The new year inevitably brings with it the idea of a fresh start and a chance to create new goals to work toward. While goals are helpful any time, it’s typically around this time of year that many decide to take on new tasks to accomplish something they would like to change or improve.

As you may very well know, these goals and aspirations often fall away before they are achieved. The good news is there are many ways to successfully navigate the challenges that come with trying to reach a new goal. Listen to find out more!

Holidays are often associated with fun and festivities which is why it’s important to include healthy habits that support the celebration rather than hinder it. Holidays typically include foods shared with friends and family, as well as a change in spending habits that may exceed our normal budget.

Following food safety guidelines will help ensure the food we make is safe to eat and being prepared for changes in our spending can help us stay within our budget. Listen to find out more about how to make holidays a bit less stressful.

How do you feel about your personal finances? Do you have a spending plan? How often do you save? This episode focuses on important tips for creating a spending plan and keeping your budget on track.

Finances are on everyone’s mind between school, sports, clubs, activities, and the holiday season, but many have found ways to save this year between driving less and spending more time at home. This means potentially more money available for savings. Savings are important to financial health, and so is knowing how to create a spending plan that works for you. Listen to this episode for eight easy steps to improve your finances.

Have you ever wondered why apples are good for us? Do you know what to look for when selecting the right apple for your recipe? Check out this episode to find out!

While winter quickly approaches, we can still enjoy the harvest of autumn. This episode is all about apples – crisp and juicy when eaten alone and delicious when made into sauce, butter, or dried. Find out why apples are good for us and what to look for when your choosing which apples to buy. Learn how to can, freeze, and dry apples. Listen to discover more about what you can do with this delicious autumn treat!

Presto, Maid of Honor, Sears, All American and others are types of gauge style pressure canners that need to be calibrated on a yearly basis. All our vegetables, meats, soups, and combination foods need to be processed with an approved recipe in an accurate canner. The Wayne County Extension office does canner testing by appointment. Please call 330-264-8722 to schedule. In this episode we will talk about venting the canner, how to know when you can re-process foods, and learn about the National Center for Home Food Preservation to assist in answering your food preservation questions.

Taking care of ourselves involves both physical and mental habits. When we set aside time to exercise, go for a walk or play, or catch a time to stretch, we develop a routine for good health. Getting outside has been proven to aid in lowering the stress of life, and you might find a change of environment helpful for yourself and your family. Find a park to visit, try camping or hiking to enjoy the beautiful sights around you. Do not forget that kindness and gratitude are key components to changing our perspective. Listen to hear tips on how you might engage your family for lifelong self-care habits.

When we think of our family traditions around the summer, your children may tell you, “we always……” because they look forward to these special events. This year, many of those events have changed and while we may be disappointed that we cannot do those things, it does not mean we cannot do something different. This episode shares ideas for day trips and destinations that you and your family might enjoy as you realize the purpose of these special events are to spend time together, learning how to plan and compromise. You may just find a new tradition for your family to look forward to next year.

Composure, patience, optimism, gratitude, acceptance, sense of purpose, forgiveness, connection, and kindness have all been identified as the building blocks of resiliency. Under the life circumstances we are dealing with currently, it is an opportunity to build values in our family and talk about why we believe what we believe. The traits our children learn in childhood will set the stage for how they will cope with disappointment throughout life. There will be many times in life where we are not in control, but by using these traits we can control our internal attitude and external responses. We can be grateful for the positive things we have in life as we build resiliency into our lives.