New Year's Resolution #1: PURSUE HAPPINESS

If you're like most people, a new year means a new list of resolutions. But in this second week of 2013, I offer that you can trim your list down to just 1 goal that is all encompassing: Pursue Happiness. It's that simple. First, examine the various facets of your life and conduct an honest evaluation of your level of happiness. Do you like your job or do you feel like you've outgrown it? Worst yet, are you miserable in it? Is your relationship stale or dry? Are you happy with your health and physical appearance? Are you financially secure or are you always knocking at poverty's door? These 4 main areas of your life are extremely important to your overall happiness so if you focus on fixing them, everything else usually falls into place. So before we start talking parties, clubs and lounges for 2013, let me offer a small word of advice to help you find happiness in these vastly important areas.

1. Career happiness: Whether you need a new job, a promotion or want to make a complete career change, it all begins with your resume. Make sure that your resume is strong, dynamic and effective by  having it professionally done. Don't fool yourself, no matter how smart you are or how good a writer you believe yourself to be, resume writing is a completely different animal. And in today's highly competitive job market, it is best left to the professionals who understand employment trends and what hiring managers are looking for. BluePrint Resumes & Consulting is a premier resume writing company with offices in the Atlanta area as well as DC, Miami, NC and coming soon to New York. Visit their website for detailed descriptions of services, resume and cover letter samples, pricing and more.
http://blueprintresumes.com/     

2. Relationship happiness: If your relationship is feeling stale and stagnant, maybe it's time for some change. But before you break up with the poor girl or guy, consider adding some spice by getting away. If you are like many of us, a vacation to the South of France sounds divine but is completely unaffordable. So downscale a little and look at the wonderful vacation options available locally. One suggestion is a romantic weekend get-a-way to Chateau Elan. It is less than an hour drive but upon arrival, you feel like you are in a quaint little french town complete with charming inns and a vineyard. A cute and affordable way to treat yourselves to some one on one time. A little change of scenery often goes a long way.
http://www.chateauelan.com/

3. Personal Happiness: Look good in 2013! I'm willing to bet that at least 90% of us made a New Year's resolution that involved improving our appearance by losing weight or changing our style. To some it may seem shallow but face it, looking good is essential to personal happiness. So if you made a resolution to modify your diet to include healthier food choices and to exercise regularly, commit to it and do it! Not only will you feel better and be healthier, you'll look better. Maybe you also need to change up your style of dress or your hair. For men, I recommend Miguel Wilson Menswear. There is nothing more impressive than a man in a great fitting suit. MW Menswear is a custom clothier primarily but has ready to wear selections available as well. Miguel Wilson is conveniently located in Buckhead and sees clients by appointment. Allow him to sit down with you, assess your clothing needs and show you fine fabrics and clothing styles that compliment your body type as well as support your lifestyle. Visit the website and/or contact him by sending an email to customsuits@hotmail.com.   http://miguelwilson.com/ 

Ladies have so many choices for clothing that I'm not really going to make a recommendation. You can be high fashion and shop Neiman's and Saks or various other exclusive, pricey boutiques that'll have you contacting those bankruptcy attorneys faster than you intended. But for shopping on a budget, I like        Tags Boutique (Kandi Burris of RHOA) Buckhead location. The clothes, shoes and accessories are stylish and high quality but surprisingly affordable. You can even visit the website and shop online. http://tagsatl.com/
2140 Peachtree Rd NW Ste 225 Atlanta, GA 30309

Need a new hair stylist or salon? Try Tanya Tymus Bellamy former owner of Nseya now owner of the fabulous Prive Salon. Prive Salon is a full service unisex salon located in the Midtown Plaza between West Peachtree and Spring Street. She is a master of cutting, styling and coloring and is the only hair stylist in Atlanta that I will allow within 2 feet of my hair. I have not yet been to her new location, but I know it is over the top luxury because that's the way she sets it out. Prive's Master Stylists all specialize in hair care, coloring and styling so no matter who you see, they are sure to take your style to the next level.   http://www.priveatl.com/   678-235-2286
950 West Peachtree Ste. 265 Street Atlanta, GA 30309

4. Financial Happiness: Drowning in debt? Devise a plan to pay your bills if you can and if you can't, consult an attorney and see if your situation would best be fixed by filing bankruptcy. As a former bankruptcy attorney, I can tell you that it is not the horrible, end of the world remedy that some people view it as. The bankruptcy laws were created to protect people who are experiencing financial hardship and need assistance. So if you have lost your job, are facing foreclosure, repossession or eviction and can't see a way out, contact a bankruptcy attorney and schedule a free consultation to explore your options.