FRESH STARTS. NEW BEGINNINGS.
Start the New Year with some fresh ideas and new perspectives. This month, we’re reimagining resolutions, savoring simple post-holiday appetizers, and diving into some of the best opening lines in literature.
The New Year is a perfect time for a fresh start, but traditional resolutions can feel overwhelming and hard to maintain. Instead, let’s explore alternatives that are positive and flexible!
A recent Psychology Today article suggests adopting a Nudge Word rather than a behavioral goal. Choose a word or phrase that resonates with you and let it guide your thoughts and actions throughout the year. Their cited examples include “explore” and “connect” as well as short mottos like “Excellence, not perfection” and “Slow and steady wins the race.” Use your word or phrase as a touchstone to make everyday decisions or when faced with life’s challenges.
Another idea is a series of 1-Month Resolutions that are fun and achievable—and allow you to explore new interests or habits with less pressure. After the stress of the holidays, adopting self-care and mindfulness practices might be appropriate for January, and February could be perfect for a fitness challenge. In the spring and summer months, you might resolve to spend more time in nature or finally plan that weekend trip to the resort you’ve been dreaming about all year.
Fresh starts aren’t about drastic changes—they’re about embracing new beginnings, one small step at a time, and celebrating progress, not perfection!
After the rich, indulgent meals of the holidays, January calls for lighter fare. Here are some options for casual gatherings, a simple snack, or to start your meal on a nutritious, refreshing note.
Lettuce Wraps
P.F. Chang’s may have popularized this dish in America, but it has long been enjoyed throughout China and Southeast Asia. Simply sauté ground chicken with garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, and a dash of soy. Add chopped water chestnuts for a bit of crunch and serve warm in crisp butter lettuce leaves.
White Bean Crostini
This rustic appetizer features creamy cannellini beans mashed with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh rosemary. Spread the mixture on toasted baguette slices and garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a simple, elegant nod to Italian antipasto.
Esquites Cups
Inspired by the classic Mexican street food, esquites are a warm and zesty addition to any meal or gathering. Combine roasted corn kernels with mayo, lime juice, chili powder and cotija cheese. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and serve in small cups or lettuce leaves.
Hummus Cups
Use mini phyllo shells or cucumber cups to hold a dollop of hummus. Top with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s a bite-sized treat packed with fresh, Mediterranean flavors.
There’s something magical about a great opening line; it sets the tone, sparks curiosity, and pulls you in. As we embrace fresh starts, these literary lines can remind us that even the simplest beginning can lead to the most amazing stories.
“Call me Ishmael.” This simple, three-word opening line is perhaps the most iconic in literary history, recognized by many who haven’t read Moby Dick, Herman Melville’s complex and symbol-filled narrative.
“When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.” In her 1911 children’s classic The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s unflattering description of the protagonist sets the stage for a remarkable transformation.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” A Tale of Two Cities opens with this evocative description of the human experience. Although the Dickens’ classic was set during the French Revolution, these are timeless words that still ring true today.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” From Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this iconic sentence promises wit, romance, and a sharp critique of societal norms.
