‘Ringin’ in the New Year’ Round-Up
I get it. I realize that the only thing that separates 2013 from 2014 is a single second. In actuality, December 31st is not really that different from January 1st. I realize this. But to me, there is still something new and fresh about turn of the calendar. Maybe it is just in my head, but all the same, I love it.
Not the parties or the glitz (my New Year’s is never like that. Well, not never. I had a big party for the turn of the century, and that was a blast. But I was 26 and that was once). Just the new start. The chance for a re-do.
So, I’ve been scouring the Internet and Pinterest for all things New Year’s, and there are some great ideas out there.
To spark your motivation and enthusiasm, here are some that I thought looked great! Disclaimer: I haven’t tried them all out, here is my go-to list:
Snacks and Appetizers for New Year’s
10+ New Year’s Appetizers by lil’ luna
These all look amazing and like something even I can do!
6 Holiday Party Menus That’ll Impress by Nicole Perry
These are 6 full-on menus for those of you more skilled in the kitchen. They might be a little beyond my level of expertise, but it looks like several of them can be mixed-and-matched!
Healthy New Years Appetizer Recipe Round up by Food Done Light
For those of you not waiting until January 1st to be healthy, these look amazing!
For the Next Day: New Year’s Detoxes and Cleanses
I’ve already decided I am doing the Master Cleanse starting January 1st (unless the doctor tells me no); I did it two years ago and felt fantastic after I did. However, I might incorporate these other cleanses and/or detoxes after. After weeks of eating junk, I need to kick-start my system and break the sugar addiction.
Dr. Oz 3-Day Detox Cleanse
7 Detox Smoothies with Added Health Benefits by Life With Nature
These smoothies each have a different health benefit such as a flat tummy or anti-oxidants. These are a bit more focused than an all-out cleanse or detox.
The Look Better Naked 2 Day Cleanse by Michele Promaulayko
DIY Detox Diet by Style Within Reach
Both of these look like very do-able diets for those who really need to eat during a detox and can’t handle just the juice or shakes. For the DIY Detox, be sure to click on the numbers below the picture on the website for specific recipes. (These might be my back-ups if the doctor nixes the Master Cleanse).
And of course, the Resolutions
I love taking stock of my life, my goals and my progress, and making new goals for the year. I know a lot of people complain that resolutions don’t make it past January, but whatever progress I make is still more than if I hadn’t made any goals. And, I definitely do revisit my goals throughout the year – so I’m a fan of this.
Here are a few tools and printables that can help make your resolutions and goals a little more concrete.
For some specific goals, get this printable from Home Sweet First Home
Here’s a more generic resolution printable by The Girl Creative (aka my baby sister!)
A Checklist for Making SMART New Year’s Resolutions by the Jenny Evolution
This post has concrete steps for setting specific goals. Check out this link from Circles of Faith for a similar post with a lot of great, detailed instructions but also a goals spreadsheet you can fill out!
Cleaning Out the House
Some people like spring-cleaning, but I think New Year’s is a great time to clean house and de-clutter. The whole de-Christmasing ordeal makes such a mess of my house that it motivates me to do a thorough cleaning. Here are two checklists I like:
21 Day Organization Challenge by Holiday Sparkle
Clean-out Checklist by Meg Biram
I like the specific details under each category. (Just ignore the 2012 at the top!)
Getting Organized by Darling Doodle
This website has four different checklists for getting organized: Paper, Clean, Closets, Kitchen. I love that someone is just telling me what to do and how to get organized. I can definitely follow a list!
And to start off the year with the right mindset…
I can’t find the original owner of this picture, but I love this idea. So much to be gained from having a thankful heart. In even the worst of years, this is an amazing reminder that there are so many good things that happen, too.
Here’s to praying that your jar will be full – and overflowing- in 2014!
Wow! Lots of groovy things you have here! I like the checklists – the cleaning one too (I am a clean freak). But being kind to myself will certainly be on my list. I don’t do oaths or vows or whatever either. But I might have a little list with me, like you so generously provided, about gratitude. I have a shiny new notebook that needs purpose…maybe this is it.
Thank you for sharing of yourself this year (even though i am new to your words). I look forward to reading you in the new year. 🙂
Blessings,
Paul
Thanks, Paul! I know, I get a little ambitious with things like this! But I find that if I don’t aim big, I take the easy way out. I don’t always achieve all of my goals, but I’ve found if I aim big, I get more done than if I hadn’t at all.
But I love what you said about being kinder to yourself. That is so good. And you know what? In a million years, I don’t think that ever would have crossed my mind to write – and that is something so important. Really gives me something to think about…WHY wouldn’t that cross my mind?
I’ve enjoyed your writing too, and I’m looking forward to continuing to follow your journey as well – and see what you do with that new notebook. 🙂
Happy New Year!
I’ve seen some of these thing on pinterest (and pinned them too)! I hope you have a great 2014! Blessings!
Pinterest is deadly- addicting! lol At least I can try to put it to good use! Happy New Year to you as well~ 🙂
Really lovely blog, I have to say this time around. And YES – uh, organization IS a challenge. Gosh, I could not go on blogging if I tackled those cabinets and drawers.
:/
I can relate to that! LOTS around my house is undone b/c of blogging! If that is the case, then I still find blogging a necessary ‘evil’! My husband might think otherwise…. 🙂
Chuckle.
Copy that.