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New Years Evolution: Welcome to a New Decade

The start of a new centuryĀ Ā decade is pretty exciting! Happy New Year! I hope you had a great one. I spent mine on the couch nursing a whopper of a cold. The cold is so bad I wrote century rather than decade ? I donā€™t know about you, but I consumed too much sugar and salt, ignored portion sizes and didnā€™t get enough sleep over the holidays.

Iā€™m not one to make New Yearā€™s resolutions because mine doesnā€™t usually last longer than a few weeks which leaves me feeling like I failed at something. I love that Oprah calls it a New Yearā€™s Evolution! I think that pretty much sums up what my intentions are going into this new century. Itā€™s all about making some positive changes going forward.

I started by polishing the silverware. Say what? Most people do that before the holidays but I did it yesterday. Iā€™ve decided I need to use even more of my “good things”. I have 3 sets of cutlery. An ugly silver plate set I bought when we got married. My mom’s silver plate set and a sterling set I found at the flea market.

Iā€™m donating my ugly silver plate and going to use my mom’s set for every day. Why not? What am I saving it for? My mom only used it twice a year which seems like a shame so Iā€™m not following suit. Itā€™ll go through the dishwasher just fine so long as it doesnā€™t touch stainless. ā™„

On the health front Iā€™ll be:

Drinking More Water

On a good day, I donā€™t drink enough water and on an average day, I drink very little. Would an attractive water bottle encourage me to carry my water bottle with me? Maybe. Iā€™ve used this Bobble Bottle for years because it filters as you drink. Most of the self-filtering bottles have a straw. I avoid straws (pucker lines) and prefer this because I can squeeze the bottle to get the water in my mouth. I’m bored with black so I just ordered the white to see if I feel more motivated when I see it.

I also ran across this really cool one called TheĀ Crazy Cap.Ā It uses UV light to sterilize your water. Pretty cool technology and you can also just buy the capĀ to put on your current water bottle. I wish I’d found these before Christmas because I know two people would love it.

Getting Enough Better Sleep

A night of solid, restful night sleep is always my goal and seldom happens during the holidays. There are too many thoughts bouncing around my brain and I often get up at 4. Ugh! Now that life is getting back to normal, Iā€™m making time to use my Rose QuartzĀ  Crystal Facial Roller right after I get into bed, then reading myself to sleep. I havenā€™t seen changes in my face from the roller but the process feels soothing.

Iā€™ve been a fan of feather pillows forever but lately, my neck isnā€™t loving them. Like everyone else who ever watches the news, the My Pillow sounds amazing so I finally broke down and I bought this one.

Eating Healthier Food

I didnā€™t do much baking this holiday season but what I did, was over-consumed by me. The cookies are gone and wonā€™t be replaced. The popcorn is finished and I wonā€™t be buying more. Weā€™ve topped up our fruit bowl and Iā€™m indulging in that more often now. Iā€™ve dug out one of my favorite cookbooks and am diving back into the veggie section.

Getting Outdoors More

While my daughter was here we went for a long walk that wasnā€™t necessarily aerobic but lowered my blood pressure just the same. I usually get my aerobics on a treadmill but thatā€™s pretty boring, even while listening to an audible book. Currently listening to this). Once this cold gives me a break, Iā€™m heading to DSW for a pair of walking shoes and plan to get outside more often. Walking is a great form of low impact exercise and much more enjoyable in the fresh air.

Making Exercise a Priority

It’s all too easy for me to put off working out. My daughter took me to the gym last week and showed me a simple routine using free weights and resistance bands that will help build my core, plus strengthen my legs and arms. I haven’t used bands in years! With my bone density test looming in a few weeks, I’ve vowed to get to the gym 3 times a week and get serious about exercise. I just ordered these exercise bands to use at home and when we travel.

 

Have you made resolutions?

