The first full moon of 2010 is going to be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. In Native American culture it is called the “wolf moon” because as legend has it hungry wolves howled at full moons on cold winter nights. Each month there is new full moon name.

Why this full moon is the biggest and brightest:

On average the moon is 238,855 miles from Earth and rotates in an ellipse, not a perfect circle. So one side of the orbit is 31,070 miles closer to the Earth. This point where the moon is the closest in its rotation is called perigee. Once or twice a year perigee coincides with a full moon, as it does tonight! The moon will be 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than other full moons throughout the year, according to Spaceweather.com. Another bonus tonight is that Mars will appear just to the left of the moon, so look for a reddish star-like object.

Full moon and bizarre behavior:

Many people think full moons cause strange behavior among animals and even humans. In fact several studies over the years have tried to tie lunar phases to births, heart attacks, deaths, suicides, violence, psychiatric hospital admissions and epileptic seizures, and more. Connections have been inclusive or nonexistent.

Moon illusion:

Finally, be sure to get out and see the full moon as it rises, right around sunset. Along the horizon, the moon tends to seem even bigger. This is just an illusion.

You can prove to yourself that this is an illusion. Taking a small object such as a pencil eraser, hold it at arm’s length, and compare its size to that of the moon just as it rises. Then repeat the experiment later in the night and you’ll see that the moon compares the same in both cases. Alternately, snap two photos of the moon, with a digital camera or your cell phone, when the moon is near the horizon and later when it’s higher in the sky. Pull both photos up on your computer screen and make a side-by-side comparison.

Astronomers and psychologists agree the moon illusion is just that, but they don’t agree on how to explain it.

We all know how the clothes can just pile up and suddenly we can’t seem to find anything in our closets! That’s when you know you need to declutter your closet. Getting rid of old or unwanted clothing is very refreshing; you can either make a little cash by selling them to a second hand store or make a donation to a local charity.

Step 1 Remove everything from your closet. Vacuum, brush, wipe and clean off shelves and the floor.

Step 2 Hang your hangers (without clothes) on your closet rod, not more than one per inch. This will reduce the temptation to jam all your clothes back in there and will thus prevent wrinkling. Remember your closet has a limit. If you buy a fabulous new dress, you have to get rid of a piece of clothing from your closet. No new hangers!

Step 3 Now it’s time to go through your clothes. Pick your favorites and the ones that look the best on you. Make sure you have a variety of outfits for all occasions. Hang them up on your preset number of hangers.

Step 4 Put baskets or fitted boxes on your open shelves for your non-hanging clothes. Baskets are ideal for organizing closets because they allow easy access and prevent clothes from falling behind folded clothes and wrinkling up. But don’t stuff your baskets!

Step 5 Now it’s time to go through your shoes. There are various ways to organize shoes that allow you to keep the most pairs. There are hanging organizers for behind a door or shoe racks for the floor. Pick the best option for your closet situation and then the number of shoes it allows.

Step 6 Pour yourself a glass of wine and give yourself a pat on the back! You now have a clean well organized closet.

The earthquake in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti resulted in thousands of deaths, injured individuals and buildings have been reduced to rubble. It is estimated that a third of Haiti’s 9 million people are in need of aid. The people of Haiti are in dire need of help and to make matters worse, relief efforts have been obstructed by blocked roads, congestion at the airports and limited equipment. Luckily, with the help of rescue crews, much needed relief (food, water and other aid) has been delivered to help lives that have been spared. People are in such desperation that there have also been reports of looting as people scrambled for any of the little food and water that may be available. Here are a few ways you can help:

Donate to the American Red Cross We can help the American Red Cross as it delivers food, water and medicine that can save lives. Donate $10 by texting “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9. You can also visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. All help is greatly needed. The American Red Cross is working around the clock to meet the challenges and ensure aid reaches the survivors. They have dozens of disaster specialists in Haiti, assessing the damage, addressing urgent needs and establishing the foundation for a long-term recovery operation. The Red Cross team includes engineers, surgeons and family linking specialists, who are trying to establish field hospitals, restore water and sanitation systems, distribute supplies and restore family links facilities. Thus far, the American Red Cross has received 37 million dollars in donations, half through online contributions with others through support from corporations and record-setting activity in mobile giving. First lady Michelle Obama sent a message asking people to join her in supporting the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

Donate to UNICEF If this is where you would like to make donations, please visit: www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call 1-800-4UNICEF.

UNICEF is also very involved in the humanitarian operation in Haiti to provide much needed relief and support. Their efforts are also to supply the lifesaving need of food, water, medicines and shelter. Nearly 50% of Haiti’s population is under the age of 18, and UNICEF has a particularly critical role to play in seeking approximately $120 million for its work as part of the humanitarian relief efforts. UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.

