It is December 30, 2010, and what is everyone talking about?  We talk about the holidays: what we got, what we gave, what we are returning, and what we will buy for ourselves if we didn’t get what we wanted.  We talk about the good times we spent with our family and friends that we haven’t seen in so long.  We talk about the food – because nothing tastes better than a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings and dessert (because what is a holiday without the sweet treats?).  The food leads to how much we ate and how we have easily gained the 10 pounds we swore we wouldn’t put back on…and then we talk about how we will change that and all of the other New Years resolutions we swear we will keep this year.

New Years resolutions is probably one of my favorite topics of conversation, because we really do want to follow through with these ideas: stop smoking, eat healthier, exercise at least 3 times a week, lose weight (particularly the weight we just gained from the holiday dinners plus leftovers), and save more money.  Saving more money and trying to spend less money seems to be the most popular New Years resolution this year and everyone has their own way of going about it.  Some people are budgeting and making sure to spend only a certain amount of money per week.  Other people are cooking more and eating out less.  I have decided to do more things myself rather than pay other people to do it for me.  It’s remarkable to realize how much money I can save by simply polishing my own fingernails instead of spending $20 every other week for a manicure.

What are some other things that we pay for that are actually not-so-bad to do ourselves?  I could tell my friend who lives in my apartment building to clean his own apartment instead of having the cleaning lady come once a week.  Instead of having groceries delivered and spending the $7 delivery charge, we can walk or drive to the store, get some exercise (which is another New Years resolution we could accomplish) and pick up our own groceries.  Make your own pizza at home instead of paying for it to be delivered – it tastes better, it’s healthier (another New Years resolution to check off the list), it’s fun to do with the whole family, and you don’t need to tip yourself for a job well done!

And for those who like to pamper themselves, think about how much money we spend at the spa: manicure, pedicure, massage, facials, etc.  We can do all of these things in the comfort of our own homes.  Let me give you some examples.  The Easy Feet is an in-home pedicure.  The Detox Foot Spa will cleanse you of the harmful toxins in your body, and you can use it at home whenever the time is right for you.  And if you’re foregoing the manicures like me, try the Nail Soak for cleaner, healthier nails at a fraction of the cost.

Did you accomplish your goals and resolutions for 2010?  What are your New Years resolutions for 2011, and how do you plan to achieve these New Years resolutions?