We are still accepting donations for Justin Corbridge! You can make donations directly to New Traditions Bank, 505 Wekiva Springs Rd Longwood, FL 32779. We can't thank you enough for your help!

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bluffton Self Help's RED APRON CHILI COOKOFF

Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Sunday, February 26, 2012
10:00AM - 4:00PM

What? Red Apron Chili Cookoff When? Sat­ur­day, Feb­ru­ary 25, 2012, 10 am until 4 pm Where? Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC at Tanger II Out­let Cen­ter Hilton Head off High­way 278

THE RED APRON CHILI COOK OFF! Sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Proceeds to benefit Bluffton Self Help. Come early and come hungry! Activities from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Watch cooks from around the southeast compete for big prizes! Throughout the day, sample chili and help choose the People’s Choice winner! Plus, take advantage of TANGER II store and restaurant specials. Beer available on site to adults with proper ID. Spectator Entry Fee: $10 (with donation of one bag of non-perishable food) $15 (without food donation)

Contact

Lili Coleman
lili@blufftonselfhelp.org
843-757-8000

Event Location

Tanger II Outlet Center Hilton Head
www.blufftonselfhelp.org

Admission Fee: $10 per person (with donation of one bag of non perishable food) and $15 per person (without food donation. No charge for children under 12.

Join Captured Moments for our Bunny Days!

Captured Moments

1402 King St

Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

843-379-0223 

We are excited to present our Bunny Days promotion. Our Santa Claus promotion was a big hit, so we are continuing the fun with Portraits with Live Bunnies. 

Upcoming Events 

Bunny Days

Portraits with Live Bunnies 

Join us in our studio for our exclusive sessions with Live Bunnies. By appointment only, and it's only $10 to reserve your spot! Images will be posted on the Events Section of our website. You choose your poses, not us! Packages start at $59, if you order within 24 hours. We have 1,2,3, and 4 pose packages! How will you choose? 

 

March 17 and 18, 2012

1402 King St. Beaufort SC 

10:00AM-4:00PM 

Be sure to to tell all your friends with children! Call today to reserve your spot: 843-379-0223. 

All credit cards accepted.

7 Ways to Score Free Stuff

We've explored the world of freebies a couple times on Financially Fit from free vacations, to free yoga, to free cell phones. And yes, there's more! Here's another round up of totally free offerings that can potentially help you save you thousands of dollars a year.


Free Media, Language Classes & Children's Events
What magical place houses all of the aforementioned freebies? The library, of course! When was the last time you visited yours? These days, the library has become the best destination for free content, but also free classes, ebooks, family events and WiFi. Likewise, your local YMCA or college may offer a variety of free classes to members.

Online Courses
"You can learn anything in the world online for free from the frivolous to the serious," says Jody Rholena, senior editor at Consumer Report's ShopSmart Mag. She recommends AcademicEarth.org if you want to tap into lectures from Ivy League professors on anything from art to architecture. There, you can even take courses for free. Meantime, if you want to learn every day fun skills like how to play charades to juggle, check out HowCast.com.

Free Pantry and Medicine Cabinet Goods
Retailers often give away free samples of their latest products, hoping you'll try it, love and buy it. Online freebie directories include ThunderFap, TotallyFreeStuff and AbsurdlyCool offer things like free floss, vitamins, coupons and from fee samples of medicine cabinet items, coupons and even some groceries. The catch is that you have to register with these sites and, at the least, provide your email address. "Getting the freebie here does come with some strings. You get the product; [retailers] get your information," says Rholena. Her advice: If you're signing up for any of these free product giveaways, set up a special email account to help keep all that information separate from your personal account. Also read through the company's privacy policy. "I know they're long but take a quick scan through there and just make sure that you're giving your information to a legitimate organization," she says.

Free Cosmetics
Walk into any Sephora store within 14 days of your birthday and receive a free gift - usually a sample size of the store's latest product -- when you show your Beauty Insider Card, which is Sephora's free rewards card.

Free Meals
Find free meal deals for the family at sites like HeyIt'sFree.net and if it's your birthday, check out EatFreeOnYourBirthday.com for a list of restaurants offering giveaways on your special day. For example, I learned that if I join the Birthday Club at Baskin Robbins, I can get a free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream on my birthday. Parents note: some participating Chili's restaurants offer a "Kids Eat Free" promotion on Tuesday evenings with the purchase of one adult entrée, birthday or not!

