’s not like me to sulk, I really feel like a total idiot today.

Where is my will power? If writing about dieting for the world to read isn’t enough to keep me in line, what will it take?

But the Type-A personality inside me knows I need to find a solution. I alluded to it in week four, but I’m doing it now: The Master Cleanse.

After this week of partying, I feel like my body needs a cleanse. Luckily for me, I have a supportive husband who is willing to undertake the cleanse with me. We are starting on Wednesday, March 17 and are going to do the cleanse for six consecutive days. The first three days will involve easing into the cleanse (the lemon drink along with fruits and veggies) and the final three days will include nothing but lemon-red pepper-syrup water.

I feel like the cleanse is the jump start I need and should have done prior to starting the diet. I didn’t mentally prepare for the diet prior to starting, and now that I’ve hit an emotional low for letting myself, my readers, and my supporters down, this is my re-commitment to healthy eating.

My insides need a bath and I feel like any weight loss from doing the cleanse is just an added bonus. I also feel the need to prove to myself that I can overcome the psychological need to eat, which is what tends to guide my eating rather than the physical need.

I need to prove to myself that I can make a plan and stick with it — even if that means an extreme fast like The Master Cleanse.

Spring Break commences for many coeds over the next few weeks, sending thousands of horny 18-22 year olds to destinations for two purposes: sex and booze.

No one needs help figuring out ways to bong more beer, but many need help finding their Spring Break 2010 vacation bootie.

Follow these five tips to help you get yours:

1.  Let go of the fantasy. You are not going to find your soul mate while playing “Tequilla Volleyball” in your resort’s pool.  As soon as you open yourself up to the idea of a one night or few night fling, you immediately increase your chances of getting laid.  Everyone is on the hunt for their piece of the pie, and if you are projecting your desperate desire for a real boyfriend, you will get overlooked.

2.  Create your alter ego. What happens on Spring Break stays there.  Who says you have to still be the shy, conservative one when you hit the beach?  Don’t be afraid to experiment.  Play pretend and go out as the man-eating woman you know exists deep inside.

3.  Absolve yourself of guilt. Acknowledge that Spring Break bootie may leave you feeling low, and then let it go.  Do not let morality get in the way while you are on vacation.  Sex is what adults do to feel good.  Make that your mantra while on vacation.

4.  Be prepared. The Boy Scouts had it right.  Be sure you’ve got condoms neatly stowed in your purse or bikini top.  Once it’s time to get it on, you don’t want to have to worry about whether the one you are hooking up with is prepared.  Take matters in your own hands and find the local store to buy your own.

5. Walk the line. You are going to have to balance intoxication and decent (notice I didn’t say “good”)  decision-making and motor skills.  Define your limit and stick to it.

This is how my mom introduced the idea of getting plastic surgery, to which I asked, “What exactly is a little work?” My mom then proceeded to detail what would end up being $25,000 worth of plastic surgery procedures including a face lift, brow lift, and some sort of lip enhancement.

“What do you think?” My mom wanted to know, and my response came out before I really had time to reflect: “Do what makes you happy, Mom. If that’s what you want to do, then go for it.”

Now that reality has set in and my mom is recovering from her surgery, I’ve had time to ruminate a bit more about my mother’s choice to go under the knife. Aside from anxiety regarding what my mom will actually look like when I see her (she lives in Ohio and I am in California), I have some mixed emotions regarding the decision. When I looked at pictures of my mother in her younger days, I always thought she looked beautiful. And even now, in her mid-60s she has flawless, beautiful skin with very few wrinkles. Why would she choose to undergo surgery to give her the skin she had in her 30s?

More important than that question, though, is this: Does choosing to have plastic surgery mean you forgo your choice to grow old gracefully?

As I pondered this question over the past week I was reminded of a quote from Cher. In an interview she once said, “If I want to put tits on my back, that’s my business.” I’ve thought of this quote while rationalizing my mom’s surgery. My mother is a strong, independent, educated woman. What she decides to do with her body is her business.

