Summer is the obvious time when people think about losing weight, cutting calories and finally getting that bikini bod. (So shallow you are.) But just because sweater weather has officially arrived doesn’t mean you still couldn’t trim off a few calories here and there. And because not drinking is not an option, more places around Los Angeles and Orange County are offering skinny cocktails. Here are 12 drinks (without artificial ingredients) that will help you live it up while keeping your calorie count down.

Lagers and stouts and ales, oh my! With the whole mixology craze reaching critical mass, it makes sense that the realm of cocktails has at once moved beyond and returned back to basics. Namely, with beer. For some, wine is too snobby and fruity cocktails are too girly. So it was only a matter of time before the humble brew got its own moment in the spotlight. Here are a few places to find beer cocktails in Los Angeles and beyond.

As an official food & fun expert (don't you love that?), I'm always asked to name my favorite restaurant, the hottest of-the-moment spot or what places an out-of-town friend should not miss. So I figured why not post some of these emails, tweets and Facebook messages with my answers. Hence, the new Marpop series, "Ask Mar."

Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind. Okay ... forget the barftastic Will Smith song. (Wouldn't want you to lose your appetite.) The season of outdoor dining has arrived and a tasty picnic is just the way to do it. Whether you're in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago or Napa Valley, here are some delicious ideas for prepared picnics to go.

Looking for the best bites at LA's hottest restaurants? Much like an album, most restaurants serve up a few great hits that stand out from the rest of the menu and can be enjoyed over and over again. Whether it's the perfectly crisped piece of thin-crust pizza or a delicious preparation of vegetables (there's a lot of green food on this list), find out where to eat and what to order so you can get the best dishes being served in Los Angeles right now. Ready, set, go!