For the fabulous fashions, and top-notch trends, we say, “Thank You, 2009!” Through another year of uncertain times, our fond friend Fashion has been here to turn that frown upside down. Refusing to let the economic gray cloud rain on their parade, designers showered the runways with bright and bold colors - paired back to black and even mixed in blocks reminiscent of Mondrian paintings. We’ve seen a return to the classic sophistication of 50’s feminine chic and an edgy new union of pretty and “goth.” We indulged our rocker within, embracing the heavy metal of studs and rhinestones. Bold shoulders and structured silhouettes gave us femmed up menswear at its finest. We may borrow from the boys, but we are women - hear us roar! Throw on some high impact jewelry and there’s no stopping you! It’s been a good year of fashions, both old and new. Should old acquaintances be forgot … the answer for these styles is absolutely not! It’s not goodbye, just see you next year!

Break out the bubbly; it’s New Year’s Eve! Twinkle, twinkle little star, it’s the party of the year, so get ready to sparkle in style! Whether you’re getting glamorously glitzy for the hottest spot in town, classically elegant for a holiday ball, or going casual (and cute!) to a house party with friends, add a little extra shimmer and a dash of flirty fun and you’ll be turning heads until the New Year is rung in! Pump up the volume with eye-catching accessories, and don’t be afraid to step outside the box. It’s a celebration of new beginnings, and the perfect time to let your inner fashionista rise and shine!

The key to keeping a New Year’s resolution is making it realistic and attainable for YOU. Whether you’re looking for something simple (1), moderate (2), or a bit more intense (3), we’re sure we’ve got some tips for you. If you resolve to …

Get in Shape

1. Get the Mindset & Incorporate Fitness into Your Daily Routine:
   • The first step in getting in shape is adjusting the way you view exercise. If you have the wrong attitude about fitness, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Most people look at exercise as: punishment for bad eating, an obligation, painful, time consuming, impossible to sustain, and boring. Try a different perspective and see exercise as: a break from a stressful workday, an energy and mood booster, “me” time, and a way to immediately improve your quality of life.
   • Once your mind is on board, try these quick and easy fitness tricks:
     1. When driving to work, or even running errands, look for a parking spot in the back of the parking lot, or even down the street (as long as it’s safe!).
     2. Keep resistance bands or small free weights at work or at home in the kitchen. While you’re taking a break, on a conference call, or even making dinner pick two muscle groups and do a few repetitions.
     3. Surely you already take the stairs and not the elevator, so pump up the intensity by taking the steps two at a time.
     4. Anywhere you stand or sit, contract your abs six times slowly (6-second rep), then six times quickly (2-second rep), then six times super-slowly (10-second rep), and repeat.
     5. Dance or jog in place while watching your favorite TV show. During commercials, drop down for a set of pushups or crunches.
2. Make a Commitment:
   • Research shows that it takes approximately 21 days to develop a habit and six months for it to really become part of your routine, so to avoid falling victim to the lost New Year’s resolution, set specific goals, and find fun ways to accomplish them so you stick to it. If you do something you enjoy you are more likely to motivate yourself to do it. Walking, biking, and hiking are fun activities that are also a great workout, especially with the right iPod play list. If you’re a people person, do it with a friend, join a class, or join a gym.
   • Develop a backup plan for days when it is inconvenient or impossible to do your preferred exercise, or when you’re simply bored by it. Get a small set of dumbbells for busy days when you just can’t get to the gym.
   • Do what you can. Don’t worry if you don’t have hours to commit; a little exercise can go a long way.
3. High Commitment Level:
   • If you’ve got the right mindset, and you’re ready to make a real commitment, but you’re just not quite sure how to start, hire a personal trainer. Not only will they teach you how to use the machines at the gym and demonstrate proper technique, they will also design a personalized exercise program especially for you and your unique situation.
   • Set a stretch goal like a 10K, half or full marathon, backpacking trip, open water swim, a major mountain climb, mountain bike race or road race, cross country skiing, a river kayak, etc. Don’t forget to tell your trainer so they can help you set small goals along the way to achieve it.

