Keeping Simple Resolutions

Have you had a chance to start working on your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re still seeking inspiration for a positive change, we have some simple ideas that are easy – and can make a difference.

Try a New Restaurant.

Be adventurous. There are so many options in every neighborhood. Here are a few new places to consider:

Costa Mesa: Tableau Kitchen & Bar is a new restaurant at South Coast Plaza serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with an emphasis on seafood and pastries.

Santa Ana: Consider visiting McFadden Public Market, a social experience in a food hall in downtown Santa Ana at 515 North Main Street. One of the fun tastes to try is Mymen Ramen Bar.

Orange: Looking for something fun, something different, something fresh — O SEA is where seafood is headed. Think salmon ceviche in coconut leche de tigre, tuna poke in blood orange ponzu with shaved fennel & cucumber, crispy oaxacan hot shrimp, west coast oysters on the half with thai red curry and yuzu mignonette. It’s all at 109 S Glassell Street.

Riverside: Riverside Food Lab is the Inland Empire’s first food hall showcasing several artisanal eateries and bars that celebrate Riverside’s diverse cuisines and latest foodie trends! It’s all at 3605 Market St.

Marina del Rey: A great resource for dining options is the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau. They have lists of new restaurants to try such as Akbar Cuisine of India located at 115 Washington Boulevard, where you can savor the bold, exotic flavors of India.

Start a new hobby.

Do new stuff. It can be as simple as taking a walk outside every day – when your community features beautiful walking paths and streams, it’s easy. Or try your hand at a game of pool in one of Far West’s designer clubhouses. You can even study birds at the aviaries located on site!

Bring a plant into your home.

Did you know that plants can reduce stress? A 2010 study by the University of Technology, Sydney, found significant reductions in stress when plants were introduced including a 37% fall in reported tension and anxiety; a 58% drop in depression or dejection; a 44% decrease in anger and hostility; and a 38% reduction in fatigue. Plus, they make your home prettier.

Drink more water.

Your body needs it. 75 percent of us are chronically dehydrated. Get more water in your diet each day: carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day; choose water over sugary drinks; and opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.

Make Your Bed Every Morning.

According to US Navy Admiral William McRaven, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another…Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

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