GRANDVILLE, Mich.–– It's time to wind down after the craziness of the holiday season and enjoy a fresh start to the new year. The last three months of the year are always a hectic and stressful time because of all the major holidays in a row. October through December, the focus is on costumes, giving thanks, spending time with family, giving presents, and spreading holiday cheer rather than taking time for yourself. It's necessary to relieve all that pressure and gift yourself time for relaxation and mindfulness. Read our ways to de-stress after the holiday season to help you take a load off and focus on yourself for the start of the new year!

1. Go to bed early - no later than 10 pm.
2. At least an hour before bedtime, wind down with quiet activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath.
3. Start a healthy diet to rid your body of the fatty and sugary foods of the holiday season.
4. Listen to relaxing music at night.
5. Take a yoga class.
6. Drink a cup of green tea first thing in the morning and at night before you go to bed.
7. Use essentials oils for relaxation.
8. Practice deep breathing to slow your heart rate and help calm you down.
9. Cross things off your "to-do" list to help free your mind from any added stress.
10. Take a 10 minute walk during your lunch.
11. Escape to your favorite spot for the weekend.
12. Start a regular gym routine.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.–– The lurking threat of calories and unhealthy food galore can be intimidating to our waistlines and general health. While it's all good and fun to enjoy the cheese heavy appetizers, butter drenched sides, the sugar-laden dessert bombs, it's better done in moderation. Let's be honest, no one enjoys the painful belly aches and the extra bloat and weight the holiday food brings along. To keep you feeling well and your body functioning at its best throughout the holidays, we've got a few tips. Check out these different ways to stay healthy around the holidays and incorporate these tips into your regular life in the New Year to feel better!

1. Walk It Out

It's really easy to lay down on the couch with family to enjoy your favorite show or holiday movie after dinner, but you can still enjoy that quality family time in a different way. You can take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather we've been having by taking a walk after dinner. Other ways to fit some more steps in: parking farther away from your destination, taking the stairs instead of the elevator wherever you go, and frantically running around the house trying to clean before the relatives arrive.

2. Eat Before You Go

What? Eat, before you go to eat? Yes! While it seems highly counterintuitive, eating a healthy snack before you go somewhere can give you the ammo to combat that really-hungry, heavy noshing that leads to a quick stomach ache and regret. Try munching an apple on your way, so that when you arrive you're stomach will be satisfied with fiber and healthy sugars so you don't go crazy on heavy appetizers. Plus, no one likes a 'hangry' guest.

3. Veggies First

Another tip that involves eating before eating goes as follows: when you arrive to a get together where there are appetizers galore, eat the veggies first. By doing this, you'll fill up on good fiber, get in a veggie serving or two for the day, and feel better overall. Don't forget to add more veggies to your diet by filling up your dinner plate with them, too. Veggies provide the sustenance you need to last you a full dinner party or a Christmas gift return marathon without feeling like you're starving.

4. Try the 80/20 Rule

Simple, yet effective. Whether you're trying to lose weight, be healthier overall, or just trying to maintain your current figure during the holiday season, this rule will treat you well. How does it work? Eat healthy and clean 80% of the time, and use the other 20% for outings with friends, holiday parties, etc. Forget that cheat day mentality and jump on the moderation train! You can also apply this to your workout regimen. Stay active 80% of the time and inactive the other 20%. Try working out or being active each day during the week, and enjoy resting on the weekend.

5. Avoid Takeout

The holidays can be stressful for many of us, which can mean many of us turn to takeout and the couch for relaxation. Even if you think you're ordering "healthy" from the takeout menu of your favorite local restaurant, there's typically no nutritional label to tell you just what's in the food your ordered, how big the serving size is, etc. We're not saying you need to count calories, but avoiding takeout can help you be more aware of what you're putting in your body. When you cook at home you get to choose what goes into the dish and can substitute for healthier options where possible.

6. Be Mindful 

7. Set Realistic New Years Health Goals 

We hope you use these ways to stay healthy around the holidays! Regardless of your schedule this holiday season, you can use these tips to help you feel and function better overall into the New Year. If you're in need of a vehicle that functions better in the New Year, make sure to visit us in Grandville - just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids - around the corner from RiverTown Crossings Mall. We've got a wide selection of safe, reliable, and affordable new Honda vehicles, as well as a Service team that's here to help you stay safe on the road regardless the vehicle you drive! You can stop by our Express Service Lane at your convenience (without an appointment) for oil changes, winter tire installations, brake inspections, and more, in under 90 minutes throughout the season. Check out our winter car care tips for more information on how to care for your vehicle in the cold West Michigan weather!

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––At RiverTown Honda, we value being able to provide our customers with a seamless car buying/leasing, or auto service experience from start to finish! From our always up-to-date online inventory, to our service pricing menu online, to our online service scheduling capability, we've got you covered so that you can be in, out, and on your way. But, did you know we've made it even easier? Explore RiverTown Honda's new website and new content to learn more about what we have to offer!

We've recently launched a new responsive site, which means you'll be able to get the same experience on your smartphone, tablet, or personal computer at RiverTownHonda.com. There is also plenty of new content for you to enjoy, which includes:

A Grand Rapids Area Holiday Guide: 

Where are the best places to shop for unique gifts? Which Honda vehicles handle snow with ease? What events are happening around Grand Rapids this holiday season? Which organizations should you donate to? And lastly, what can you do to be a better driver in the snow? Find everything you need to kick off the holiday season on this page!

