New Year's Resolutions - Are you still committed?

It's that time in January where some people are now starting to stray away from those resolutions that they were so gung-ho about just a week ago.  So what was your resolution?  Probably one of the following:  to lose weight, to eat healthier, to exercise more or to spend more time focused on your children...
So, get your butt off the couch and get moving!  Stop making excuses!!  No matter what the resolution is you need to make a list, trust me it helps.  If your goal is to eat healthier - make a menu for the rest of the week - right now, then make a grocery list and get to the store.  Stick to the outside aisles and stick to your list.  Use your most perishable items earlier in the week so you are not throwing money out the window. 
If your goal is to spend more time focused on your children, stop right now and decide what one thing you can do TONIGHT as a family - play a game, build a snowman, play sports on the wii, read a book.  It doesn't matter how big or small it is, what matters to your children is that you took 5, 10, 15 minutes and focused on them.  Don't answer the phone, don't look at the computer just focus on them.
The most important thing you need to do now that you've decided what you need to do to stick to your resolution is to find someone, anyone, to hold you accountable.  Tell that person what your plan is for this week and then ask them to call you on it.  A couple times over the course of the week they need to ask you - What did you eat today?  Did you go to the gym today?  What did you do with your kids today?
Good luck - I know you can do it!!

Winter Blues - Get outside!

This time of year in Central New York most people find themselves in 1 of 2 categories...outside enjoying the snow or trapped inside trying not to kill each other!  The 2nd one used to be my family-until my husband convinced us all to try downhill skiing.  Our lives have since changed for the better.  For the last 3 years we have been enjoying the slopes as a family.  It certainly comes with it's ups and downs - especially with 2 young kids, but for the most part well worth the headaches.

If you are interested in giving it a chance...start with rentals and a lesson to see if it's the right fit.  Trust me, it is well worth the extra money spent to make sure it's the right fit for your family.  Give it a couple of times - don't just give up after the first day, just like anything, downhill skiing or snowbording takes some practice.  When you decide which one is for you try buying used stuff at first.  Bikes and Boards, The Ski Company or even Play It Again Sports all have used ski's, boots and boards and even helmets.  After you've been doing it for a season or 2, you will be able to decide what you personally need to make it a better experience. 

So, I ask you - what can you and your family do to get outside a bit more in the winter?  Maybe downhill skiing or snowboarding doesn't seem right - no worries!!  How about trying snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding or just go out and play tag in the snow!  There's lots to do and it all counts when you are trying to stay or get healthy. You just need to stop making excuses and get off your butts and get out there.  Whatever you choose - make sure you are all having FUN or you won't want to continue. 

Get outside, get some exercise and have fun while you are doing it!!