2007 is coming to an end and it’s time to gear up for ’08. Get ready to start the year fresh with a positive attitude; a new year is a time for new beginnings and anything is possible! To help get you in tip top shape, here are some fabulous ideas on ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit in the coming year:

Take the time to tune in to your needs (every single one of them) and start Leading a Balanced Lifestyle.

Instead of battling with fad diets, adopt a healthy lifestyle by listening to your body and eating nutritious foods. For ideas on kinder, gentler eating habits, try these tips and Stop Fighting Your Food.

Bored with the treadmill? Fit Gets Fun will give you plenty of ways to spice up your workout routine. You might even find yourself having fun at the gym!

Feed your spirit by volunteering for a worthy cause. Are you best suited to care for the elderly, save an endangered species, clean your local beach, or teach a child to read? Take the 2008 Resolution Solution Quiz to find the right volunteer work for you.

Don’t forget the importance of mindfulness - Relax And Rejuvenate With These Fun Meditations.

That should be enough to get you started! Be sure to follow the steps laid out in Goal Setting and Secrets of Success and you’ll be on your way to a new you in no time!

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Last year my holidays were a blur. I overloaded myself trying to fit too much into my schedule with too little time to do it all. Not only was I physically exhausted, but I also missed out on a lot of holiday spirit.

In the days leading up to Christmas, my extended family had gathered from across the coast; and while everyone was enjoying their time together eating, laughing, and exchanging stories, I was in the kitchen frantically baking cookies, tempering chocolate, and rolling truffles. I could hear everyone having a wonderful time in the other room and I longed to be sharing in the joy of togetherness with them.

On Christmas Day, when my present-making frenzy had ended, I was finally able to sit back and enjoy some time with my family. The feeling of connectedness warmed my heart and soul, and I only regret that I hadn’t joined them sooner.

At the end of the night, feeling very much in the spirit of the season, I sat down and wrote about what the holidays mean to me. I wrote that they are a time to be thankful for what we have, to honor old traditions and create new ones, to wish happiness for others, find peace in ourselves, and, most certainly, they are a time for love and togetherness.

Learning from last year, I have spent the past few days this holiday season in the close company of my family taking time to enjoy the spirit of the season with them. And it has made all the difference.

What do the holidays mean to you? Take some time this year to write out your thoughts and share them with us, if you wish. And always be sure to enjoy your holidays to the fullest!

Related Articles:
Reasons to Revel in the Season
The Spirit of Abundance

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Entertaining for the holidays? Chances are you’ll be getting your share of calories over the next week or so. Be sure to balance the decadence of the season with foods that are light and healthy. One of the easiest ways to incorporate a healthy dish is with a bright and colorful hummus, vegetable, and toasted pita platter.

Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip chock full of nutrients, protein, and fiber. It is traditionally served with flatbread, such as pita, but is also delicious with any variety of fresh, crisp, or roasted vegetables. Choose from bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, jicama, broccoli, asparagus, celery, snap peas, cucumbers, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, radishes, green beans, and zucchini.

Hummus Recipe
(Serves 8 – 10)

15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
1⁄4 c. tahini
1 clove of garlic
1⁄2 t. cumin
1⁄2 t. salt
3 T. lemon juice
1⁄4 c. olive oil
1⁄4 c. water
Dash of paprika for garnish (optional)

Combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, cumin, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor and process until smooth.
With the blade still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
Add water as needed to lighten, thin, and smooth to desired consistency.
Garnish with paprika and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

This appetizer is always a hit and is very easy to put together. Plus, you can toss the leftovers together for a delicious salad the next day!

More Recipes:
Mediterranean Salmon
Sweet Kabocha Squash with Onion

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Did you happen to hear about the chain of goodwill at the Starbucks drive-through in Hempfield, Pennsylvania last week?

A long-time customer in a particularly giving mood decided to pay for the order behind her, thus sparking a two-hour domino reaction of joy and generosity where customers continued to pay for the order behind them.

Paying it forward. It’s not a new concept, but it’s one that often needs a kick-start. The idea is simple: do something nice for someone and let the kindness spread. You can put it into practice by following the Starbucks example and paying for the person in line behind you at a store, a bridge toll, or anywhere else that strikes your fancy. But keep in mind that your good deed doesn’t have to be purchased; it can be something as simple as smiling at a stranger on the street, introducing yourself to a shy classmate or co-worker, or volunteering for a good cause.

Giving is contagious and it will make you feel fabulous. Go ahead - start your own chain of goodwill and help spread the love.

Related Articles:

How to Change the World
The Feel-Good Gift Guide

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I really enjoyed the following article from Christine Kane on Appreciation Gifts. Christine talks about who the recipients of your gifts should be - people who serve you on a regular basis. I think of the dry cleaner, the housecleaner, our gardener, and the people at the post office. I see these delightful folks more frequently than I do my own relatives and they take such good care of me all year long. What a joy it has been to bring heart-felt gifts to them this week!

For those traveling this holiday season (like me!) here are some great packing tips from DeClutter it!

Mother Earth’s Garden has some advice for how to care for a live Christmas Tree.

Epic Self gives some sweet reminders of how to stay balanced during the hoidays

And last but not least, the New Year is almost here. Get some good ideas and inspiration for starting off on the right foot.

Happy Holidays! Enjoy fun posts from Kristen while I’m away and I’ll see you in the New Year!

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