Many of us see the New Year as a perfect time to do something different with our lives, to improve in a way, and get rid of our bad habits. However, while being fit, eating healthy and going up the ladder in your career all make for great New Year’s resolutions, you shouldn’t neglect your home, as it is an important part of your life. An especially significant room in your house, the kitchen, has a large impact on your overall goals, including saving money, being eco-conscious and less stressed out. So, here are some suggestions for New Year’s resolutions regarding your kitchen that will make your life a whole lot better.
I will make my kitchen more functional
Is your kitchen cluttered with things you use once a year or never use at all? You’re not the only one. But this makes it difficult to be organized and turns simple tasks like cooking and dishwashing into a nightmare. Take a couple of days to throw away unnecessary items or store them elsewhere (e.g. electric griddle, extra coffee maker, mismatched mugs, etc.). Move on to store dry ingredients in containers and label them. Apart from that, storage dividers can also help you make your kitchen well-organized.
I will lower my electric bill
Using gas instead of electricity can significantly cut down your electric bills, but there are other ways to reduce your electricity consumption. For example, switching the old incandescent lights for energy-saving LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is a great idea.
I will invest in energy-saving appliances
Speaking of saving, if you have outdated appliances, you should know that they can be true energy vampires. So if you want to go green and switch to energy-saving alternatives, it pays off to invest in Energy Star rated appliances, especially when it comes to those you use frequently, like fridge, microwave and the stove.
I will get my old appliances in top form
Not all old appliances should be thrown away. Some are made to last by trustworthy manufacturers. For example, expert oven repairs are usually quite efficient and affordable, and they can prolong your appliance life expectancy indefinitely. If you have such a quality appliance that doesn’t seem to work properly, check whether it can be repaired before you decide to replace it.
I will save water
Sensor faucets and dishwashers that save water can be very affordable. What’s more, they can save a lot of water in the long run, so you will give your contribution to preserving the environment.
I will cook healthier food
This goes hand in hand with your New Year’s resolution to turn to a more balanced diet. Many people shy away from healthy food because they think it is dull and tasteless, but if you get into it a little bit, you will see that healthy food can be equally delicious if cooked well – make it a challenge to succeed in it.
I will learn a new cuisine
Italian, French and Asian cuisines are so popular now that almost every person who stepped into the kitchen tried to prepare some of their dishes. But why wouldn’t you make things more interesting by trying out some less conventional cuisines? It is a great way to learn about different cultures and enrich your general knowledge. Depending on what your taste buds prefer, you can try out cuisines like Colombian, Moroccan, Eastern European, Caribbean, Greek, Cuban or Hawaiian.
I will start a new tradition
Kitchen traditions are a beautiful way to nurture the love for cooking and food in your family and social circles. One of the oldest and the most beloved food-related traditions is having a family Sunday lunch together, but you can spice things up a bit you can even prepare lunch together as a family. You can also organize a culinary competition for your friends, or simply arrange a get-together every Friday and try out a new dish.
You’ve probably heard this thousands of times, but what’s the harm of saying it again: Your kitchen is the heart of your home. If you want to make positive changes in your life, it is a good place to start, so make the upcoming twelve months the year when you’ll get your kitchen and cooking in shape.
About the author:
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”
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