Tu B’Shvat is this week and is the perfect day to reflect on how we might better take care of the earth and its resources. Though the holiday has changed throughout the centuries, Tu B’Shvat can be a day to celebrate the unique partnership between man and nature. It appears that now, more than ever, we need to be more conscious of everything we do and how it affects the planet.

So cupcakes are dead and pie is the new ….well, cupcake! Kumquats are the new pomegranate and vegetables, especially root vegetables are the new meat (I called that one last year). Kale is the new hottie in the sauté pan AND the salad bowl and not eating meat once a week is all the rage.

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 Jewish 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 Jewish 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?!

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