Everything you need to stick to your New Year’s resolutions
Photo credit: Dipankan001 for Wikimedia cc.
You may or may not be on board with the idea of starting the new year with a set of fresh and fabulous resolutions. But everyone has goals, and if yours are among those mentioned here–from getting more sleep to seeing more art–read on for helpful hacks, simple solutions, and total game-changers.
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Goal: Consume more fresh produce
Photos by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft. See more here >>
If you want to clean up your eating habits, first you have to get the goods–without having to make a special trip and wait on a special grocery line. New York City is filled with Greenmarkets that sell the best from local farms. You can find one near you with this Greenmarket finder map. Joining your local CSA is another way to have a bounty of fresh food around when you need it. Here are some more ways to make those six servings a day easier to achieve.
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Once you’ve used a Vitamix, nothing else will do. Get every bit of your produce including the fiber and nutrients in one velvety smoothie or soup. Save big by getting a refurbished model.
Vitamix Explorian professional-grade blender, $179.95 at Amazon |
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Alice Waters and her friends at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California have dedicated the last 25 years to the art of serving the finest, freshest foods with simplicity and style, and they’ve changed the tastes of America in the process.
“Chez Panisse Vegetables,” $21.29 at Amazon |
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“The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom,” $16.45 at Amazon |
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“Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi,” $17.99 at Amazon |
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This apartment-sized growing kit comes with soil and seeds. Put it in a sunny windowsill or hang it on the wall and enjoy a delicious crop of microgreens.
Chef’n Countertop Microgreen Grower, $26 at Food52
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If you’re a little more serious about your quest for home-grown greenery (and you’ve got the outdoor space for it), a greenhouse is a worthy splurge. |
Goal: Get in better shape
Photo via Pixabay cc
Though you might not think of the city as a fitness paradise, remember you can walk, jog, run, sprint, bike, and skip through the fabulous miles of trails in Central and Prospect Parks without spending a dime. And if the stair master’s your thing, give Fort Greene Park’s 100 steps a go. Locally-based Brooklyn Boulders might not be free, but it’s an efficient way to climb the walls and actually get something out of it. And a basic ClassPass membership will let you visit different city neighborhoods while you try new fitness classes. Below are a few objects of inspiration.
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We all know by now it’s not just for kids; a jump rope can give you the best cardio workout possible, and the best thing about it is that you can take it with you. Perfect for killer workouts when traveling and at home. No bells or whistles necessary, a speed rope is all you need to get started. |
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The Fitbit Charge 3 tracks just about everything you do (including sleep) so you can keep getting better at it. |
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These high-octane earbuds give you total freedom of movement when you’re working out while delivering powerful sound. They’re sweat- and water-resistant and come in three colors, and they come with StayHear and Sport tips in sizes S/M/L for a secure fit.
Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones, $169 at Amazon |
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Never skip another workout because of bad weather. |
Goal: Experience more of the city’s cultural bounty
Photo by Frederick Bensia via Pexels
In case you’ve forgotten: Most of the city’s museums have at least one day per month (or week) designated as “pay what you wish” or free. Smithsonian magazine’s annual Museum Day also gets you free entry during one day each year. And there are a number of great NYC museums that are free every single day.
CulturePass is the library card that keeps on giving: Cardholding patrons (13 and older) of the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library can use their library card, and get free admission to dozens of NYC cultural institutions, including museums, historical societies, heritage centers, public gardens and more.
If you get a New York City ID (IDNYC), which is a pretty good idea to begin with, you’ll also get a one-year membership at many of the city’s leading museums, zoos, concert halls, and botanical gardens. The free identification card for all New York City residents allows cardholders to access services and programs offered by the city as well as by businesses.
Founded in 1900, People’s Symphony Concerts is an organization that puts together concerts by some of the world’s best classical musicians in the acoustically amazing surroundings of Town Hall and Washington Irving High School for a very reasonable ticket or season program price. A set of six-concert series tickets on Saturday evenings is as little as $48, or approximately $8 per ticket and a Sunday afternoon series for as little as $50 or $8.33 per concert. Kids get free admission, and there are discounts for students.
Goal: Cook at home more
Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
Local grocery delivery pioneers Fresh Direct or the increasingly ubiquitous Amazon Fresh now can deposit the ingredients you need–from local specialty shops and chain groceries like Whole Foods–at your door within hours.
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Food, home and lifestyle influencer Athena Calderone achieved a James Beard award for the luscious photography in this guide to creating and plating gorgeous, satisfying and uncomplicated meals, even on ordinary weeknights. |
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Who could say no to something that cooks fast and saves time? The Instant Pot Duo multi-cooker is basically seven appliances in one: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer. And cooks up to 70 percent faster. |
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When you’re all about style and substance over speed. The trusty Le Creuset dutch oven is at the top of just about every chef’s must-have list.
Le Creuset Oyster Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5.5 Quart Round Dutch Oven, $349.95 at houzz |
Goal: Elevate your travel game and pack like a pro
Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
You’re a seasoned traveler and already have TSA Pre-check, but you’re still a wreck when it comes to packing. Learn from those super-organized packers and start with the right gear.
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Seasoned travelers consider Briggs & Riley the best luggage money can buy. It’s nearly indestructible, and it has magical expansion and compression properties that make it perfect for chronic over-packers. |
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This colorful luggage is easy to spot in a sea of black bags; it won’t break the bank, and its lightweight hardshell construction won’t weigh you down.
Merax hard-side lightweight spinner suitcase, 3-piece luggage set, $129.99 at Amazon |
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These little bags take the stress out of packing before and during your trip; soft items can be compressed to make more space in your suitcase, and they work as drawer organizers and laundry bags on the road. |
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The Flight 001 hanging, rolling toiletry bag is an all-time favorite of travelers in-the-know. |
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This cool and classic Scandi backpack by Fjallraven leaves your hands free to deal with more important things. Pockets for your laptop, water bottle, phone, and quick-access items help minimize confusion. |
Goal: Konmari your closet
Photo courtesy of Hay
Get-organized guru Marie Kondo and the Japanese art of decluttering are the antidote to your inner hoarder–and more people are jumping on the clutter-busting bandwagon daily. The right tools help make the job easy, from organization systems available at every price from Ikea to California Closets to bespoke built-ins and the small details that keep it all together.
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First, get inspired. |
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These cool Colour Crates from modern home goods company Hay come in several styles and sizes and can be stacked to keep necessaries out of the way while adding a pop of color to your closet. |
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These wool storage baskets are a pretty storage solution for blankets, sweaters, lingerie or anything you need to corral. |
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In the style of the famous Eames “Hang it all” coat rack, this gumball organizer brings mid-mod flair as well as order to your closet chaos. |
Goal: Get more sleep
Photo by From glowing screens to deadline stress and time zone changes, sleep is often the first thing to go out the window. Invite some calming influences in to reverse the trend. Shopper’s tip: Make time for a visit to luxury linen purveyor Society Limonta; the Italian company just opened a new U.S. flagship location in Soho.
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Linen bedding is cool in summer, cozy in winter and surprisingly easy to care for.
Coyuchi organic linen duvet cover, full/queen, $498 from Wayfair |
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White-noise machines mask disruptive sounds and help people of all ages drift gently off to sleep.
Lectrofan high fidelity noise machine & sleep timer $49.99 at Amazon |
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Lavender is the scent most associated with relaxation.
L’Occitane lavender shower gel enriched with relaxing lavender essential oil, $20 at Amazon |
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