10 Things to Do For Yourself in 2011

We have only a few hours left in 2010 and the big question that everyone ask is “What’s your New Year resolution?” I don’t really like making resolutions because I feel that sometimes resolutions are too broad and most of the time by the middle of January your resolution is broken. But I think it’s important to set goals for yourself instead. It doesn’t matter if they are weekly, monthly, or for the year.

So, I thought I would come up with some examples of 10 easy things you can do to improve yourself in 2011.

1. Gym Time

Take baby steps to motivate yourself, working out is not something you can just jump into and go a few days a week if you haven’t for awhile.

* Buy yourself some cute workout clothes or a new pair of gym shoes, the Sketchers tone ups are a great choice.

* Ask a friend to commit to a day each week to walk with. You can easily walk around the city and follow your walk with a coffee together.

* Join a gym or a class with a friend to help motivate each other. (Gilt City Chicago sometimes has some great deals on classes.)

2. Money Management

I love using Mint.com to help me set goals and budgets for myself. It’s super easy to use and links to your bank account, so you can:

* Figure out where you spending the most money and set up budget for everything you buy.

* Set up payment plans to pay down those credit cards.

* Set alerts to your phone, which tells you when you are close to your budgets, which makes you think twice before buying something. (There is also an app for your phone.)

3. Plan an Vacation

It’s always fun to have something to look forward to. You might think that you don’t have the cash but anything is possible.

* Set up alerts with sites like Travelocity that will send you last minute deals to take advantage off.

* Sign up for email alerts at a few hotels you are interested in, they will also send you last minute deals.

* Go with a group to cut down on hotel costs, you can do a whole vacation hotel and travel for under $1000 if you look around and do your research.

* Find some way to save money for a vacation. For example, bring lunches from home for the next few months $8 per day X 5 days a week = $40 a week. In one month will have saved $160, in the 3 months $480. There’s your plane ticket! (Just make sure you don’t spend that money somewhere else!)

4. Girls Night

It’s really important to get out and have that quality time with the girls.

* Invite girls over to cook a new recipe together and watch your favorite shows.

* Plan a spa day or go wine tasting

* Go somewhere new for drinks

* You can also find great groups to meet new ladies to hang out with via places like Twitter, I did!

5. Date Night

You absolutely need to make that quality time for your partner at least one a week!

* Plan an activity together like skiing or biking, something you enjoy doing together.

* Have romantic nights like a couples massage, dress up and go out to dinner, or plan a night away.

6. Time for Yourself

Making time for yourself is really important. Do something for yourself as well at least once a week.

* Buy yourself a new book to read

* Treat yourself to a mani/pedi

* Do an at home spa treatment, try this recipe for a fantastic facial

7. Thoughts Journal

Your best thoughts sometimes come when you least expect it. Keep something with your all the time for these moments.

* Buy a really nice notebook like this Henri Bendel one.

* If you a tech girl, then find a great app you can use on your phone.

8. Be Healthy One Day at a Time

Don’t make commitments to yourself you can keep! Just like the gym, start with baby steps.

* Each day substitute a coffee or soda for a glass for water each day. You can get these great filter water bottles online, only $10.

* Each day substitute one unhealthy snack for something healthy like an apple or some almonds.

* Check websites for healthy tips or recipes, or sign up for Giuliana Rancic’s Fab Fit Fun to get healthy tips everyday.

9. Spring Clean Early

I think when you have clutter in your home it can cause you extra stress. Don’t wait until Spring to clean!

* Start by cleaning out your closet and donating those unwanted items.

* Clean up your house weekly and throw away anything laying around. (It’s called decluttering)

* Don’t buy things for your home just to buy. Nik-naks are clutter and just like clothing, buy only those great key pieces for your home!

10. Shopping with Responsibility

Don’t stop doing things you love because you know you have to save money. You are punishing yourself for no reason, just be cautious on what you buy.

* Don’t buy something just because there are sales. (Remember it’s just added clutter).

* If you want something that is more than your shopping budget cut corners somewhere else, something like Starbucks, and don’t just use your credit card.

* Each season go through your closet and only shop for the key pieces your really need.

So, there you go ladies just a few tips to start of the new year great. I love that these goals are not overwhelming and you can just pick a few you want to do.

Let me know what you think about these goals or share some of yours!

Happy New Year!

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