Of course, you could use the old fashion method of simply telling your friends and family your resolutions, but then you probably wouldn’t be reading MakeUseOf.com if you participated in such old school methodologies. I’m kidding of course, but if you are reading this, you are interested in how to help make your resolutions a reality using free web 2.0 tools.

Following are two free social networks that can help you create, share and follow through with all of your 2010 new years resolutions and beyond.

ToolstoLife.com

If you prefer a guided approach, then this service is what you need. According to their latest blog post, there is a free program called the Personal Freedom Revolution of 2010 that will walk you through the process of creating real change in your life day by day.

At ToolsToLife.com you have the opportunity to invite friends (within and outside of the website) and share all types of content, including blogs, video and photos. All of the programs on this site are free and include: the 90 Day Tools to Life flagship program, Body Makover Jumpstart Tools, Get a Job Tools, Tools to Optimum Health and Start Living Green Tools.

The programs take you through a daily 15 to 30 minute regimen that is located in a metaphorical toolbox. In the toolbox you will view a video, listen to audio, read an article, create and execute a checklist and answer questions. There are also other tools included such as a goal setting mini-application.

Another interesting feature, are the challenges. Here you can create a challenge and invite others to participate with you. During the challenge you update your progress and have the ability to “nudge” those who are lagging.

If you need more inspiration or motivation, head over the Achievements and Inspiration tabs. There you will find blogs written by the community members (at the time of this writing there are over 35,000 members) and the coaches. The coaches are the members who actually created the free programs.

43Things.com

At this writing, 43Things.com claims to have recorded over 207,044 new years resolutions. It’s no wonder, since they provide a very easy way to get your resolutions out of your head and into their system.

First, if you need some inspiration or ideas, check out the tag cloud on the home page and then check out the links along the right hand side under “New Year’s Resolutions”.

Next, create your account and get started. As with all social networks, I recommend you spend some time filling out your profile completely.

43things.com is used generally to list out your goals, cheer and be cheered by others (the equivalent of receiving a thumbs up or Digg) and comment on the goals of others. For each item on your goals list you can add blog entries, set reminders and mark the goal as done. Once you mark the goal as done, you can explain how you did it, providing inspiration for others.

They have enable a feature specifically for 2010 Resolutions; you simply click on the tab that says “2010 resolutions” from your own personalized profile page and answer the question: “What do you want to do in 2010?”

One drawback, in terms of building an accountability network, is that you can only subscribe to the lists of others. It think it would be best if we could invite others to subscribe to our lists also.

Conclusion

Whichever method you choose, it is important to take a moment and reflect on 2009 and think about where you want to go in 2010. It is my hope that at least one of these tools will help you create the changes you want and need in the coming year.

Do you remember your 2009 resolutions? Did you use any web based tools to help you follow through with those resolutions? Do you plan to use any of these tools, or do you have alternate suggestions? I can’t wait to hear your experiences!

1. Research

First things first… you need to decide what you will give in the first place! Check out these web sites for some inspiration:

• FindGift.com – Take a look at their Gift Wizard.  You answer a few questions about the person receiving the gift and the site gives you a list of suggestions complete with pictures.
• GiftBee.com – They have an interesting blog in addition to a large list of ideas on their site. You can also create wish and gift lists when you register for free.
• NewEgg.com – They have never let me down when it comes to PC related goodies.
• Cnet.com – Here is a video at Cnet TV with some cool tech gift ideas.
• Now that you have your list, and you checked it twice, head on over to PriceGrabber.com and find out about how much you should be paying for the gift.

2. Group Gifting

OK, so you found out that some of the gifts on your list are a bit pricey, but you are not willing to compromise. No problem, group gifting to the rescue! eDivvy.com allows you to share the cost among several people. Did I mention it’s free! Hmmm… maybe I can convince my family to get me that PlayStation 3… They also have a $250 give away going on.

3.  Let’s Make a Deal ( with some Coupons on the side )

I’m always looking for a good deal, and the best deal aggregation site I’ve been able to find is CheapCheapCheap.com. They update frequently and have all the deals that other deal sites have and then some. I like to collect deals throughout the year; you never know when the opportunity to give a gift will arise.

4. Cyber Monday!

If you prefer not to brave the crowds on Black Friday, then you may prefer to participate in Cyber Monday from the comfort of your home. Following are some resources to help you navigate through the plethora of options:

• Mahalo’s Guide – Once again, Mahalo does a great job rounding up the best of the best Cyber Monday online resources.
• CyberMonday.fm – This site aggregates both Black Friday and Cyber Monday online deals.
• DealTaker.com – This is a forum with a wealth of up to date information.

What are your “secret” tips for saving during the holiday season?

The background was removed using the Photoshop Extract tool.

If you already have plans, please share in the comments.

Happy Fourth of July! Let the fireworks begin!

WATCHING FIREWORKS

Google Local

On the left hand side, you will see “4th of July Fireworks”. Click on that link, then type “California” in the search box.

About.com

They have a great list of the best locations in Los Angeles for fireworks displays.

Upcoming.org – LA – SD – OC

A good collection of events.. social networking style

Los Angeles Times Guide

They have compiled a comprehensive list of fireworks locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Fireworks in the Inland Empire

Plenty of events in the Inland area will answer the question of what to do for the Fourth of July holiday today and Friday. Area events include games, fireworks, music, petting zoos and even a helicopter landing.

Yahoo Answers

Answers to the question: “Any good places for fireworks in Southern California on 4th of July?

Newport Beach

Southern California’s largest fireworks display will take place at Newport Dunes Resort on Wednesday, July 4.

Big Bear

The fireworks are shot off from a barge on the Lake and are viewable from any of our public parks or the best spot, from a boat on the Lake.

San Diego Fireworks

There are more than 20 fireworks shows planned around San Diego County.

BUYING FIREWORKS

Is it Legal?

Use this resource to determine if fireworks are legal in your area (Los Angeles County). They are not legal in San Diego County.

FireWorks.com

Phantom fireworks has stands all around Southern California.

Google Local

Type in “fireworks [your location]” in the search box.

Personally, I will go to the happiest place on earth.