New Years

National health clubs traditionally offer their best deals in the final days of December, which means it is prime time to sign up or reevaluate your current gym. Gyms give their sweetest sign-up deals now because they want to lure the large number of individuals, like yourselves, who have resolved to get fit in the new year.

FitSugar readers' favorite gym of the year, Life Time Fitness, is waiving its enrollment fee, Gold's Gym is offering a $1 enrollment special, and 24 Hour Fitness is waiving its enrollment fee as well. No matter where you get your sweat on, make sure to Google your gym this week, or call up the membership office and scope out their deals and initiatives. Remember: they want to keep you happy, healthy, and signed-up, so don't be afraid to ask. I've scored special trainer sessions and an adjusted monthly rate just by asking gyms over the years. Of course, don't sign up with a gym simply because it has the best deal. Becoming a member of a health club is a big commitment that involves other factors beyond cost, like location and class offerings. Make sure you check out our tips on choosing a gym before enrolling anywhere. Here's to getting fit in the New Year!

I love the week between Christmas and New Year's. Everyone seems to be not working, working remotely, or just phoning it in. Maybe you're traveling or friends are coming to town, but at some point the holidays go from family time to friend time. And that is a wonderful thing.

I definitely relied on this how-to-find-alone-time advice over the last week while I was at my sister's. But that was very difficult, as she has four children (ages six, five, two, and seven weeks) who will find you and turn it into a game of hide-n-seek. They are cuddly, hilarious, and pure evil in Janie and Jack.

So when I got on the plane, barely escaping the East Coast storm, and headed west to San Francisco, I relished the calm (or sleep aid?) that washed over me. I started making to-do lists on my phone for all the shopping, cooking, and cleaning I need to do before friends from New York arrive Wednesday for our New Year's weekend of champagne, hot tubs, and absolutely no hiking in Big Sur.

So, yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Family time is over; friend time is on. What are you doing?

How are your New Year's resolutions coming along? FitSugar wants to help you achieve your health goals for 2010. If you're aiming to lose weight, run a marathon, eat a more balanced diet — or all three — we're here to help.

Join my new group to celebrate the upcoming new year — Get Fit For 2010. It's a place we can all meet to share our goals and give each other advice to reach those goals. Take a couple of minutes to peruse the group for helpful tips we've posted to help motivate you to reach your goals. I will be posting challenges every Monday to help keep us all — including me — on track. Start thinking of your goals for 2010 and be prepared to share them soon. Check back this Monday, Jan. 11, to learn your first challenge.

If you're the type that needs a little extra incentive, I will be giving away weekly prizes and ending with an amazing grand prize as we all try to get fit for 2010. Stay tuned on Monday for all the details!

Good morning, 2010! As 2009 came to a close, we looked back on all the great things that the year brought us — from new gadgets and toys to great tech innovations — but I can't help but be excited for what lies ahead. Thank you all for making '09 a geeky year to remember, and of course, here's to the future!

The year is almost over, which means not only are we going through all the best things of 2009, but it's also time to start thinking about those New Year's resolutions.

You know I am curious if you guys have any healthy resolutions for 2010, so speak up and share them in the comments section below. No resolution is too big or too small to share. I want to hear them all.

I'm surely ready to say good-bye to '09 and welcome in 2010! To honor the upcoming decade change, check out some petsolutions and party tips to end this year and then start the new one off right.

Donate the Clutter	Get a Healthy Start	Improve Manners
Get in Shape	Throw a Pet-Safe NYE Party	Portion Control

If you're looking for something to toast the New Year with but aren't a drinker, I've got your solution — this festive ginger pineapple punch. It's sparkly and bubbly like champagne, but you won't end up with a dreaded hangover the next day. It's also not overly sweet, and the ginger gives it such a nice kick, you won't miss the booze.

If you do have guests that will be drinking, this punch mixes nicely with alcohol. Just leave some bottles of gin or vodka out that they can add to their individual glasses. The ginger syrup also tastes good on its own when mixed with sparkling wine or soda water.

To see the recipe, read more

Check out these inspiring looks mheart submitted in the I Am Addicted to Mixing/Matching Outfits W/ Sugar Lists! group.

There are already a bunch of groups you can join and explore, and please — start some new ones! Here's a helpful guide to creating in case you need some clarification.