As I realized that her decisions are hers alone, I realized something important. It is that independent-woman mentality that means you can grow old gracefully. My mom is writing the rules she wants and saying to hell with what others may think — a lesson she instilled in me long ago and still models today.

Photo via Source

As this international holiday dedicated to intoxication, corned beef, and all things green comes upon us, March 17 may be your perfect excuse to do something unexpected and romantic.

1. Kegs and eggs. Many bars open at dawn to commence the St. Patty’s celebration with kegs and eggs for breakfast. If you and your wee las are willing, you can start the party early too. This will guarantee a nooner, most definitely. However, if you are feeling more tame, you can also surprise your partner with some homemade soda bread and coffee in bed along with a little note reminding them of how lucky you are to have each other.

2. Find the pot of gold. If you have to work on this blessed day, it will be easy to cook up some after-work fun. Buy streamers in rainbow colors and tape them along your floor. Run the streamers right into your bedroom where you are wearing strategically-placed shamrocks. Leave a bucket with two beers and a note telling your partner to follow the rainbow to where you are waiting. This simple gesture will have him thanking his lucky charms.

3. Parade near you. Surprise your mate by taking them to an authentic St. Patrick’s Day parade. Regardless of where you live, someone, somewhere is likely hosting such an event. You can visit this site to see what events are happening near you. Spend time hand-in-hand listening to bagpipes and watching Irish dancers. The change of scenery and culture will be a nice change to your regular dates.

The best reason to be romantic on St. Patrick’s Day is simple: it is unexpected. Your partner will be pleasantly surprised to see that you have thought of them, in addition to where he’ll find his next pint of Guinness.

“Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me? Yes. That’s not a deal-breaker,” the actress told Barbara Walters in the interviewer’s Oscar special. “That’s not something that would make us say, ‘Pack your things and let’s end the marriage.’”

When asked to clarify the parameters of her open marriage, Mo’Nique stated that she has not had sex outside of her marriage, but her husband was permitted to do so.

Although I fail to understand why Mo’Nique isn’t getting her slice of the open-marriage pie, I do applaud her for not being afraid to tell the world her views on marriage. Although unconventional, it is encouraging to see people in our culture open up more about sex, love and marriage.

As long as each person in a relationship clearly understands and is comfortable with the rules of engagement, I say have at it. If the rules are that the marriage is closed, wonderful. If the rule is that it is open, that’s just fine too. The definition of marriage has evolved so much over time and it is obvious that one marriage mold does not fit everyone. Clearly defining what marriage means for each person in the relationship prior to marriage is of utmost importance.

However, it is important to keep an honest and open dialogue throughout your marriage. As wants and desires change, it is imperative that you have a partner you can talk openly and honestly with. As long as each person agrees on the marriage rules, I fail to see a problem with how a couple defines their marriage.

Angie Jackson decided to tweet her way through an abortion and has received quite a bit of press for having done so. Insisting that another pregnancy would have resulted in her death, she chose to tweet to the world as she ingested the RU-486 pill, which induces miscarriage.

Women across the world have been chanting pro-choice slogans like “my body, my choice” for decades now, and I am certainly all for a woman’s right to choose whether to have a baby, however, Jackson’s move crosses a line and makes light of a difficult decision many women face.

It is Jackson’s body and Jackson’s choice. But to use her right to choose to gain publicity for her blog is low. And to top it off, the tweets didn’t even provide any kind of insight into the difficulty of undergoing such an experience. With lines like, “definitely bleeding now,” I have to wonder, who found this to be particularly insightful?

Known in cyberspace as “antitheistangie,” she has received daily press via ABC, CNN, PBS, and various other news networks. Keeping-It-Classy-Angie (my new nickname for her), has successfully been the first woman I know of to use her right to choose to gain five minutes of fame.

Some things are best kept between yourself and friends of your choosing. I call a live play-by-play of your abortion to be one of those things.