Are you treating yourself to your best things?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

49 Comments

  1. Janne Bradley says:

    Happy new year to you and thank you for a very thought provoking blog. I alway enjoy your blog and have taken a lot of your suggestions on board and enjoyed what I have discovered in my world from your experiences and suggestions. I am a little late in my new year wishes but starting this decade with chemotherapy and facing a challenging year ahead, however when I get through this there will be no stopping me, as I am determined and intend to beat this disease. I had a mastectomy at the beginning of December and feel positive and grateful my cancer has been found. I too keep things for good and don’t use daily but now I am going to use everything and enjoy the lovely things I have and if there is something that doesn’t give me joy it will be donated. Im sorry you had to see the new year in with a cold they can’t really beat you down. Hoping this finds you well now. Best wishes and thanks. Janne. xx

    1. I love your positive attitude, Janne! So glad the found it so you can heal quickly and get on wit life. Best wishes for a complete recovery and a fabulous year ahead! xx

  2. Do hope you are on the mend Jennifer and feeling at least a tad better today. Personally, I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions but do find your evolution ones very, very inspiring.

    Also not to offend you; but it is argued that 2019 is actually the ninth year of the decade and 2020 is its last. (Similar to when one counts items, you begin/start with 1 and not zero. Also the last year of a century or a millennium ends in a zero as well.) -Brenda-
    P.S.: It is said; Sweden got it right when they celebrated ‘ the beginning’ of the 3rd millennium in 2001 … ā˜ŗ.)

  3. Happy New Year. Sorry about your cold but you put together a great list. I didn’t know about the crazy cap and will pick one up. I think it would be especially useful traveling overseas. I’m scared to drink the water anywhere these days. I hope you enjoy your My Pillow. It’s a great product and you just need to find the right fit. I have purchased several over the years as gifts and for myself. I have washed mine without any problems. Plus, they are made in the USA! I too started using my mother’s sterling silver setting since 1955. She used it a couple times a year. I don’t mind polishing it, it’s therapeutic šŸ™‚

  4. Hi Jennifer, what a great inspiring list to start the new year! Iā€™d like to recommend my walking shoes. They are Altra Torin Plush. They have a super wide toe box, are very supportive, but cushioned in all the right places. They are also zero drop, which is more important to me as I get olderā€”helps me feel more connected to the ground. I discovered these babies following the first of two foot surgeries last year for arthritis in my big toes plus a hammertoe. They are just wonderful! Happy shoe hunting!

    1. Iā€™ll look for these. I havenā€™t heard of the brand. Thank you.

  5. Happy New Year to you!

    I have two things I want to accomplish this next year. Since we cannot get the surgery on my husbandā€™s back due to his coming down with sudden onset dementia, everything has changed.

    I will retire from teaching in May and will start working on getting my house equipped to handle a wheelchair.

    The other thing will be getting our van fixed to accommodate a wheelchair.

    Not the journey either of us planned but we are going to make the best of it all and have learned to just enjoy each golden moment as they come.

    1. Iā€™m so sorry to hear youā€™re dealing with this, Linda. I admire your strength. Take care of yourself.

  6. Julie Anne says:

    First, Happy New Year.

    Second, get well quickly.

    Third, thanks for so much for lots of information and the many links.

    Iā€™d never heard that you could put your silver plate in the dishwasher as long as it doesnā€™t touch any stainless steel. Iā€™m another with a drawer full of my motherā€™s cutlery. Part of my day will now be spent cleaning it up to be used.

    1. You will enjoy them so much. Itā€™s only been one day and we are tickled pink to use the good stuff. Happy New Year Julie

  7. Happy New Year, Jennifer! Feel better soon. Really love your blog!

  8. I made three resolutions this year. . To improve my mind, body and spirit. I usually neglect the last one so I’m working really hard on that this year. Read better books rather than the cozy mysteries I have loaded up on my kindle. Eat better and definitely more plant based. I don’t need to lose weight for the first time I can remember and I think it’s because I tried to put only nutritious food in my mouth last year. It worked. Who knew? LOL
    Here’s to a wonderful year on your blog which I enjoy so much. Get well quick.

