January 2011 Keep-It-Together Checklist

Do you think comfort foods are off-limits because you’re trying to eat healthy? Think again. Just because you’ve made new year’s resolutions, doesn’t mean you’re stuck eating bland unsatisfying food. Instead, try healthier versions of your favorite meals, like macaroni and cheese, beef stroganoff, or green bean casserole.

If you’re looking for some easy organizing tasks to kick off 2011 the right way, try these ideas, like getting rid of chipped coffee mugs or cleaning out your sock drawer.

Don’t let dry winter air turn your mane into a static-filled mess. Get rid of the I-just-stuck-my-finger-in-a-socket look by spraying your hairbrush lightly with static guard and combing through.

Are money worries interfering with your planning for the year? Follow these easy steps for getting back on the right track, no matter what your concerns.

Whether you have 15, 30, or 60 minutes, you can tackle most chores to keep your home in tip-top shape. Focus on the countertops, sink, and a quick sweep of the floor in the kitchen. Break out the duster and hit the surfaces at or below eye level in the living room and bedroom. And in the bathroom, it’s all about sanitizing the hard surfaces. You’ll have a clean home in no time.

Now in season, along with other citrus fruits, pick oranges that are heavy for their size and have firm skin. Skip ones that feel spongy or have soft spots.

The energy you’re using on the elliptical doesn’t come from the food you’ve just eaten. However, if you tend to feel light-headed during your workout, eat a small, easy to digest snack beforehand.

Don’t give up on the sweater with the loose cuffs just yet. Soak them in hot water, then use a blow dryer on high to shrink them back to their original shape.

Believe it or not, there’s a right way to apply your creams, lotions, and serums to get the best results. Follow this step-by-step guide to put your morning and evening skincare routines in order.

Breakfast can be the most challenging meal of the day if you’re trying to grab something as you run out the door. Try any of these nine easy, healthy options that fill you up without slowing you down.

Due to cold temperatures you’re probably spending more time indoors. Take half an hour to get rid of scuffs on your linoleum, rust stains in your tub, or the dust on your dining room chandelier.

Take advantage of your doctors’ empty calendars to get appointment times that work best for you. Opt for the morning if you can to avoid getting stuck in the waiting room.

If you’re planning to take a fabulous European vacation, to remodel your kitchen, or to finally buy that designer handbag you’ve been eyeing, then it’s time to create a savings plan that works for you. Set up an automatic monthly withdrawal from your checking account to be deposited in your savings account. The actual saving part will be painless and you’ll be enjoying your vacation or purchase in no time.

Does your New Year’s resolution involve working out more? If you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, chances are you’ll be more motivated to hit the treadmill.

Be more organized by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers and catalogs you don’t want. The less clutter that comes in, the less you have to deal with.

With a little pre-planning this handy appliance can save you time in the kitchen. Learn the basics for using it, and find tons of delicious recipes.

The first step in finally getting those closets organized is to go through your clothing and decide what you need to keep, and what you don’t. Once you’ve pared down, create a place for everything you own. Using a few simple organizing tricks, it’ll be easy to keep everything in its place.

Whether you prefer classic chicken noodle, or want to try something a bit more unusual like ginger chicken and vegetable, nothing beats a hot bowl of soup when it’s cold outside.

If you’re ready to update your look, try one of these easy to care for haircuts. Complete with instructions on how to describe the look to your stylist.

Trying to see all the Oscar picks before the awards are handed out? Use these tricks to minimize the impact of all that movie-going on your wallet.