So How Are Those New Year's Resolutions Going?

It's almost two weeks into the year. Have you been diligent and faithful in keeping that New Year's resolution? Did you make any unusual resolutions?

So ... have you lost any weight since Jan. 1? Taken more walks? Relaxed more, and stressed less? Or did you make any New Year's resolutions at all? Only a few days ago, the topic of New Year's resolutions was on just about everyone's minds. It was that time of year when many people were considering how they can better themselves in 2013. It's not like there aren't plenty of options available to live a happier life. The Georgia Commutes Option program offers money to reward commuters who ditch the solo drive. Resolutions involving living a healthy lifestyle are also popular. This Decatur blogger vowed to run a half-marathon in under two hours in 2013. And many gyms are packed during at least the first few weeks of the New Year (if you're …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Cut Bills, Bad Habits, Prices, Calories

This week Frugal Family offers simple, easy-to-keep-New Year’s tasks that have immediate impacts on your health and budget. Take a look at tips to save on power bills, cut back on bad habits, shop smart, save time and money on food and improve your health

This is the time of year for making resolutions to improve our lives. With the best intentions and lots of hope, we usually find ourselves failing miserably and feeling guilty in short order. Most of the time the failure to succeed is because we set our expectations too high. If we can’t save a set amount of money each month for that cruise, how do we expect to turn financial savvy overnight? Just as it took years to develop bad habits like overeating or smoking, it is going to take time to undo them. A much more productive way to reach our goals is by taking small steps in the right direction, things we can succeed at today and feel a sense of accomplishment. Attaining a goal creates confidence and allows us to tackle the next, harder …

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Tips to Get Organized in the New Year

Local company Payne to Gain Organizing offers advice.

Local company From Payne to Gain Organizing wants everyone to know this is "GO" Get Organized Month. Jen Payne, a National Association of Professional Organizers member, offers these tips from NAPO: • Create a list of priorities for your business and determine what needs immediate action. A professional organizer or productivity specialist can review your priorities and recommend a plan for getting started, without interrupting your daily business workflow.  • Practice better time management. A NAPO member can help both you and your staff hone time management skills and increase productivity in the workplace.  • Evaluate your space. Does it feel productive and calm? Physically setting up better-functioning spaces can help employees reduce …

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20 Ways to Go Green in 2013

If your New Year's resolution is to live a greener lifestyle, check out these 20 tips to help you stick to your plan.

If you want to be kinder to the planet and save some money at the same time  here are 20 ways to go green in 2013.

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How to Keep Your New Year's Resolution

Five tips to help you keep your resolve heading into 2013.

Are you making a resolution this year? Do you want to lose weight, gain a new skill or organize your house? Whatever your resolution is, here are some tips to help you stick to it throughout the year. 1. Make it attainable. Be sure that your resolution is attainable. Sticking to your monthly budget is attainable—making a million dollars may not be. 2. Tell everyone. If you tell everyone about your resolution, you are more likely to keep it. If you want to quit smoking, you can even go as far as telling your friends that you'll give them $50 if they catch you lighting up. 3. Be specific. If you want to get fit in the new year, set a specific goal. For example, instead of saying you want to get fit, say you want to lose 10 pounds and tone …

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Novel New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Lovers

Three ways dog lovers can make a difference in 2012.

Last year, many of the basics were on my list of top resolutions for us dog owners: spend more quality time with our dogs, pay more attention to their dental care and diet, improve fitness, tidy up training and so on. This year, I’m thinking a little more outside the box. As I investigated gift ideas for the 2011 gift giving season, I was impressed by the increased availability of environmentally considerate pet products. Among my discoveries were dog toys made of dyed wool from a company called “A Cheerful Pet.”  These toys are designed in the U.S.A. and then handcrafted by artisans in Nepal using all natural New Zealand wool. Eco-friendly pet beds have also become popular. In some of their beds, Pooch Planet uses a product they call “…

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New Year's Resolutions for Spirit, Body and Family

Local residents were asked about resolutions for spirit, body and family.

New Year's Resolutions come and go like the wind. Sometimes they are kept. Often they are quickly forgotten. This year, residents are diving deeper to make major changes in their lives. When asked what their New Year's Resolutions are regarding Body, Spirit and Family, thoughtful responses came. Newly engaged couple, Jenna Paulk and Drew Wagner, have a joint resolution to: Lorna Wright resolves to : Hayley McCoy resolves to: Belinda Barton resolves to:

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