January is upon us, and for most of the country, that means facing the daunting task of self-improvement and a mild case of mid-winter blues. Assuming sobriety is not on your list of New Year’s resolutions (and I wholeheartedly advise against it), here are a few of my suggestions for heart-, soul-, and body-warming wines to keep you in high spirits for nights that are better spent in…with someone special at your side.

While New Year’s is not a hookup holiday, I am always happy to raise a glass and join friends and loved ones in a toast. The collective hope for good health, happiness, peace and prosperity is always welcome and I do not ever hesitate to join in. This past year, especially, has been a trying one for many people throughout the world and I, for one, am happy to see the secular year of 2010 pass.

Jews at Christian weddings might get spooked at the whole Jesus aspect of things, but there’s very little done outside the native language of the bride and groom. But a Christian at a hookup wedding could be lost in Hebrew for several minutes at a time. It’s no 40 years of wandering in the desert, but several minutes is a long time to leave one of your own guests confused.

The good news for women who want to shine in the New Year is that faux jewels are finally out. From bright purple gemstones to stacked gold rings, the real thing is in for 2011.  So what are the must-have jewelry items? Here are our predictions for some of next year’s top sellers from Diamond.com…

As end-of-year romances start to flutter, be on the lookout for someone that may be out to steal your heart.  Just because you are a sucker for snow, mistletoe and mesmerizing lights doesn’t guarantee you are not on the Grinch’s hit list. While chemistry can happen magically over Christmas, we must ask ourselves if the connection is real or if it is just a holiday fling.  Both have their merits, but you should know which is which.

A lovely whirlwind of excitement and love follows a proposal. Once the ring starts sparkling on the finger, the bride begins to execute all of her wedding daydreams and turn them into realities. It all sounds fun and girltastic, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the panic starts to set in.

Last year I was on a one-chef campaign to bring chop suey back en vogue with an updated version for Christmas. What else is there to do on Christmas except to invite some friends over and EAT?!

From the very beginning we wanted to give our audience the very best in all things “dating and love.” In addition to our own original and popular Q&A’s, we also showcase the latest news, products, books, fashion and personalities that connect to the world of dating and romance. Our “Must Haves” feature items that are all about the things you can wear on a date, or use to ignite the passions in your current relationship.

• Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and place the squash cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the squash in the oven for 45 minutes or until the squash can be easily pierced with a paring knife. When the squash has cooled enough to be handled, scoop the squash out of the shell.

Do you suffer from date-night dread? Between all the waxing, plucking, peeling and pulling women put themselves through it’s no wonder. But beauty does not have to be so painful (or expensive) and dating (and sex) need not be so intimidating. The following is a list of our favorite hot brands that will get you through the prep and into the mood with a smile.