While we like to think of New Year’s as a time to focus on the things we’d like to improve, we have to admit, we’re already doing a pretty awesome job. Being grateful for what and who you have in your life is a great start, and focusing on little improvements overall will go a long way. Everything in moderation and balance are keywords we use daily, so naturally these leak over into the better choices we plan on making this New Year.
Here are a couple ‘minor updates’ we plan on executing:
1. Eating a little healthier
This may seem like the same old ‘lose weight’ New Year’s Resolution that always fails when the chocolate cake is put in front of you, but eating healthy is not quite as hard as you may think. Hide the scale because the choices you make about the food you put into your body help more than just a number. And, making healthier choices is good for your entire family. There are plenty of ways to get healthy food in New Jersey, such as shopping at a local natural or organic market (one of our favorites is Dean’s Natural Food Market). If you don’t have time to go to the store, Door to Door Organics makes it easier to purchase your produce and other organic groceries online and receive your food delivered right to your doorstop. No excuses here! If your goal is to start losing weight you should consider Why Weight?, a weight loss program that works, simply put. Switch up your kids snacks with an easy trade here and there for a better option such as fruit or an organic snack. One of our favorites is Little Duck Organics found at basically every major retailer including Target and Whole Foods. Be sure to follow our favorite NJ food blogger, If You Seek Nutrition, who will show you how to improve your lifestyle slowly through easy to follow nutrition and lifestyle tips for the whole family.
2. Going on more family adventures
New Jersey is full of fun and exciting adventures that are waiting to be embarked on. Why not make exploring them one of your New Year’s Resolutions. One memorable place to visit for an adventure is Sahara Sam’s Oasis, where kids (and adults) can enjoy the soothing atmosphere of a water park- indoors and outdoors. If you’re looking for a place where you can learn something new, take a trip to the Liberty Science Center. You can also find lots of great attractions and events on our website, including things to do and places to go. Exploring new places with the kids makes you the ‘cool mom’ and we’re all about brownie points with our little babes.
3. Pampering ourselves
Set aside some time for yourself in 2016. We’ve all heard of “Mommy and Me Time,” but how often do you give yourself “Mommy Time“. We all need a break to relax alone, go out with the girls, or spend an evening with the hubby. If you’re looking to improve your mental and physical health, take a visit to one of NJ Mom’s 50 Best Spas for the ultimate relaxation. We also recommend a weekend at Crystal Springs Resort where you can enjoy an overnight stay at the resort, take advantage of the spa, and a relaxing day at the biosphere pool (with hubby or your gal pals). Enjoy a Girl’s Night Out at one of New Jersey’s many vineyards including Old York Cellars, or at another local NJ vineyard through Garden State Wine Growers.
4. Capturing memories… professionally
We all have a gazillion pics on our iPhone, but somehow none of them seem to make it onto the mantle. And when they do, they’re sort of blurry, everyone’s looking a different way, and we’re not really too coordinated. When you plan a photo session with a pro, you carefully pick out your coordinating outfits and make sure everyone is smiling and looking their best. It’s not only a fun activity to share as a family, it creates a wonderful memory and the perfect decoration for your home. Here are some of our favorite NJ Photographers: iKandi Images, Erin Nicastro, Stefanie Politi Photography, and Stacy Mae Photography.
5. Saving money on building memories
Saving money can be hard and after everything you just spent on holiday shopping, it can be stressful. Enjoy one of our kids eat free restaurants, free museums days, or free events. Now you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when you go out.
Photo via Erin Nicastro Photography