If any of the following apply, you may want to start listening to what the people you love have to say about the one you love.

1. Your inner-voice knows they are right. I had a close friend once tell me, “Stay away from him, Lisa. He’s a head case.” And guess what? They were right. I knew they were right when they said it, but I chose to ignore it and hope the guy I was dating would change. If your friends are telling you something you already know deep down, heed that advice.

2. They’ve always had your best interest at heart. The people who love you the most just want you to be happy. If someone you’ve loved and cared about is sounding the alarm about your new partner, you may want listen. This doesn’t mean they’re right, but they may see things you choose to overlook.

3. They’ve got nothing to gain or lose. If you are listening to the advice of an ex, or a friend who is jealous that your time is taken with your new love, stop listening. It’s also worth mentioning, friends are typically protective of their inner circle, and they may not want to welcome your new mate simply because they are so new, so be wary. Same goes for your jealous friends. However, if the person you’re listening to has nothing to gain or lose by sharing their thoughts with you, hear them out.

You say tomato, I say tomato. It’s the little nuances each person brings to the table that makes your relationship great, right?

As people grow and change, so do their points of view, wants and desires. I remember speaking to a woman I used to work with who was still happily married to her husband of 35 years. “I think part of it is chance, Lisa,” she said. ”I mean how do you really know that what you want won’t change? How do you know that you’ll grow together instead of apart?”

Her words about marriage have stuck with me. I do believe part of it is chance, and in an ideal world, if you keep each other’s best interest at heart, you will grow together. However, sometimes differences creep up and they can be difficult to handle. But if you’re in it for the long haul, these tips can help you overcome differences and remember why you love the one you’re with.

1. Carry your partner’s heart. The words of the famous (and my favorite) poet e.e. cummings come in handy when you are trying to get over differences between you and your partner: “i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it.” These poetic lines are a reminder that when you make a life commitment to your partner, you do carry their heart with you. Their heart is the most prized possession you carry. Remembering this can help you set aside differences and work together toward making your lives together harmonious.

2. Everyone needs room to grow. No one wants a static life partner. It is growth and change that make each of us a dynamic human being. When your partner wants to make a career move or other major life decision that you don’t agree with, remember that everyone needs room to explore and grow. Give your partner space and be supportive. If they follow tip number one, your partner won’t do anything to hurt you. Allow them time and space to change so they will be likely to do the same for you.

Although no relationship comes with a guarantee, allowing each other space and being protective of your partner’s best interest and heart will help ensure you grow together instead of apart.

Photo via istock

How can you tell whether the mate you have now is the one for you? How do you not fall into the trap of being in love with the idea of a partner rather than the person attached to that title? The following are some sure signs that you’re just settling, rather than taking a step to settle with a life partner.

1. You’re still daydreaming of an ex. When you’re wrapped up in your current mate’s arms, drifting off to sleep, do you find yourself really yearning or wishing for someone else? If the answer is yes, you are settling. Granted getting over an ex takes time, but if your current mate is the one to get you through that process, chances are he’s Mr. Please Tide Me Over Until I Get Over My Ex, not Mr. Right.

2. Less talking, more sex and sleeping. If you just want to cuddle and have sex with the person you’re currently with, it can be another warning sign. Do you want to experience new things with this person? Do you want to hear their thoughts, opinions, and future plans? If these conversations bore you or you don’t care what you do with your current mate, it’s a definite warning sign.

3. Date down much? I’m reminded of a John Cusack film , High Fidelity. In it, he dates Catherine Zeta Jones’ character and realizes she is out of his league. Intelligent people crave intelligent company. If you know that your current mate isn’t ambitious or intelligent, don’t try to convince yourself that these are qualities that don’t matter to you. You’re dating down. Life is far too short for such meaningless encounters, unless it means good sex. If it does, enjoy it while it lasts, but know it won’t.

