Assuming you wont be at home singing 'Auld Lang Syne' by yourself watching the ball drop on television, it'd be interesting to see where everyone plans to be when ringing in the New Year.

Some go to friends' parties, others hit up bars for some live, local music, while others are out clubbing. While it seems everyone is penny-pinching lately, do your fellow St. Louisans a favor and let us in on your cheap choice for celebrating New Year's this 2009/2010 season.

Phil's BBQ- Located on Gravois in South County, this popular restaurant is always filled. Maybe it's the pig decorations or the service, but my money is on the food quality. The owners of Phil's are Italian and know how to make a mean spaghetti; my advice: order spaghetti as your side to your rib eye or pulled pork and you will not be disappointed.  They could have a larger selection of beers, but beggars can't be choosers - they practically let you eat a feast fit for a King on a peasant's salary. The one thing I notice about Phil's that makes it stand out is that the barb-b-que seems to be a tad vinegary tasting which adds a nice zing. If you are looking for a tangy bbq and awesome spaghetti, Phil's is your kind of place.

It's a fact.  Nearly half of American adults make New Year's resolutions year-after-year, and most of these individuals have already forgotten or given up on them 6 month's in.  So, what can you do to increase your chances of success?  We have compiled a few tips, but first, here are some of the most common resolutions:

Click on the event titles for more info. Please keep in mind some of these may require a pre-purchased ticket, while others will allow you to purchase at the door - most offer a discounted price with advanced ticket purchase.  Events are in no particular order:

Amy Grant and Vince Gill want to help spread the holiday cheer this Christmas season, and they are arriving just in time, December 19th at the Scottrade Center.

As a kid and even still, I enjoy a good festive evening car ride of “Christmas light gawking.” Its nice to know that others share my same seasonal urge, which has influenced a variety of light displays over the greater St. Louis area. Two of the most popular (outside of church hosted events) light spectacles are in Jelly Stone Park (Eureka) and Tilles Park (St. Louis).

If you want something that offers a little bit of everything, the upcoming Kaleidoscope event in St. Louis will be perfect for you.

 This New Years Eve, why not spend your night in Grand Center for First St. Louis and have one of the best nights of your life, partying with friends and family while ringing in the new year.

This is much more than a grand party, it is an artful event that will satisfy even the most particular tastes. 

Taste of St. Louis, an appropriate name, but what about the other 4 senses? This year, the Taste of St. Louis had some pretty decent music, the crowd was enjoying it, I was enjoying it, the bums strolling up and down the street were enjoying it.  I can't say too much about the food this year,  I'm on a diet, so I just savored the smells.  I cannot tell you how torturously delightful the scents were, aromas of barbeque, fries and half filled cups of alcohol...heaven. While the food dominates the scene, those who did not come check out Market Street should know that Taste of STL also hosts a variety of artists and their works.  I saw some very nice things, some over priced things, and somethings I couldn't really tell you what their function or subject matter was supposed to be.  Lastly, folks, if you did not go, you missed out on guessing how many footballs fit into the new Ford F-150...or was it even an Ford? I forget, but I'll let you know if I won the contest!