Free Odds and Ends
For free household items such as used paint, furniture, TVs and maybe even kayaks, check out the neighborhood giveaway site Freecycle.org, where you can also post for free things you want. Score even more free household stuff by hosting a party for a sponsor. Sign up at HouseParty.com to receive a hosting package full of products, cooking tools and party decorations.

Swap for Freebies
Bookmooch.com is a great place to trade old books for new ones and maybe score free college text books.Swapstyle.com is a free fashion site where you can swap clothes and accessories with its growing community of 47,000 members.

Please help us support a friend in need!

Happy Margarita Day!

It's Fat Tuesday!

Mardi Gras History

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Medival Europe, though we have no written record of how that really transformed into the current Mardi Gras of today. But the origins of the Mardi Gras we celebrate today -- with Kings, Mardi Gras colors, and brass bands -- are traced to New Orleans.

Although we can trace its history to the Romans, a French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras.

In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile) ... similar to those who form our current Mardi Gras Krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Graf Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. The procession was held with a huge bull's head pushed alone on wheels by 16 men. This occurred on Fat Tuesday.

New Orleans was established in 1718 by Jean-Baptise Le Moyne. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans.. but not in parade form. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's Governor The Marquis de Vaudreuil established elegant society balls -- the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today.

The earliest reference to Mardi Gras "Carnival" appears in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. That year, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association is the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans.

By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback to celebrate Mardi Gras. Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance.

In 1871, Mardi Gras's second "Krewe" is formed, the Twelfth Night Reveler's, with the first account of Mardi Gras "throws."

1872 was the year that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival -- Rex -- to parade in the first daytime parade. They introduced the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold; the Mardi Gras song, and the Mardi Gras flag.

In 1873, the first floats were constructed entirely in New Orleans instead of France. In 1875, Governor Warmoth of Louisiana signs the "Mardi Gras Act" making it a legal holiday in Louisiana, which is still is.

Most Mardi Gras Krewes today developed from private social clubs that have restrictive membership policies. Since all of these parade organizations are completely funded by its members, we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!"

How to Clean the Electric Coil Burner to Your Stove

• Remove the completely cooled burners.

Once the burners have completely cooled, remove them from the cook top area. Most burners unplug from the main part of the stove. If you have questions about how to remove your burners, refer to your manufacturer's instructions for best practices.

• Begin with dish soap and water.

Use a cleaning cloth and a mild dish soap and water to try to remove residue at first. Because the burner coils cook off most food that comes into contact with them, a mild wipe down is often all that is needed. Don't submerge the burners or any electrical portion in water.

• Remove stuck on food.

If mild dish soap and water wouldn't remove stuck or burnt on food, try making a baking soda and water paste to gently scrub residue off of the electric burner coil. Really tough stains may benefit from allowing the baking soda paste to sit on the burner for up to 20 minutes, before scrubbing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

• Clean the drip pans.

If your cook top has removable drip pans, this is the time to remove and clean those as well. Dump out any charred remnants of food. Wipe them down and replace them before replacing the burners.
Maintain the burners.

For regular maintenance of electric coil burners, just wiped down the burners at the same time you wipe down the top of the stove.

What You Need:

• Cleaning cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Water
• Baking soda

The Importance of Changing your Air Filter

The quality of air is very important to all individuals. A person can help make their quality of air better by changing air filters often. Air filters are used to clear the air of pollen, mold, dust and other particles in the air.

Air filters should be inspected throughout the summer and winter months. Changing your air filters will help ensure your heat and air units are kept running efficiently. The filters need to be clear and free of any dirt. Any foreign particles clinging to your air filters can keep your air conditioner, or heat from flowing freely. Clogged or dirty filters can cause your heat or air unit to work harder and longer. This will make energy bills sky rocket. Air pollution is a common health concern in a lot of households. There are certain health concerns associated with dirty air filters. Different types of respiratory illnesses can be triggered due to poor quality of air.

Request your air filter to be changed or stop by the leasing office monthly to pick one up!

What type of dog is best for me?

