By  Tricia Berwick

We have officially flipped the calendar to 2011 which means it’s time for a fresh start.  The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to make some improvements in your life.   Commonly called New Year’s resolutions, these commitments or promises often reform lifestyle changes.  Here is a list of some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions:

1.) Improve Health- After enjoying lots of holiday goodies from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, many people use this time to get back on track and resume a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise.  If you need to lose a few pounds this year, closely look at your daily diet to see exactly what types of food you are eating.  One of the best ways to monitor food consumption is to keep a food journal.  By writing down what you eat, you will be able to hold yourself more accountable.   If you need a little help shedding a few pounds, join a program such as Weight Watchers to help achieve your goals.  Another popular pledge is to exercise more, too.  Fitness centers offer numerous specials and deals during the month of January, which makes it the perfect time to join a health club.  However, if the monthly membership doesn’t fit your budget, make plans to walk with a friend a few days a week.  Having a partner to exercise with on a regular basis will motivate both of you to follow through with your commitment.  The other health-related old standbys are to quit smoking and drink less alcohol.

2.) Improve Finances- After the last holiday gift bill is paid in full, resolve to design a new budget for the family and then stick to it.  Only buy presents for a specific holiday or birthday this year and avoid impulse shopping.  Eat out less and make more meals at home, also.  This will save a significant amount of money throughout 2011.  Instead of buying books and movies, take them out of the library for free. Or, take advantage of the low interest rates, and refinance your mortgage.

3.) Improve Career- Are you stuck in your current job?  If you feel it’s time to look for a new job, polish your resume and market yourself.   Or, use some of your industry contacts to secure a different position.  Networking is very important when looking for a new job opportunity.

4.) Improve Education—If you need to take a few classes to move up in your job or perhaps it’s time to switch careers, research communitycolleges in your area.  Check out the available courses and see if they match your interests.  Another option is to take classes through local adult education centers.  If your schedule is super-busy, look into taking a few classes online.  These days, there are many options and opportunities available.

5.) Volunteer More- Find time in your schedule to volunteer, whether it’s through your religious organization, a local library, or a recreation center in your area.  There are many non-profit volunteer organizations that could use your help.  There’s always a child who can be mentored or a family who may need help with some household repairs.  If your time is limited, maybe you can donate some items to a worthy cause.

6.) Quality Time with Family and Friends– This year, resolve to slow down and spend more quality time with your family and friends.  Create a weekly family activity such as a movie night, pizza night or let the kids select one of their favorite pastimes on the weekends.  Have you been trying to get together with a friend, but just can’t manage to find time to squeeze in a cup of coffee?  Between email, cell phones, and text messages, there’s no reason you can’t keep in touch.  Find a way of communication and set a date to meet for lunch, a drink or even a walk.

7.) Manage Stress- Enjoy your life more.  Stop stressing out about the small stuff and you will notice a definite improvement in your physical and mental health.  Resolve to take a “me” day.  Schedule a vacation day from work or arrange for your husband or a relative to watch your children.  Then, do whatever you want.  Go to a matinee movie, spend the day shopping, or just relax on the couch with a good book.  The important thing is to make one of these dates a few times a year.  It will do wonders for your mental state.

8.) Learn Something New- Maybe it’s time to explore a new hobby or enjoy the fun of learning a new language.  Taking a course through a local adult continuing education center is one of the best ways to keep a resolution.  Once you have signed up and paid your money, you will be more motivated to continue.

9.) Do More Fun Things-Have you been meaning to take a trip?  Research a destination, start saving money, and make the reservations.  If taking a long vacation is not feasible, mark the calendar with a few local day trips.  Having something to look forward to always helps to get through the day-to-day routine.  Another idea is to entertain more.  Throw a party in your home.  It could be to celebrate a holiday or just a chance to gather with friends for some good food and a few laughs.

10.) Keep Your Resolutions - This is perhaps the most challenging resolution of all.  Usually by mid-January, the enthusiasm and excitement about enjoying a fresh start usually begins to fade and many people often resort to their old habits.  One way to avoid this mid-month meltdown is to type up your resolutions and post them on the refrigerator or another central area where the list will be visible and accessible.  Refer to the list of resolutions often and reward yourself when you have accomplished one of your goals.

Hopefully 2011 will be the year you are finally able to try some of the things you’ve been meaning to, but haven’t been able to, in years past.  Good luck!

Character Party Meals

Food + Characters = Fun!

By Tricia Berwick

Between school, work, and after school activities, many area families have hectic, crazy weeks.  After rushing around from dance class to soccer practice, sometimes preparing a family meal becomes a dreaded chore.  Instead of stressing over what to feed the troops, pile everyone into the car and head to “Kid’s Night” at Perkins or Boston’s Gourmet Pizza.  Your whole family can enjoy a tasty meal together, while the kids will be entertained with characters and games.

