Script for Success: Write down your goals and focus on two or three of them at a time. You'll find that you can build a new and better you by tackling fewer obstacles at once and gradually switching out your old habits for new ones, suggests JuleMarie Linter.

Better Your Beauty Habits
Courtesy of JuleMarie "Julez" Linter of Makeup by Julez, Englewood

1. Cleanse your face in the morning and at night, especially if you wore makeup during the day. Wearing makeup to sleep has many harmful effects. Once your face is clean, feel free to get your beauty rest – six to eight hours' worth.
2. Use an SPF moisturizer on your face, neck and body to promote soft and resilient skin that can fight the effects of UV rays.
3. Exfoliate just once a week. Exfoliating in excess can cause damaged, dry skin.
4. Try organic or natural hair and beauty products. Women want to know – and they should want to know – what they are using, because what goes on your body also goes into it.
5. Restock your cosmetics twice a year if possible. Most products are good for about six months. After that, they become bacteria-ridden and begin to smell strange, change color or separate. Also remember to clean lip and eye pencils and makeup brushes once a month.
6. Contact an expert. A lot of the people who own shops and boutiques have studied and worked in the field, and they're right there to help you improve yourself in the new year.

Make More Health-Conscious Decisions
Courtesy of the medical staff at Active Center for Health & Wellness, Hackensack

1. Research the amount of calories you should consume to maintain or achieve a certain weight. Then, eat several small meals (as opposed to three big meals) that add up to that amount of calories. That will help with metabolism and with portion and hunger control.
2. Eat your spinach. Spinach is a rich source of iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B. You can make a salad with it or saut‚ it with garlic for a delicious meal option.
3. Choose healthier snacks. Blueberries can keep you awake because they are high in fiber and low in glucose, and their natural antioxidants will also help protect from disease.
4. Drink more water. If you are a heavy juice or soda drinker, mix your beverages so they're at least one-third water.
5. Find exercise in everyday tasks and places. When carrying groceries in, do curls, using groceries as weights and toning your arms. Walk, jog or bike to neighborhood shops and friends' homes instead of driving. Consider that a light cardio workout.
6. Become more in tune with your health, urges Michael L. Gross, M.D. "Stress weakens our immune systems and contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes and other illnesses," he says. "Acupuncture is a great stress reducer and works by decreasing energy blockages in the body created by stress. Educate yourself on preventative treatment options that are available."


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