The sure-fire way to avoid settling for someone who isn’t right for you requires two basic tools. Pen and paper. Write down the characteristics you want in a life partner. Be sure you’re writing characteristics that are independent of the person you are dating now.

When a potential long-term mate comes along, knowing what you want in advance of a relationship will mean you won’t be second-guessing whether you’re settling. And it’s okay if your life-partner characteristic list changes as relationships come and go. Life is about living and loving and learning from it.

Photo via istock

Food means a lot more to me than sustenance. It means time to bond with friends. Also, a delicious flavor is second only to having sex in my book. Food can be borderline orgasmic for me. Unless you’re a foodie too, I don’t expect you to understand.

I am frustrated with the slow weight loss, but am also happy that I’m still losing, even if it’s a small amount every week. Studies show that losing weight slowly is a more healthy approach, and some studies say that it is most healthy to only lose two pounds per week at most. I’m just an all or nothing girl who isn’t used to this approach.

I’ve lost ten pounds in three days on the Grapefruit Diet when I was in high school. And I made it all the way through five days of the Cabbage Soup Diet in my early twenties — resulting in losing ten pounds in five days. Although I was happy with those fast results, and I’d love to see results like that now, but I also know that the weight loss never stuck. I gained back any weight from those fad diets in a matter of days.

I am tempted, however, to take a few days and try The Master Cleanse or some other detox diet so I can see some numbers drop on the scale. I’m still toying with that idea this morning as I write. I just want to see some numbers move! For now, though, I’m going to get moving and hit the road for a jog.

Photo via HealthFree.com

Deciding whether or not to bring a third party in to your relationship is a big decision.  And although many threesomes are the result of a drunken escapade, it is important that you carefully think out whether the threesome is for you.  When the sunlight is hitting you and your partner in the morning, you may wake up with a lot of regret over your sex-scapade…especially if the third party is a friend. The threesome should not be entered in to lightly.

When deciding whether to threesome or not, there are important things to consider.  Use these guidelines to get you and your mate thinking about whether or not to share your boudoir:

1.  Get solid. If your relationship is not on solid ground, do not even think about a threesome.  Adding another person can result in insecurity and jealousy if the two of you are not completely secure in your relationship.  If you know now that your relationship is rocky, don’t go down this road.  If the two of you are loving and supportive, you might be ready.

2.  Identify why. Why do you want to have a threesome?  Why does your partner want to have one?  If either of you are using the threesome to add some spice to a lackluster sex life, I suggest you spice it up on your own.  Think of being the third person and watching an un-passionate couple together.  Awkward, huh?   However, if you both want to have a threesome because you have great sex together and want to experience something new, you are going in to it with the right attitude.

3.  Define boundaries. If you’ve decided to go through with a threesome, it is important to clearly define boundaries.  What’s allowed?  Get specific.  Are you both allowed to have intercourse with the third party?  Is kissing ok?  I know it sounds silly, but imagine every potential scenario and discuss it.  How are you going to feel when you watch your partner passionately kiss another person?  If you know you are going to be jealous, the threesome is not for you.  Define post-threesome boundaries too.  Is your partner allowed to see this person without you?  There are many fine lines that needs clearly drawn before you decide to threesome.  This requires that the two of you communicate clearly what’s allowed and what’s not.

If you decide to head down threesome road, good luck and be prepared for some mixed emotions along the way.  As long as you and your partner remember that the other person comes first and you communicate, your relationship may be ready for a little spice.

There are times when you need to pick up some slack and help carry your partner through a rough patch. Standing alongside them may not be enough. When your partnership needs you to rise to the occasion to bring your mate out of a slump, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Know when to hold him. Sometimes it is okay to not talk. This is a difficult concept for many women, but everything does not need to be talked out. If you know that work has your partner stressed out, let him lay his head on your lap while you run your fingers through his hair. Sometimes this simple act can remind your partner that in his chaotic world, at least you being here to put his mind at ease is one thing he can count on.

