Donating to a charity will make you feel good about yourself and will help your community, country or planet. And if you make that donation before 2008 ends, it will also help your financial situation because you’ll be able to write off the donation on your taxes in 2009. If you don’t have a favorite charity already, here are some suggestions:

If you can’t afford to make a monetary donation now, you can also make an in-kind donation or volunteer your time.

Since we are all going to resign ourselves to lose weight as our New Years Resolution, I might as well finish out my 2008 eating like a greedy girl. My total obsession is sweets. Cookies, ice cream, cupcakes. Love them all and could probably OD on chocolate all day long. I don’t need to eat a balanced diet with Godiva in my life. As an ode to my addiction, I’d like to try and whip up a decadent chocolate cake. Baking is very therapeutic and there’s nothing better than smelling that wonderful aroma of something cooking from your oven. I’m going to try this one from the Food Network.

You know those really fabulous boots you’ve been dying to own, but really can’t afford? Forget them. Now’s your chance to breathe new life into your worn boots and shoes for a fraction of the cost of a new pair. Most cobblers can put a new heel or sole on any kind of footwear. And some can stretch a pair of shoes or even turn a pointy toe into a rounded toe. It really doesn’t make sense in this economy to spend a ton of money on a frivolous purchase when you can just update what you already have. I have a classic pair of lace-up boots from the 90’s that I can still wear because my cobbler changed the sole and polished them recently.

I don’t have any men in my life who need presents—except for my dog, of course—but making a trip to the men’s department is going to make these last few days of frantic shopping bearable. Why? Because there are handsome things to take in, and I’m not talking about what’s for sale. Just look at this model on Steven Alan’s website. After seeing his cute, scruffy face, I feel so much better about having not bought a single present.

I think I may be one of the few girls that’s out here that does not own a vibrator. But after shopping for batteries with a girlfriend of mine who insists she has one in every color and every size, it got me thinking why haven’t I ever brought one? Is it embarrassment to go into a sex shop? Is it shame because I haven’t gotten any in awhile and the idea I need an object to stimulate me humiliates me a bit? Whatever the reason is, it’s time to change all that! Thank goodness for Annika. She told me to start off small with a pocket rocket…that sounds enticing. Hit up stores like Babeland.com for the best selection in female friendly sex toys.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

There’s only 16 days left in 2008 and 120 days left until you absolutely HAVE TO pay taxes. That’s why you should make any big purchases, which can be written off, before the end of the year—for example, I seriously need a computer at home so I don’t have to tote my laptop home every evening. If I hit up the Mac store and buy it before December 31, I’ll be able to write it off on my taxes when I file on April 15. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the economy is in shambles and a computer is a big purchase, but if you need something anyway, you should buy it now so you can benefit financially, at least a little, in 2009.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

If you’re a working girl, you have a certain number of days you can take off for vacation, illness, etc., and at a lot of companies, these days off don’t carry over into the next year. Make sure to use as many of your days as possible before the year ends—just don’t so much that your boss realizes you’re dispensable.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

I have thousands and thousands of digital photos on my computer and maybe three photos actually framed in my apartment. Why? Because I’ve been lazy about getting my favorite photos developed. While digital cameras are awesome for the sheer immediate gratification factor, they also have contributed to the lack of long term appreciation for those same memories. Therefore, while there’s still a few days left in 2008, go through your Flickr, Picasa, and iPhoto albums and select some of your favorite images from the last year and order prints! Give your apartment a much needed dose of homeyness by displaying those memories to appreciate on a daily basis.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

I bought a lamp at a thrift store for $1.95 over the summer. It’s a beautiful thing—white porcelain with tiny gold stars along its edges. The only problem was that it didn’t turn on when I plugged it in. The lamp sat at home, useless, until I finally got fed up and went to Home Depot. A nice older man taught me about rewiring, and I even learned how to do an underwriters knot! Take the next couple weeks to complete the project you’ve had on hold for ages. Just do it, okay? 

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

We already suggested that you should get rid of your gross underwear, but we also think it’s time to get some new bras. You may not know this, but you, like most women, are probably wearing the wrong size. A bra fitting at a reputable lingerie shop (the H&M underwear section doesn’t count) will fix that. So don’t be shy. We did it! And you can watch, after the jump…

Some catalogs are worth their weight in paper, others are a waste. I get an average of two L.L. Bean catalogs a month, and while I adore them and the fact that they sell plaid duct tape (amazing, right?!), I really don’t need to see the same sweaters, duck boots, and alarm clocks multiple times each month. Just think of those poor trees that were cut down to make all those L.L. Bean catalogs! So, I am going to call up my favorite purveyor of monogrammed tote bags and tell them to stop sending me glossy books every month. You should do the same—or go to Catalog Choice and communicate with companies about what catalogs you no longer wish to receive.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

Dental hygiene is important, people. If you don’t wash your face for a while, you might sprout a few zits. Those go away in time. If you stop brushing your teeth, they might fall out. Tooth loss is forever. Use the next 21 days to develop a habit that will keep your chompers in business. If you’re lazy like me, try dental flossers, which even come in the shape of dinosaurs! Plaque is not sexy. Floss.

