I am not a real golfer. I do play once in a while, but not regularly. I don't even know what my handicap is. I took golf lessons for several years, but I never really care about how well I do with my game. My S.O. on the other hand, has played golf since he was in middle school. I had to drop off my dogs at the doggy daycare the other day so he could make his last-minute tee time.

For me, golf is great when I play for fun. My best time playing golf was when I decided to drop by a random golf course and played with three very nice ladies whom I'd never met before. Got a left hook and ball ended up in the pond three times in a row? No big deal ... just drop the ball on the green and don't worry about including the additional three points to your score. This is probably why my S.O. stops inviting me to play golf with his friends.

Anyway, even though I'm not an avid golfer, I go to golf stores once in a while to see what new things they have. I get compliments all the time from serious golfers for my beautiful Ping putter, which is way too sophisticated for a recreational golfer like me. And before you leave disparaging comments for me, don't worry, I don't take it with me when I play putt-putt.

Just for fun, check out the top searched golf brands to see which ones are favorites. I have no loyalty in terms of golf brands, but it's probably because I don't take this sports seriously -- how about you?

This month's top searched golf brands on AOL Search:
1. Callaway golf
2. Nike golf
3. Adams golf
4. Ping golf
5. Cobra golf
6. TaylorMade golf
7. Ram golf
8. Ecco golf shoes
9. Titleist golf
10. FootJoy golf shoes

To find golf equipment, check out AOL Shopping and search for golf equipment on AOL Search.

I canceled my gym membership about two years ago. There's nothing wrong with the gym by my house -- it's nice and spacious, it has plenty of nice cardio and weight machines, its locker rooms are clean and it even has an indoor swimming pool. My problem was that I never went. I figured I could use the $65 monthly membership fee for a manicure and a pedicure instead!

So I decided to purchase home gym equipment. I wasn't successful in getting rid of my pool table in the basement, so space was a little limited. My ideal home gym set up is to have at least three cardio machines. I get bored using one machine for a long time, so I usually use two to three different ones in a row for about 20 to 30 minutes each. Because of space, I bought a treadmill and a stationary bike at a local fitness store.

I love having a home gym. Not only do I not have to share sweat and germs with others, but I can also work out whenever I'm home without having to wait for my favorite machine to become available. However, I still miss working out on an elliptical, so once in a while I go in the work gym to use it. Yes, there's a wait sometimes, and of course, there's always the sweat and germs factors, but the elliptical is worth it. Plus, it's free.

My next move is to get rid of my pool table so I can add an elliptical to my collection ... any takers out there? And no, I'm not giving it out for free. If you have a home gym, what do you have? If you're thinking about setting one up, what would be your ideal set up? Check out the top searched fitness equipment below for more ideas. I totally forgot about Bosu until I saw the list. Now that definitely fits in my little home gym!

This month's top searched fitness equipment on AOL Search:
1) Treadmill
2) Elliptical
3) Exercise ball
4) Rowing machines
5) Weight bench
6) Dumbells
7) Stationary bike
8) Yoga mats
9) Bosu
10) Steppers

To find sports and fitness equipment, go to AOL Shopping and search for fitness equipment on AOL Search.

I don't call myself a pessimist, but I always like to have plan B, whether it's for a weekend getaway or for financial needs. Isn't it better to be over-prepared than under-prepared?

Because of that, I am all about insurance. In addition the usual insurance needs such as health insurance and auto insurance, I make sure to get life insurance, travel insurance and pet insurance. To me, paying a little bit extra for peace of mind is worth the money. Plus, when something does happen, it's good to know that I'm covered.

Here's my personal example. When I traveled to Curacao, the airline lost my luggage in Miami. A quick call to my insurance company resulted in a $1,000 shopping spree to cover all of the things that I lost. Nice! It still didn't replace the frustration of losing luggage, but it was great that I was able to replace my lost items easily. So yes, the extra money that I pay for travel insurance is definitely worth it.

I know I am not alone in this. Looking at the list of top searched insurance on AOL Search, you can see that the usual insurance needs are in there. However, other insurance needs that some may consider nonessential still made it to the top 10, such as pet insurance and travel insurance. Side note: as a pet lover, I'm happy to see that pet insurance made the list!