It is amazing how so many people have pulled together at this difficult time. It is so heartwarming to witness the kindnesses of so many corporations, companies, and celebrities. Unity is needed the most and we can all do our part, no matter how big or small. 

There is an unending channel of support out there from the Catholic Relief fund (Secure.CRS.org), FoodForThePoor.org/haitiquake, www.habitat.org/Haiti-Earthquake, www.clintonfoundation.org/haitirelief, and others such as the International Federation of Red Cross, Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund, Partners in Health, and the UN World Food Program. Many local banks have also set up funds for acquiring donations to the earthquake victims.

Finally, be aware of some of the scams out there. Unfortunately at this time there are also scammers who will be coming out of the wood work asking for donations, clothing and valuables so be wary of your choice of charity and be sure it is a reputable organization. Ask the charity about their transportation and distribution plans and be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.

Several local organizations and churches in local cities are organizing their own efforts to donate to this distressing cause, giving individuals more options. Get online and find all the information and resources you can, and pour your heart out to the needs of all those men, women and suffering children. They need your help and support, providing you with an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction in knowing that, in some little way, you have made a difference.

My first Pisco Sour was drunk with a very vivacious couple, she was from Peru and he was from El Salvador. As he mixed the unusual concoction they jokingly bickered back and forth in Spanish. We sipped on the cocktail and he told me stories about his childhood and time in Central America. I loved hearing about his experiences and the drink was surprisingly delicious!

With the increased availability of Pisco and regional bitters outside South America, the Pisco Sour, like the Mojito and Caipirinha, has increased in popularity in the United States. Peru has a National Pisco Sour Day, which is celebrated on the first Saturday of February.

The national origin of the Pisco Sour is fought over by Chile and Peru. The variety of lemon used has a flavor similar to key lime. In the United States, the drink is usually made with commonly available Lisbon or Eureka lemons. The roots of Pisco itself reach back to the 1500s and stem from Colonial rule. The Spaniards brought the grape to the region from Europe, but the King of Spain banned wine in the 17th Century, forcing locals to concoct a different kind of alcohol from the grape.

Ingredients are two parts Pisco, one part lime or lemon juice, one part Simple Syrup, and one egg white. To make, shake hard or blend with ice and strain into glass. Add bitters as an aromatic garnish topping the finished drink on top of foam. You can also add cinnamon for a little something extra. Enjoy!

Congratulations to Bon Iver for landing a spot on NPR’s 50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade list. Bon Iver is a band founded in 2007 by American indie folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The name, Bon Iver, is a play on the French “bon hiver” (good winter). Vernon independently released Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago in July 2007, the majority of which was recorded while spending three months in a remote cabin in Northwestern Wisconsin.

It wasn’t planned. The goal was to hibernate. 
Justin Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. Tailing from the swirling breakup of his long time band, he escaped to the property and surrounded himself with simple work, quiet, and space. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This special time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus. 

This slowly evolved into days filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song. The end result is, For Emma, Forever Ago, a nine-song album comprised of what’s been dubbed a striking debut by critics and fans alike.

Visit his website at www.boniver.org

Sleep. Rest is your best friend at this point to give your body a recover. It is best to stay in bed so call in to work if you have to, tell them you have the stomach flu. You will sound so horrible on the phone they may believe you (unless they saw you at the bar, not a good idea then).
Replenish your body with fruit juice and water.
Avoid caffeine. A weak cup of coffee may be okay but a lot of caffeine will continue to dehydrate you, the opposite of what you want right now.
Drink orange juice for Vitamin C.
Drink a sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade.
Eat mineral rich food like pickles or canned fish.  In Poland, drinking pickle juice is a common remedy.
Drink a Bloody Mary. While the popular phrase “hair of the dog that bit you” may sound logical with a shot of whiskey left in the bottle next to your bed, it’s only temporary. Try a Bloody Mary instead, while your blood is dealing with the new alcohol it is ignoring the old and in the mean time tomato juice and celery are full of vitamins. If you drank the last of the vodka make a Virgin Mary. Another spicy morning after drink option is Hair of the Dog, in which gin and hot sauce are sure to bite your hangover back.
Take a shower, switching between cold and hot water.
In Ireland it was said that the cure for a hangover is to bury the ailing person up to the neck in moist river sand.
The side effects of aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen can be magnified when alcohol is in your system, so it is best (even though it may be the first thing you reach for) to avoid them to kill the hangover pain. Aspirin is a blood thinner, just like alcohol, and can intensify its effects and Tylenol (or acetaminophen) can cause more damage to your liver. Ibuprofen can also cause stomach bleeding. So be cautious when going for the quick relief.

