The New Year is a known time for new beginnings and resolutions. It’s a chance to start fresh and focus on self-improvement. But without a plan, it can be difficult to stay the course. This article will show you seven ways to make sure your New Year’s resolutions stick around all year long, as well as provide some fun New Year’s resolution ideas to get you started!

Write Them Down

Remember when you were young, and every year on New Year's Eve, your parents (and teachers) would encourage you to make a list of what you wanted to improve about yourself in the upcoming year? Well, it turns out that this is actually an extremely effective way to ensure that we follow through with our resolutions. Studies show that writing down specific goals and keeping them visible to yourself will increase the chances of following through with those resolutions by ten times! That means if before making new years' resolutions, you are one-tenth likely to follow through on something… after setting some goals for yourself, you are 100% more likely to do it!

Be Specific

Don’t merely say “I want to lose weight” or “I want to save money.” Instead, start with something like, “I want to lose 20 pounds by cutting 500 calories from my diet each day and burning 500 calories through exercise every day. I will track my progress on this calorie deficit using MyFitnessPal.”

New Year's resolutions should be specific enough that they are achievable within the time-frame given, but not so clear-cut that there is no room for interpretation or flexibility if necessary.

Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Achievable

While some people have no problem making New Year’s resolutions that will last a lifetime, most people are looking for New Year's resolution ideas that can be achieved within a month or two, or inside that calendar year. A New Year's resolution made with this intention is more likely to stick around. Be realistic in your timeframe and with your goal. A goal achieved boosts your self-confidence and allows you to then make more goals that grow you as a person and bring you joy.

Make it Fun

If you're finding your New Year's resolution a chore, chances are you won't keep to it. Make sure that when you're working toward your goal you do so in a way that keeps the experience exciting and rewarding. This helps squash feelings of giving up when they arise.

Tell Someone Your New Year’s Resolutions to Help with Accountability

Your success rate with your New Year’s resolutions will greatly improve if you involve another person, your spouse, or family. Publicly announced resolutions aren’t forgotten as quickly. Having a reporting person, process, chart, or other regular record can help you stay responsible with your commitment.

Prepare for Setbacks

Admitting defeat isn't easy but if your resolution fails, don't let it get too much in your way! Instead, make sure you dust yourself off and try again. Keep searching for new strategies until you find what works or speak with other people about their experiences--perhaps they've found something that improved their success.

Take Action

Now all that's left is taking action! For most people, this is the hardest part; but with proper preparation and dedication, just about anything is possible. Setting up incentive systems will keep you motivated to reach your goal, no matter how difficult it may be. These can take some planning ahead of time, but any little motivation booster will do. It could be a deal with yourself, promising yourself a slice of cake if you've been exercising three times a week for the past month. Or it could simply be rewarding yourself after every step taken towards your goal by buying something small that you've been wanting.

Have a New Year’s resolution to sell or buy a new home? Landmark Fine Homes can make your dreams and goals a reality! Contact us today!

If you're in need of pantry organization ideas and want to get this oft-used space in order, we can show you several different ways to get the job done right!  Whether you've got a large or small pantry, we've got pantry organization strategies for everyone!

Getting Started with Pantry Organization

Pantries function as an essential space of every home. Approach this crucial space with care! Pantry organization is about more than just storing food, it's also about organizing cooking supplies, serving pieces, trays and other items you use for everyday family meals. It can feel overwhelming knowing where to start, but the biggest step is just to start! The following steps can help you make manageable goals for creating your ideal pantry set up.

Step One: Purge

This is the most important step in pantry organization. Go through your pantry and get rid of any old or expired items, this will help you get a handle on all the current contents of your pantry so you can start fresh.

Step Two: Group

Start your pantry organization project by grouping similar items together rather than having them all separated into individual bags and boxes. Grouping items makes it easier to identify what you have at a glance.

Step Three: Incorporate Containers

Containers help to keep pantries tidy and food fresh. Use both boxes and clear containers for pantry organization so you can easily see what you have.

Some items simply can’t be stored on shelves so floor and door bins can become handy. The end goal of containers and bins is to eliminate the frustration that going fishing in a cluttered pantry can trigger.

Step Four - Use Lazy Susans for Awkwardly-Shaped Items

If you have oddly shaped pantry organizing supplies or bulky items in your pantries, consider using a Lazy Susan to help save space and make the items easy to reach.

Step Five: Label

Labeling pantry items makes it easy to identify what's on the inside of containers so you can quickly find what you need and avoid over purchasing when you think you don’t have enough of something.   

Step Six: Maintain

One of the most important steps in pantry organization is to stay on top of your organization process. Keep things in their place and don’t be tempted to just shove something somewhere in a rush. Maintaining requires decluttering regularly and rotating your food so you are never storing expired goods.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Pro

Enlisting the help of an organization expert to solve your pantry organization challenges is nothing to feel guilty about. Organization professionals can save you time and maximize your pantry space for you so it can be both functional and beautiful.

Remember, pantry organization is a process, not an event. These living spaces take time, patience, and regular attention. Don’t get hung up on perfection! Organizing your pantry is a personal thing and your pantry will reflect what works best for you. Your pantry doesn’t have to look like your neighbor’s pantry! Embrace what works for you.