You probably have a favorite breed of dog, but is that breed a good fit for your particular lifestyle? Adopting or purchasing a dog is a long-term commitment, so don't make the decision lightly. There are many factors to consider before adding a pet to your family, so do your homework and investigate different breed characteristics first to learn of any quirks or health issues that might be more than you bargained for. Here are six things to research and think about before choosing which dog is right for you.

Safety – Some breeds of dogs are thought to be dangerous when in reality, any dog can be a danger to you and your family if the situation is right or they are provoked. A Denver news anchor was recently bitten in the face by an Argentine Mastiff. Does that make all mastiff’s dangerous? No. The various mastiff breeds are often referred to as gentle giants. The pit bull has been given a bad rap for years because of their use in dog-fighting rings, but those that are bred as pets can be just as loving as any Cocker Spaniel. Ignorance of the breed perpetuates the myth, as evidenced by a recent McDonald’s ad.

Don’t dismiss any breed on the basis of media hype only. If you’re concerned that a breed you’re considering might not be good with kids, do your research and talk to other owners to get the straight scoop. If you do decide on a particular breed, be aware that each dog will still have an individual personality and temperament. Not every dog from a breed that’s considered friendly will be good with children. Get to know the dog and his history before bringing him home, and never leave any dog alone with a young child.

Cost - Even a dog that starts out free or cheap can be costly to keep. Some dogs will bite you in the pocketbook more than others, and those prone to health problems can send you to the poorhouse quickly. Less than desirous qualities aren't limited to purebreds; my Molly is a mix of Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog and St. Bernard, three breeds that are known to have hip dysplasia. Guess what $240 worth of x-rays diagnosed Molly with at her first birthday? Don't overlook other health issues predominant in some breeds, such as respiratory problems with dogs with pushed-in noses.

Beyond health issues that can keep your veterinarian in new golf clubs, dogs that destroy your clothing and furniture can eat up your budget (and your sanity) too. Some breeds of dogs tend to settle down after the initial chewing stage that most puppies go through, but others are notorious for tearing a house apart because they don't like to be left alone. Look for breeds that are more laid back if you'd have to leave your dog while you go to work.

Size - Yes, size does matter. I've always loved the larger breeds, and while most are generally good with kids, they can be intimidating to those who are fearful of dogs. If you're looking for a large dog, make sure the entire family is on board so that your pre-teen daughter doesn't stay locked in her room because she's afraid of your behemoth buddy.

Some small or toy breeds are prone to being nervous and yap a lot, which would be extremely irritating to me. If you don't mind that they need a lot of attention and are constantly underfoot, you might be satisfied with a purse-puppy -- but be careful that you don't step on him.

Space - Whether you live in a studio apartment or have a large fenced-in yard can help determine which dog is best for you. Surprisingly, some large dogs adapt very well to apartment life (the Great Dane is one), as long as they are walked daily. Even so, a giant of a dog might do better with a bit more room to turn around (think bull in a china shop).

Having a small dog doesn't necessarily mean you don't need space, however. The Jack Russell Terrier, for instance, is diminutive in size, but makes up for it in temperament. This feisty little fella is a very high energy dog and daily walks aren't enough to keep him busy. He needs a place where he can run and explore, and to hinder him from that is asking for trouble.

Grooming - With few exceptions, all dogs shed, but some more than others. Anyone with a German Shepherd Dog will tell you that it's almost impossible to keep up with their shedding, but many think it's a small price to pay for such a loving companion (myself included). If you can't stand dog hair on your furniture or clothing, look for a Poodle or Poodle-mix.

Many breeds can get by with a simple brushing a few times a week, but others require more extensive primping that might include a trip to a professional groomer every month. Be aware of grooming requirements before you fall in love with a dog whose haircut will cost more than your own.

Several dog breeds are notorious for drooling. If a slobbering dog is a turn-off, you won't want to share your home with any of the Bulldog and Mastiff breeds.

Activity - Some breeds need a job and will make up their own if you don't give them one. Terriers were bred to dig, and dig they will if not kept occupied. Beagles are known escape artists and won't let anything get in the way of their nose on a scent (I had a Beagle who would walk into a tree because he 'looked' with his nose rather than his eyes). All hounds will howl or bay in excitement when they catch sight or whiff of any small critter in their territory, no matter the time of day or night.

You might be able to tolerate any or all of these activities, but consider how they might affect your neighbors too.

