Welcome to week 1 of New Beginnings January 2023!
28 days of ideas and inspiration to help set goals for the new year.
Together we will begin this new year with an inspired, organized, and grateful spirit.
From little tasks to big undertakings, let's help each other make 2023 a beautifully productive year. By committing to 7 easy to accomplish tasks each week in January (including self care), you will feel revitalized along with the joy of accomplishment.
Each week I will post ideas from the following categories:
Organize | Plan | Clean | Cook (Food) | Care | Beauty | Enjoy
Let's get started with week 1!
Day 1
Neatly Put Away Holiday Decorations
Safely stored and ready to use for next year
For years I procrastinated on the idea of Christmas storage containers. deciding instead to re-use amazon shipping boxes and shopping bags to store my little decorating treasures. After many years of boxing and unboxing, taping shut and cutting open I finally realized the need for a solution to this tedious task. So a few years ago I finally made the spending decision to purchase several holiday bins and wreath holders. Not a single moment have I regretted purchasing these specialized holiday storage containers, they have been worth every penny. The ease of opening, closing, and protecting my treasured heirlooms has been thoroughly appreciated. Not too mention, the holiday patterns make them easy to organize (and recognize) in my attic.
Below are Amazon links to the helpful items I use for storage
A few additional tips for decoration storage:
Wrap strings of lights around cardboard to avoid having to untangle next year.
Consider using ornament storage boxes to keep them protected and tidy.
Carefully wrap glass, breakable, or heirloom ornaments in acid free tissue paper.
Clear plastic 1 gallon storage bags can help organize and store other decorations.
Keep stored decorations away from extreme heat, cold or moisture.
Use a wreath holder to store faux wreaths and garlands.
Day 2
Begin planning for a new year of healthier eating
You Can do this!
Now is the time to incorporate new health resolutions, or begin a weight loss plan.
Begin by making a commitment to yourself that you will make a daily conscious effort towards a healthier diet. Every small change makes a difference, so no matter where you are in your health goals, this can be a year to experience the healthiest you've ever been.
As a certified nutritionist, I recommend a few easy changes that anyone can make:
Incorporate more leafy greens into your diet - Everyone probably knows by now that greens are a healthy addition to diet, but did you know that studies reveal leafy greens, especially dark leafy greens, promote production of Nitric Oxide in the blood stream? Nitric oxide reduces plaque buildup in arteries and helps to reduce bad cholesterol from forming. Bottom line is try to include greens in at least ONE meal per day.
Eat more nutrient dense food, like broccoli, avocado, and asparagus - These are my go-to super foods. Each is packed with vital nutrients your body needs. Broccoli contains a high amount of vitamin C to help support your immune system and add glow to your skin. Studies also show that consuming broccoli helps reduce risk of certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Avocado is a true super food and contains fat soluble vitamins A, E, & K, antioxidants phytochemicals, Water soluble vitamins B & C, Phytonutrients, folate, plant based protein, and fiber. Try to consume 1/4-1/2 avocado each day.
Begin each day with a tall glass of lemon water - This will balance PH levels in the morning which helps the body to naturally detoxify impurities, not to mention helps to keep digestion running smoothly. If you are looking to lose a few pounds after the holidays, it can also aid in reducing water weight.
Instead of snacking on chips and dip, try healthier hummus with fresh veggies - Try my easy to make Hummus recipe. In a food processor combine 1 can organic chick peas, 2 Tbsp lemon juice (about one lemon), 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp tahini, 1 garlic clove, and a pinch of sea salt to taste. Pulse till smooth and creamy. Serve with vegetable slices. Delicious!
Take a moment of gratitude to reflect and give thanks for the food placed before you. Nothing (and I mean nothing) makes a meal taste sweeter.
Below are a few items which I find helpful in my healthy kitchen.
I hope you enjoy them too!
Day 3
Clean Out the Refrigerator
You will thank yourself
After finishing all of the tasty holiday leftovers, it's time to prepare for your new healthier eating resolution. Beginning your efforts with a sparkling clean refrigerator is always a perfect way to inspire yourself in the weeks to come. Wipe down surfaces using a safe, non-toxic cleaning spray. Use a purchased spray, or make your own. Download my eBook for a fantastic DIY natural spray cleaner recipe!
Note: Subscribe to the newsletter and receive my Green Cleaning e-book for free!
Day 4
Stock up on Citrus fruits (or harvest them)
Savor the sweet goodness of peak season
Not only are citrus fruits at their sweetest Peak (just like candy!), they are a wonderful addition to your new healthier eating plan as citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C and other nutrients. They also provide additional hydration which is necessary for those (like myself) who live in colder climates where indoor heating can be very dehydrating..
Add an uplifting aroma "sparkle" to your home during the winter months and melt away winter blues with Orange - Grapefruit therapy. Just a few drops of each oil into a diffuser will fill your home with a mood lifting citrus aroma which also has the benefit of helping keep the immune system strong during cold and flu season. Be sure to use only pure essential oils such as the Plant Therapy brand shown below.
Day 5
Write Holiday Thank You Notes
Brighten your gift givers day
Show your appreciation for thoughtfulness and friendship by creating a warm, hand-written thank you note which is mailed by the old fashioned postal service. In this day of endless and impersonal email, delight someone by taking the time to hand write a note of gratitude. I promise you, it will be the highlight of their day.
I love the pretty thank you note cards I found on Amazon. The set includes 32 cards with 4 patterns, matching envelopes and stickers. I also use a beautiful gold ball point pen for all of my note card writing. Using a fine tip ball point adds a graceful touch.
Day 6
Treat tired (holiday) feet
Time for a little self pampering
Don't forget to treat your hard working holiday feet to a home (or spa) pampering treatment. Here are a few of my favorite feet treats.
A hot foot soak with Epsom salts: fill a foot tub with hot water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts and 3 drops of Lavender essential oil. Soak feet for 20 minutes.
Scrub feet with pink Himalayan salt to remove callouses and to help detoxify.
Follow up with a deep moisturizing cream containing Shea butter and/coconut or olive oil. and massage feet for 15 minutes.
Day 7
Snuggle in for a movie night.
A well deserved relaxing treat
After a busy week of things-to-do, be sure to reserve one night per week to do something fun and relaxing. During the cold winter months here in the North East, we love to snuggle up by the fire and watch a classic movie together. Accompanying the movie is a yummy snack and hot cup of herbal tea or cocoa. Pure Heaven!
That completes week 1, you did it!
See you in week 2