Enough about me ... are you all about insurance, too? Or, do you prefer to not spend the money up front and deal with whatever may happen later on?

This month's top searched insurance on AOL Search:
1) Health insurance
2) Auto insurance
3) Dental insurance
4) Life insurance
5) Homeowners insurance
6) Pet insurance
7) Travel insurance
8) Motorcycle insurance
9) Boat insurance
10) Renters insurance

For more information on insurance and to get free insurance quotes, go to AOL Money & Finance and search for insurance quotes on AOL Search.

If you could pick any place in the world to call home, where would you go? My choices are either London (because it's packed with international visitors and residents), Singapore (because it's super clean), or Bali (because I like the beach and the food, plus it's cheap).

I do think a lot about vacationing and moving. Probably because all my life, I've lived in eight cities in two countries. I'm glad I did -- it helped me make new friends easier then and helps me more adaptable to changes now. It's always fun to meet new people and explore new places, but it's definitely very different when you move as an adult. For my last move, I researched everything from crime statistics in the area to the school system (and I don't even have kids!). When I was little, my main concerns when I moved were places to play in the neighborhood and if my toys made it just fine to the new place.

Now one of my life goals is to have a second home in a different country. Maybe not now since I still need to bank the money, but maybe when I get closer to retirement.

How about you? Are you looking to move to another country, or getting a second home in a different country for your vacation spot? If so, which countries are on your list?

Top searched countries for real estate on AOL Search:
1) Panama real estate
2) Costa Rica real estate
3) Uruguay real estate
4) Belize real estate
5) Jamaica real estate
6) New Zealand real estate
7) Dominican Republic real estate
8) Mexico real estate
9) St. Thomas real estate
10) Bahamas real estate

For more information on real estate, check out AOL Real Estate, and search on AOL Search for real estate in specific countries, such as Jamaica real estate or Mexico real estate.

It's summer and it's time for a vacation! My favorite vacation spots so far are Bali, Belize and Curacao. I'm an active vacationer -- Outer Banks is great for relaxing, but I always bring at least one book per day that I'm there to keep myself occupied. When I'm on a vacation, I like to go hiking, check out historic sites, either snorkel or dive and eat a lot of local food. Sometimes I need to go on a vacation after a vacation!

I don't know about you, but I plan my vacations all year round. Around the beginning of the year, I check out places that I've never been to, and then narrow it down to maybe three to five places based on location, timing and price. After that, I pick one place, book my travel arrangements and then start the whole process all over again. Planning for a vacation is a part of the fun, right?

Anyway, to make my planning somewhat easier, I keep a wish list of places to go on a vacation. The two places that top my list are Fiji and Australia. I have many more on my list, but I think I'll focus on these two for now. What's on your vacation wish list?

Top searched vacation spots on AOL Search:
1) Florida vacations
2) Las Vegas vacations
3) Outer Banks vacation rentals
4) Hawaii vacations
5) Vacation Palm Springs
6) Mexico vacations
7) Myrtle Beach vacation rentals
8) Orlando vacations
9) Maine vacations
10) Texas vacations
To check out vacation destinations, go to AOL Travel and search for vacation spots on AOL Search, like Florida vacations and Mexico vacations.

I have lived in the Washington, D.C., metro area for almost 10 years. That is an eternity for me! I used to move every four to five years. So once in a while, I get the itch to look at other cities and states to see what's out there. But for one reason or another, I always end up staying here.

I was curious to see what states people search for when they're looking to move. It's no surprise that Florida real estate and North Carolina real estate are at the top. The warm weather and low cost of living certainly help. It could also be people looking for a second home. However, I was surprised to see that Maine real estate made it second on the list -- is there something about Maine that I don't know about?

For now, I think I'll stay in the D.C. area since it is a nice place to live. The humidity doesn't bother me and there are plenty of good restaurants around. People are generally friendly -- probably those Southerners who moved up north (although technically Washington, D.C., is in the south). Most importantly, my family and friends are in the area, and that's a huge incentive to stick around here.