Who doesn’t have a few pairs of underwear that are a few washes past flattering, or a bra that looks more gray than white? If you want a fresh start this January, you better get a few fresh pairs. And, bonus, cute new undies mean you’ll never have an embarrassing Bridget Jones-moment if you get lucky. Here are a few Frisky staff favorites to make your shopping a little easier…

1. Honeydew Intimates Fine Mesh Boyshorts, $14, Nordstrom.com
2. Victorian Lace Boyshort, $3.80, Forever21.com
3. Ultra Low Lacy Tanga, $14.50, Gap.com

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

The entire Frisky office is presently working on the “Twilight” series because we’re trying to escape the holidays (if only for a few hours a week) and we love sexy, beautiful men, even if they’re imaginary. I’m also planning on reading the Sookie Stackhouse books now that the first season of “True Blood” is done. I didn’t want to spoil the TV series for myself, so now that I know the plot of the first book, “Dead Until Dawn,” I can’t wait to actually read it and the rest of the series in preparation for season two. If you’re not interested in these vampire series, then now is the perfect time to reread the Shopaholic series because the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic” premieres early next year. Other great series’ to consider? All of Augusten Burrough’s memoirs, the “Dexter” book series (on which the TV series is based), and, yeah, Harry Potter.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

We may be “Gossip Girl” fanatics, but there is a duo on TV that put Blair and Serena to shame, and that would be Dr. Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy.  Before their return in January, you need to get hooked on “Nip/Tuck.”  Despite the gore factor (which, trust, you get used to) this is the sexiest show on television. Not just a show about plastic surgery, “Nip/Tuck” is much, much more; drama, sex, murder, sex, scandal, sex, mystery, sex, you get the picture. Plus they have hilarious and wonderful guest stars—catch up on all the episodes online or through Netflix.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

My BF has been trying to persuade me to cook for him lately because he often cooks for me. I’m not really interested in cooking, so I know it would mean a lot to him if I made the effort. I’ve decided to prepare this recipe for vegetarian lasagna because it fits all his dietary restrictions. I’m thinking I’ll make it for his birthday dinner in January. But first, I’ll have to try it on a guinea pig a.k.a. Mom this month. I think you should also try a new recipe this month because a dish of food is always an appreciated gift at a holiday party. Check out these excellent recipes if you’re looking for something new.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

I’m a collector of many things, like shoes, Barbie dolls and magazines (I still have the first issue of Lucky). I never really notice my magazine stacks until I’m trying to find space on my bedroom floor for a new shoe box. Obviously, my boudoir is cluttered, so this month I’m going to go through all my mags and only keep the really important ones. I’ll also clip out any stories, photos or covers I like. And while I’m at it, I’ll create an inspiration board of my clippings, lifting the clutter off the floor and onto an organized bulletin board. I think this is the perfect step for you to also get a jump on your New Year’s de-clutter resolution.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

Every year we miss the Dec. 31 deadline for the New York Cares Coat Drive. And then we guiltily buy a new coat and promise ourselves to make a donation next year. And this month we’ll fulfill that promise and we hope you will too. If you’re not in the New York area, you can donate your gently used coat at any Burlington Coat Factory during the Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Coat Drive. And as if the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from making a donation wasn’t enough, Burlington will take 10 percent off your purchase when you donate a coat. So now you can buy yourself something without any guilt, or you can keep spreading the love by donating a little something-something to a needy child. Most communities have a charity that is fulfilling holiday wishes for children.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

My ex and I shared the same iTunes library and while in some ways it has served me well—so much Led Zeppelin!—it has also caused much, much embarrassment. You know how you can set your IM status message to show what song you’re listening to? Well, it is really no fun when someone out of the blue pings me and says, in a patronizing tone, “Why on earth are you listening to Shinedown?!” That’s why I’m taking the next 29 days to reorganize my iTunes, deleting the music I absolutely DO NOT want representing my taste on IM, creating playlists, and downloading new songs that I can’t wait to listen to on the way to work. I suggest you do the same and while you’re at it, add a bunch of rock star approved tracks by checking out our Get Your Rocks Off playlists from bands like Girl Talk and The Postelles, and singers like Rhett Miller and Craig David.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.

Most of us, upon the arrival of the new year, swear to begin a nutritional regimen Madonna would of and take up jazzer-yoga-lates or some other new fangled workout routine. Some will stick to their resolutions; others will last a respectable amount of time before binging on burritos; and a solid portion will cave by January 7th. Regardless, for the, now, 30 days remaining this month, just embrace all the delicious food and beverages being shoved in your face at holiday parties, dinner dates, and mom and dad’s house. You have all of next year to feel crappy about yourself with Glamour‘s help! For now, eat like a fat kid let loose in Magnolia Bakery and drink like an alcoholic swimming in a river of vodka. Here are some recipes that will help.

See all the ways to make the most of the last 31 days of 2008 here.