The holiday season is over. Most of you now know just how sad that makes me. When the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 26, it’s time to shift gears. But I’m not going to let that get me down. It’s a new year, and that means a new outlook on life. Who knows what exciting things January will have to unfold!

Approximately 40 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. I’m one of them. In fact, I have a few of them.

My first New Year’s resolution is one that’s a continuation from 2018. This year, I hope to continue to go strong with intermittent fasting. You may have heard about intermittent fasting as a dieting trend. In reality, it’s a dietary way of life. You can find out more about it on aymag.com, with articles written by my friend and fellow faster Lisa Fischer.

This year, I also want to devote more time to enjoy the outdoors with my family. Arkansas is loaded with great opportunities for outdoor adventures. You’ll find plenty of options inside the pages of AY each month. This month, alone, you’ll find a number of amazing outdoor adventures waiting for you on page 53. At each of these magnificent destinations, you’ll find beautiful cabins perfect for the whole family. Who wouldn’t want to cozy up near a warm fireplace inside a log cabin in any one of these great locations?

Another resolution I’ve set for myself this year is to Jeep more, and phone less. My family and I love to hit the open road in our Jeep. I plan to do that more this year. And I plan to do so without worrying about my phone. I spent so much of 2018 with it glued to my ear. Not this year! It’s time for some peace and relaxation.

We’re also planning to add to the family this year! And, of course, I mean a puppy. The kids have been begging for quite some time, and this holiday season I decided to give in. This month, we will be adding a four-legged friend to the family. Someone, please say a prayer for my carpets.

If you’re not the New Year’s resolution kind of person – and really, less than 10 percent of people keep their resolutions past January – then AY has an alternative for you. Rather than to set a resolution this year, you could always set out a bucket list!

For the first time ever, AY is publishing an Arkansas bucket list – 100 things you must do this year in the Natural State. From fly fishing the Kings River to watching a sunset over the Delta, everything on this list is uniquely Arkansas and perfect for anyone who loves their state. Check it out on page 80. I’m getting a head start!

From all of us here at AY, we wish you a happy and blessed New Year!



Heather Baker