How about you? Do you constantly look at real estate in other states? If you recently moved out of state, why did you move? Or, maybe you have your own list of states you're checking out ... if so, please share!

Top searched states for real estate on AOL Search:
1. Florida real estate
2. Maine real estate
3. North Carolina real estate
4. Arkansas real estate
5. Hawaii real estate
6. Tennessee real estate
7. Texas real estate
8. Delaware real estate
9. Utah real estate
10. Arizona real estate

To check out homes for sale and other real estate topics, go to AOL Real Estate and search on AOL Search for real estate areas that you're interested in, such as North Carolina real estate and Maine real estate.

Sometimes I wish I was a child again, so I don't have to think about 401(k) or how much taxes I may need to pay next year. Or maybe I should just be an irresponsible adult and not worry about saving for my future. Well, there goes my plan to retire in Bali!

Talking about retirement, it feels like it's so far away, but I always feel like I'm never saving enough. Maybe it's constantly hearing my financial advisor telling me to put more money in my 401(k). Can he say, "No one will loan you money for retirement," one more time?

Looking at top searches that people do on personal finance, people are definitely more interested in short-term financial needs. 401(k) made it in the top 10, but after topics related to mortgage, loans and insurance. Maybe I'm thinking too far ahead, but I always believe in working first then play later. So maybe retiring in Bali won't be a stretch!

Well, enough about me. What's your take on personal finance? Are you prepared for the future? Or are you focusing more on the short-term needs, such as mortgage rates, credit score and insurance? What concerns do you have on your financial situation?

This month's top searched personal finance topics on AOL Search:
1) Mortgage calculator
2) Loans
3) Stock quotes
4) Credit report
5) Personal loans
6) Health insurance
7) Auto insurance
8) Mortgage rates
9) 401(k)
10) Bad credit loans

For more information on personal finance, go to AOL Money & Finance and search for personal finance topics such as mortgage rates and credit report on AOL Search.

Everyone seems to be into home makeovers. How could you not after watching an episode of the tear-jerking 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'? And do you remember 'Trading Spaces'? Is that show still on?

It seems like now the trend is all about outdoor living. One of the latest home catalogs that I received features an outdoor kitchen, complete with stainless steel grill and other cooking appliances. Of course, there's an outdoor wet bar and a beautiful dining set overlooking the lush garden and fountain. Maybe that's great if you live in California. But the East Coast humidity may just kill the fun of cooking and dining outside.

Regardless of how I feel, I can't deny that expanding living space outdoors is hot right now. Just look at the list of top searched outdoor living, the term "outdoor kitchens" is tops on our list. This definitely piques my curiosity and maybe I'll stop throwing away that outdoor living catalog!

So what have you done to expand your living space outdoors? Any tips and pointers?

This month's top searched outdoor living terms on AOL Search:
1. Patio furniture
2. Hot tubs
3. Patio umbrellas
4. Outdoor kitchens
5. Outdoor lighting
6. Swimming pool
7. Outdoor rugs
8. Patio cushions
9. Patio doors
10. Grill

To check out more outdoor living ideas, go to AOL Shopping and for more tips and ideas, search for outdoor living spaces on AOL Search.

The only time I've ever been on a cruise was when I was in elementary school. Unfortunately, it was not a pleasant experience since I got seasick. Ever since then, I've stayed away from cruises, but maybe one of these days I'll try to brave it ... or not. I'm just not sure if this is the type of vacation for me. Getting seasick is only one issue. During vacations, I prefer to go at my own pace instead of following someone else's schedule. I also prefer to get to know the country that I'm visiting instead of just checking out a few sites for a few hours and then heading off to another country.

Maybe I'm completely mistaken. I'm sure there are cruise lines out there that can accommodate my type of vacation. Alaska definitely sounds very interesting. One of my colleagues went on a cruise to Alaska and raved about how beautiful everything was. It also tops our list as the most searched cruise vacation spot this month, so it can't be bad!

I need your help: Convince me to go on a cruise vacation. What's so great about being on a cruise? What are the best cruise vacation spots you've been to? If you're thinking about going on a cruise, which destinations are you planning to visit?

