Whoa, 2008 snuck up on us fast! It seems like the holidays are barely over and now the new year has already begun. Here’s a week-by-week guide of what is -- or what should be -- on our radars this month.
Jan. 1-5:
Happy New Year! With all of the driving you did during the holidays (to the mall, to the grocery store, over the hill and through the woods, etc.), it might be a good idea to take the car in to have the filters cleaned, the oil changed, and all of its fluids flushed and topped off before the weather gets really ugly. While you’re at it, make sure you have some sand, some salt or ice-melt, extra wiper fluid, a small shovel, and an ice scraper in the trunk. (Live someplace warm? Stop laughing at the rest of us and get your vehicle checked out, too... dust and grit can be as bad for your car as sand and salt.)
Like most of us, you’re probably practically craving
something healthy to eat after all of those holiday treats. Browse through the recipes online at
Cooking Light and try something new and good-for-you (or just find some great ideas for using up leftovers).
Jan 6-12:
Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to lose some weight? Begin in earnest by hitting the gym. Not only will it help the pounds melt away, regular exercise can boost your mood.
By now, the crowds have thinned, but that sweater from Aunt Marge isn’t looking any prettier. It’s safe to venture back into the malls now to
take care of those returns (and stock up on sale items for your gift closet -- our very own Mir from
The Cornered Office has the skinny and the scoop on great shopping deals over at
Want Not).
Jan. 13-19:
If you’re thinking of getting away for a long weekend, finalize your plans early this week, if you haven’t already. That means booking your hotel room, making arrangements for someone to take care of your pet, and scheduling a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries. Not going anywhere? Your children probably have the day off from school next Monday -- make sure you line-up childcare if you need to work!
Did you know that January is
National Thank You Month? Make writing thank-you notes fun by having your kids construct their own cards with colorful paper, stickers, goofy photos, and glitter-glue. (It’s also
National Oatmeal Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate that than with
Alton Brown’s deliciously decadent -- yet surprisingly healthy -- recipe for
Overnight Oatmeal. Mmmmm....)
Jan. 20-26:
Human rights activist the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is observed on Monday, Jan. 21 this year; it’s one of just four Federal holidays commemorating an individual. Celebrate by teaching your kids about King’s contribution to the civil rights movement; his “I Have A Dream” speech is a great place to start. Or use the day to participate in community service activities in your area.
Jan 27-31:
We’re in the thick of winter now. Chase the winter blues away by scheduling something comforting: A massage or a home-spa treatment will lift your spirits, and a family movie night complete with popcorn and a few funny flicks will keep the kids (and you) laughing right into February.
If you have your own business, any contractors or freelancers who work for you have to get their 1099s by January 31st. Better call your accountant now.
Have we forgotten something? Post it in the comments!
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