Resolutions

Today’s Resolution: Collect Collectibles

For some people it might be coins, and for others it might be teapots. If you have some type of “collection,” re-examine what you have and find a spot to display it for others to see. If you currently have it out in the open, investigate the possibility of adding to your collection. Check popular websites like eBay or Craig’s list and others. Anything rare in your collection? Find some price lists or comparative items for sale. You may have your hands on a very collectible collectible!

Today’s Resolution: Turn the Tables

Need a change in scenery? You don’t even have to leave your home. Try rearranging a piece of furniture or two for a different perspective.  Move a sofa, change the direction of your bed, or relocate some lamps. It won’t take much movement to give your place a fresh look. Caution: This may require a little cleaning too if you have not vacuumed under the sofa in a while!

Today’s Resolution: Simmer Sweet Smells

Creating a subtle scent in your home can be as close as your lunch. Save orange rinds and apple skins, and place in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. When you have enough to cover the bottom of a small saucepan, add water, cinnamon sticks and simmer for an aromatic scent. Experiment with different fruits and spices. If all else fails, bake some chocolate chip cookies!

Today’s Resolution: Reach for the Stars (or Your Toes!)

Even if you can’t exercise each day, a good stretch will go a long way. Spend 2-3 minutes at various points during the day to stretch those muscles. If you are sitting at a desk, raise your hands above your head and reach as high as you can. Lift both legs and flex your toes. Hold that position for 30 seconds and relax. Try rotating wrists and ankles periodically. Standing? See if you can touch your toes or place the palms of your hands on the ground with straight legs. Try to make progress with flexibility each day.

Today’s Resolution: Put It in the Bag

Give some new life to your overnight bags, travel bags, and sports bags with a whiff of freshness. Before you tuck them away into a closet, add a small sachet or some potpourri to keep them from smelling musty or like the last hotel you stayed in. If you have a favorite athletic bag that is used regularly, it might need a good “airing” outside!

Today’s Resolution: Be a Calendar Curator

Too many things to keep track of? Many people take advantage of electronic calendars and organizers (Blackberry Butlers) to sort out the day’s activities. Sometimes an old fashioned oversized blank desk calendar can provide universal access in a household to everyone’s appointments, meetings, and activities. Put it on the refrigerator or tack it to a convenient bulletin board. Even if you live alone, having everything in one place to view without relying on technology can help you sort things out with just a quick glance. No buttons required.

Today’s Resolution: Make a Paper Trail

Keeping track of expenses makes good sense, but managing the receipts for them is practical sense. Receipts are multi-faceted with what information they can yield when you need it. Many stores offer online survey information in receipts that can net you credits or discounts. Instead of jamming receipts into a wallet or some other convenient place, designate a large envelope for them.

Would you rather go paperless? If purchases are made on credit cards, many companies organized receipt information for you by the category of the purchases to track spending habits. Those small slips of paper can help a great deal in the long run when trying to stick to a budget or sort out tax information. 

Today’s Resolution: Build Brain Power

When was the last time you learned something new? Consider taking a course online through your local community college, library, or elsewhere. Take something for personal enrichment, for skill-building in your job, or to work toward a degree. There are many free and informational classes as close as the internet. Listen to a free lecture on a topic of interest through i-Tunes University or even watch an educational clip through YouTube. If you are seeking less formality, check out a “how to” video or article.

Today’s Resolution: Invest in a Dime a Dozen

There are many people who will swear by the “bulk” method of grocery shopping whether they are purchasing for an individual or a large family. With accessibility to so many bulk distributors, it does seem very appealing to shop this way. However, do not always assume you are automatically saving money here when you shop.

Check out locations near you and see if the prices add up to savings. Even though most require an annual membership, many do provide free “guest” visits. Take a calculator and calculate the price per item for your favorite products. Don’t forget to consider gas money if you have to travel some distance.  Then decide: To bulk or not to bulk?