Okay, so you’ve done the easy part: you’ve made your New Year’s resolution. Now try sticking to it. Regardless of whether you’ve made a commitment to shed that muffin-top around your middle, jettison some of those unneeded expenses, or made a promise to your sweetie that you’d go out on honest-to-goodness dates, we’ve compiled a list of local, independent business owners whose aim it is to help you stay on that hard to follow path of New Year’s resolutions.
Resolution No. 1
“I will get fit.”
How to Keep it:
Get Your Rear in Gear
You’ve bought the new fancy sneakers and signed on with a gym, so how to keep yourself motivated after your get-up-and-go has got up and went? Certified personal fitness trainer Kari Larson has a few words of advice. “I encourage people to set small, attainable fitness goals,” she says. “You don’t set conquering Mount Everest as your first goal, you build a good foundation and add on from there.” Short on time? Don’t fret. Do half of your normal workout or take a quick walk; something is better than nothing, according to Larson. 763.473.4840; karilarsonfitness.com
Get Adjusted
Sometimes a crick in your neck or an out-of-alignment spine can cause you pain and stop you from getting your fanny (and every other part of you, for that matter) moving. If that happens, it’s no time to pack it all in and give up on your resolution; it’s time to get adjusted. “Adjustments help the spine move better and make them stronger,” says Dr. Lori Goodsell, owner and founder of Active Family Chiropractic. 3390-C Annapolis Ln. N.; 763.553.0387; activefamilychiropractic.com
Get Your (Healthy) Eating On
The food you eat is just as important as the exercise you do to burn it off, so Christi Jo Christian, chiropractor, nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner and owner of Wellness Solutions, makes it her job to ensure folks eat right. Some of her tips include: step away from the sugar, use smaller plates, reduce meal portions, eat more frequently and have a high protein breakfast. “Make sure to surround yourself with people with the same mindset,” she says. “It helps you stay on track.” 3390 Annapolis Ln. N.; 763.634.8500; lifetimewellnesssolutions.com
Resolution No. 2
“I will clean up.”
How to keep it:
Happy Haven
There’s just something invigorating about starting off the New Year with a fresh outlook. And, Erin Wambach-Holgate, who recently took over the helm at her mom’s business, In the Pink Cleaning, wants to help you get your home as sparkly as your new perspective. Whether you’re looking to purge those pesky dust bunnies, considering a deep and thorough carpet cleaning, or looking for some experts to tame those unruly cupboards, pantries and drawers, Erin can help turn your home into an organized oasis. 12800 Industrial Park Blvd.; 612.987.1620; inthepinkcleaning.com
Clutter-free Closets
So, you’ve managed to rid your closet of that ’70s leisure suit and the ’80s blazer with the Dynasty shoulders, and now you’re left with once-snug duds you love but are a little loose because of all the work you’re putting in at the gym. No worries; check out Avestapolis Tailors & Cleaners for all of your alteration needs. 3900 Vinewood Ln. N.; 763.557.6830
Sparkle & Shine
Is your jewelry looking a little sad? Are your diamonds a dab dirty, your favorite necklace sans clasp, or maybe those favorite baubles are all in need of some good-old-fashioned TLC. Stuart Adelman, owner, designer and master goldsmith at Artelle Designs, will get it glittering in no time. Interested in adding to your collection? (Who isn’t, right?) Stuart can help with that, too. 3555 Plymouth Blvd. Ste. 216; 763.559.0044; artelledesigns.com
Radiant Rides
Remember that new-car smell and the way you admired your ravishing ride from a distance—before the bits of french fries, road salt and kids’ juice box stains turned it into something else entirely? Well, the staff at Willy’s Auto Detail can help you fall in love with your car again. For $165–$225, Willy will polish, clean, buff, spray and wax every inch of your car from stem to stern—or should we say bumper to bumper? 15600 34th Ave. N. #B; 763.542.2277
Resolution No. 3
“I will save money.”
How to keep it:
It’s no surprise that saving money is right up there with getting fit when it comes to resolutions most people make. And Charlie Bolognino, owner of Side-by-Side Financial Planning, has three specific tips on just how to keep those greenbacks in your wallet.
- Create a spending plan, and stick to it.
- Focus on one financial goal at a time, including paying down debt, saving for college, investing and saving. Bolognino helps clients identify, prioritize and tackle those goals, before celebrating and moving on to the next one.
- Bolognino recommends pocketyourdollars.com, a website that is a “one-stop” shop that provides coupons that can be used in the Cub Foods, Rainbow, a plethora of pharmacies and Target stores right here in Plymouth. “A few simple strategies can literally save a family thousands of dollars a year,” he says. 763.202.5273; sidebysidefinancial.com
Resolution No. 4
“I will spend more time with the family.”
How to keep it:
Date Night
What better way to nurture our sweeties than by getting out without the kids, the tantrums and the runny noses. (Admit it: It is nice to get away for a bit; they always look so much cuter and act sweeter when you come back.) Care4hire.com and sittercity.com allow you to book a sitter in advance, or if you decide to dash out on a whim, the sites have local sitters who can handle that, too. care4hire.com; sittercity.com
Cooks in the Kitchen
How about a family pizza party to bring the brood together, complete with a variety of toppings and a crust-throwing contest? “Make the experience as tactile as possible; kids love lots of colors and moving parts,” says Annie Wobbeking, personal chef, caterer and owner of Annie’s Cooking Tonight. “A pizza is a perfect way to put all of that together.” 72 Nathan Ln.; 612.866.9895; anniescookingtonight.com
A bonus recipe for yeast-free pizza crust:
Annie’s Yeast-free Pizza Crust
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. granulated garlic
1 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/3 c. water
Mix flour, salt, basil, garlic and baking powder in medium size bowl. Add oil and water. Knead on floured counter just until workable and spreadable, about 2 minutes. Spread on greased pizza pan. Bake 5 minutes at 425°F. Remove and add your favorite sauce and toppings. Return to oven and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes or until desired doneness. Enjoy!
Resolution No. 5
“I will volunteer more.”
How to keep it:
Book Bestowers
Think of all the joy, sorrow, fear, anger, acceptance, love and myriad other emotions you’ve found in books. Now imagine that you don’t have access to those books because of limited mobility or other reasons—that’s the frustration many folks right here in Plymouth are experiencing. So, through the Hennepin County Library system, you can volunteer to deliver and pick up books and other library materials to those who are home bound. Are you a computer whiz or a great conversationalist? HCL is also looking for computer tutors and conversation circle facilitators. 952.847.5828; hclib.org
Helping Hands
Homeward Bound’s mission is simple, but powerful: To be the leading provider of life-enriching services for children and adults with disabilities. Not surprisingly, it takes many hands to bring that mission to light. With a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including helping with special events, renovation and maintenance projects, arts and crafts activities, performing at one of their many residences and a lot more, you can give of your time while making a difference. 12805 Hwy. 55 Ste. 400; 763.525.3186; homewardboundservices.org
