It's that time again. Time to make the annual list of well-intentioned New Year's Resolutions. Unfortunately, resolutions often involve changes that are too drastic to be realistic in one's daily life. So for 2012, instead of making resolutions, why not focus on creating a lasting, healthy lifestyle change!
Simple Steps to a Healthier You
Think Outside the Box - Avoid eating processed/packaged foods, refined sugars, white flour, chemical additives, excess salt and trans fats. Read labels so you know what you're putting into your body.
Make Breakfast Count - Don't skip breakfast! It's important to kick start your metabolism. Eat protein AND high fiber items.
Plan Accordingly - Stock up on easy to grab snacks such as nuts, pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Keep a supply of dinner items such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole wheat pitas, albacore tuna and canned beans.
Keep it Fresh - Eat 5 servings of fresh fruits/vegetables per day. Purchase pre-cut and washed for a quick and easy snack.
Scale Down - Eat on a smaller plate, so it's harder to overeat. When out, try ordering an appetizer with a side salad instead of an entree.
Drink Plenty of Water - Drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day. Water removes impurities, increases energy, enhances fat loss, reduces hunger and hydrates skin. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated or sugary drinks which actually further dehydration.
Keep Moving - Maintain at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Take a brisk walk, mow the lawn, try a new exercise video, play Wii or hit the gym.
Keep it Simple - Take time to de-stress. Stress is directly related to high blood pressure, fatigue and a lowered immune system. Add some daily relaxing activities like reading or gardening to free your mind. Make changes to free up time and bring balance back to your life.
Healthy changes are typically best measured off the scale. Ask yourself: do I have increased energy? Am I getting better sleep? Has my digestion improved?
Achieving good health is best accomplished by incorporating small positive changes into your lifestyle. Changes that become habits you can build on over time. It's all about making more good choices than bad choices.
Courtesy of Dr. Greg Pippert, BodyLogicMD
A Letter That Will Change Your Year
The end of the year is a great time for reflection. How often do we say that this week, this month or this year flew by? Remember, how we spend our day/week/month/ is how we spend our lives. It is time to take charge and consciously choose how you spend your time. If you aren't planning your ideal year, it is unlikely you are living it.
The CRE Challenge:
This is great to do with family, friends, business associates or by yourself. Put on some inspiring music and set aside 10-15 minutes to write. You are going to write a letter to your future self.
1. Date the letter one year from now and write about your ideal year. What do you want your future self to be like, what are the different dreams and goals you would like to realize by then, what is your desired status of the areas of your life at that time? Think about personal growth, family and friends, vacations, fitness, recreation, hobbies, contribution, spirituality, business, education, health, financial, love and experiences. Be specific and have fun. Sign the letter when you are done.
2. Keep your letter safe by putting it in an envelope. Seal it. On the cover, write "To [your name]. To be opened on [date]". Replace [your name] with your name and [date] with the date that is one year from now. Put this envelope in a safe place where no one can access it.
3. Set a calendar reminder to open your letter 1 year from now.
Have fun with this challenge and send us your feedback! Tell us if you wrote a letter, who you wrote with and what your experience was like. We will include a reminder in our December 2012 newsletter to dig out your letters.
Here at CRE, we are so grateful for your support in our continued growth. 2011 was an amazing year and we helped over 40 people buy, sell or invest in real estate. Our goal is to be your first stop when it comes to real estate and to show our gratitude, we wish to give back by supporting you in living your best life. Stay tuned for the 2012 schedule of workshops open to everyone, including: goal setting, vision boards, journal writing, gratitude and financial peace university. We will also keep you posted on nationwide events that can have a huge impact on your life.
All the best,
Chloe, Nicole, Kimberly and Chrissy
WHERE IN THE WORLD...
Stowe, VT
Stowe, VT - a historic mountain town!
Stowe combines a classic 200-year-old village with Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain. This unique combination creates an atmosphere reminiscent of great European mountain resorts. Tourism is a significant industry in Stowe. Points of interest include:
Mt. Mansfield: At 4,393 feet, this ski area is suitable for intermediate to expert skiers.
Trapp Family Lodge: The von Trapp family (featured in The Sound of Music) fled Austria in 1938 and settled in Vermont where they opened a 27-room ski lodge.
Stowe Mountain Resort: comprised of two mountains (Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak). The resort also offers two hotels.
FUN FACT: HGTV's 2011 Dream House is located in Stowe.
Population = 4339 (as of 2000 census)
Median list price = $449,900
1-Year Change = +3.2%
Single Family Homes = 23%
Built 1970 - 1989 = 41%
Annual Property Tax = $4,120|
PLACES TO GO | EVENTS | THINGS TO SEE
Jan 1 to Apr 12 | Ice Skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, New York City www.rockefellercenter.com
Jan 1 | New Year's Day Hike, Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT www.sgpa.org
Jan 7 | Polar Bear Fair, Westmoor Park, West Hartford, CT http://westmoorpark.org
Jan 8 to Jan 13 | Restaurant Week, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT www.mohegansun.com
Jan 14 to Jan 16 | Sleigh Ride Weekend, Billings Farm, Woodstock, VT www.billingsfarm.org
Jan 15 | Open Cockpit Sunday, New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT www.neam.org
Jan 20 to Jan 21 | Beer Summit Winter Jubilee, Boston, MA http://boston.about.com
Jan 27 to Jan 29 | Sun WineFest, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT www.mohegansun.com
Jan 28 | Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River, Madison, CT www.theaudobonshop.com
CLOSING CONGRATULATIONS: Dawn Fortuna, Joe Fortuna, Tanina-Marie LaRosa, Jim and Doreen Fournier, Dave and Liz Patterson!
REFERRAL THANKS: Matt Erdmann,Tony Melandro, Jeff Schleppy and Matthew Miller!
Visit our Facebook Fan Page at www.CREFanPage.com for more information about us
