Now here I am, the day before my set end date – plenty of “new” under my belt – feeling, well, completely unprepared to let go of this little adventure I’ve just begun. But before I bring on the sap – behold, a look at my final week:

I turned off my phone for a day – and detoxed from Facebook, too. Going Facebook-free was easy, but phone-free? For lack of a better word, it was strangely lonely. (A sign to try a phone detox more often, I think.)

I gave blood. And failed. So, to clarify, I attempted to give blood. Halfway through the donation, I got lightheaded and the technician (a Josh Hartnett clone with a fondness for Twilight one-liners) told me I would need to stop. The blood I had given wasn’t enough to be deemed useful. It was a (disappointing) testament to the fact that – as valiant as our efforts are – we all have limits.

I vowed to eat clean. In other words: only simple, whole ingredients that grandma can recognize. As part of this, I tried satsuma, a kind of citrus fruit (thanks, Whole Foods), and learned how to seed a pomegranate.

I wrote my name in Elvish. Yes, a stretch, but amazing what you can learn on the Internet these days. (Try it, then go ahead: indulge in Second Breakfast.)

I did Paint Nite, which is, basically, a wine-fueled group painting class. My lack of artistic ability has never been so apparent, so I’ve taken the liberty to instead show off my friend’s skills, above.

I ate dinner at a restaurant alone. Okay, okay, I holed up at my favorite little Chinatown enclave and got my Bibimbap fix, book in hand. A far cry from going solo with white tablecloths, but… baby steps.

Now, where to from here? Not back to my pre-January rut, that’s for sure. The simple act of choosing the new (no matter how small) over the comfortable has been seriously invigorating. I’ve learned to push myself out of my comfort zone, to make every day count.

So I’ve gone ahead and made another vow: I vow to shake up my year. And I urge you to try it, too. Nay, not 365 Days of New (which I can imagine would be quite fund-depleting), but one new experience a week until the ball drops and 2014 is upon us.

Skydiving? Bring it.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

We’d love to hear about your New Year’s Resolution. Fill us in in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala. 

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now. 

Lanvin. Trussardi. Tom Ford. Need I go on? From clean lines to soft leather, these are the “it” bags worth spending your hard-earned pennies on. Stick to neutrals and versatile silhouettes (like roomy totes and just-glam-enough shoulder bags) and these will soon become your newest (wear-with-everything) wardrobe staples.

Our The Luxe List: Handbags by Balenciaga & More Boutique opens Monday, December 31, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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Kuhn Rikon 3pc Decorative Cutlery Set. That friend who just took a lifechanging cooking class? She’ll know exactly what to do with these pretty little tools.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

With Thanksgiving (and, sigh, leftovers) a thing of the past, gift-giving season’s now 100% in effect.

First order of business? Naturally, it’s making “The List” – and we’ve totally got you covered. Just click on the above image, print it out, pour yourself one very festive cup of hot cocoa (because, priorities), and – without further ado – it’s time to get listing.

Ah, Christmastime in New York City. There’s nothing quite like it. The glittering lights on the Rockefeller Center tree. A chill in the air as you saunter from destination to destination, steaming cup of cocoa in hand.

It’s one of my fondest childhood memories (even the four-hour car rides were met with giddy anticipation). So I was thrilled to hear we were pairing up with luxury charity auction site Charitybuzz – which has raised more than $65 million for nonprofits worldwide by auctioning exclusive access to the world’s biggest celebs and brands – to offer a holiday-in-the-city experience to remember. Think a private dance lesson with the Rockettes, tickets to see them perform at Radio City Music Hall, a behind-the-scenes tour, and (oh-so-much) more.

It’s must-see, must-do New York at its best – and, as if that phrase didn’t already contain enough musts, I’ll throw in another plus: benefits go to a nonprofit charity, Garden of Dreams.

Since its inception in 2006, Garden of Dreams has worked closely with all areas of The Madison Square Garden Company to help make dreams come true for children facing obstacles. Creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and beyond, they’ve helped more than 215,000 tri-state area children persevering through illness, homelessness, poverty, and tragedy.

An unmatched holiday experience that benefits a cause? I can’t think of a better way to channel the spirit of the season.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Experience opens Monday, November 26, at 11AM ET.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

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John Varvatos Star USA Leather Duffel Bag. The boyfriend. Decidedly the most difficult person to buy for – until now. With buttery, calfskin leather, a convenient crossbody strap, and enough room for a weekend’s worth of essentials, this rugged duffel couldn’t be more perfect for that mid-winter getaway you have (secretly) planned.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

Denim trends occur in pendulum-like cycles, but with the right fit, you can successfully pull off any style – you just have to be willing to stretch out of your ever-indigo or always-slouchy comfort zone.

