resolutions

If you've got a vision for your space but haven't had the time to see it through, then make 2013 your year of design. Whether you'd like a major home overhaul or just a few style tweaks, these design resolution ideas will help you follow through on your most creative plans. Rather than settling for a space that isn't quite "you," this year, why don't you resolve to . . .

1. Experiment with color. If you're always sticking to neutrals, then step outside the beige box by choosing accents in rich, saturated colors. Go bold with a major statement chair, or keep things simple with patterned throw pillows, bright blankets, a standout rug, or colorful artwork.
2. Go green. Make an effort be to environmentally conscious when it comes to design choices. Opt for eco-friendly wallpaper, incorporate vintage pieces, and repurpose old furniture with new upholstery.
3. Give walls a makeover. One of the easiest, quickest ways to update your space is to turn your attention to the walls. Spice up plain walls with a splash of paint, create an accent wall with contemporary wallpaper, or get creative with a gorgeous trim.
4. Try some DIY. Always pinning creative design projects but never actually doing them? Follow through on the ideas that inspire you this year. Check out these 100 creative DIY projects to find an idea that suits your taste and experience.
5. Have fun with the details. Changing things up can be as simple as new knobs on your dresser, so don't think you have to spend tons of time and money on a home makeover. Look into stylish curtain pulls, cool flatware, and unique vases for easy, eye-catching updates.

Today is Fat Tuesday, a time, it seems, to celebrate the excess. From alcohol-infused celebrations to indulgent feasts, Christians (and others) around the world take this last day to go all out before the pre-Easter season of Lent.

The gluttony of today will be gone tomorrow, however, since many will be fasting or otherwise giving up vices in honor of Lent. But even if you're not religious, Lent can be the perfect time to motivate or challenge your fitness routine or diet plans. The 40-day or so period is just enough time to notice the effects of a sacrifice or to form a habit, and being around three months into the year it can also act like a second chance for any resolution that's been forgotten from your New Year's list. And, much like New Year's resolutions, it can be comforting to know that other people are forgoing chocolate or vowing to run every day as well.

As a meat lover, I like to go vegetarian or pescetarian for Lent, but this year — after realizing that switching to decaf didn't make me any less addicted to coffee — there will be no more Starbucks runs for me! Instead, I'll be substituting that once a day au lait with water or green tea to stay hydrated, get some much-needed antioxidants, and hopefully form a new healthy habit by the end of it.

Readers, do you give something up (or make a resolution) for Lent? What's it going to be this year?

You can resolve to do many personal finance-related things, but if you're not sure what you're doing, it's going to be a tough resolution to follow. Have this one simple savvy goal for 2011, and that's learning more about managing your personal finances. One of the best ways to do that is read up on it. Here are some money book favorites for your consideration:

• I Will Teach You to be Rich — Ramit Sethi
• Your Money or Your Life — Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, and Monique Tilford
• Get a Financial Life — Beth Kobliner
• Your Money: The Missing Manual — J.D. Roth
• Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny — Suze Orman
• Generation Earn — Kimberly Palmer

As soon as the new year rolls around, many of us draw up to-do lists chronicling everything we'd love to do to improve our homes. I'd give myself a solid B+ on my resolutions, which included re-organizing closets and doing more every day, little house cleanings instead of major weekly ones. I also have had to add a few other items to my list that I'd conveniently forgotten about, including buying a dresser for the soon-to-arrive baby's room and whipping up a changing pad cover for the top of it (that last item still needs to be checked off).

So, how are you doing on your list of home resolutions? Have you been able to keep up with your list, or do you still need to tackle it? What have you been able to cross off your to-do list, and what things have been added? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Source: Flickr User koalazymonkey