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Tuesday, December 27, 2011 |
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| Top 5 FGs of 2011 |
Hey Fab Gals,
So of course not every Fab Gal gets to (or wants to) spend her time in the spotlight. However, I think it's really cool when girls use the opportunities they've been given, like fame, to help others. So this top 5 is honoring 5 well-known Fab Gals who shined in in 2011.  1. Demi Lovato - After leaving treatment at the beginning of the year, Demi has bounced back in a big way. In addition to releasing a new album, which includes the stay-strong anthem "Skyscraper," she's become a contributing editor for Seventeen, sharing about her struggles with the pressure to be perfect and encouraging other girls to be confident. Demi has proved that you can grow out of struggles and mistakes to be strong and help others. Check out her work for Seventeen here. 2 . Kendall Jenner - The Kardashians have certainly garnered their share of fa  me as fortune, as well as plenty of criticism. However, this younger member of the K crew doesn't take her blessings for granted. For her Sweet 16 party, she asked guests bring toys to donate to the local children's hospital instead of presents for herself. She found a way to have the best of both worlds - a rooftop party with family and friends, and gifts to give to others. Read more about her party here.  3. Kate Middleton - This now-duchess is of course best known in 2011 for her fairytale wedding to Prince William. But in an era where princesses have gotten a bad rep, she's used her position for good. In just the last few months, she has supported UNICEF, been named an ambassador for the Olympics, and made other charity visits. Talk about princess power!  4. Taylor Swift - Okay, I am just the biggest T-Swfit fangirl ever. But in an age where some do find fame for being catty on a reality TV show, Taylor really is a true sweetheart. What's more, she's willing to "Speak Now" and share her story in songs that are relatable. She's like a supportive best friend over the stereo! Check out her latest video, for "Ours," here. 5 . Sarah Cronk - Okay, you may not recognize her name, but this is a girl worth knowing about. In 2008, she started a cheerleading squad at her school that included girls with disabilities. That grew into the Sparkle Effect, a program that helps girls at schools across the country create similar squads. This year, she won the top prize at the 2011 VH1 Do Something Awards. That means she won $100,000 for her organization. . . in addition to getting to wear a sparkly dress on TV and make eye contact with Justin Bieber. Talk about a Fab Gal! Learn more about the Sparkle Effect here. So FGs, that's my top 5 for 2011. Who would be on your list? Who are the FGs in your life? Share in the comments below! xoxo
The Fab Gal Labels: 2011, celebrities, confidence, fab gal, self esteem, top 5 |
posted by Fab Gal @ 1:37 PM   |
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011 |
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| FG Approved: Demi Lovato |
Hey girlies!
I just wanted to share with you something really cool in the media lately. Demi Lovato , after leaving rehab and opening up about her struggles with bipolar disorder, cutting, and an eating disorder, has partnered up wit Seventeen magazine as a contributing editor, to share her campaign "Love is Louder than the Pressure to Be Perfect." You can check out more about it here: demi lovato opens up about the pressure to be perfect. I think it's a great message - sharing you struggles to help others. Check it out!
xoxoLabels: celebrities, Demi Lovato, fab gal, self esteem, Seventeen, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 11:10 AM |
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Monday, May 10, 2010 |
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| Secrets of a Cover Girl |
Hey FGs!
I have always loved magazines. And I have always thought that being on the cover of one would be a dream. I can just picture it... Going to a super-exclusive studio, having a whole wardrobe of clothes picked out just for you, snapping lots of glamorous pics, and then heading to a fancy restaurant to do an interview for your cover story. That would have to be so fab, right? Being a cover girl, you would know you've really made it. But then I read this quote by Miley Cyrus:
"I told my mom, 'I'm not buying another magazine until I can get past this thought of looking like the girl on the cover.' She said, 'Miley, you are the girl on the cover,' and I was, like, I know, but
I don't feel like that girl every day.' You can't always feel perfect."
That's so crazy to think about. I guess I always thought girls who had it all - you know, being a mega-successful TV actress/movie star/singer - would know it, too. You'd think that being the superstar on the cover would make you feel super-confident. And Miley's not the only one. Pink, the tough-as-nails pop star, told a magazine she's okay with the fact that she's not a "cover girl" - when she was on the cover herself! I'm not telling you this to make you feel less confident. Oh, if the real cover girls don't feel beautiful, how can I ever feel that way myself? The opposite is true. In fact, you could be struggling with cover girl blindness yourself, like Miley or Pink - not seeing yourself as beautiful/smart/talented/amazing as you are, even when signs say it's true. When you're feeling down, facing a challenge, or having an off day, it's easy to believe that any negative thoughts or self-doubts you have are true, that you really aren't good enough. That's when you have to remember that your thoughts don't always represent the beautiful truth - that you are Fab just how you are. Cover girls don't always feel like cover girls. And sometimes, Fab Gals don't feel like Fab Gals. xoxo The Fab Gal As, always, I can be reached by comment below or by e-mail at fabgalsite@gmail.com. Labels: beauty, celebrities, confidence, fab gal, Miley Cyrus, Pink, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 12:21 PM |
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Sunday, April 25, 2010 |
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| Confidence Star: Lady Gaga |
Hey FGs!