2. Know when to walk away. It is important that you know why your partner is upset or feeling down, but if he doesn’t want to open up, give him some space. Do not take it personally. If your partner needs some alone time, be respectful of that. If you have a solid foundation and good communication skills, he’ll open up when he’s ready.

3. Know when to plan some fun.Does your partner just need a kick in the ass to get out of his slump? Plan something fun to do. Don’t leave an option for him to opt out of the fun either. Hit up the local arcade (yes, they still exist), race go-carts, go play laser tag, or visit your favorite local pub. Get him out to play to get his mind off stress.

Photo via istock

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Plan your girl party. Since you have extra space at your place, invite your friends over for a girl’s night in. Rent movies, drink wine, and let your out-of-town mate fantasize about the pillow fight. This is a great time to bond with the ladies in your life for an extended amount of time.

Detox. Living with a man can wreak havoc on your diet. It’s difficult to eat your healthy grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli while your man decides to bring home his favorite Philly Cheese Steak. This time away is a great time to detox for a weekend. You can do a juice fast or go all out and give The Master Cleanse a three-day try, or whatever kind of diet detox you like. Stock up on some yoga DVDs or other ways to relax and cleanse your body and mind.

Reconnect with family. While it’s tempting to spend this time apart yucking it up with friends, this can be a great time to spend with your family too—solo time. Now that I’m married, most of the time I spend with my family involves my husband and I spending time with them, which is great, but sometimes lacking. Plan a dinner with your parents, just the three of you. Or spend time visiting your grandparents. If everyone lives far away, you can also spend time reconnecting with them via an old-fashioned letter.

Photo via Going-Well

But the good news? This is starting to change. CNN came out with a poll this past Sunday that is sure to set everyone straight and ensure that the world sees us for the intelligent people we are.

Eighty-six percent of the American public believes our government is broken. See, France, Canada, The U.K.? We know when something’s broken.

I’d like to think that the poll reflects the following three observations:

1. We recognize that we are one of the last civilized nations to allow one in six of our citizens to not have health care. We know this is a problem.

2. We recognize that having nearly 10% of our workforce unemployed is not working.

3. We have the highest rate of child poverty in the developed world. Nineteen percent of our children live in poverty while 8% of France’s children live in poverty. (Canada holds second place in this contest.) How can a democracy allow its children to live in such horrible conditions?

However, I doubt this poll reflects any of these observations. I am well aware there are Palin-loving citizens who voted that the government is broken solely to illustrate their disdain for our current democratic leadership. Their vote that the government is broken will have little to do with our failing health care system, education system, or economy and more to do with the fact they think our government is turning Commie.

Beyond the Palin crew, I worry about the 14% of the American public who stated that the government is not broken. I’d like to meet the people who think the current state of affairs and how our government is addressing its problems is a-okay. My only assumption is that they didn’t hear the question correctly when the pollster called their house.

Photo via Greensboro Library

My father is in town this week and I am happy to have not gained a pound and, in fact, can report I’ve lost another two.

My dad is the king of huge portions. When I was a kid, he’d pour my cereal in a mixing bowl, give me as much ice cream as I could ask for, and never told me I couldn’t have whatever I wanted to eat. When I was eight and out to breakfast with my dad, I remember telling the waitress I wanted twelve orders of toast. The waitress giggled, looked at my dad, and my dad said, “You heard her, she wants twelve orders of toast.” Twelve orders were delivered.

I never once was told “no” when it came to anything when my dad was around. So, needless to say, I equate my dad with excess. We spent the few days he’s been here eating at good restaurants, dining at my favorite taco truck, and grilling filet mignon. Amazingly, though, I haven’t gained weight. I have been good about watching my portions, or rather I’ve successfully employed my banking system of calorie counting.