What about a mutt?
Mixed breed dogs can take on the characteristics - both good and bad -- of any breed in their genetic makeup. If you're considering a hybrid dog, make sure that you're acquainted with the qualities associated with both breeds. Better yet, for a loving dog with fewer genetic predispositions, head to your local shelter to adopt another of my favorites - the Heinz 57.

Happy Valentine's Day form Courtney Bend!

The Fitness Center and the Billiards Room will be closed today due to carpet install!

Attention Residents: The clubhouse will be closed Sunday 2/12/12
We are making the clubhouse beautiful by installing new carpet for you.

Pressure Washing

Residents of Building 8

Please don't forget we will be pressure washing today!  Please make sure you have all belongings pulled inside of your apartment, such as door mats and planters.   We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank You and Happy Friday!

Courtney Bend Management 

Unsure of what to do or get for Valentine's Day? Gifts.com www.gifts.com/ideas/valentines-day has some great ideas. On a tight budget? Why not take a sunset stroll on the beach and have a picnic! There are plenty of ideas and ways that can make this Valentine's Day special!! If you are single on this Valentine's Day see our singles ideas below.

Going Solo on Valentine's Day

The stores are decorated in candy hearts, flowers and bears. Every TV or radio commercial reminds you that it’s time to remember your sweetheart on this special day for lovers.What’s a single person to do?

The following suggestions are designed to both answer that question and to help you have a good day after all, while working to make it your last solo one.

Celebrate the day by planning an activity that is meaningful and enjoyable to you:

Go to a day spa for “the works”
Plan an intimate dinner for 3 or 4
Go ice-skating or to the movies with a fun friend
Go out to dinner and a movie with a group of other singles
Focus on what you enjoy and make a conscious decision about how to mark the day
Un-Valentine's Day parties are very popular and can be a lot of silly fun. You can attend one or throw one of your own.

Meanwhile, design a relationship-building plan:

Let the holiday provide you with the motivation to take risks, try new ideas and gain the knowledge that will enable you to find and create a lasting, intimate relationship.
Sit down at the computer or with pen and paper in hand and get your plan written down.
Begin by making a list of resources that can be used to help you meet available singles.
These can include: on-line dating sites, singles groups, volunteer activities, or participation in sports or other activities that you enjoy.Decide when and how often you will participate in any activity you have chosen.
Make a budget for both time and available funds for this purpose.
Do your homework and research each resource so the information will be available when you need it.

Review those resolutions you made, or make some if you haven’t yet.

Think about what is really important to you. Remind yourself that implementing and sticking to these will help ensure that you are really ready for that special relationship. Being the kind of person you want to be with is the first step.

Begin with concrete goals. For example stick with a healthy diet, exercise three times a week, plan one organizational task per week, etc. Taking care of yourself and living well will optimize your chances for relationship success. Start today.

Some People Can't Afford Water Services...You can help!

The Thad Coleman Fund

The Thad Coleman Fund offers a helping hand to Beaufort and Jasper County families who are faced with financial hardship. The fund helps these needy families pay the costs to connect to the BJWSA public water and sewer system. It is funded through The Beaufort County United Way, BJWSA, Beaufort County, Beaufort-Jasper-Colleton-Hampton Comprehensive Health (BJCHCH), and BJWSA's participating customers throughout our service area.

The Beaufort and Jasper Departments of Social Services (DSS) and BJCHCH administer the fund on our behalf. DSS and BJCHCH determine eligibility for assistance based on family size, total household income, and government guidelines.
Would you like to help?

There are two ways you can choose to help. You may make a one-time donation by sending a check to Thad Coleman Fund:

BJWSA
6 Snake Road
Okatie, SC 29909

Or you may choose to make automatic monthly contributions by authorizing us to round your bill to the next highest dollar amount. For example, $29.64 would be rounded up to $30.00 and the $.36 spare change will be deposited into the Thad Coleman Fund.

You can log onto www.bjwsa.org/info/thad-coleman.html to sign up or call customer service at (843) 987-9200.

