"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." - Marilyn Monroe
You always hear it's important to listen to your heart, and follow your own voice. But some days, when you're not feeling so confident, it can be hard to know what your voice is even saying, or maybe it's even telling you something negative - I can't do this. I'm not good enough. On those days, it's okay to listen to someone else, and let another Fab Gal (or guy) lead you back to the road of confidence. This week, I'm going to let some other FGs do the talking. Hopefully, they can inspire you to embrace your uniqueness, take control... and dance.
"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm... As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn
"Never dull your shine for somebody else." - Tyra Banks
"It isn't until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are - not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within - that you can begin to take control." - Oprah Winfrey
"Be yourself always, there's no one better!" - Selena Gomez
"We delight in the beauty of a butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." - Maya Angelou
"If you're lucky enough to be different from everybody else, don't change." - Taylor Swift
"I used to think you had to be like everybody else to succeed. But I learned people will love you for you. The key is to be comfortable in your own skin. You have to love yourself." - Jordin Sparks
"To dance confident in fringe panties when you're five-four with cellulite is a great thing." - Drew Barrymore
This week I'm gonna give ya the top six songs on my ultimate confidence playlist. Music is totally powerful - it can express how you're feeling, and pick you up when you're feeling down. These songs are all about making you feel absolutely Fab. So grab some headphones and turn up the volume!
1. "Don't Stop Believin' " - Glee Cast Sing this one at the top of your lungs and you'll feel better in an instant. Promise.
2. "Single Ladies" - Beyonce Whether you have a BF or not, this one's a good reminder that you deserve to be respected for the FG you are.
3. "Into the Rush" - Aly & AJ An oldie but goodie. This one always reminds me you can jump into any challenge.
4. "Believe in Me" - Demi Lovato The ultimate confidence song. The title says it all.
5. "Change" - Taylor Swift Taylor has had an amazing year - she knows all about how things can change for the better.
6. "Make Some Noise" - Hannah Montana Hannah's music has always been about confidence and being true to yourself. She may just be another side of Miley, but her music is so FG.
So FGs, what would be on your confidence playlists? What artists and songs make you feel totally Fab? Give me a comment to share your thoughts.
I've been crusing around YouTube lately, and I am totally obsessed with all of the celebrity videos out there right now. I especially love series of web shows put out by celebs themselves - it's just fun to see that even these big stars have their silly moments. So check out these celebrity YouTube channels for some fun.
1. The Miley and Mandy Show - Miley Cyrus and her best friend, Mandy Jiroux, created this crazy web show just for their fans to enjoy.
2. Seventeen Magazine - You know Seventeen is one of my favorite mags. Go here for behind-the-scenes scoop.
3. Demi & Selena - Not to be outdone by Miley and Mandy, these two famous BFFs decided to start their own show (complete with Jonas Brothers guest appearances).
4. Hollywood Records - If music videos are your thing, this is the one to check out. They produce and feature everyone from Hilary Duff and Hayden Panetierre to the Plain White T's and Jesse McCartney.
5. Taylor Swift - If you're a true Taylor fan, this is for you - it's got everything from music videos to vlogs made by Taylor herself (like the clip I showed you the other day).
6. PopStar Magazine - Funny interviews and candid clips of celebs talking to PopStar Magazine. Weren't you always wondering what Drew Seeley would do as president?
7. The Real Alyson Stoner - This cutie from Camp Rock has a channel to chat with her fans. Keep an eye on her - she's one of the next big stars.
8. Ashley Tisdale - I think all of the Disney stars have YouTube channels these days! Mostly trailers, but there is a great one of the HSM crew pranking Zac.
9. The Ro and Co Show - Did you know Cody Linley, Hannah Montana's TV BF Jake Ryan, could rap? Well, you just have to see it to believe it.
10. Alpha Kitty - This isn't your typical celeb video, but it's way cool. They're made by Atoosa, the former editor of Seventeen and CosmoGIRL!.
Okay, FGs! Check them out, enjoy, and let me know if you find any other great videos!
