Oh, yeah, I've heard.  We're supposed to be calling them "goals" now -- not "resolutions".  Whatever.  "Goals" doesn't work as a verb.

Whatever you call them, there's pressure to make some changes at this time of year.  And most of us (admit it!) have fitness or weight loss goals on that list.  And I know we all have "make the world a better place" on there too, right?  (You know - just like we wish for world peace whenever we blow out our birthday candles?)

Well, hey, we're all busy people!  How do we achieve those, do our jobs, be good daughters/moms/partners/friends, AND floss our teeth? 

Double up!  Make your workouts HELP others, by choosing an event which donates proceeds to charity and you'll be able to cross two things off your list at once.  And you be less likely to slack, because you won't just be letting yourself down - you'd be letting others down.  (I know, I know ... Oprah says we shouldn't treat ourselves like that ... we're working on that one too.  But having others rely on me does make me more reliable!)

And while we're at it, let's triple up!  Or, heck, we're overacheivers, quadruple up ... or, well, however many you want to.  I can't really count in "-ples" after four...

Use this as an opportunity to see those girlfriends you miss, and sign up as a team!  You can even make a girlfriend getaway weekend out of it by scheduling it in some new city you've been meaning to discover.  Let us help!

Our first recommendation is Cycle for Survival, a team cycling event that benefits lifesaving cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  The event, founded by our girlfriend Jen Goodman Linn, raises funds for so-called "orphan cancers", that don't get the same attention or funding as the bigger well-known cancers do.

• Sign up to join the event live in New York at Equinox on January 25th, 2009.
• Or create a satellite team and cycle simultaneously with people around the country that day.
• Or, if you can't join the cycling, consider donating.  (At least you can cross one thing off your list!)

And hey ... if you're lucky, maybe you'll end up with some of these guys in your room. 

Did I remember to put THAT on my list?...

Looking for a way to laze away your New Year's holidays before starting your new, healthy, productive 2009?  I know I am...

Browse the fun blogs of 2008 by choosing a category or tag from the pull-downs on the right!  Or remember the year chronologically by reviewing the newsletters (click the plus sign in the left blue navigation bar). 

Look out for more fun stuff in 2009!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's the season of giving, so we thought we'd offer up a little gift exchange of our own this weekend.  If you give the highest donation to First Descents, they'll give YOU a day of skiing with Cosmopolitan Magazine's Most Eligible Bachelor Brad Ludden, "The Bachelor" Ryan Sutter & US Ski Team Hall of Famer Mike Friedberg.

 Sure, paying for access to hot guys might normally be construed as desperate, but this is CHARITY!  First Descents' "Ski With the Bachelors" program is being held to fund their 2009 First Descents programs, which provide whitewater kayaking and outdoor experiences to promote emotional, psychological, and physical healing for young adults with cancer.   

Holiday Golightly will provide all the planning and coordination for the trip to Vail (although winners are responsible for the costs of travel & lodging). 

SO HURRY UP!  You must donate by December 21st for a chance to win.  Click here. 

We think this opportunity is worthy of TWO shirtless men.  Meet Brad & Ryan... 

Doesn't that just put you in the spirit of giving?  Here's the link again: First Descents Bachelor Drive.  Happy Holidays!

Present your favorite girlfriend, wife, sister, book club organizer, etc... with a Holiday Golightly gift certificate and let us plan a fabulous girlfriend getaway trip for her!  Gift certificates start at $25 and can be delivered via snail mail or email if time is tight!

We know you'd all like to be taking a girlfriend trip right now, but we've been told we're in a recession.  Raise your hand if you think "recession" is a dirty word.  Anyway, we have a great alternative, something you can do with your girlfriends that also benefits others.  Elf yourself.

'Tis the season for holiday shopping, and holiday parties, and other holiday blah blah.  What we like to do is make sure EVERYONE is dizzy from the holiday craziness, including those who might be a little down on their luck.  We play Elves and adopt a family for the holidays.  No, ELVES, not Elvis.

Regardless of your religious affiliation, adopting a family and donating presents to those less-fortunate makes you feel good and is very holiday-y.  The basic gist of it is you "adopt" a family, and get their holiday wish-list, then play Elf and fill their stockings with stuff!  There are a number of ways to find a family in need:

BeAnElf.org

Salvation Army

local schools or churches

or just do an internet search (Google or Live.com) for "adopt a family", and see what pops up.

This is SO much more satisfying than just doing Secret Santa gifts with your friends.  I mean really, we can all buy our own Starbucks gift cards.  To spend the money on those who truly need things is so rewarding.  With most of the programs you won't get to actually see the family opening the presents (due to privacy considerations, etc), but you can rest assured the family will be thrilled with the gifts, and the holiday spirit!

Remember how last week we had that holiday?  The one where you give thanks?  Well, Holiday Golightly gave something else too...  (Cliffhanger!)

Photo: rockbrookcamp.com

We made a donation, on behalf of all you Holiday Golightly subscribers, to Girls On The Run. 

"What is this Girls On The Run?" you ask?

