Our Alternative New Year’s Resolutions

With January in full swing and most of us officially in back-to-work mode, we’re finding it a tad tricky to stick to the more traditional NY resolutions. The treadmill doesn’t seem very appetising when we’re looking out onto gale force winds and monsoon rain. Similarly, saving money is easier said than done when all of our favourite shops are tempting us with irresistible offers, sigh.

That’s why this year, we’ve decided to go easy on ourselves and introduce fun, inspiring NY resolutions which are sure to lift our spirits during the quieter months and ensure 2014 is one to remember. Read on for Nica’s alternative guide to New Year resolutions.

Resolution #1: Read More Classics

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Classics are making a comeback. Gone are the days of dusty old copies of Wuthering Heights, our much loved classics have been given a sparkling update. With striking new covers designed by the best graphic designers in the business, your clothbound copy of Alice in Wonderland has never been so on-trend. 

We recommend The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde for a stylish, candid tale of aesthetics and hedonism.

Resolution #2: Conquer World Cuisine

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Saving money doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, put a fun spin on being frugal by learning to cook a new cuisine. Invite all your friends over for a Come Dine With Me style affair- it’ll be more personal than a trip to your local chain eatery and friends are likely to return the favour.

We recommend starting your world cooking journey with Pad Thai, this dish is as popular in Thailand as Fish and Chips is here in old Blighty. Peanuts, lime and coriander are the core ingredients of Pad Thai and the dish is a fusion of fresh flavours which are not only super tasty but low in fat, ideal if you’re on a health kick.

Resolution #3:  Do More of What You Love

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When you look back on 2013, is there something you wish you’d done more of? Whether you’re a keen swimmer, illustrator or simply have a bucket list of favourite bands to watch, make it your mission to live without regret this 2014. Do more of what you love and you’ll be surprised how much of a positive impact this can have on your outlook and wellbeing.

Haven’t discovered your ‘thing’ yet? Here are a few suggestions:

-  Learn a language. Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, closely followed by Spanish.

- Travel to all 4 continents before the age of 30; Africa, America, Asia and Europe.
- Do 30 days of something. There are many 30 day challenge options available online, from going vegetarian, taking a picture every day to more extreme measures such as abstaining from the internet!

Do you have the knack of sticking to your NY resolutions? Tweet us your tips at @Nica_Handbags.