Valentine's Ball

Sat Feb 11 2012 at 05:00 pm

Venue : Historic Rose Hill Mansion (Circa 1860) Rose Hill Plantation (Equestrian Side), Rose Hill Plantation, Bluffton, SC, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

Valentine's Ball - A Celebration of Southern History & Culture Sponsored By Sons of Confederate Veterans. Food, Cash Bar, Music, Dancing(Including Period Dances (With Instruction), Silent Auction (including Civil War-era antiques and weaponry plus some fantastic jewelry items from Jewels By Jeffrey) and More! In recognition of the Sesquicentennial, Civil War era theme. Period dress encouraged, Black Tie optional. $125.00 / couple. Sons of Confederate Veterans is a 501-C-3 organization (All contributions are tax deductible).

We Hope Everyone Has a Great Weekend! Don't Forget About Our Super Bowl Party Sunday February 5, 2012 Starting At 6:00pm!! We Hope to See You all There!

Rent is Due!

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. You also have a grace period until the 5th each month to pay.
For your conveniance, we have set it up so that you can pay rent online! Just visit our website, log onto rent payment and pay with your debit/credit card!

Get tickets for the wonderful 1950s rock & roll musical GREASE at the historic Savannah Theater

Friday at 8:00 pm

Saturday at 3:00 pm and/or 8:00 pm

Sunday at 3:00 pm

January 20 through February 5 

Monday Already?

Snow Day on Hilton Head!

Come see it snow on Hilton Head

Ages 2-18 $10 Per Child Includes Activities, Concessions Sold Separately

All Proceeds Benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children's Scholarship Fund.

Shelter Cove Park

11:00AM - 4:00PM

843.681.7273

Attention pet owners…..

When walking your pet, please remember to use the outer perimeter of the property. You should not walk your pet directly in front of the building, or near the sidewalks and/or amenities. Also, remember to clean up after your pet and that they should be on a leash at all times.The Paw Park is NOT a designated pet walking area.. Please walk your pet PRIOR to taking them in the Paw Park. This is simply for them to play in! Also, pets are NOT permitted in or around the pool area. By doing so, your neighbors and the staff will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Keep in mind, that per your lease agreement, animals may only use grassy areas except amenities, mailbox and office.  Should you violate your lease agreement there is a fee of $100, then $10 each day until you resolve the matter.  

Thank You,

Courtney Bend Management

Bluffton's New HOT Spot!

Station 300 is the latest addition to Buckwalter Place in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina. This high-tech entertainment center is a dazzling 33,000 square feet of 24 bowling lanes, Traxx Restaurant & Lounge, and the latest arcade games. 

25 Innovation Drive

Buckwalter Place

Bluffton, SC 29910

843-815-BOWL (2695)

Hours:

Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat - 9am-2am

Tues, Thurs & Sun - 9am-12am

Lovin' Spoons opens Bluffton location | Bluffton Today

Lovin' Spoons opens Bluffton location | Bluffton Today

Is there a More exciting Show?

Is there a more exciting show in the world than Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? We don't think so, its not an accident the circus is called the Greatest Show on Earth. The show will have a number of new acts that are sure to delight audiences of all ages, shapes and colors. 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started when the circuses of James Bailey and P.T. Barnum were merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1919. The first star of the circus was Jumbo, which the circus advertised as the words's largest elephant in 1882.

Lions and Tigers and Acrobats, Oh my! Nothing beats a performance like Ringling Brothers Circus in the fine circus tradition.

Yesterday marked the birth day for Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr – otherwise known as Muhammad Ali!

The former boxer, social activist and global figure who represents the face of boxing worldwide turned 70 yesterday. The world will pause for the athlete’s birthday, who was nominated the 20th century’s greatest athlete by Sports Illustrated!

Happy Birthday, you’re an inspiration to all!

Our office will be closed Tuesday, January 17th. The staff will not be available to assist anyone until Wednesday at business open (8:30am).  The clubhouse amenities will open after 6pm. If you are in need of maintenance or the courtesy office, please call: 877-314-6751. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. Have a great weekend!!

Martin Luther King Celebration!

Bluffton on Monday will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the civil rights leader’s visions of community building.

The theme for the 28th annual celebration is “The Great Initiative of Change.”

Events honoring King begin with a 1 p.m. Memorial Service in the auditorium at Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.

A parade/march will follow at 2 p.m., starting at and circling back to Town Hall for the conclusion, a cookout.

“Everyone is invited to participate in this event,” said organizers in the MLK Observance Committee.

That includes joining the parade/march, said Anne Cooke, committee vice president/acting chairman.

