Since one of my personal goals for 2013 is to take better care of myself, health care is one of the areas I have put on the priority list. But, aside from eating better and exercising – I also need to get up to date on medical appointments and wellness checks. It’s sad, but true, that all too often, we go to the doctor at the very last minute and only when necessary, though we make sure our children have their wellness appointments each year on their birthday. No more.

I have been wearing prescription glasses since I was 12 years old and though I am normally pretty good about getting my annual vision exam, last year I neglected to go. It was due time that I get an updated prescription and make sure all is progressing well with my eyesight. So, this past weekend, I headed to my local Walmart’s Vision Center and got a full eye exam completed, including a contact fitting. See that lovely picture of me to the right? That’s me rocking the special sunglasses I received after they dilated my pupils – it’s all in the name of good eye health!

The optometrist at my Walmart is an independent doctor housed inside the store, which makes it very convenient for you to get an eye exam done before your regular shopping trip, don’t you think? As part of this campaign with Walmart, I was also able to pick out a new frame, lenses, and will be ordering new contacts once my prescription is finalized, since the doctor switched the brand and strength of my contacts. Surprisingly, Walmart has quite a few frames to choose from, all at affordable prices. I’m used to paying close to $200 or more for just the eyeglass frame without the lenses, but Walmart has frames starting at just $9, all the way up to the mid-100s. Though I tried to find a frame in the $38 price range, my prescription is a little too strong for them and my lenses would have looked too thick. I did, however, find a nice Oscar de la Renta frame for only $88.

As for the contacts, once we make sure the new brand and strength is working well for me, I’ll be able to order contacts from Walmart and take advantage of the current sale they have. In fact, if I could, I would consider the new Equate 1-Day Disposable Contact Lenses, but I have a bit of astigmatism in one eye, so they won’t work for me. However, at only $30 for a box of 90 lenses, I think this is a great alternative for those that don’t often wear contact lenses or for younger kids and teenagers!

When was the last time you had an eye exam? Don’t forget, it’s just as important to have one even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts!

Disclosure: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™

Happy New Year my friends! As I look back at 2012, I realize that while it wasn’t bad, it could have been better. But, the past is just that and I am aiming to move forward in 2013. I don’t exactly have resolutions, but I do have goals in mind. I have things I want and need to do this year – for myself, my business, and my family.

Goals for myself include taking better care of myself. Outside of the usual New Year’s goals of eating better and exercise, I also need to take care of my health and am starting the year with various doctor’s appointments to schedule. I also want to create a regular self-care routine so that I don’t go 2 months without a pedicure, or a week without washing my hair. I get caught up in the daily routine and the rush of getting ready with the kids around, that I don’t often take the time to do much beyond the basics.

My inner self needs love too and this year I’d like to read more, learn something new, and just work on growing my knowledge. I feel like my brain is mush much of the time and need to change that.

I have several goals for my business as well, though I’m still figuring out the logistics and steps required to achieve them. But, 2013 needs to be a year of business growth regardless of how I get there.

Working on all these areas of my life will ultimately help my family. In the end, that is my biggest goal for 2013: to be a better mother, wife, daughter, and person. There are just so many pieces that go into completing that goal; I have to take them one at a time.

What is your main goal (or resolution) for 2013?

Photo: Ramos Alejandro/Flickr