For example, when I knew that we were going to my favorite Italian restaurant, co-owned by chef Mario Batali, I knew I wanted to eat. I split a grilled octopus appetizer, shared cheese from the fresh mozzarella bar, and ate half of my pasta entree. I had a few bites of the delicious fresh bread before dinner, but not an entire piece. During the day, I grazed on some fresh fruit and ate a grilled shrimp taco for lunch. Since I didn’t eat much all day, I felt like the gourmet dinner was my treat.

Granted, I know that eating very little all day to bank calories for a gorge-fest later is not a good diet plan. However, when I knew I wanted to enjoy a large, gourmet meal later, my method of saving calories worked.

My dad is here for one more week, and my goal is to lose another two pounds. When he leaves for Ohio, I am going to try a juice fast for a few days or a cleanse. I am hoping that this will jump start my weight loss and I can report bigger losses within the next few weeks.

Photo via Webmd

After spending just a few minutes with Whitney Adams (the beverage expert), Rachel Humphrey (the savory foods expert), and Joy Wilson (the sweet food expert, also known as Joy The Baker), I found myself wishing these ladies were my friends. They laugh and joke, feeding off each other in a way only the best of friends are capable of doing. “The three of us together are an interesting combination, but together we really have a great collaboration,” Adams said.

The three women met while working together and soon after started throwing parties for friends. Each party became more elaborate, with better themes, until they decided that having fun parties with delicious food could be their life. “We kept saying we should do this for real. It was a lot of fun and we love throwing a party. But none of us want to go to the same party every night,” Humphrey remarked.  The women decided to turn their obsession of fine food and fun parties in to their life work. “We talk about food and events all the time. We are kind of obsessed with it,” Humphrey said. ”It was like, stop talking about it and do something about it.”

“Why not live the best life possible?” Adams said while sipping French press coffee. The women are each passionate and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and decided to start out 2010 with their new business, and it is doing well.

Their latest pop-up event was held on Valentine’s Day, with the location being announced to the lucky diners only days before the event. The diners brought their cash and the password which was emailed to them before the event, and were rewarded with an evening of delicious food and drink, consisting of chocolate-cherry infused bourbon, tender pork with wild boar, and various delicious culinary delights. The event was titled, “Love on the Run: a one night (stand) speakeasy,” and was a sold-out, secret dining experience.

To stay tuned to their latest pop-up culinary experiences, one must join their mailing list through www.onthelambfb.com. The ladies send an invitation with limited information to the lucky people on the email list, and the first to respond reserve their spot in culinary bliss.

The ladies of On The Lamb are taking life by its culinary balls and moving forward with their fabulous underground culinary business. The ladies are living the life poets and renegades alike have lived by. Humphrey grinned and summed up their philosophy, “Go forth boldly. That’s what we’re doing with a capital B.”

(Image via Jacquelyn Drayton)

Male anatomy (penis, pecker, insert your pet name here) boosting underwear are on the market and apparently all the rage in the UK.  The underwear work much like the Wonderbra, giving men a boost to their package.

“The briefs mean that no man ever needs to feel inadequate again,” said Rob Faucherand, head of men’s accessories buying at Debenhams (a British department store).  The HOM Black Addict underwear provide an extra bit of bulge in the front of the underwear, helping a man feel more adequate when he hits the town.  I see one fatal flaw in this approach to male enhancement.

Men love breasts, LOVE THEM.  Big or small, I have yet to meet a man who has complained about the breasts he has encountered.  But we ladies are a bit more finicky.  My lady friends have indeed complained about, and even walked away from, a small penis.

In fact, small man-parts have been the subject of hit songs, like Don’t Want No Short Dick Man by Gillette.  Remember that hit, “Innie Weenie teeny weeny shriveled little…”?

My point is that once the HOM underwear hit the floor, women will be less forgiving than a man is when a Wonderbra comes off.  When the Wonderbra comes off, a man will be excited to have some fun with your bouncing pair.  But when the HOM’s hit the floor, a woman will have difficulty hiding her disappointment and that catchy tune from Gillette will be playing in her mind while she decides whether to engage in pity sex with you.