“We don’t want any spectators. We want everybody to be marching or driving a float,” she said.

For the Memorial Service, the program will consist of performances by youth from Campbell Chapel AME, First Zion Baptist and St. John’s Baptist churches and the Boys & Girls Club, Cooke said.

Also, the Observance Committee will present the annual Drum Major Award to an honoree for service to the community.

From Town Hall, the parade/march route will go north up Pritchard Street, head left down Bruin and May River roads, turn left on Thomas Heyward Street and then go left on Bridge Street back to its starting point.

While the parade is open to all who show up, groups entering a vehicle or float are asked to contact Cooke or Connie Atkins, treasurer/program coordinator, in advance. Reach Cooke by phone at 757-3417 and Atkins at 248-390-1798.

Remember Pest Control will be here tomorrow, so if you have any issues please let us know!

Happy Wednesday!

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $709/month

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $709/month

It's the Weekend!

Happy Friday!

Don't forget rent is due. Today is the last day to pay without the late fee. Remember, you can pay online. All you have to do is:

Log on to www.courtneybend.com, you will see a “resident corner” hyperlink, click on that and it will direct you to www.rentpayment.comwhere you can complete the payment process. Remember if you pay with your bank account it’s FREE! Once you have made the payment, you will receive a reference number to confirm payment has been processed.

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. There is a grace period offered to you for convenience. Rent is late on the 6th of each month.
You can also download the rent payment application onto your iphone to accomodate your schedule.

Happy Wednesday

Effective, January 2, 2012, we are using a new answering service to help better serve our residents and their requests. If you are in need of emergency maintenance or the courtesy officer, please call

(877) 314-6751

 (Monday-Friday 6pm-8am, Saturday 5pm-10am, Sunday all day)

Be sure to provide your name, phone number and apartment number so our staff can contact you.

Thank you!

                                                                                        

8 ways to Simplify your life in 2012!

Streamline your workouts, your morning makeup, even your resolution list. Here are eight New Year tips on how to look better and improve your health for 2012.

1. Focus your New Year's resolutions

Got a long list of ways you want to overhaul your life? Simplify it and you'll tick off more by year's end, says Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., a health psychologist at Stanford University and author of "The Willpower Instinct." Setbacks are inevitable while making a change, she says, "but what's important is to not let one failure turn into an off week or month." Here's how to prioritize so you get real results.

Pick the one thing that matters most. You're most likely to succeed if you stick with a resolution (or two) that is compelling and inspiring to you. How to tell what's a keeper? Pretend it's 2013: Are you grateful you made this change? If your answer is "eh," drop it.

Think big picture. That old advice about making resolutions specific and measurable? Not quite spot on. You could, after all, check off your goal of exercising 30 minutes each day, then help yourself to a second piece of cake -- not consistent with your true overall desire to be fit. "Rather than an outcome like losing 20 pounds or saving $10,000, identify a value, like health or financial security, that becomes your focus for the new year," McGonigal says.

Give yourself a break. Think about what you're pretty sure you can do -- then cut it in half. So if you want to save 10% of each paycheck this year, aim for 5%. And if you don't always hit the mark, don't get discouraged: Even if you saved only 2% this month, that's still in line with your overarching goal (financial health), so onward and upward!

2. Simplify your schedule

If you cringe at each ding of your BlackBerry calendar, you might be over-scheduling yourself, says Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., author of "High Octane Women."

Four ways to get control:

--Book like a therapist. Make appointments 50 minutes long, leaving 10 minutes of flex time to return calls or make up for running long. "Without that cushion, inevitably something will put you off schedule," says Carter.

--Get real. If it's time to trim obligations, but everything feels essential, ask yourself: What was my original goal? If you signed up for marathon training to be more active, but now you're so achy you spend every night on the sofa—there's your answer.

--Be single-minded. "When you get pulled away from a task by email, it takes 16 minutes to return to your previous level of productivity," says Carter. Plow through work faster by turning off all bells and whistles until a project is finished.

--Pencil yourself in. Slot in time for yourself, even if it's just a 10-minute walk in the sun. "Then," says Carter, "don't cancel it!"

