The post-holiday let-down is upon us: clean-up, shape-up and pay-up! January can be a month to look forward as well as backward. It may feel like you have more time on your hands than just a few short weeks ago. What to do to start your year out with a positive outlook? You don’t have to make massive lifestyle changes to live a simpler, easier and lighter 2011. Small steps toward a healthy lifestyle are within everyone’s reach. Try a few of the following and add your own ideas to the list:

1. As you pack away decorations and holiday items, look at what things were not used or have outlived their usefulness. Throw out items that have come to the end of their “life” and find a charity to donate other items you don’t use or ever intend to use. You will free up space in your storage area that can be better used.
2. As you store things, label them clearly and stack them in a logical manner. ie. whatever you’ll use first next year, place last in the closet.
3. Don’t put things away that need dry cleaning, repairing or washing. Do it now and they will be ready for use or wear when you need them.
4. Find a dreary weekend to clean your clothes closet. Look at what things you wear regularly and think about why that is. Do they flatter your figure? Are they comfortable? Are they easy-care? Are they interchangeable with other pieces? Are they well-made?
5. Make future purchases on the criteria you create. Give away clothing that you rarely wear or those things that have been hanging there for a year or more. Are there items that were fashion faux pas or colors that were wrong for you? Find a local resale shop or e-bay to sell clothes that are still in fashion, but are mistakes for you. Be honest with yourself or enlist the help of an honest friend!
6. Do the same for your cosmetic drawer. Take it all out and toss items that were “experiments” and didn’t produce the desired results. Get rid of cosmetics that are more than 6 months old. Items that are old, broken or barely used take up valuable space that allows you easy and quick access to your regularly used cosmetics.
7. Clean the drawer thoroughly with anti-bacterial cleaner and soak your tools and implements in soapy hot water. Take time to clean your make-up brushes with brush cleaner or mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
8. For all closets and drawers, invest in some simple organization. Visit a store that specializes in organization. Take measurements before you go. Small wire baskets will allow for easy cleaning in the future and you will find less crowding and mess.
9. Same goes for your kitchen cupboards. Get rid of leftover snack food from the holidays. Look for expiration dates on food packages. Toss out old food. Please DON’T give out of date cans to a food bank.

As you replace stores of food, think of healthy alternatives: whole grain crackers, nuts and dried fruit.

The new year is a good time to “think green”, natural and sustainable. Look for products that omit preservatives and unnecessary harsh chemical additives. Look for products from companies that use recycled materials or green energy. Take small steps to care for “mother earth” and you will provide a model for your friends and family.

Selecting products that are all-natural, made from the highest quality ingredients and provide gentle, effective skincare is as easy as clicking on KeyWestAloe.com. January is a great time to get started.