My advice to all men is to stick with what you’ve got.  Don’t engage in false advertising to lure man-eating women back to your place.  Be confident in what you’ve got and remember, it’s not the size of the ship, but the motion of the ocean.

Who says you have to completely cut out the skill you’ve been honing since the playground?  Follow these guidelines to flirt within the confines of love.

1.  Bring back a wink and a smile. Simply smiling at the clerk behind the counter or the mechanic working on your car can yield some serious flirting benefits.  When you are friendly, people naturally want to be friendly back.  The wink and smile don’t mean anything other than you being friendly, right?  And if it gets the mechanic to not charge you for changing your headlight while he’s changing your oil, all the better.

2.  Flirt with your girlfriends.  Women do not tend to sing the praises of the other women in their life.  Make a habit of telling your lady friends how fabulous they are.  When they do something awesome or wear something sexy, tell them how beautiful and intelligent they are.  It will boost their self-esteem and your mate will find it sexy.

3.  Eye contact. Do not underestimate the power of looking directly in to someone’s eyes.  The goal here is not to do a creepy stare-down, but make eye contact, smile, look away – the classic flirt move.  Do this when you shake your partner’s boss’ hand while you say, “My husband has told me a lot about you.  It’s great to finally meet you.”  This simple, flirtatious friendliness will leave the impression that you are friendly and fun.

4.  Flirt with your mate.  Don’t forget to still flirt with your mate.  Smile and wink at him from across the room, lightly touch his leg when you’re out in public.  These subtle ways of letting him know you still find him sexy will remind him of how the two of you were when you first met.

5.  Walk the line. If you are a flirting machine, tread carefully in this territory.  Remember, your goal is not to snag a new partner, it’s just to be friendly and fun.  If you employ these tips while wearing your mini skirt and thigh-high boots, you are bound to give the wrong impression.

The key here is that flirting is a subtle art.  If you are obnoxiously giggling while making eye contact and falling all over people, that is not flirting, it’s being trashy.  Think Marilyn Monroe not Paris Hilton.

After one week of supposedly watching the food I put in my mouth, I’m only down one-and-a-half pounds. I’ve lost more weight in one day before on accident. I’m not happy with the results or the choices I’ve made this week.

My number one problem: alcohol. In the past week, I hosted a cocktail party and went out twice with friends. Each time, I drank my will power away and ended up eating (I’m embarrassed to say) a hot dog or pizza after midnight. I was tipsy and I was hungry. So this week I’m putting a cap on my alcoholic beverages. I don’t need the empty calories or the voracious, manly appetite alcohol gives me.

This week I also realized that food is an all-consuming thought in my brain. I’ve heard people say, “I eat to live. I don’t live to eat.” I’m in the second group though. I live to eat. I love to eat. Delicious foods are my weakness. This week, I am going to make a conscious effort to shift my thoughts to the eat-to-live model.

My other pledge for the week is that I’m not putting anything in my mouth unless I write it down and count the calories. When I was at my thinnest, this approach worked for me. It made me second guess the amount of calories I consumed, even if it was just a slice of cheese from the refrigerator or a handful of almonds. I counted every calorie all day long.

In order to help me write down everything I eat without carrying a pen-and-paper food journal, I downloaded an app for my iPhone called myfitnesspal.com. This app will allow me to set a daily calorie goal and log each calorie I consume to ensure I don’t pass my daily allowance (1200 calories). The app is free and can be downloaded at the iTunes store or used online via their site.

I genuinely believe that my eat-to-live motto and my pledge to write down everything I consume and not exceed my caloric allowance will result in more weight loss next week.

Need a recap? Check out last week’s post.

1. Get back to your Olympic roots. Read The Naked Olympics. You only need to read the part of Tony Perrottet’s book that details the loud, crazy, drunken parties the players used to have back in ancient Greece. Then bust out a bottle of wine and drink to Bacchus together. At least you’ll feel a bit happier drinking your cares away while watching cross-country skiing.