We all know vampires are the it topic right now.  So it was just time before someone mixed all of that steamy, sexy, blood-thirsty lust into a convenient drink!  The Vampire is a simple, sweet cocktail with an intense red color and is normally served as a shot.  The ingredients are one part Absolut Raspberry vodka, one part cranberry juice and one part Grenadine.  Pour all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.  Shake well and serve in a cocktail glass or as shots.

The door opens and you instantly start racking your brain for possible emergencies that would require your immediate attention. He whips out flowers though, so you reluctantly step into his car. The conversation over dinner is going down hill faster than a semi-trailer with its breaks cut and you need a getaway plan ASAP. You can always discreetly shoot a friend a quick 9-1-1 text under the table and fake an emergency phone call. But come on ladies, I think that one is getting a little old. Pay attention to the following scenarios to learn some fresh ideas for ditching a truly terrible date.

Fake a Migraine

No need to involve anyone else on this endeavor, this tactic is simple and easy to fake all on your own. While it is highly unlikely for you to develop a night-ending illness during the first course of dinner, migraines are a common problem that can occur at any time. Tell him that you have reoccurring migraines and sometimes need prescription drugs because the pain is so intense. Send some apologies his way and he’ll be sure to grab that check lickety-split!

Blame the Boss

It’s a first date, so he is none the wiser if you are self-employed with absolutely nothing to do tomorrow. Drop lines about your tough day at work, demanding clients and early morning presentation. Sprinkle with some yawns, droopy eyes and exasperated sighs. And you have the perfect mixture for an expedited exit plan.

The Ex Factor

This approach packs a one-two punch. First of all, no one likes to open up the dreaded ex files—especially on date numero uno. So start off by blabbing all about the guy, his nasty habits and your breakup of all breakups. Then follow up this performance with “noticing” him at the table across the way. Start cursing his name and tell your date that you have to leave immediately because you are so upset.

Get Your Date to Leave

A truly interesting scheme is to turn the tables on your date. Chew with your mouth open, laugh obnoxiously, check your phone constantly and hit on the waiter. Appeal to the exact opposite of what your date is interested in. He likes the outdoors, you say can’t stand dirt. He is spontaneous and loves adventure, you say you are a homebody who reads sci-fi novels.

Honesty

If you are a kind-hearted person and can’t fathom pulling off any of the above, you can stick with the tried-and-true honesty approach. Just tell your date it was nice to meet him but that you two don’t have enough in common. Settle up the bill and maybe if it’s still early in the night you can call up that hottie you met at Starbucks last week!

Well if you must know, the best way to go out on a budget is to get someone else to pay for you!  But sometimes this isn’t always an option so we will resort to these helpful tips while out on the town.
Sharing meals is a classic way to save some green, but another nifty trick is to just go out for appetizers and dessert.  Appetizers and desserts are my favorite part of a dinner anyway because they usually come in adorable portions and are so tasty.
Bringing your own bottle of wine can also greatly cut down on the end of the night bill.  Most restaurants allow you to bring your own wine for a small fee called a corkage fee.  Ask around to find out which restaurants have the most affordable corkage fees.
The ultimate money saving tip is to look for fun free activities!  Every town offers an assortment of free date night options; sometimes you just have to be a little creative.  Stargazing is one of my absolute favorites.  Drive out of town a little way, get yourselves in a comfortable position, and relax.  Don’t forget to bring blankets!
For more frugal date ideas, check out this list on About.com.  Happy dating!

During an unexpected night out with the girls downtown you met this great guy and spend the whole night dancing hip to hip. In the dim lights of the club he looks tall, dark and handsome and you are feeling great (especially since the dim lights of the club also flawlessly mask the sheen of sweat on your face and your now slightly out of place hair!). But the clock is ticking away and you start to feel like Cinderella as the night is about to expire. Even though your car won’t turn into a pumpkin and your hot dress won’t turn into a ragged mess, you still feel the panic of when the night ends and the lights come on. Will your perfect guy run for the hills and suddenly have ‘an early meeting’ the next morning? Follow these tips and tricks to make sure you look fabulous and snag your man!

Just before heading home for the night, sneak off to the restroom. Grab a toilet seat cover and blot your face to remove sweat. The seat covers actually work just as well as the name brand shine control blotting sheets and can be found in practically ever bar or club! If you have any sweat stains on your shirt, you can dry them out with the hand blow dryers. Carry a small compact brush in your purse of clutch and brush out any fly away hairs. Sephora makes a great travel brush that is cheap, folds closed, and has a mirror in it. Also in your bag bring a shimmery lip gloss and slick some on—just make sure it’s not too sticky! Use these tricks and you will be ready and waiting for those bright lights to come on.