HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! I am very thankful for my loved ones and friends...I am truly blessed! Sending much love, peace and joy to all.

Bon Voyage, 2009...you were terrific! Hello, 2010...looking forward to some new adventures!

Did you know that...."In Spain, revelers mark the New Year by quickly eating a dozen grapes at midnight. Why not adopt the tradition by serving them with a glass of Champagne?"

Or, skip the champagne and use seltzer instead...very healthy! :) - mel

(Source: Visit Martha Stewart.com for all sorts of wonderful New Year's decorations, idea and recipes!)


GOOD LUCK TRADITIONS

Enjoy this list of international traditions believed to bring good luck for the new year! - mel

• In Spain when the clock strikes midnight the people eat 12 grapes. One grape for every stroke of the clock to represent each month in the year. Each grape is said to bring good luck in the new year.
• In Puerto Rico children enjoy throwing pails of water out the window at midnight. Some believe that this rids their home of any evil spirits!
• The people of Switzerland believe good luck comes from letting a drop of cream land on the floor New Years Day.
• In France, people eat a stack of pancakes for luck and good health.
• Belgian farmers wish their animals a Happy New Year for blessings.
• Armenian women cook a special bread for their family. The bread is kneaded with luck and good wishes pressed into the dough before it is cooked.
• In Northern Portugal, children go caroling from home to home and are given treats and coins. They sing old songs or "Janeiro's" which is said to bring good luck.
• Romanians had a tradition of listening to hear if the farm animals talked on New Years Day. If the animals talked it was considered bad luck so they are relived when they do not hear any talking animals.
• In Bolivia families make beautiful little wood or straw dolls to hang outside their homes to bring good luck.

(Source: www.essortment.com)


TOP 10 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Do any of these sound familiar? I think we all have thought about what we'd like to do to improve our lives each year...take a look and see if any of these resolutions inspire you! Remember, baby steps...don't try to tackle all of these at once...and don't be afraid ask family and friends to help support each other in these positive efforts! -mel

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a favorite restaurant or host a casual dinner party. Enjoy your free time! Work shouldn't always come first.

2. Get Fit

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.

3. Lose Weight

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's 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 Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

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 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!

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, 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! Consider one of Pittsburgh's holistic healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa.

6. Quit 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. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans 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. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs. Or if the arts are more your thing, visit local museums or take art classes at a local community center.

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. Connect with local charitable organization in your town or through work. 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 Organized

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. You may even consider a professional organizer to get you started!

(Source: pittsburgh.about.com)