Unlock My Inner Fashionista

1. Make Friends with Fashion: Subscribe to the CAbi Canary and other fashion “A-list” Magazines. Tear out favorite looks and accessories, then assess your closet and make a short list of the must-have items you need to achieve these new looks.
2. Fashion Is My New Middle Name: Scour fashion magazines, websites, and the CAbi Canary to compile your favorite fashions and style icons! Complete a deep closet clean out, followed by a shopping spree with detailed list of items you are missing from your closet. Using items in your closet along with your new purchases, create 10-30 outfits, including shoes and accessories, and take pictures. Post the pictures in your closet door as a reference guide and reminder.
3. Fashion Makeover! Again, start with an in depth analysis of fashion magazines, websites, and of course the CAbi Canary! Liberally tear out looks you’d like to emulate, accessories you want to rock, and style icons that speak to your inner fashionista. Hire a personal stylist or your CAbi Consultant to clean out your closet and take you shopping … and let the fun begin!

Give Back to the Community

1. Once a Week: There are countless ways to volunteer within your community: mentor someone who needs a positive influence in their life, tutor English language learners, teach an art or dance class, etc. An easy way to start is by simply asking any organizations you are already a part of what type of help they can use. This way you’ll be contributing to organizations that you already feel connected to. Or if you financially support a non-profit organization, ask how they could use your help. Since your help is free, more of your financial contribution can then be freed up to support the cause!
2. Once a Month: For most, this is a realistic time commitment that allows you to build relationships with your fellow volunteers, gain valuable experiences, and make a significant contribution by the end of the year. Volunteermatch.com is a great website where you can find volunteer opportunities that interest you in your area. Another tip … get a group of friends to commit to helping out once a month with you. Not only can you make a difference in your community together, it will ensure that you all connect with each other at least once a month!
3. Once a Quarter/ As Needed: Any time you can give will make a difference. If your life is already very full of priorities with work and family, but you want to give back somehow, why not make yourself available as an “as needed” volunteer? For example, you can sign up to be a disaster relief volunteer with the Red Cross in your area. Or, simply let any organizations that you are already involved with know that you are interested in helping out when volunteer opportunities come up. Your church, children’s school, or even your city may have community service days that come up once or twice a year. This is a good way to give your time when you can, without over committing. Volunteermatch.com also offers onetime volunteer positions.

Try Something New

1. Simple:
   • Learn to cook. “Best Ever Three & Four Ingredient Cookbook”
   • Try a new restaurant.
   • Get a new look with a new haircut.
   • Take a different route to work, and then try something new you find along the way, or take public transit and make a new friend.
2. Looking for a Commitment?
   • Learn to play a musical instrument.
   • Take up photography. Then, hike your nearest metropolitan area and document your adventure.
3. Extreme Measures:
   • Try hang gliding, sky diving, or scuba diving.
   • Learn a new language, and then visit a foreign country to practice.
   • Change careers.

Figure Out My Finances

1. Set goals … this may seem obvious, but this important piece of the puzzle is often overlooked.
   • Identify your goals and prioritize them, including family members in the goal setting process. Accountability is key!
   • When making large purchases, ask yourself if it is taking you nearer to your primary goals. If not, try to avoid the purchase. Keep a big picture perspective even when you are making small, everyday purchases, but give yourself grace when you need to spend on daily expenses.
2. Create a budget and stick to it!
   • Identify how you currently spend money.
   • Set your budget with your long-term goals in mind.
   • Track your spending to make sure it stays within your budget. Try programs such as Quicken and Microsoft Money to help you keep on track.
3. Ready to invest in a financial planner?
   1. Look for credentials such as Certified Financial Planner or Personal Financial Specialist.
   2. Personal references are beneficial, but your friends and family may not have the same financial needs you do. Check out sources such as the Financial Planning Association.
   3. Make sure to find out how your planner is getting paid. If he or she is fee-only then they do not get commission for what they sell. Commission based planners receive commission from the financial products they sell.
   4. Ask the planner for references of two or three previous clients who you can contact to inquire about their performance.