    1. Happy New Year Eve. Iā€™ve also decided to read more books. Itā€™s a great way to relax.

  9. Happy New Year Jennifer! Sorry about that cold. I hate being sick, mostly beause I have a tendency to get sinus infections and I can’t stay away from work long enough to really rest and recuperate the way I should.

    You always give me great ideas about products that work for you and I can’t wait to try these!

    Love the idea of an evolution vs. resolution. Mine is to get back to eating properly. I ate whatever I wanted this holiday season but it doesn’t feel right anymore.

    Goals are good health and financial planning towards retirement.

    1. Happy New Year Janet! Preparing for retirement is so important.

  10. Please let us know what walking shoe you buy. The selection is dizzying! An interesting tip from my doctor at recent annual checkup: 15 minutes of sun each day provides all the Vitamin D you need. Donā€™t apply sunscreen, though, because it blocks how it is absorbed by your body. Vitamin D is one of those essential nutrients for overall good health.

  11. Why do we find it so exciting to be entering a new decade? I donā€™t know but I am!!! Happy New Year Everyone!

    I started using my good cutlery about ten years ago. One day as I put it away in itā€™s lovely wooden box I stopped…. and thought….Why not use these pretty pieces every day? So, I have. We treat our china, crystal and silverware as precious belongings that rarely see the light of day. Many of us are finding the next generation (our children) donā€™t even want our good dishes. They have their own style and precious things donā€™t fit their lifestyle or taste.

    I need to get serious about losing some weight, too. Time to stop the glass of wine, the snacks and sweets. Itā€™s back to eating more veggies and protein. ?

    I hope you are feeling better soon, Jennifer.

    1. So true, they donā€™t want our stuff. Happy New Year Joanna:)

  12. Happy New Year! Iā€™ve learned so much from you and gotten much inspiration. Thank you for all that you share. May 2020 be a great year for you and your readers.

    I also donā€™t drink enough water. But I enjoy shopping. So Iā€™m going to try shopping and ā€œbuyā€ a glass of water from myself several times a day. It may be helpful to see a pile of coins growing. Then I can spend it on some small indulgence or make a donation.

    I wish you well with your evolutions! Small and specific new goals are usually achievable. If not, adjust the goal until it is. Baby steps form new habits. You are so good at encouraging us. I know youā€™ll be successful at anything you set out to do.

    1. What a clever idea:) Thank you so much Marian and Happy New Year.

  13. Thanks for your thoughts on this the first day of a new decade.
    My husband got the nasty cold from me so we have had a quiet new year.
    I woke up ready to put away Christmas & clean my home.
    I love the idea of more fresh air.
    Happy healthy new year!

  14. Pamela Lutrell says:

    YES! Use the good stuff…time goes so quickly we need to eat with silver and on the china and drink from the crystal! I have homemade chicken soup brewing right now to try and get rid of my sinus infection or cold or what ever this is. Take care and get better.

    1. Thanks, Pam. You too. I hope mine won’t turn into a sinus infection. We just finished the Chicken Soup my husband made when I was starting to get sick. Today is my day to cook so I’m making roasted tomato, onion soup.

  15. Barbara Kluver says:

    Happy New Year everyone! I have a tip for exercising.

    I also use the treadmill for exercise at my gym. It can get boring. However, my gym has good wifi and I have an iPad. I stream my favorite Netflix/Amazon Prime/Britbox/Hulu shows while walking my 3.5 miles and it gets me through the workout! Even if your gym doesn’t have good wifi – all is not lost. You can download most movies/shows from Netflix/Prime/Hulu and still watch them at the gym. I did this before my gym upgraded their wifi.

    I know not everyone has a tablet. But almost everyone has a smart phone! I see lots of people at the gym happily watching their shows on their phones.

