Seven Best New Years Resolutions

A new year means it's time to turn over a new leaf. Resolutions aren't the easiest promises to keep, and that is why it is important to personalize them to be reasonable for you. Here are my seven best New Years resolutions:

1. Volunteer your time to an organization that is meaningful to you.

2. Quit smoking, drinking, or any other habit you'd like to kick

3. Spend more time with family and friends.

4. Be healthy-- not just skinny. It's about knowing whats good for your body and finding the right combination.

5. Commit to learning a new skill whether it be work related or just learning another language for fun. The accomplishment will make you proud and could even help you in the long run.

6. Get your spending habits under control. Take steps towards being debt free and learn the right ways to save.

7. Organize your office, apartment and/or life. It's a great time to start with a clean state.

Have you ever followed through on a resolution? Let us know what it was...

Seven Best Hangover Cures for the Holidays

Hangovers always seem to come at bad times, especially during the holidays. As you prepare for Christmas and New Years, know the best hangover cures. Here are the seven best hangover remedies from Health 911.

1. Apples eaten on an empty stomach the day after drinking is an effective remedy.
2. Bananas One of the quickest ways to cure a hangover is to make a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. The banana helps calm the stomach, and with the honey, builds up the depleted blood sugar levels. The milk soothes the stomach and rehydrates your system. Bananas are also rich in the important electrolytes, magnesium and potassium, which are severely depleted during heavy drinking.
3. Chicken soup Grandma's old stand-by, chicken soup, seems to work as well for hangover problems as it does for colds.
4. Feverfew Use feverfew, an herb, in place of aspirin. Aspirin is very hard on the stomach, while feverfew is not.
5. Ginger Take 500 mg of ginger capsules every few hours, or make a ginger tea. This will help soothe your stomach.
6. Tomato juice In addition to being a prevention remedy, tomato juice contains fructose, a type of sugar that helps your body metabolize alcohol more quickly. This is probably why the morning-after Bloody Mary seems to work.
7. Exercise will help get rid of your hangover by helping the body rid itself of toxins. The increased circulation gets blood and oxygen to your oxygen-starved brain.
   

Source:

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_hang.htm

Seven Best Things to do in the Snow

After last year's winter, I think we could all use some ideas for finding fun when were stuck under a blanket of snow. Here are my seven best things to do in the snow:

1. Snow ball fight- Split into teams and build snow forts. If you're gonna do it, go all out.

2. Make a snow angel or snowman- Very relaxing and timeless activities-- and who knows, maybe your snowman will come to life like Frosty.

3. Go sledding- Be sure to grease it up like Clark Griswold.

4. Ski/snowboard- I wish I was better at these sports, but they are both a lot of fun and great for excercise.

5. Make ice cream- Fun and delicious! Click here for recipe.

6. Hang in the hot tub- It's a fun way to keep warm.

7. Plow- It may not be fun but it's often necessary! Make the best of it and have a party while you and your friends dig out your cars.

What's your ideal snow day?

Seven Best Christmas Movies

Christmas movie season only comes about once a year, but for a month TV is inundated with red and white and Christmas cheer. There are a ton of great Christmas movies, but these are my seven best.

1. A Christmas Story
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. Miracle on 34th St.
4. Elf
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
6. A Christmas Carol
7. Love Actually

What are your favorite Christmas Movies?

Seven Best Black Friday Shopping Tips

You can get some of the year's best deals on Black Friday, but you can also get a headache. Shopping the day after thanksgiving may not always be easy, but we think its worth it if you can remember these seven best Black Friday Shopping tips:

1. Bring a friend: it's nice to have a partner in crime and especially to have someone to chat with while waiting in line, but make sure your pal can withstand the craziness of this shopping experience.

2. Dress wisely: you may be cold waiting in line but you won't want a lot of bulk if you plan on trying on clothes.

3. Do your homework: make sure you know if you are really getting a deal and compare prices before the big day. Also, store return policies are an important thing to look into.

4. Plan your purchases: make a list of things you want or need to avoid getting sidetracked in the midst of all the chaos.

5. Get there early: most stores have a no rain checks policy meaning if they run out you are out of luck. If there is something you are dying to have you'll want to be at the front of the line.

6. Bring store ads: that way you have proof of advertised sales. If a store claims lowest prices, they'd better live up to it.

7. Crawl in bed and avoid the crowds: ignore the whole tradition and relax in the calm of your own home. You can even do some shopping online.

Have any tips or memorable Black Friday shopping experiences?

Seven Best Thanksgiving Desserts

Around Thanksgiving everyone is so concerned about turkey and side dishes. I think we need to put a little more focus on the finale--dessert! There are many great sweet treats to enjoy over this special holiday, but I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorites. Here are my seven best Thanksgiving desserts:

1. Pumpkin Pie

The old standard with some new twists.

2. Caramel Apples

Fun to eat and fun to make.

3. Cranberry Cheescake

The recipe may seem a little confusing but it's worth it.

4. Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

Two flavors that go perfectly together.

5. Pumpkin Bars

One word: yum.

6. Old Fashioned Gingerbread

A delicious treat you could even eat with breakfast.

7. Apple Pie

I must admit I prefer pumpkin, but this is a classic (and not bad with a little vanilla ice cream).

Send us your favorite recipes or list!

Seven Best Ways to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is about a week away and I'm sure you are feeling the need to give back in appreciation for all that you have. We often forget that this holiday is not only about food, but it is also about being thankful. Here are seven good ways to give back this Thanksgiving:

1. Donate canned food or a prepared meal to your local homeless shelter.

2. Do something unexpected for someone. Clean dishes after Thanksgiving dinner without being asked. Run an errand for a busy friend.


3. Drop a compliment to a friend or co-worker. A hand written note is sincere and always makes me feel good. Let someone know how much you appreciate their work, help or friendship.


4. Adopt or foster a shelter pet. I'm sure the little fur balls would be very appreciative of a new home for the holiday.


5. Volunteer your time to a local organization or business. Your time is the most precious and valuable thing you can give another person.


6. Invite a friend or neighbor over for Thanksgiving dinner if they normally spend the holiday alone.


7. Make a toast at the family dinner table. To often people take their family members for granted. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to let them know how much you care.





What traditions do your families have for giving thanks?