I have to admit: I have been obsessed with YouTube lately. Well not really obsessed, but I have been searching through and watching all of the fun celeb blogs (The Miley & Mandy Show, Demi & Selena...). And I want you to check this out - it's a short clip from one of Taylor Swift's vlogs.
Now, I love Taylor Swift. I think she is talented and sweet and beautiful and most of all, fearless. I mean, she writes songs about anyone, and she's never afraid of what they will think. But what about this video - do you think she went too far? Sure, it is super-funny. And I bet if you asked Taylor, she'd say he got what he deserved. But for some reason, this just feels like too much to me. Maybe it's just like writing a song, but that seems different - that's art. This is just a joke.
You really just have to be so careful when you decide to put something online. I don't think you should be afraid to say what you want to say, but you should be careful about posting something you'll regret. When we're embarrassed, angry, or broken-hearted, we tend to speak without thinking - things that you may not really feel or believe if you were thinking clearly. But if you post those things on YouTube, Myspace, or Facebook, they're no longer yours - they belong to all 500 of your "friends." You want people to see you as a Fab Gal, not as you in a Drama Queen moment.
What do you think FGs? Did Taylor take it too far? Was it just plain funny? Would you (or have you) put something like that online? Leave a comment to let me know!
So we talked about how teens are basically taking over the world (okay, maybe not). And here are my top 10 of the teens that are using their powers for good...
1. Miley Cyrus - Of course, of course. She is the queen of the power teens. This girl has done it all, and she seems to have fun doing it! The best of both worlds.
2. Raven - I remember hearing a story how Raven mapped out her career on a place mat when she was 15, and slowly but surely she has been checking those things off. I don't know how true that is, but she has definitely been successful!
3. Jonas Brothers - The only boys on the list. Think how far they've come, even in just the last year. They went from playing little shows to having the #1 album on iTunes. Pretty sweet for a group of brothers!
4. Amanda Bynes - She's awesome, isn't she? She went from "The Amanda Show" at 13 to having her own affordable-but-cute fashion line today. The girl is all that!
5. Aly & AJ - Another family group. What I love about them is that they have stayed true to themselves, and they are genuinely talented - they both play instruments, sing, and write music! Talk about good genes.
6. Hayden Panetierre - From a FG poll a while back, Hayden is one of your favorites! And for good reason - this teen knows how to use her fame for good, bringing awareness to animal rights and other great causes.
7. Taylor Swift - This girl has a lot of power in the country world! She was one of the youngest to ever win the CMA Horizon Awards, along with so many others. And she still has time to update her Myspace...
8. Jordin Sparks - She went from being just a regular 17 year-old to winning American Idol and making music with Chris Brown. If that's not teen power, I don't know what is!
9. Emma Roberts - Sure, she's got a famous aunt, but she's also got amazing talent and serious business smarts. She is careful about the roles she chooses, and she stays away from the celeb party scene. Emma is in it for the long run, just like Julia!
10. Demi Lovato - She hasn't hit the top yet, but you can bet she will soon! Starring in a Disney movie, touring with the Jonas Brothers, recording an album... and that's just 2008! Keep your eyes on Demi in 2009, for sure.
Those are my top 10 Power Teens, but who are yours? Let me know here by comment, and you can always share your thoughts about all things FG at The Fab Gal Myspace.
Ok, so here is the weekly Top 10. This week, I am going to count down the top 10 FG songs to pump you up.
1. "Never Underestimate a Girl" - Vanessa Hudgens
The name says it all!
2. "Nobody's Perfect" - Hannah Montana
Okay, I just love all of Hannah's (or Miley's) music. So fun, and it all has a positive message to it.
3. "My Hallelujah Song" - Julianne Hough
If you don't recognize Julianne, she was one of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars - and the next big thing in country. This song is so cute and sweet!
4. "A Place in This World" - Taylor Swift
I think this one is basically my theme song. Taylor always knows just what to say, it's like she's read your diary.