    1. I never thought of bringing my tablet and catching up on shows my husband doesn’t like to watch. Brilliant Barb! Happy New Year…I hope to join you at the knitting retreat this year.

  16. I just found you a few weeks ago. I really enjoy your site. I am so glad to have a really classy person give us the information and fashion tips you give. Very informative. Thank you!

    1. Welcome, Ellie! I’m so glad you’re here. That’s a very sweet compliment, thank you.

  17. Happy New Year, Jennifer. I think most of us are feeling rundown from eating over the holidays. I have new goals for the new year, and I gave up resolutions years ago. Eating healthier is #1 on my list. My hubby and I walk everyday for a minimum of 30-45 min. I need to be outdoors even when itā€™s cold. I use hand weights. Iā€™m not a fan of gyms. Cheers to New Year Evolution!

    1. Happy New Year Karen! I’m anxious to receive my bands. They’ll be perfect for when we travel too.

  18. April Bruckmann says:

    Happy New Year Jennifer! I love your blog and look forward to your newsletters. Style has always been a struggle for me and I have really picked up a lot of ideas from you. Thank you and have a great year.

  19. Elaine Thomas says:

    Hi Jennifer, Happy 2020 to you! In regard to your search for a great pillow, I went through the same thing last year. I discovered these awesome pillows on Amazon by Fern and Willow. I have been sleeping on them for about six months now and they are the best I have ever had. You can get two for about $40.
    I always enjoy your post-keep up the good work!?

  20. Donna Nance says:

    Jennifer, this is a fabulous post to start a new year! I need to have your daughter come show me how to use the free weights and resistance bands. ha! I put your resistance bands on my Amazon list. The Urban Farmer and I walk every day that we can but I would like to add some other exercise to my day. The healthier eating bit has already begun. My doctor wants my A1C to come down, so it’s measure and count, measure and count. It’s “back to school” to learn how to prepare nutritious meals. As a vegetarian who cannot tolerate much wheat and very little dairy, it’s not cooking as usual. And they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Yes, by all means, use the good stuff! Happy 2020!

  21. Happy New Year to you! I’m with you on every one of your “evolution” items.

  22. As far as the new decade goes, 2020 has a very nice ring to it! Thank you for the great pleasure of reading your blogā€”always an abundance of fashion, insights and interesting topics to ponder. All the best to you in the New Year.

  23. Just a quick aside: it’s a new decade, not century?

  24. Good morning and happy new year, Jennifer. Your message today makes so much sense! Hereā€™s a story about my sterling silver that might make you smile. When I married my first husband in 1963, my mother insisted that I select a sterling silver pattern, so I picked Gorhamā€™s Rondo pattern. At the time, I decided to use it every day instead of just on special occasions, and I loved seeing it on my table each & every meal. Fast forward to 1993 when I married my second husband. By that time the silver was pretty scratched and worn (I always put it in the dish washer!).
    But my new mother-in-law had the same pattern, and when she died, I got a pristine set of sterling silver that was an exact match to my silver. (She never used her silver at all – kept it in a safe deposit box.) Hope this story reinforces your point. Use the good stuff and enjoy. Happy new year, all!

    1. Excellent Bea! I love your story. My sterling set is a very close match to the sterling I bought. We used it for dinner last night and loved the feel. Your Rondo looks very similar to my flatware. I must check the back and see what my pattern is.

    2. Silver is supposed to get scratched and more dull over time….it is called “Patina” so you are well on your way to making your silver a special version of patina that is your history šŸ™‚

      1. Love this Lauren! Patina makes everything more precious:)

  25. Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best. Xx

  26. maryellen walsh small says:

    Greetings,
    I think you mean a new decade, not a new century. It is a nice feeling to begin anything new and I wish you the best of the best in 2020. Has such a nice ring

    1. Lol, thatā€™s how bad my cold is ? Happy New Year Maryellen! It does have a nice ring to it.

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