This month's top searched cruise vacation spots on AOL Search:
1) Alaska cruise
2) Cruise to nowhere
3) Caribbean cruise
4) World cruise
5) Hawaii cruise
6) Bermuda cruise
7) Bahamas cruise
8) Mexico cruise
9) Cruise Italy
10) European cruise

If you want more information on cruises, check out AOL Travel and search for cruise lines on AOL Search.

I have two dogs and I love them as if they were my babies! My birthday wish ever since I was in the second grade was to get a puppy. Unfortunately I never got one, so when I got my own place, one of the first things I did was look for a puppy. Of course I picked one up from the first breeder that I visited. How could I say no when a 3-pound adorable little puppy chewed on my shoe lace and then lay on his back for a belly rub?

Now that adorable little puppy is almost six years old and he's the best dog ever! I decided to get a second puppy a few years ago and honestly, he's not as good as my first dog, but I still love him as much. How can I get mad when he looks so happy after barking at my neighbors?

As much as I love my dogs, sometimes I can't believe how much money I spend on them. When my S.O. (significant other) and I are out of town, I board them at a doggy daycare that costs almost as much as a hotel room so they can play with other dogs all day long. They get as many toys as they can handle all the time. Plus, let's not forget the costs to replace my shoes that they chewed on when they were puppies.

It's a good thing that my dogs can't tell me their wish lists. If so, I'd probably buy every single item. It's also a good thing that I stick to mostly essential pet supplies for my dogs. I don't dress them up in dog clothes or carry them everywhere in a dog purse. Although I am still contemplating about getting pet insurance. If I did buy all of these items, then I would have to tap into my shoe shopping budget!

I know I am not alone in spoiling my dogs. What's the most expensive or unusual thing you've bought for your pet? Or, what's the most ridiculous thing you've done for your pet?

Check out this month's top searches of not-so-basic pet supplies on AOL Search. I doubt many of them are in your pet's wish list, or are they?
1) Pet insurance
2) Dog clothes
3) Pet urns
4) Pet furniture
5) Dog dresses
6) Dog steps
7) Dog diapers
8) Dog stroller
9) Dog jewelry
10) Dog car seat

Can't get enough of pets? Check out AOL's Animal Hubbub for more pet stories, go to AOL Shopping to buy pet items and search for pet supplies on AOL Search to find pet supplies.

When I first bought my townhouse, I spent my weekends at Home Depot and Lowe's. That was a few years ago, and now my visit frequency to home improvement stores has decreased significantly. Thank goodness, since some of them are just dusty.

But now that summer is here, I'm back at those stores again whether it's to buy gardening supplies or to get paint samples just for fun. What is it with us homeowners who can't get enough of DIY home makeover projects? This is all new to me -- I grew up in a house where we hired people to do home improvement projects, whether it's a large project like remodeling the bathroom or a small task like putting up window treatments. So I'm all for hiring people to finish up projects around the house.

My S.O. on the other hand, is all gung ho about doing everything himself. Putting up a drywall? He's done it. Installing Pergo floor? Done. Changing a toilet? Done. Putting in new bathroom faucets? Done. If I haven't insisted on getting a fencing company to build a fence for our backyard, he probably would've tried to build one himself. But I'm happy that he's good with all of these home projects since I can use the money we save for something fun, like a vacation!

So how about you? Are you all about DIY home improvements? Or do you prefer to hire other people to do the job for you?

This week's top searched home improvement projects on AOL Search:
1) Kitchen cabinets
2) Gardening
3) Hot tubs
4) Window treatments
5) Flooring
6) Painting
7) Kitchen designs
8) Bathroom designs
9) Deck plans
10) Bathroom remodeling

For tips and ideas on DIY home improvements, check out AOL Home and search for home improvement projects on AOL Search.

I'm probably the last person who should talk about dating since I've been with my S.O. for more than 12 years. That is a long time, but we started dating when we were really young. However, my single friends are out and about in the dating world. Hearing their stories makes me glad that I have my S.O. -- it's a jungle out there!

A friend of a friend refuses to date guys in the city because she thinks that they're not as committed as guys who live in the suburbs. Another friend only dates guys who are seven years older than she is. Her theory is, men are four years behind with their maturity and women are three years ahead with their maturity. Thus, the seven-year difference is perfect. Also, I've heard that it's better to date people who have dogs because they're used to putting someone else's needs ahead of theirs.