On Wednesday evenings from 5-8 pm at Perkins Restaurants in Wall Township, Toms River, and Lacey Township, kids will have the opportunity to visit with some of their favorite cartoon characters, like Elmo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Boots from Dora the Explorer.

Jamie Deleo, the General Manager of Perkins Restaurant in Wall, says the kids really look forward to meeting the stars from their favorite television shows and movies.

“Having this type of night really brings the kids into the restaurant and they are so happy while they are here,” says Deleo.  “We usually have the same customers come in every week.  Since the characters change every Wednesday, it’s always something different for the kids.  The schedule is usually booked two months in advance, so the customers can call in advance to see who will be appearing.”

Deleo says that kids are also treated to a free balloon, cookie, and a small toy, such as a stuffed animal or puzzle.

On Tuesday nights at Boston’s Gourmet Pizza in Neptune and Toms River, kids will enjoy a similar type of experience.  Your little ones will be able to high five a costumed character, watch a balloon animal being made, and even have their faces painted.  Plus, kids eat free with each paid adult entrée.

Toms River Manager Katie Driscoll says the “Kid’s Night” program has been very successful since it began when the restaurant opened its doors over a year ago.

“The kids are encouraged to get up from the tables and talk to the characters and interact with them,” says Driscoll.  “They’re also encouraged to make friends with the other kids.  The parents love it because they get to sit down and eat while the kids are being entertained.  They can relax for a little while.”

The entertainment at both of these establishments is provided by Kiddy Parties which brings quality children’s entertainment to families in the Jersey Shore area.

The strength of this company, which has been in business for over ten years, is its founder, Lory Bradford.  This mom of two is a natural-born performer and loves being able to bring smiles to children’s faces.  After working in children’s community theatre for a few years, one of Bradford’s colleagues approached her with the idea of hosting private parties for kids.

“At the end of the children’s shows, kids were allowed to ask the performers questions,” says Bradford who has taken numerous professional acting classes.  “The kids always seemed to gravitate to me.  They liked to talk and to ask about the performances.  One of my friends noticed this and then put the idea in my head that I might be good at entertaining children for private parties.  She got me started doing my first party and the parents loved me so much they gave me a very generous tip.”

After that successful first party, Bradford was able to book another party and then yet another.   Word quickly spread that Bradford had a talent for making kids happy.  And, when it comes to making kids happy at parties, parents are willing to pay for good, quality entertainment.  After an assortment of referrals and positive recommendations, Bradford decided to launch her own business.

Bradford and her staff have a blast entertaining children in many ways.  In addition to being dressed as your child’s favorite costumed character, the entertainers will engage the kids in face painting, tattoos, make-up and glitter, play games with all of the children, pose for pictures, blow out the candles, and even stay for some scrumptious birthday cake.  Even while Bradford and her staff is busy painting silly shapes and colorful designs onto kids’ faces, they are still working the crowd by singing songs and telling funny jokes to the little ones.

When kids see a costumed character walk into a party or a restaurant, their eyes always widen in amazement and wonder as they flock to get closer to their beloved superhero or favorite princess.  Parents rush to grab their cameras and snap pictures of the kids as their eyes are glued to these larger than life characters.  However, there’s always one kid in the bunch who isn’t very happy to see this added person on the guest list.   Maybe he or she is shy and off in a corner or nervous about seeing the characters up close.  That’s when Bradford works her magic.

“There’s always one child who is off on his own and isn’t too interested in the characters,” says Bradford.  “But, by the time the party is over, that child is smiling, participating in the other activities, and having fun with all of the kids.  As the saying goes, the show must go on!”

With so many characters and activities to choose from, it’s hard to imagine anyone not having a good time.  Between the special guests, fun games, and lots of singing, there’s always something going on to keep the kids happy.  Even if a person is not in the best of spirits before the start of the party, it’s difficult not to have a smile on your face by cake-cutting time.

“I like that no matter what type of mood I’m in before the party, when I’m finished, I’m in a terrific mood,” says Bradford.  “I just love to watch all of the kids’ faces and to make people laugh.  I really enjoy making the all of the kids giggle at these parties.  That’s the best part for me.”

If you would like to experience Bradford’s magic and her talent for making children happy, check out one of the “Kid’s Night” programs at either Boston’s or Perkins Restaurants.

If your child has a birthday coming up and you’re not sure what to plan for this year’s celebration, surprise your child with something special.  Browse through the Kiddy Parties website www.kiddyparties1.com and design your own party package.  Let the experts entertain all of your party guests this year. For more information, you can also give them a call at 732-202-9449.