Hi Friends! Happy New Year!!! There is something so refreshing about the start of the year as it’s a time to reflect and set goals. Covid has really impressed on me how important the small things are- enjoying people’s company, staying healthy, and being grateful for what we do have. So this year let’s keep our goals simple, attainable and positive!

I’ve put together a list of some easy and helpful ideas that may inspire your year ahead! Let’s make this year the best!

Plate your food in a beautiful way

Something my daughter does so well is to create an experience with every meal. Whether you are living alone, have a significant other or a household full of kids, set the table with your favorite dishware, and plate your food beautifully. I have found I eat slower and enjoy the experience so much more, creating an “event” to look forward to. I still miss my dinners with friends, but this has helped me feel like I have had a night out! Garnishing your food and using colorful sides not only looks so appetizing but also helps with portion control! You can find more great plating tips here

Accomplish your 2021 goals in a group

At the start of the year, my entire family and their significant others decided to do Whole 30 together. Even though we live in different places, It has been a way to connect while distancing. We send each other pictures of our plating, share recipes and brainstorm ideas. We are 18 days into the plan and it has been so much fun trying different foods while holding each other accountable. I find most on my recipe’s on Pinterest, The Whole 30 Cookbooks, and a new one I just purchased “The Defined Dish”. This is my second time to do Whole 30. Find out more about it here. For other diets which have been successful for me read about miracle noodles and Ideal Protein.

Take More Walks

Move, move, move! Starting a new fitness routine can be intimidating and overwhelming. Instead keep yourself moving by going on simple walks around the neighborhood, taking the stairs when possible or getting up from your desk every 20 minutes to stretch your legs. Walking will help you clear your head, boost your energy and burn calories!

Give yourself more compliments

Speaking positively to yourself can help you focus on what’s good in your life. Start your morning by saying three positive things about yourself and you are more likely to have a better day. This video of Jessica’s Daily Affirmations is my favorite. I can guarantee she had a great day. Let’s all start our mornings out like Jessica!

Stay In Touch With Those We Love

Covid has reminded me of reaching out to people. Sending a quick text or call to someone you love makes a world of difference and will brighten their day. Jot down important dates in your calendar- anniversaries, birthdays, holidays or other important milestones and remember to text, call or send a card in the mail letting that person know you are thinking of them. Bring a smile to people who are special to you by letting them know how important they are to you. Leave post-it-notes in places they will see like their desk, computer screen. lunchbox or car.

Do A Random Act Of Kindness

Kindness starts small and can have a huge impact on our world. Compliment a stranger, pay it forward in the Starbucks Drive Thru, introduce yourself to a new neighbor, slow down so someone can merge in front of you in traffic, leave an unexpected treat at a friend’s door and the list goes on! The world needs more kindness, lets spread some positivity through small gestures that can really brighten a person’s day.

Explore A New Hobby or Learn A New Skill

Don’t have weekend plans? Try a new activity such as teaching yourself a new language, gardening or crafting. These framed art pieces Kirby and I made for her apartment are great crafts for people of all ages and skill levels, I wrote a step by step blog here. Another awesome craft is one Amy Cunningham did with her daughter using Segreto Paint on canvas. It was such a creative way to use the left over SegretoPaint from her cabinets, you can read all about it here. Crafts can help de-stress and increase happiness. Let your creativity run wild!

Try A New Beauty Routine

With more time on our hands at night, try a new beauty routine! I have found Predire Paris, an exclusive beauty line on sale at Rue Lala, my favorite discount shopping site. Not only will you have beautiful skin, but activities like these bring laughter and a time to bond. Self has some great tips on how to pamper your skin at home.

Schedule More Family Nights

In today’s world there are so many things competing for our attention, like TV’s, phones and scheduled activities. Making time to slow down and spend time together not only build our relationships but create long-lasting memories. I have ordered so many games which have been fun to play both with my grown kids and my hubby. Here are the top selling card game on Amazon  and Paste’s top pick of board games of 2020!

Get More Sleep

Create a spa atmosphere at home by lighting a candle, dimming the lights and getting into the bath after a long day or as a weekend treat. While you are soaking, try a new rejuvenating face mask or a hair treatment. Research shows if you take a hot bath about an hour or two before bedtime, you are likely to have a better night sleep. Don’t forget to take some time for you- enjoy self-care! This master bathroom designed by Meg Lonergan would be the perfect place to unwind after a busy day, the plaster walls paired next to this bathtub makes for such a serene retreat.

Drink More Water

Statistics say 70% of people are dehydrated. Water helps energize muscles, keeps skin looking good and control calories. So why is it so hard to stay hydrated? Something that has helped at our household, is we have turned these beautiful Rose wine bottles into water vessels. I fill them and keep them in the fridge for easy access. Placing them on the table during meals encourages all to fill up!!

Let’s make this year positive and simple and not forget to give ourselves grace because last year was unlike any other. What are some simple goals you have for yourself this year? Have a wonderful week and 2021, we are all in this together! Till next time! XO Leslie