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WHAT'S NEW
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January's to-do list
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Get motivated, get inspired and get this year off to a good start.
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By Natalie Bahadur
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The beginning of a new year marks a time that's fresh and full of possibility. While you may still be reeling from the financial strain and physical exertion of the busy holiday season, January is a time to slow down, regroup and think about the things you want to accomplish. Yearlong resolutions can be intimidating and often unrealistic, so take this new year one month at a time. To that end, here's a list of 10 things to do in January. Get motivated, get inspired and get this month off to a good start.
1. Make a resolution
OK, resolution-making might be the most obvious thing you think about in January but this year, make a resolution that's realistic and important to you. Instead of thinking of your New Year's resolution as one of those dirty little promises you're used to making, then breaking, make yours a promise you truly look forward to keeping. Instead of beating yourself up over the five pounds of holiday weight that you want to lose, think of something that will strengthen your spirit. Perhaps you'll resolve to have a dinner and a movie date with your husband once a month. Or perhaps you'll resolve to make more time for reading. Whatever it is, make this year's resolution something you really want to do, not something you feel you should do.
2. Buy flannel sheets
Combat the cold this winter by turning your bed into a warm and welcoming retreat. Pack away your crisp, cool cotton sheets and replace them with something cosier, like flannel. Your icy feet will thank you when you crawl into bed on a cold, cold night.
3. Buy a new date book
Remember your back-to-school days? Whether you were delighted with the prospect of hitting the books or dreaded the return to scholarly routine, the one thing to love about the season was the shiny, brand-new stuff: new pens and pencils, new notebooks and binders. As you head into the new year, get yourself a new date book that will help you stay on top of all your plans. Check out www.daytimer.com for great agenda books or, if you're more electronically inclined, visit www.palm.com.
4. Stock up on stationery
Do your friends' birthdays catch you off guard year after year? Buy a calendar this month and write down every birthday, anniversary and special occasion that you want to acknowledge throughout the year. Then stock up on pretty paper and note cards so that you're always ready to write a letter or card.
5. Start a nest egg
Have the holidays left you a little financially strained? This month, make a plan to start saving a bit of money to ease the strain. Remember the adage, Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. Get yourself a piggy bank and fill it with your change at the end of each day. You'll be surprised how quickly those coins add up. Or start an automatic debit plan that puts $25 a week into a high-interest savings account.
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