Blog Posts by SINGLE EDITION

What happens when you take an old tavern concept, insert a gourmet chef, and enhance the atmosphere for diners? These days chances are you'll get the "Gastropub." Still cozy and convivial, where one can find the widest variety of brews on tap, this new kind of pub promises to be so much more than the usual Irish watering hole.

Traditionally, the "pub,"whose name originates from the term "public house," was a community hub where locals could come together to enjoy each other's company, eat modest but hearty food and gulp down pints of ale. Over the years its reputation as "the drinking dive where everybody knows your name" has preceded it.

The pub's reinvention, which includes a swankier and often industrial style setting plus fare to please foodies, comes with a new allure that's attracting a different type of customer. Fortunately what's remained untarnished is the sense of belonging and energy one experiences the minute you walk through the doors.

You don't need to

There was a time when selling beauty and fashion to men required targeting their female friends, lovers and family members who could persuade them into making those purchases. Well ladies and gentleman, the times they are a changing. It seems that men are increasingly talking, shopping and having fun making their own style decisions. If you're wondering where today's bachelors are spending, saving and shaving, then read on.

Spending On Lavish Items : Even though ladies' designer duds are being hocked at a fraction of the price these days, things are drastically different in the menswear world. In an October survey conducted by the American Affluence Research Center, men revealed they were less inclined than women to reduce spending on designer apparel, fine jewelry and watches. Twenty-three percent of male respondents said they hadn't reduced overall spending since the recession started, compared with just fourteen percent of women. Tellingly, Hermes just opened it's first

Big businesses forge strategic partnerships every day, but the recently reported alliance of McDonald's and Weight Watchers at the same time that National Nutrition month falls is being viewed as one big fat irony by everyone except the millions of people counting Points.

The "everything in moderation approach," which a program like Weight Watchers emphasizes, means that you can actually eat a healthy allotment of french fries. For more than half a century the approach has proven successful in preventing people from experiencing feelings of deprivation which have been known to lead to the post-weight loss binge eating bonanzas that other diet or healthy food programs often trigger.

What most people do not realize is that any obsession, including one which involves eating only good foods, can turn unhealthy. The fixation on "good" versus "bad" food is often the culprit that leads s to obsessive compulsive food behaviors, anxiety and poor nutrition. Many vegetarians and vegans

My friend J. Michael gave me some sage advice. Since he's great looking, a former pro athlete and single in NYC, I figured he'd been in and out of more than a few beds (and heads) in his time. He says his grandfather, (a steel mill workin', Harley drivin', huntin' and fishin', shot and a beer kinda guy), imparted some priceless wisdom that still holds true today. So here goes, some simple tips for both sexes to incorporate into their dating agenda.

Guys learn this:

Cuddles and compliments. Give her what J. Michael calls "cuddles and compliments." We know men are visual, and women fall in love more with their ears. So learn to say something positive, like "you look adorable in that" or "I love it when you wear your hair that way." It's not hard, and it's free. Throw in a really nice thing once a week, like leave her a note, pick up wine or flowers on the way over. You'll thank J. Michael. A lot.

Circulate. Casually dating several girls at once is OK, dating several girls within

For a fun twist on your Academy Awards show get-together, skip the heavy burgundies, the pinot noirs and merlots, and try out these star-studded cocktail recipes:

Fragoli Strawberry Liqueur: First only available in Europe, this wild strawberry liqueur only hit North America in 2006 and has become famous for its sweet taste and visual appeal -somehow the mini red berries manage to stay suspended in the vibrant red liquid. Excellent for mixed drinks - sparkling wine, vodka, dry vermouth are all great mixers, or as a base for strawberry Mojitos. Give your guests the red carpet treatment by handing out champagne flutes upon their arrival filled with Fragoli (1 ounce)

Perhaps it's something in the air, the faint and not so distant smell of Spring and the promise of potential new flings which may trigger it. Another factor could be that the honeymoon period is winding down for all those who hooked-up during the pre-holida season. And of course, there is always the post Valentine's Day relationship reality check which sets off the flight and/or fear syndrome for some.

The dark and dreary dumpsters are no fun place to be and it's easy to get sucked into a deep hole of self-pity, doubt and sadness. But you do not have to let a break-up break you! You can start by

That little envelope appearing on the phone screen is today's equivalent of AOL announcing "you've got mail." Text messaging and e-mailing are crucial to dating today--from that initial flirty message, to setting up plans, to being a primary form of relationship communications.

The dating world is split: some love the convenience and confidence that semi-anonymous text and e-mail communications allow. Others think it's the end of romance and good manners. Love it or hate it, messaging is here to stay and the rules are being made up as we go along. Messaging mistakes can cause serious, if unintentional, damage to a new relationship. It's time to learn the new rules--and fast.


Avoid Temptation
Your honey goes to take a shower, leaving a cell phone brimming with texts unattended…the temptation to prowl through can sometimes be too much. Snooping through an inbox that doesn't belong to you never ends well and puts serious damage to the trust level in your relationship. If you

By Lori Bizocco for SingleEdition.com

Valentine's Day isn't just for fancy dressed couples to display their affection in public as they court one another with chocolate covered strawberries. Yet, it can feel that way when you don't have a significant other. Single parents often hide behind their kids so that they don't need to face being romantically remote. Their children become their special Valentine as they bring them carefully crafted school made cards covered with pink symbols of love.

If you're dateless during the holiday, don't let it get you down. With 90 Million singles in the U.S., there are many couple-less parents who know how to have a great time on Valentine's Day. So, call a babysitter for the evening, and start celebrating you!

Call in the Troops
Reach out to other singles from your son or daughters school and ask them how they're spending their time. If they're planning an evening indoors watching Desperate Housewives, motivate them to get out for a