Resolution: Play More
1.) Learn to play an instrument with group online classes, or private in-person classes at the Cascade School of Music, 510 NE 3rd Street, Bend. CascadeSchoolofMusic.org
2.) Improve core strength and stability, plus leg strength by sitting, standing, rocking, spinning or sliding on a Spooner Board, ages 7 and up, $47.99-$55.99. Leapin’ Lizards Toy Co., 953 NW Wall Street, Bend. LeapinLizardsToys.com
3.) Backgammon and Pendelton: two classics combine on a travel board that rolls up to go, $35. Lone Crow Bungalow, 937 NW Wall Street, Bend. LoneCrowBungalow.com
4.) Bird lovers and Catan enthusiasts alike enjoy the award-winning board game Wingspan, $60. Modern Games, The Box Factory, Bend. ModernGames.com
5.) Paddleball Set, no canoe necessary, $36.50. Paper Jazz, 858 NW Wall Street, Bend. PaperJazzBend.com
6.) Missing live music? Listen to Dave Matthews while playing Chickapig, a quirky, chess-like board game designed by Brian Calhoun of Rockbridge Guitar and Dave himself. Chickapig Board Game, $20. ChickaPig.com
Resolution: Stay Local
1.) Cozy up with a pillow reminding us to keep close to 97701. Locally-made Bend Zipcode Pillow, from $29.95. M.Jacobs Fine Furniture, Bend River Mall, Bend. MJacobsFurniture.com
2.) Keep the home fires burning with thematic candles evoking our favorite spots, from Mirror Pond and the Deschutes River to Mt. Bachelor. 1859 Collection by Landmark Fine Goods, made in Oregon, $22. Lone Crow Bungalow, 937 NW Wall Street, Bend. LoneCrowBungalow.com
3.) “There’s No Place Like Bend” t-shirt for baby says it all, $28. Clementine Urban Mercantile, 855 NW Wall Street, Bend. ClementineUrbanMercantile.com
4.) Give back to the community we love and we will be stronger together. “Do Good” Hoodie by Cotopaxi. $65. Outside In Bend, 845 NW Wall Street, Bend. OutsideInBend.com
5.) Keep feet cozy, whether in front of the hearth or in a board meeting via Zoom. UGG Tasman slippers, $100. Birkenstock of Bend, 836 NW Wall Street, Bend. BendShoeCo.com
6.) Stay in touch with family and friends via the personal touch of a hand-written letter. Locally-made ballpoint pens in various natural woods, from $25. Lotus Moon Boutique, 850 NW Wall Street, Bend.
Resolution: Make Cooking Fun
1.) Beauty meets practicality by chopping on a natural stone cutting board, in marble, granite or jade, $30. Merryweather Home•Gift•Design, The Box Factory, Bend. Merryweather.Shop
2.) Bring international style home with a SMEG Slice Toaster that combines technology with Italian style. Best of all, these are available locally (in a rainbow of colors) at Johnson Brothers Appliances, 571 Azure Drive, Bend. JBBend.com
3.) Cooking, and eating, is fun with all the fixings for fondue. Cast Iron “Lugano” Fondue Set by Swissmar. $100. Gingers Kitchenware, Old Mill District. GingersKitchenware.com
4.) Even washing dishes can be a work of art with screened tea towels in various colors, $25. Merryweather Home•Gift•Design, The Box Factory, Bend. Merryweather.Shop
5.) “With an ingredient list and recipe on the label, this will be a new favorite for the cook in your life,” says Matthew Perry, owner of Savory Spice Shop. Just add a protein and dinner is served. Mediterranean-Dill Risotto mix, $8.95. Savory Spice Shop, Old Mill District, Bend. SavorySpiceShop.com
6.) If we’re not going out these days, then buy the cookbook “Let’s Stay In,” by Ashley Rodriguez. It’s filled with more than 120 recipes to nourish the people you love. Order from local bookseller, RoundAboutBooks.com
