If you had a diary as a little girl, then you may already be someone who journals on a consistent basis. If so, start a new one for the New

Year. There’s nothing like cracking open a book with fresh blank pages. It’s almost symbolic. It’s saying “I’m ready for all that is to come.” If you don’t journal, there

are some scientific reasons why it’s a smart thing to do. Journaling is proven to release stress, increase your mental comprehension, encourage your creativity, improve your handwriting and writing skills

and, it’s even known to better your emotional intelligence and add a few more points to your IQ. Plus, it helps you to keep your goals in order. Research indicates

that you increase your chances of reaching a goal by 60 percent, simply by writing it down.

If money’s tight and you can’t afford to totally makeover your bedroom, a cheap way to drastically change the look of it is to paint your walls. Another? Get some

more bedding. Your sheets need to be a cotton-polyester blend (they are wrinkle-resistant). The thread count should be no less than 180. Also, try and look for the kind that

says “pure finish” on the packaging. That means no chemicals were used in the making of the sheets. As far as colors go, click here to read what

different hues represent.

Have you been wearing the same classic red or dark brown shade of lipstick? Nothing wrong with those; they are signature colors. But let’s bring in the New Year with

another shade! This season, some shades that are trending include dark berry, copper, fuchsia, metallic, black and pink. We recommend getting an olive and blue tube too. They make a

really big statement, but if you’re not ready to wear them alone, you can blend them with one of the other colors we mentioned.

What girl doesn’t love a nice piece of jewelry? We say go with something symbolic. Take this stone, for example. It’s called Apache Tears and it represents clarity and inner

healing. What a beautiful and subtle statement to make as you prepare for what lies ahead. (Click here to read up on other stones and what they represent.)

Traveling should never be seen as a luxury. For so many reasons, it’s an absolute luxury! Traveling is what helps to expand our horizons as you go to new places,

meet new people and, if you go abroad, experience other cultures, art and foods. If you’re worried that you can’t afford to travel, there’s no time like the present to

open up a traveling savings account. Every payday, put $25-50 towards you traveling budget. By the end of the year, you just might be able to get a new stamp

on your passport. Debt-free.

Every woman needs a new fragrance! Even if you’re very happy with the one you currently wear, having another in your arsenal can come in handy when you want to

switch things up a bit. You can go with a new perfume or cologne. Or you can try an essential oil. They are oftentimes cheaper, they last longer and they

have proven aromatherapy benefits. (Click here for some of the best on the market.)

When’s the last time you got your hair and nails done and got a massage? Treating yourself to a spa day is a way of sending a message to yourself

that you are worth the investment. It’s a special way to encourage self-love and care. Buy a certificate to your favorite spa now, then use it on a

low day. It will work miracles for your spirit and self-esteem! You’ll look up and realize it was truly once of the absolute best gifts you ever gave yourself!