New Years Resolutions - Out with the old and in with the new!

Happy in between week ladies, we hope you had a fabulous Christmas and overindulged totally, because after all that is what its about heh?? well its that time again...... time to talk New Years Resolutions aarrrgh!!!!!!!!1

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend more time with family and friends.

Apparently more than 50% of Westerners vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends in the New year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a fave Restaurant or take the family to one of these fun outdoor hangouts for some family fun Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in some Fitness.

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular charity walks or runs. 

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of Adult westerners are considered over weight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Years commitment to shed some extra kilos.

4. Quit smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides so much easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!  Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hot lines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. 

5. Enjoy life more

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!  Just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at bike riding Go to a theatre performance or head to the local spa.  A wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about any one's wishes, is at your feet. 

6. Cut back on drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. Set yourself a goal such as "just on weekends" and see how you go .

7. Get out of debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of people who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 

8. Learn something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 

10. Get organised

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. There are quite a few professional organisers around who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

Ten of the Best!

Hello Girls.

We are thinking of taking a trip overseas, and oh my, I might sound like a worry wart but I haven't done it before. Now the munchkins are 6 and 3 I am thinking I could tackle this. I have therefore tried to compile a list of the 10 most Important (matter of life and death) things you need while travelling with littlies.

PS oh and by the way I have changed the name of this series to 10 of the best instead of three (there is too much to include).

This list of essential items applies equally to long-term travelling and day-trips. Those of you who know Australia will know how far it is between destinations (especially WA)

Having these items can make the difference between truly enjoying a place, or being uncomfortable and eager to get home! 

1. Baby wipes (eg Wet Ones are a definate life saver).
2. Zip-lock bags (these items have a multitude of uses).
3. Nappies or spare undies, a change of clothes, and warm clothing.
4. Drink bottle and snacks.
5. A camera (to capture the usual as well as the unexpected precious moments).
6. First aid kit (including a good supply of band-aids).
7. Hat and sunscreen.
8. Swimming gear.
9. Baby/toddler carrier or backpack.
10. A favourite toy.(The ds is fabulous or portable DVD player for a change of mood)

In addition to these 10, it's always helpful to carry a sense of humour. (For when things don't go to plan - and they rarely do!)

Having some swimming gear on a hot day, a jumper when the evening turns cool, or a band-aid when someone stubs his toe, add to making a trip enjoyable and makes the effort of thoughtful packing really worthwhile.

So take the time to pack a few extra things, and enjoy your holidays!