Guys, skinny jeans are no longer reserved for angsty bands and hipsters, and color is not just for chicks. It’s time to rock some statement socks and show us what you’ve got. And ladies, welcome the bootcut back into your wardrobe. With a killer pair of heels (or even flats – just remember to roll the cuffs), that pair you save for manual labor (i.e. Swiffering the floors) is ready for a night out.

Find these denim fits and more at our James Jeans Boutique, opening Friday, November 23, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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So here are our can’t-miss Boutiques, sure to get that list all checked off early – and of course, easily. (Who couldn’t use a little more easy?)

8AM ET:

This one should already be on your radar. At 8AM, we’re starting our Today’s Fix: Special Holiday Edition Boutique. 24 (incredible) Today’s Fixes in 24 hours? Enough said.

11AM ET:

We’re kicking off our favorite hour with a bang – and a luxurious one, at that. Vintage Rolex and Cartier watches, SOREL winter shoes (for the whole family), Barbara Bixby jewelry, and Yves Saint Laurent – classically luxe clothes, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Plus, we’ve put together a few of our very own Gift Boutiques, practically overflowing with hand-picked gifts for men, women, and children. There’s something for everyone – and trust us, these gifts will be fondly remembered for years to come.

But we’re not done yet. Not by a long shot.

3PM ET:

To fully pack the entire day with incredible finds, we’re launching three more gift-friendly Boutiques at 3PM. French cookware from Le Creuset, made-in-Maine indulgences from Stonewall Kitchen, and elegant serveware from Arte Italica fill out the afternoon. For all those aspiring chefs and foodies, these Boutiques are not to be missed.

And if you are (somehow) still in search of something for that that has-everything person on your list? Don’t forget about our Get Gifty Boutique – always open, and always getting refreshed with brand-new items.

So go ahead and set your reminders (if you even need them). Cyber Monday is getting closer by the minute.

Our Cyber Monday Boutiques open Monday, November 26, at 8AM ET, 11AM ET, and 3PM ET.

Black Friday:

• Scour Black Friday ads after stuffing yourself with turkey on Thanksgiving. Chances are you won’t nab everything on your list, so you’ll want to target the items that are at the top.
• Heading out to the stores at midnight? Be sure to make a big mug of coffee around 10PM. That way, you’re sure to stay wide awake while standing in those long lines with your finds.
• When waiting in said lines, double your shopping by checking out all the Boutiques Rue has at 11AM and 3PM from your iPhone® (you have our app, right?) or mobile device.

Cyber Monday:

• Go big. Appliances and electronics usually have deep discounts on Cyber Monday – and it’s easier to put that 40″ LED TV in a virtual cart, rather than having to lug it through an actual store.
• Get your fix – as in Today’s Fix – all day. Rue will have 24 must-have gifts for everyone on your list. It’ll also be a good time to start finding gifts for yourself, too (’tis the season)!
• Take advantage of shipping deals like our Rue 30 to maximize convenience and savings (that’s the time to throw those fuzzy slippers into your cart).

Even after Cyber Monday, online holiday deals are plentiful, but here’s a few things to keep in mind:

• Shipping time frames. Most sites will give you an idea of when an item will be shipped out (on Rue, the “Ships in” information is below the “Add to Bag” button). This will be essential for the party dress you need before the big night. Look for upgraded shipping options when you need to. All Rue Boutiques will have the “Guaranteed for Christmas” treatment on applicable items.
• Return policies. Generally, e-tailers and retailers give you a little leeway in case Nana thinks you still like sweatshirts with kittens on them. Always take a peek before ordering – sometimes items like lingerie are final sale and can’t be returned. (Rue lets you return non-final-sale items until January 15, 2013.)
• Gift messaging. Sometimes it’s available, sometimes it’s not. Be sure to note which gifts you may need to send a corresponding card with. Making sure that the perfect gift is finished off with a “thank you!” is what holiday shopping is all about. You can write notes to your lucky recipients on Rue by clicking “Yes” on the checkout screen – right under your payment information.

By Amy Bootier, Corporate Concierge

What are your Black Friday and Cyber Monday tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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The 12 Days of Merry: Christopher Radko Ornaments Boutique opens Wednesday, November 21, at 11AM ET.

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