In the words of the organization:

"Girls on the Run© is a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Our curricula address all aspects of girls' development - their physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being."

In our never-humble opinion, helping girls develop self-respect is one of the MOST important things we can do.  This ensures that the girls will grow up to be very sassy, and will undoubtedly be the type of girls to take Girlfriend Getaways with their other self-respecting, sassy friends.

And WE made a donation on behalf of YOU, to THEM.  Everyone should be reveling in the Warm & Fuzzy feelings!

Look no further!  We have the fabulous new Crave Seattle Book (2008, 3rd edition), the Urban Girl's Manifesto, and it can be yours for free...

IF (of course there's an "if") you get 10 of your friends to sign up for our sassy Holiday Golightly newsletter, by December 8th.  

"How do you propose we go about the recruiting process, oh wise one?" (that is what you say).

"Like so, Grasshopper..." we say, and then offer a series of helpful steps for you to follow:

1.    Go all the way to the tippy-top of this page, to where it says "Tell Friends" on the top toolbar.  CLICK IT!

2.    Enter the email addresses of 10 girlfriends - They should be girlfriends with whom you want to travel or who you know would enjoy the Holiday Golightly vibe.

3.    Enter your own personal message or, if you're feeling lazy you can just cut and paste the message below.  Make sure to tell them they should register for the e-newsletter before December 8:

"(Your Name Here) is sharing!
Well, kind of.  She is sharing her valuable knowledge of a sassy Girlfriend Getaway website, but what she's really doing is trying to win a free book.  The Crave Seattle Urban Girl's Manifesto, to be exact.  But before you judge, think to yourself:  does she have me for Secret Santa?  What are the chances *I* could possibly score this free book?"  And then you should think to yourself "Man, I'm being selfish.  Where is my holiday spirit?" then take a sip of your Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Then you'd feel refreshed and think  "I could help her out by merely signing up to receive a totally fun newsletter!" by December 8th;)  Come on over to www.HolidayGolightly.com and click on "Click Here To Receive Updates" to sign up."

 4.    And the last step (you've burned like 20 calories with those first 3 already - except for the hot chocolate thing), make sure your mailing address is up-to-date in your profile so we send your Crave book to the right place!  Sign In to your Profile ((http://www.holidaygolightly.com/login) and click on “Billing” to update your address.  (Don’t worry, we won't bill you for anything.)

About the CRAVE book:

It's new! (3^rd edition) October 2008.  The newest version includes online businesses and profiles of women you need to know.  272 pages with pictures!

Retail value: $19.95

It is PERFECT for a holiday gift for a Seattle girlfriend – or for yourself.

In CRAVE's own words:  “CRAVE Seattle: The Urban Girl’s Manifesto: The ultimate guide to the places women CRAVE in Seattle, including more than 100 women you need to know.

 CRAVE Seattle is a thoughtful, intelligent urban girl’s manifesto that will connect you with more than 100 extraordinary service professionals and boutique retailers in Seattle.

CRAVE Seattle is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors throughout the greater Seattle area. Punctuated with descriptive text and photos, full of colorful energy and stylish spark, reading CRAVE is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show.

Not only is CRAVE an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s also a primer for those who recognize and value the contributions that spirited business women make to our area, introducing you to 100+ insightful, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises.”

 
The fine print:
Limited supply – books to first 45 people to have 10 friends sign up.  Friends must register for at www.holidaygolightly.com before DEADLINE.  Can ship to US mailing addresses only.   Limit: 3 books per person.  Email addresses must appear to be valid and must respond to welcome message without bouncing or immediately unsubscribing to count.

In case you missed it, International Babywearing Week was November 12-18.  We're uncertain whether babywearing will be considered "out" during other weeks...

We're confident that our friends at Rockin' Baby Sling will ensure the wearin' continues - braving seasons, fads, and rapidly growing babies.  We just have one request:  no acid-washed slings, please.

In their words:

"Rockin’ Baby Sling and Pouch are made in the USA for the parent who wants to remain fashionable, functioning and true to their sense of self while nurturing their baby."

The slings and pouches come in a wide range of sassy prints and colors, and the pouches have two velcro-closure pockets, so it's a little like carrying a purse.  A purse with a baby in it.

We really love that 31% of the profits from Rockin' Baby Sling go to Heifer International, which assists economically disadvantaged people in developing countries by donating livestock and offering a sustainable source of food and income.  They're not only helping you care for (and carry) your baby, they're helping care for those in need.  Buy one!!!

File under: "Reasons to stay home on Friday nights".  Taylor Kitsch stars in that Texas football show "Friday Night Lights", and we've already called in sick for our Friday night plans.

Sure, his character is in high school, but don't worry - he's actually 27, so there's no need to nurse the shame.

 Photo:  filmonic.com

He would be the only reason to rent the movie "Snakes On A Plane".  We're considering it. 

There were myriad shirtless photos of Mr. Kitsch, but we borrowed this page from Men's Health magazine.  Let us know if you even realize there are words on the page.

 Photo:  Men's Health

HAPPY FRIDAY & HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, FROM THE GOLIGHTLY GIRLS!