Hello, friends!
New Years Eve is just a few days away, can you believe it?
We hope your Holiday season has been absolutely lovely so far! As we head into yet another holiday and a whole new year, how are you preparing? I rounded up some great tips for New Years Resolutions and how to keep them!
- Make it Attainable! Start small and set goals for each month to attain your overall goal.
- Write it. And I mean everywhere! Heck, make it into a work of art then print and frame it. Hanging it in a common area that you see on a regular basis to constantly inspire you to achieve it. Inspire yourself; this is a big deal after all, so treat it that way.
- Tell Everyone. Ask for accountability! Whether it’s with one specific person or multiple, be sure to promote your goal to people who will appreciate what you’re doing enough to follow up with you on a regular basis. Are you giving up sweets? Offer to give $50 bucks each person who catches you giving into your sweet tooth. Take this seriously and utilize the support around you.
- Be Specific. This biggie-backs on #1 when I say set goals. Rather than saying: “I want to lose weight in 2013” specifically set goals for each month. Try: “I want to lose 10lbs in January and another 10 in February etc.”
- Plan every little detail to help you get to the big picture.
- Celebrate! Did you lose your first 5lbs? Hooray! Have close friends over for a special night or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Maybe you are reorganizing your home for a big home makeover and you accomplished one major room in the process. Be sure to share the photos on your blog or social media network or invite a few friends over for cocktails; whatever it is be sure to celebrate the small milestones because each milestone gets you one step closer to the big goal.
Don’t let your New Year’s Resolution weigh heavily on your shoulders; this process should be fun and enjoyable! Don’t be afraid to feel silly when celebrating your first week of eating healthy, changes can be hard, be proud of what you’re doing!
What are your resolutions for the New Year? How can you better yourself in 2013?
But! Maybe resolutions aren’t your thing and that’s OK too! Here are some great ideas for decorations to inspire you to head into 2013 with style. Many of these ideas could easily be DIY, and with 5 days before the big night, you have plenty of time to get crafty and prepare.
Check out all of our New Years 2013 Inspiration, by heading on over on our Pinterest Board.
Last but not least, you’ll want to feed your guests and sip on something delicious as you count down the hours and minutes to when the ball drops. Here are the perfect vegan recipes to quench your thirst and fill your belly, after you’ve danced the evening away:
Gorgonzola’ Arancini (Risotto Balls)
2 qts. vegetable stock
1 Tbsp. olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, diced
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 lb. arborio rice
1 oz. white wine
1/8 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
1/8 bunch thyme, chopped
1/8 bunch rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
½ cup soy Parmesan cheese
6 oz. soy gorgonzola-style cheese
1½ cups Egg Replacer (mix with 2 cups water until medium-thick)
2 cups bread crumbs
1 qt. canola or peanut oil for frying
• Simmer the vegetable stock over low heat.
• In a large-bottom pan (roundeaux or Dutch oven works best), heat the oil, add the onion, and sauté until slightly brown. Stir, add the garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes.
• Add the rice, sauté about 1 minute, and stir constantly.
• Deglaze with the white wine, add 2 cups of the vegetable stock, reduce the heat to medium-high, and stir occasionally until the liquid is gone.
• Continue to add 1 to 2 cups of vegetable stock at a time until the rice is cooked and creamy and the liquid is gone. Add the chopped herbs and nondairy “Parmesan.” Spread the rice mixture on a cookie sheet and cool.
• While the rice is cooling, form the “gorgonzola” into little balls about the size of a ½ tsp.
• Mix the egg replacer with water.
• Form the risotto into 1-oz. balls, then put the “gorgonzola balls” in the center.
• Coat the balls with the egg replacer and coat again with the bread crumbs.
• Heat the canola or peanut oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Deep-fry the arancini until brown.
▪ 2 cups fresh raspberries
▪ 2 cups peach slices (from a jar, not a can)*
▪ 3 tablespoons orange zest
▪ Juice of 2 oranges
▪ 4 cups vodka
▪ 3 cups simple syrup
Directions:
1. In a large mason jar, combine raspberries, peaches, orange zest, orange juice, and vodka. Seal and set in a dark place for 2 weeks, stirring after 1 week.
2. Stir in the simple syrup, seal, and set in a dark place for 1 to 2 more weeks.
3. Line a sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth. Pour liqueur through the sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
4. Transfer the liqueur to a large mason jar or a variety of smaller mason jars.
*Use fresh peaches if you make this liqueur in the summer.
Whether you're setting goals, decorating for the party, or bringing the drinks, we hope you found some great inspirations for a little bit of each in this post! Have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