2. Start curling. Get out a ball, get out your brooms, and challenge your mate to a curling match in your kitchen. In addition to the fun of pushing a ball around with a broom, you can carefully orchestrate this game to get some cleaning done too.

3. Create your own Olympic game. Raid your jewelry box for one silver and one gold chain. Hand them to your partner and give details regarding a new Olympic sport you’d like to try in your bedroom. If these suggestions can’t get your mate off the couch and in to the bedroom, you may have an Olympic Games addict on your hands and you’re best advised to just wait it out until the games are over.

4. If you can’t beat ‘em… Invite friends over for an Olympic party. Technically this doesn’t qualify as a distraction, but inviting friends over for an Olympic viewing party can be more fun than you and your partner settling in for your nightly dose of television. The best night to host the party is February 22, the last night of the Olympics, when Devo is playing the closing ceremony.

Photo via NBC

We Are The World 25 For Haiti includes 2010’s most amazing talent (drum roll please)…Justin Bieber, Lil’ Wayne, and The Dude himself, Jeff Bridges raising money for relief efforts in Haiti. As I reflect on the 1985 version of this song and this version, made 25 years later, it is impossible not to make comparisons.

Lil’ Wayne took over Bob Dylan’s verse from 1985.  Justin Bieber sings the opening line this time around instead of Lionel Richie.  Forgive me, pop-culture smarties, but who the hell is Justin Bieber?  Are Lil’ Wayne and Lil’ Bieber the Lionel Richie and Bob Dylan of this generation?  If so, I got the good end of the deal back in ‘85.

I’m not completely dismayed by the remake, however.  I firmly believe that The Dude should be allowed in any televised event he damn well chooses.  Seeing Jeff Bridges and Vince Vaughn singing for Haiti was downright heartwarming.  Kudos to their agents who got them in on that deal.

One missing musical media giant?  Jay-Z.  The man said at the NBA Allstar game this past Saturday, “We Are The World is untouchable like Thriller is untouchable.  Some things are just untouchable.  It was a valiant effort, but for me it’s gonna be untouchable.”  Jay-Z also stated he felt that a new song should have been written instead of re-creating the classic.

Have we been reduced to remakes of Candle In The Wind by Elton John when a beautiful woman dies and We Are The World when disaster strikes?   Jay-Z and I now have two things in common – a love for Beyonce and the same opinion of the remake.

Photo via Billboard

It was after that moment that you moved in together, married each other, and started sharing the stressful and superb parts of your life as one. In the midst of finding ways to show your partner he or she is loved on a daily basis, Cupid is asking for one special day of celebration.

Since you likely share bank accounts, it can be difficult to plan a Valentine’s Day that is much of a surprise. But this year, Valentine’s Day does not have to be a surprise to still be romantic. Here are some suggestions for married or committed couples this weekend.

1. Spa Date. Find a spa in your area at www.spafinder.com that offers couples massages. Coordinate each of your schedules, even if it’s not on February 14, to spend a few hours getting a rub down together. Most spas that offer this usually have an in-room jacuzzi for two where the two of you can sit and relax in a romantic setting.

2. Celebrate. Celebrating your love for one another can be more difficult than it sounds. Pick a favorite restaurant or cook at home and spend the evening celebrating each other. This means conversations about money, family, or whose turn it is to clean are off limits. Reminisce about past vacations or your favorite memories together. Make a mix CD of music that reminds you of your partner and play it for them. Spend the evening celebrating the love you have.

3. Get busy. I’m not talking about the before-bed hook up that happens every night. Make an event of getting busy. Light candles, put on the satin sheets, get out the massage oil, and put on your sexiest outfit. Don’t go for the gold right away, though. Spend time loving (spanking, biting, tying up, etc.) your  partner. Carve out time to spend Valentine’s Day devoted to each other’s pleasure. Neither of you will be disappointed.