So where are the best places or what are the best methods you've found in getting a date? I'd love to hear success and funny stories about your first dates, too!

This week's top searched online places to find dates on AOL Search:
1) Classified personals
2) Dating sites
3) Dating service
4) Speed dating
5) Dating chat rooms
6) Dating game
7) Telephone dating
8) Dating classes
9) Pet lovers personals
10) Local personals

To find classified personals, check out AOL Personals and search for personals or dating sites on AOL Search.

What's your criteria when you shop for a car? The reliability? The price? The brand name? If you pick the brand name, then it's likely that you like luxury cars. Since when do Hyundai owners decide that they must have a Hyundai to impress others?

You probably know by now that I drive a hybrid car. I actually traded in an Audi TT for a Toyota Prius and believe me, that was a sad day! The little TT was fun, but it was impractical. Well, that was my intention when I got the TT: to get a fun, impractical sports car :-) I must be more mature or something, since now I think that driving a 4-door sedan is better than driving a cute little sports car. But once in a while, I sigh and think about my little TT.

Whatever reasons you have in selecting a car, I'm sure at one point in your life you've looked at luxury cars, either for serious research or just for fun. So for all you luxury car fans (owners or not), which luxury car tops your list?

This week's top searched luxury cars on AOL Search:
1) BMW
2) Lexus
3) Audi
4) Cadillac
5) Mercedes-Benz
6) Acura
7) Porsche
8) Jaguar
9) Lamborghini
10) Infiniti

To check out more luxury cars, go to AOL Autos and search for luxury cars on AOL Search.

My wireless phone contract ends in August. That means I get to shop for a new phone ... woohoo! The iPhone is super nice, but I don't think I want to spend more than $500 on a phone. I know, it's more than just a phone, but I already have a video iPod and the only times I've ever used Internet on my phone are to find movie times and phone numbers of local restaurants.

I played around with my friend's BlackBerry Pearl and I like that it's sleek and compact. But I'm not sure if I could get used to the double letters on each key pad. I'm accustomed to a full-size key pad, so I've been spoiled. I guess as it gets closer to August, I'll check out cell phones in more detail. In the meantime, I'll do some window shopping and research online.

So help a girl out here, I need some ideas! When June 29 comes around, will you be one of the first people to get the iPhone? What cell phone do you have and how do you like it? Or, what's on your wish list for cell phones?

This week's top searched cell phones and smart phones on AOL Search:
1) iPhone
2) BlackBerry
3) Sidekick iD
4) Sidekick 3
5) BlackBerry Pearl
6) BlackBerry Curve
7) Treo
8) Nokia N95
9) Treo 755
10) Samsung BlackJack

Looking for new cell phones? Check out AOL Shopping or search for cell phones on AOL Search.

I used to scoff at people who spent hundreds of dollars on a pair of jeans ... until I tried a pair on myself! I'm now completely sold on the designer jeans :-) OK, so Gap jeans are still comfortable, but why is it that designer jeans feel and look better on me? It's probably just psychological, but oh well.

Let me try to justify spending money on designer jeans. Let's see ... one, they make me look good (I think). Two, trying them on is fun. And three, they make better treats than doughnuts since they motivate me to stay in shape instead of adding calories to my diet.

The only complaint that I have about designer jeans is they're too long for me. I'm not tall, but I'm not short either, but somehow I always manage to drag my jeans on the ground. Maybe it's time I get a tailor to hem them.

Anyway, which is your favorite jeans brand? Or do you think that spending over $100 on a pair of jeans is ridiculous?

This week's top searched designer jeans on AOL Search:
1) Seven jeans
2) True Religion jeans
3) Lucky Brand jeans
4) Red Monkey jeans
5) Rock and Republic jeans
6) Calvin Klein jeans
7) Guess jeans
8) Hudson jeans
9) DKNY jeans
10) Diesel jeans

To find jeans, designer made or not, go to AOL Shopping and search for jeans and designer jeans on AOL Search.