5. "Crazy Dreams" - Carrie Underwood
Carrie's crazy dreams certainly came true! This one is for anyone who has sung into their hairbrush and dreamed of winning American Idol.
6. "Walking on Sunshine" - Aly & AJ
This one is a remake, and just as fun as a perfect summer day.
7. "In This Skin" - Jessica Simpson
It's hard to believe that Jessica Simpson ever felt uncomfortable in her skin! It just goes to show that everyone feels that way.
8. "So Bring It On" - The Cheetah Girls
These kitties are fierce! This song channels their can-do-anything attitude.
9. "That's Just the Way We Roll" - Jonas Brothers
Okay, so I usually don't let boys on the countdown. But I love that the Jonas Brothers are totally crazy and totally cool with just hanging out being themselves. This song is about that.
10. "This is Me" - Demi Lovato
Did you watch Camp Rock? I hope so! I loved it, and I haven't even seen the end yet. I love the message, and I love this song so much, I think I'm going to go download it now!
So that's my top 10 list of songs that make me feel totally Fab. But how about you FGs? What are your favorites? Leave a comment to let me know. (By popular demand, I put some instructions on the left panel in case you're not sure how to!).
xoxo
The Fab Gal
FG Update: The Fab Gal now has a Myspace! I promise, it's 100% safe - it's just for us to keep in touch with what's going on with our site. Add me at The Fab Gal Myspace, or http://www.myspace.com/thefabgal
So I want to tell you a little about my top 10. And we're not talking Myspace here. These are my top 10 Fab Gals - in no particular order.
1. Amanda Bynes - So I can't say I've ever met the real Amanda, but I love that in her movies she always represents a real girl - the one who's a little different, a little offbeat, but always 100% comfortable with who she is. A completely free spirit.
2. Atoosa - She's just plain cool! If you don't know who she is, she is the former editor of Seventeen and founded CosmoGIRL! magazine, two of my faves. What's even cooler though is that she left all that behind to work with her fellow Alpha Kitties. No clue what I'm talking about? Check out Atoosa'sMyspace to learn a little more about it, then check out the Alpha Kitty YouTube show.
3. Hilary Duff - She's really come into her own. Even though everyone had a specific, cutesy image of her, she changed and redefined herself (in a good way). She's always classy, never trashy.
4. Dolly Parton - What a woman! There's a lot more to her than people expect. She's just as much smart and hardworking as she is blonde. Did you know she's published over 600 songs, including Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You"? Well believe it. Best of all, she's unaffected by what people say about her.
5. Jessica Weiner - The Queen Actionist herself! She has had a very unconventional career path, which led her to writing several books, including Do I Look Fat in This?, writing for Seventeen, and working with girls through her website, With Jess. You have got to check this girl out!
6. Taylor Swift - She is just so genuine. She's completely open and honest about who she is (you would have to be to sing about all your exes!). She's talented, beautiful, and happily living her dream, and still makes time to keep up with her fans through her Myspace.
7. Ellen Degeneres - Aside from being hilarious, she makes no apologies for who she is, because she knows you never should. Plus she dances. Every day. On national TV. Make sure you check out the Ellen Degeneres Show, it's 100% feel-good.
8. Miley Cyrus - So you already know this, but this girl amazes me. For being so young, she is so classy and down to earth. She works hard for her success, but she also has so much fun with it. Sure, she makes mistakes, but that just makes her more real.
9. Hayden Panettiere - Wow, this girl is gutsy! Once I heard about how she risked her safety for the dolphins, I had so much respect for her. She has a big heart and she takes action (and always looks fab doing it!).
10. Marilyn Monroe - This might seem like a controversial one. What I love about her though is that she's beautiful, but it's a real beauty, not a stick-skinny phoney-baloney beauty. And when you hear the things she said, she was actually really insightful about life. Classy, glamorous, talented, and smart.
So Fab Gals, that's my Top 10. But who's on yours? What makes the people that you admire so Fab?
Let me know, and as always, you can e-mail any questions/suggestions/whatever to me at fabgalsite@gmail.com
