"The bluefish are running," as they say around these parts, so my husband and I are working on our fishing techniques! Since I didn't grow up on the water, I had to re-learn how to cast this summer. It had been so long! We have also done a lot of crabbing which takes some know-how, but trust me it's not rocket science. While Greg was teaching me, I thought - why didn't we go fishing while we were dating? We should have! I really think fishing - whether out on a boat charter, from a neighborhood dock or at a public pier - is one of those rare catch-all activities that anybody can do and enjoy. It would be an awesome MIRL activity for folks meeting for the first time.

You don't have to live on or even near the ocean to go fishing. Google "where to fish" and your state or "fishing in" your state - typically your local Department of Natural Resources will have an entire page devoted to where to go and information about whether or not you need a license (it's all about time of year). Find a new friend on MIRL who's interested and make a day of it. Hit up your local bait and tackle, and get out there! It's so much fun.

When I was in college in the 90s, meeting folks via the Internet was still unheard of. So naturally when my "nerd" friend Steve* met a girl via an online message board, he was the talk of our little social group. The object of his affection was from Australia, so they decided to meet in Hawaii to get to know one another (ooh la la!), and eventually they got married. The whole scenario seemed far-fetched for me, but little did I know at the time I would eventually meet many of my friends online! How times have changed.

Today meeting new people online is just a seamless extension of my offline world, thanks to sites like MIRL. Several of my friends met their soulmates online prior to ever meeting in person.

Here are some quick tips for you GUYS out there who are looking for love, friendship, or to try a new hobby with someone you met online.

Respond to her right away. If she's cute and has a witty post, chances are she's getting lots of responses - but she hasn't heard from YOU yet! If she's someone you'd like to get to know, don't wait. Get that first message in her Inbox right away, and don't delay when she writes you back. If you are really looking to meet someone new and not to play games, be sincere in your correspondence from the beginning.

Do NOT copy & paste! News flash: she can spot your generic script a mile away! Ask yourself why you are still using this boilerplate response. Maybe it's not working for you.

I heard from one friend who recently went back to the world of online dating. She currently has a handful of responses in her Inbox that were word-for-word exactly the same thing she received when she was looking for love online almost a year ago.

Your email needs to sound like it was written just for her, otherwise she won't even read it.

Get her attention and show some personality. For example, the following will not get much attention:

1. Hi, my name is Mike. I'm in wireless sales. I have a dog, I am 6'0 and have dark hair.
2. I think you're so hot. Write me back so that we can get to know each other better
3. You seem very cool. I would like to meet you.
4. Where have you been all my life. I'm Joe, I am new to this area and trying to meet new people. I found you to be interesting. I live downtown and like to go dancing, eat out, and play golf. Hit me up if you would like to talk more.

The first 3 are actually very commonly sent! The main problem with them is that they are boring, and the recipient has nothing to respond to.

The 4th is better, but still very dry. Joe doesn't sound like he's talking to an actual woman here!

Bottom line: open up a bit and show some personality. Get her attention by responding specifically to some of the things you already know about her - from a post she's written or her profile. Do not try and agree with everything she says (i.e. paint yourself as the perfectly matched person), but let her know where you have common ground.

Be honest about your age. Remember, meeting online should be an extension of your real life. Lying about one's age seems a little fishy in real life - and it stinks online as well.

Include a picture. If you liked her picture, it's only fair that she see yours as well! Even if she didn't send a picture, send yours so she can start to visualize this person she's corresponding with.

What has worked for you when posting online? Guys, any tips to share that have worked for you? Ladies, what would you like to see more of? This week I'd especially like to hear from those of you who have successfully started relationships - platonic or romantic - online.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent!

Today's activity: a fun trip to the mall with my friend Lisa and our two little boys. What a welcome break from the sweltering July heat outside!

Some people avoid shopping like the plague, going only when absolutely necessary. For others it's a hobby, a past time and almost a sport. I definitely fall into the latter category. Of late I have curbed my enthusiasm for shopping due to my desire to live a lower impact lifestyle (see the No Impact Man website, blog and movie on Netflix for my inspiration). Still, I have many fond memories of outlet shopping with my Mom, who has bargain-hunting down to a science. We mostly shopped for clothes – the more deeply discounted, the better. When we'd arrive home with our loot I always found it fun to tally up what everything would have cost at full price, and of course there was always the requisite “fashion show” for Dad. As a teen in the late 1980s and early '90s, I'd either walk to my hometown's shopping area with friends or get dropped off at the mall to do my Christmas shopping. Thankfully this was not my only hobby, but I did love it!

In my adult years, I worked in an office building right next to a large upscale mall. If I was having a particularly stressful day, I'd take my lunch hour just to walk around Saks Fifth Avenue, window-shop and breathe the sweet smell of retail. Sometimes I'd be alone, but the more memorable and enjoyable times were when I met up with friends. Getting out and seeing what's new, picking up a gift I need to give, or “visiting” a pair of shoes I'm considering is an instant stress reliever. Going shopping together can feel like a very personal experience, depending on what you are shopping for. But I've found that some types of shopping trips can be a low-commitment activity that women can do together, even when they do not know one another well.