A 2018 Honda Accord Highlight:

Information About Investing in Winter Tires:

What's the difference between all-seasons and winter tires? Does 4x4 or AWD make a difference? How should you go about investing in winter tires? How can you get a quote for tires? Find all the answers and more on this page! 

There's so much to explore on RiverTown Honda's new website and we couldn't be more happy to share it with you this holiday season. We're always adding information on Honda's new vehicles, seasonal happenings, and our service and sales promotions on the website and on social media, so be sure to connect with us, check it out, and take advantage of everything we have to offer right here in Grandville - just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you all!


Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Now that it's finally December, it's time to get in the Holiday spirit! With all the stress of gift buying, decorating, baking, etc., sometimes you just want to sit back and relax. A movie binge is the perfect way to do so. Plus, what's better than snuggling up with your friends, family, and loved ones to watch a good flick when it's cold outside?! Here are a few tips on How to Host a Holiday Movie Night:

1. Set Your Movie Lineup

2. Get Your Snuggling Supplies Together

Gather lots of warm throw blankets from around the house (wash/dry if need be) and make a pile your guests can pick and choose from. If you have extra pillows you feel comfortable letting your guests use, gather those up, too! If you're willing, purchase a large pack of fuzzy socks to hand out to your movie watchers to keep their feet toasty warm - this can act as a party favor they can take home and use for the rest of the season.

3. Set the Mood 

It's important to make your space feel cozy and movie-watching-ready. Dim the lights, or turn them all off. If you have a fireplace and it's safe to do so, light it! You could also light a few candles, or even fake candles, and place them around the room. We recommend using Holiday scented candles like Frosted Sugar Cookie, Pine Tree Forest, etc. Make sure there are minimal distractions that can take away from the movie!

4. Create a Snack Bar! 

Your snack bar can be as complicated or as simple as you'd like depending on your crowd size and how long they'll be staying. If you're going simple, we recommend popcorn and hot chocolate! If you're going complicated, pick a few ideas from the list below. It's all up to you, but just be sure to remember paper plates, lots of napkins, and any cups or mugs for drinks. Also, be prepared for any spills if food is going to be taken to the couch. Try these tasty appetizer and drink ideas:

-S'mores Dessert Mix with Popcorn
-Pepperoni Cheese Stick Roll-Ups 
-Peanut Butter M&M Blondies 
-Turkey, Bacon, Ranch Pinwheels
-Circus Animal Popcorn
-Buffalo Chicken Dip
-Slowcooker Gingerbread Latte
-Nutella Hot Chocolate
-Sparkling Cran-Raspberry Punch
-Eggnog Milkshake


We hope you have the tools to host a fun Holiday movie night with your family and friends. If it goes well, you could even make it a tradition! If you're in need of more ways to have fun with your family this season in Grand Rapids, check out our Holiday Guide. There, you'll find more information on unique places to shop for gifts, the best Honda vehicles for driving in West Michigan Winter weather, fun events to attend, great organizations to donate to, and Winter driving tips.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– Your pets are like family to you. You truly love them and want the best for them. The holidays can be a stressful time with all the hustle and bustle, especially if it involves traveling and new places. To make the best of the situation for them, we've come up with some tips on keeping pets safe and happy during the holidays.

• Stay on Schedule: As much as possible, try to keep their feeding, exercising, and bathroom times consistent. They are habitual creatures as much as we are and expect these things when they normally get them, and can be stressed if they don't. If you're somewhere new, daily exercise that involves just the two of you can reduce anxiety for them (and probably you too).
• Be Prepared: We hate to think of a pet running away or getting injured or sick, but it's best to be prepared. Always keep proper ID tags on them at all times, even if the jingling is annoying. Keep a photo of them with you, which you probably already have thanks your love for your pet and smart phones. Also, have your vet email records to you to keep with you in case of injury or illness. Tip: have them send it to an email accessible through your phone, then star or favorite the email for easy access. 
• Watch What They're Eating: With many hands exchanging food, and the desire for your beloved pet to enjoy what you're enjoying, they often eat things they shouldn't, leading to gastrointestinal problems and accidents. Things like chocolate, raisins, grapes, nuts, onions, and alcohol are toxic to dogs. We understand they're cute, but it's best to refrain from giving them non-pet food! If you're going away, make sure you bring a little extra food in case of an emergency. 
• In the Car: If they're coming along for the ride, make sure they're secured properly in the car with a crate, carrier, or harness solution. Always bring a bowl and water with you and be prepared to stop to let them go to the bathroom (bringing bags to clean up their mess is also recommended). You can keep them comfy by providing them a blanket. 
• At a Guest's Place: Keep them on their best behavior by brushing up on basic commands before leaving. Understand they can be excited or stressed by new smells, people, and other animals so talk to your guest beforehand to know how to deal. Bring a favorite, quiet toy and a quiet space (pet bed, or crate) for them to feel secure. 
• Include Them: Acknowledge them, play with them, and include them in the group. It's no fun to be locked in a room when there's a party going on (unless that's their choice). Be patient with them, and remember they too pick up on human emotions like stress and excitement.