Taking time to organize your pantry will bring you fulfilment while also boosting your home’s buyer appeal when it comes time to sell. Need more tips? Contact Landmark Fine Homes today to learn how you can add value to your living space while augmenting your enjoyment of your property.

Parenting never stops, but the look and function of parenthood is constantly evolving—especially when a couple become empty nesters. Suddenly, the time hierarchy shifts, and the daily focus becomes something a little bit foreign. To avoid the pitfalls associated with the transition to empty nesting, and empty nesting syndrome, take time to make a plan for how you will structure your new priorities at home and in your community. The following list of things to do as empty nesters will help ensure there is always something exciting going on in your life!

1. Take a Trip Together

Go on a vacation together, plan a happy honeymoon, and find time to reconnect with your spouse. Getting out of town gives empty nesters a change of scenery and allows them to enjoy new sights in a new way.

2. Spend Time with Friends

It is important to nurture connections with others when the empty nesting stage begins. Friends can bring vitality and laughter to life and help fill in the gaps left by children that are far removed. Interacting with others in similar situations can bring peace and direction during an uncertain time.

3. Explore New Hobbies

Spending time on your interests is important because it helps you feel fulfilled. Many empty nesters turn to volunteer work to help them pass the time once their kids leave home, expanding their circle of friends and range of influence. Being involved in several things that interest you is one way empty nesters can give life meaning after their kids have gone off on their own paths.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Don’t let empty nest syndrome get the better of you. Empty nesting is emotional and it’s normal to feel a rollercoaster of emotions from time to time. But getting stuck in negative emotions can take both a physical and mental toll. Make sure you are making time for intentional self-care by eating well, getting daily exercise, and engaging your mind in new challenges. It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, a new language, or learn how to cook a new meal!

5. Bring on the Fun!

Remember those games from when you were first dating? Why not dust them off and play them again now that everyone else has left the house? Try Pictionary or Monopoly or head out for a game on the town golfing, bowling, or some other activity that allows you to let loose and laugh!

6. Establish a New Routine

Many empty nesters find comfort in their routines once the kids have gone off on their own paths, so they should keep up with these routines. Follow the sage advice of ‘early to bed early to rise!’  Routines help ground us when the chaos of change is swirling around us.

7. Consider Joining an Adult Community

The best adult communities are social too. There's usually a calendar full of events to offer opportunities for residents to get to know one another.

Adult communities vary widely in terms of facilities and amenities (and price), but all share some things in common. Landmark Fine Homes can help connect you to the best adult communities for empty nesters near you! Let us show you how fun this stage of life can be!

From the rolling green hills of the outskirts to the towering downtown skylines, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. We've picked our top twelve things to do in this active and growing city.

1. Catch a Thunder Game at the Paycom Center

Don't miss your chance to see OKC's professional sports teams: The Thunder and The Energy!

2. Cruise Down Route 66 with A Vintage Affair

Vintage cars gleam as brightly as memories at A Vintage Affair during your classic Americana style prom or date night. Full of bright colors, gorgeous gowns, and dashing tuxedos this event is dreamy.

3. See an Exhibit at The Oklahoma City Museum of Art

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is the perfect place to see one-of-a-kind art that speaks to Oklahomans' creativity and energy. From contemporary works by established artists to local talent, the museum has something for everyone!

4. Shop 'til You Drop Downtown

Blink and you might miss all the trendy boutique shops in charming Bricktown's Entertainment District during your trip downtown!

5. Cool Off with an Icy Treat from Roxy’s Ice Cream Social 

Warm up with a scoop of ice cream from this cute and quirky ice cream truck roaming the streets of downtown OKC! So grab your date and indulge yourself with some strawberry and cream or chocolate soda float.

6. Find Your Center in Life at Crossroads Church

Whether you're looking to connect with a welcoming community or grow closer to God, Crossroads Church has a place for everyone called LIFE Groups. Share your faith and get more involved at this growing church.

7. See Our Roots at The Oklahoma History Center

The Oklahoma History Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Learn more about Oklahoma’s unique history of Native culture, pioneers, aviation, commerce, and more. 

8. Stroll Through the Myriad Botanical Gardens

Find your inner peace among lush foliage and trickling fountains at this serene garden. Watch out for the fish!

9. Explore Our Deep History at The Frontier City Theme Park

Get ready for thrills (and even some chills) with a journey into history at The Frontier City Theme Park. From hanging criminals to rattlesnakes, you never know what you'll find around every corner on this creepy ride!

10. Catch an Event at Remington Park 

Whether you're looking to bet on the ponies or simply enjoy a night at the races, Remington Park has all your racing needs covered year-round.

11. Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo 

Engage your wild side by taking some time out at one of the best family-friendly zoos in the country! Don’t miss the Great EscApe exhibit, the zoo’s hugely popular attraction featuring entertaining gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.

12. Get Your Groove on Downtown

We love dancing with our friends downtown! From classic line dances to boot scootin' boogie, you'll find plenty of chances to get out there and have fun with your favorite group at several bars within walking distance from one another around Bricktown Entertainment District. Keep an eye out for special events like glow-in-the-dark dance parties, ladies' nights, and themed nights.

Thinking of settling down in the Sooner State? Schedule a tour to view one of Landmark Fine Homes’ custom built homes! Our team will give you all the details on why Oklahoma City is one of the best places to live in the nation!

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