In my opinion, the best time to shop with friends is when either all or none of you have something specific to shop for – that way it's not just one person trying things on while the others watch. You'll also want to remember to SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS! I've been talked into many a purchase by a well-meaning friend only to go back and return the item later. But clothes shopping isn't the only option for a fun outing. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

Outlet Shopping. In this economy, bargain-hunting is even more in vogue than ever. Make plans for a Saturday or Sunday trip to the outlets with your friends for back-to-school shopping, to get ready for an upcoming vacation, or to shop for that unique and discounted summer dress. Since you are likely visiting outlets you don't go to often, always start your day by stopping at the customer service desk to pick up a shopping map. Ask if there's a coupon book and plan your attack. Go to the clearance section first. I'm finding that clothing stores are selling more and more into the coming season, so for example in July and August, Fall clothes are already out. Summer styles are on clearance, so I can find some great stuff for me, my son or my husband to wear right now. I'm an odd size, so I have pretty good luck on the sale racks.

Craft Fairs. Shopping at craft fairs was something new I tried for the first time last year, and let me tell you, I'm hooked! My friends in Northern NJ, The Craftique Creations and Promotions, organize first-rate craft fairs featuring independent crafters. Their fairs are THE best place to find that one-of-a-kind gift or handmade item.

Christmas in July. On a sizzling summer day, sometimes the only option is to cool off at the mall. Plus who wants to fight the crowds during the holiday season? Round up your besties, make a list and plan to do your Christmas shopping early! If you have kids, check your local mall's website for details on face painting, music events, and retailer giveaways (try sites like Westfield.com and select your city). Grab your stroller walking buddies and make the most of it!

Shopping Events. Three fabulous shopping events I've had a ball attending with friends recently are:

Shecky's. Find your local Shecky's, register & round up your fashionista friends! These are so much fun, I've gotten the cutest stuff & hello, free cosmopolitans?

Bridal Shows. Some friends of mine runs these in Northern NJ through their company "Wedding Outlook" and they are tons of fun. They have a fantastic tool on their site where you can find your local bridal show. Bridal shows are great opportunities for brides-to-be, grooms, families and friends to see photographers pictures, watch sample wedding videos from local videographers, sample food from caterers, and just have fun.

Wee Sale children's consignment events. These are local to Maryland only, but there are sure to be similar events near you. Check out their website or Google "consignment sale" in your area as a start.

For those of you in St. Louis, the Becky Thatcher Riverboat offers private shopping events for groups of people. I have not attended these personally, but they sound like fun!

Remember to plan for nourishment, even if it's just grabbing a smoothie as you shop, and end the day with a mall massage or pedicure if you have time. Above all enjoy yourselves, save your receipts and seek out those bargains.

Please post comments on the best shopping ideas in your local area, or great ideas on how you like to shop with friends. Check out your city on MIRL to find new friends to shop with, and get out there! You'll be glad you did.

These days, everyone is looking for new ways to pinch pennies and live greener. Since my five month old's bedtime is around 7pm, I just don't have the time to dine out anymore. Shopping at Costco and making meals from scratch has been a huge money saver for our family and for some of my friends – I've heard so many folks are saving money this way I'd venture to call it a “recession trend.” I was going to do a post on “dining in” socially but as I was doing my research, I discovered a trend I was previously unaware of: cooking clubs! At first I misunderstood the term, and thought this was a purely social type club where participants shared recipes and meals together, like an eating club (a fun idea in its own right). I quickly learned that these types of cooking clubs should really be called “food preparation clubs.”

Cooking clubs are springing up all over the country because busy professionals and parents want to dine in more often. Between school schedules, work travel, soccer practice, late meetings and long office hours most people don't have the time to cook a healthy meal each night. So folks are getting together on Sunday afternoons to cook a week's worth of meals to save money, go greener, promote family togetherness and live healthier. Spending time with others who have the same goals is fun and provides motivation to stay on task. These clubs should not only be for those with children, either! When I was single, doing something like this with girlfriends would have been a great idea – I wish I'd thought of it then. Many busy singles work so hard they skip lunch, spend too much on take-out and eat out more often than they'd like when they could easily (and more healthfully) dine in and brown-bag leftovers from the night before for lunch at work.

The idea is to cook for a few hours and prepare the basic components of the coming week’s dinners while enjoying friends' company and maybe even a glass of wine while you work. Logistically, you might want to limit the group to three or four friends, decide which day of the week works best and rotate who will host the club. Decide on two or three recipes to be cooked, and create a grocery list of what each member should bring. Depending on how many members you have in the club, each member can submit a recipe or you can rotate whose recipe will be used. You will need to have enough ingredients to make dishes for each member. If you have 4 attendees for example, you'll need to be able to make 4 of every recipe. Be sure to include the ingredients for the meals you will cook on your grocery list, and what the hosting member will provide, if anything. Freezer safe containers and food storage bags should definitely be on your list.

Even if you are skilled chefs, you'll want to start simple, quick, healthy and economical meals. If you've been friends for a while, there are sure to be recipes you've been meaning to share. When you are hosting, read through each recipe and check your kitchen for the necessary equipment and gadgets. Be sure to provide a clean, uncluttered kitchen, great background music, and something small to snack on. Brew coffee if you are hosting in the morning, or pick up some wine for an evening event. When you are a guest chef, make sure that you help with the clean up and bring anything that won't be provided by the host or hostess.

You can start by hosting a simple, low-commitment “cooking party.” Find some folks who you think would be interested and ask them to send you their favorite economical freezer-friendly recipes. Put your shopping lists together, and let the cooking begin! I predict you are in for delicious results.