3. Make under your morning beauty routine

You can sleep in tomorrow: Carmindy, makeup artist on TLC's "What Not to Wear" and author of "Crazy Busy Beautiful," officially releases you from the mandate to re-create your features every a.m.: "You want to enhance your natural beauty, not contour new cheeks." Try this to get gorgeous with a lot less effort:

Go big. Apply blush with one swipe of a large powder brush. "A traditional brush puts too much on a smaller area, so you spend time blending," Carmindy says.

Highlight key spots. Sweep pale-vanilla shimmering shadow under brow, on inside eye corner, and on cheekbone top. "The contrast makes you look as good as if you were wearing more makeup," she says.

Skip the blowout. Every other day, swap your shampoo and blow dryer for a de-greasing powder. "Brush this through and hair's perfect again," says Carmindy.

4. Streamline your go-to meals

Six p.m. might just be the shortest hour of the day. Save the dicing, measuring, and fussing and still get healthy, mouthwatering food on the table with these tips from Ellie Krieger, R.D., host of the Cooking Channel's "Healthy Appetite" and author of "Comfort Food Fix."

Use no-chop ingredients. All you need for a great homemade meal in 15 minutes is a quick-cooking, minimal-prep protein (chicken or fish), whole grains (whole-wheat pasta, brown rice), and veggies that are already bite-size (snow peas, baby arugula). "I love garlic basil shrimp with cherry tomatoes and orzo -- you don't even need a knife," Krieger says.

Swap shortcuts. You might automatically grab a tub of shredded Parmesan, then head to the fresh produce section for veggies. But rethinking which ingredients you buy premade can cut time and boost flavor. "Frozen peas and spinach are easier and just as good as fresh in many dishes," Krieger says. "But there's no substitute for freshly grated cheese. Plus it has more flavor than store-bought, so you use less." Just put a hunk on the dinner table along with the grater.

Alter the atmosphere. A lot of cooking stress comes from the attitude you walk into the kitchen with, Krieger says: "I used to approach making dinner as drudgery, but then I started putting music on, pouring a glass of wine, having my daughter there ripping up lettuce for the salad. It can become the nicest part of your day."

5. Edit your news feed

To counter iOverload, unsubscribe to useless e-lists and news feeds. Then use a bare-bones or customizable home page like iGoogle (instead of a headline-heavy one) or a customized reading app like Flipboard, suggests Gary Small, MD, professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of "iBrain."

6. Lighten your handbag

It's a great way to instantly feel more organized. To do it: Follow these steps from Regina Leeds, author of "One Year to an Organized Life."

Take everything out. Separate it piece by piece into groups of like items, creating categories as you go (cosmetics, pharmacy, work essentials).

Get brutal. Toss the trash and trade full-size anything for travel-size. Admit what you can do without (superglue? spare thumb drive?).

Repack. Tuck each group of must-haves into different-colored mesh bags—easier than remembering which of your purse's seven pockets your lipstick is in.

Do a daily sweep. Take 60 seconds when you get home to file receipts, clear out junk, and replenish supplies. You should be feeling lighter already!

7. Weed out your closet

Weird-but-true wardrobe math: Subtracting pieces can make you feel like you have more to wear, says Dana Ravich, fashion stylist and co-author of "I Have Nothing to Wear!." Clear out the freeloaders this way:

Give it three rounds. First, toss anything that's not in good condition (you can't even donate it). Second, donate what no longer matches your life or style -- uncomfortable shoes, plunging necklines that make you fear a wardrobe malfunction. In round three, try on what's left. "Anything that stays must be a 10," says Ravich. That means it satisfies two additional criteria: It flatters your figure and expresses your personal style. Variety isn't as important as quality. So what if you wear one of the same five fabulous bottoms every day? Your bottom will look fabulous every day.

Slim down your rack. Trade bulky wood and plastic hangers for "huggable" ones. "These are very thin felt hangers that quadruple your space and grip all your spaghetti straps and anything else that normally slides off," says Ravich. Don't hang knits, by the way -- stack them on shelves.

Display jewelry. You can use a plastic hanging organizer with dozens of clear, zippered compartments so that jewelry stays detangled and visible all at once. Done.

8. But keep one pair of almost-fit jeans

Yes, you want to streamline. But hanging on to jeans you hope to fit in can help you stick with a fitness goal, says Jennifer Baumgartner, Psy.D., author of "You Are What You Wear." Hang them right on your closet door, she advises, so you can visualize the payoff.