resolutions

As January comes to a close, I thought it was about time that we discuss resolutions. The end of January for resolutions? you may ask - but hear me out. Resolutions are often created in the first days of January, when you are tired (and let's be honest, hungover!) from the holiday season and ringing in the new year with family & friends. Resolutions made in this way are often a little too lofty, so I like to take the month of January to "test out" resolutions and see what I can stay on track with throughout the year, and what I can't. While aspirational, I also think it is important for resolutions to be attainable.

1. Cook more often. I have a binder filled with recipes waiting to be tried. But as someone whose family owns restaurants, cooking has never really been a thing for me. But this is the year things will change! I got a food processor and a beautiful cast iron skillet for Christmas, so I'm excited to put those to use. And I am proud to say that I have already cooked a number of meals this month! Subscribing to food52.com's email list and checking out blogs like Skinny Taste are great for inspiration.

yummy mashed potato cakes with broccoli and cheese via food52.com

2. Work out more frequently. I had gotten into a nice running routine this past fall, but the stress of getting acclimated to my new job and colder weather helped end this healthy habit. The gym I belong to occupies the bottom corner of my apartment building, and I walk past it at least twice a day, so there is really no excuse not to go. I would also love to expand my workout repertoire and check out classes at Chaise Fitness, U! Yoga NYC, and Sal Anthony's Movement Salon.

 I have no idea what these people are doing at 

Chaise Fitness, but it looks like it's good for toning!

3. Save more. Living in a city like New York really takes a chunk out of your wallet. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this city and there is nowhere else I would rather be living, but a brunch here, a sample sale there, and then rent, groceries, and being alive in general add up quickly. I receive emails from LearnVest to help me stay on track, and plan to put the 50/30/20 budget rule to good use.

I've always loved a good chart via LearnVest

4. Explore New York more. There are so many wonderful things to explore in this city, many for free, and I definitely do not take advantage of them. I also get an awesome corporate discount at many museums here, so there is no excuse not to go! This article really inspired me to get out more and try new things.

5. Spend more time on hobbies. I used to do a lot of painting, sketching and photography, and I would love to get back into that. I have a sewing machine at my mom's that I still haven't used. I also plan to actually get prints of the photos I take and fill actual photos albums. It's just so much better to be flipping through the physical pictures, instead of viewing a slideshow on a screen.

6. Blog more consistently. I'll be honest - blogging while working full time takes a lot of dedication and time management, something I have definitely been slacking on. I too could be photographed every day in perfect hair and makeup with a fabulous outfit, if I only didn't have to be in an office for at least 8 hours of the day! Not to knock bloggers who have managed to make a career out of it, but it is much easier to create content for posts when you aren't confined withing the walls of an office all day, five days a week.

What are your resolutions and goals for 2014?