People say that there are no good role models out there in Hollywood. And it's true that celebs can get into self-destructive patterns of dieting, drugs, and partying that definitely don't reflect the confident chicas they could be. That is why I admire Lady Gaga.
I know what you might be thinking. Umm, what? That girl who wore the dress made out of Kermit dolls? It's true, her outfits can be a little out there. Way out there. But even if you don't want to walk in her platform heels, there are a few lessons in confidence that you can learn from Lady G: - You shouldn't be afraid to be you... even if that means turning heads. Sure, I didn't understand her fashion choices at first. Okay, maybe I still don't. But what I do understand is this - she wears what she wants because it makes her happy. She could tone it down to get more fans (and a few less stares), but she knows that fashion is her choice, and she doesn't have to change for anybody.
 - Even if you don't feel so great now, things will change. Before she was the fearless star she is now, Lady Gaga had her share of struggles. In high school, she wasn't so confident in her looks, and she got teased a lot by the other girls in her school. Crazy, right? Now, she's got a mega-successful album, magazine covers, and loads of fans that look up to her and love her music. Things were not always perfect for her, but she worked through it and used her negative experiences to achieve her dreams.
- Using your powers for good is the ultimate confidence booster. Now that she's on top of the music industry and making headlines, Lady Gaga uses that fame to bring attention to causes that matter to her. She's used her quirky fashion sense and beauty know-how to design a lipstick and raise awareness on HIV and AIDS through the M.A.C. Viva Glam campaign. And now that she's comfortable in her own skin, she wants to share that with others. "When I say to you, there is nobody like me and there never was, that is a statement I want every woman to feel and make about themselves."
So even if you never wear a bubble dress or add "Poker Face" to your playlist, you can take this away from Lady Gaga: No matter what anyone says, being you is powerful. Don't turn that down for anyone. xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: advice, celebrities, confidence, fab gal, Lady Gaga |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 2:18 PM |
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Friday, June 5, 2009 |
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| Hearts A-Twitter |
Hey FGs!
Taylor Swift does it from the studio, Demi Lovato does it to Perez Hilton, and David Archuleta does it before crawls into bed at night. Twittering. I'd been hearing a lot about it, how the whole world is "tweeting" these days. Except me, apparently I'll admit, I wasn't so into the idea at first. So you just, like, read what people are doing? Shouldn't I just worry about what I'm doing before I go around following everybody else?
But of course, I had to try it for myself. And it IS fascinating. I mean, you can keep up with what your friends - including, you know, Miley Cyrus and Jordin Sparks - are up to. And anyone with a phone can tweet from anywhere at any time. Not saying that you should, of course. But you could, if you wanted to.
So, I don't know. I can see why people say that maybe our technological connections have gone a little too far these days. But as long as you tweet nicely, I think it can be fun. I mean, staying in touch with celeb crushes 24/7? Count me in! You can keep up with my Twitter adventures at www.twitter.com/thefabgal.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: celebrities, communication, fab gal, twitter |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 12:44 PM |
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009 |
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| Be Real |
 Hey Fab Gals!
We may have never had royalty in this country, the USA. But these days celebrities are getting closer and closer. Not so much in they way they act. I mean, sure, they do make lots and lots of money, and go to fancy events in beautiful gowns and jewels. But I don't think that is so much the problem as the power we think celebrity holds.
Like the other day, I was watching TV and this guy was talking about "everyday heroes" and why we should only look up to "real people" (Susan Boyle being one of them). I get what he was saying - our best role models are often people we know. But I think we often use those words too much -"real people." Like, these are "real people" and these are "celebrities." See what I'm saying? We act like celebrities aren't even humans. It's true that many of them have worked themselves into (what seems to be) very extravagant, extraordinary lives. But they're still people.
The reason I think this is a problem is that we see the glamorous, beautiful pictures of these non-humans and we like less-than. It's like their lives have some unreachable fabulocity that we won't ever have. We are just normal people with normal lives and normal, normal everything.
Just keep that in mind next time you see a glam red-carpet shot and you wish you were more like your favorite star. Because, believe it or not, her problems might equally real. And even more, your life might be equally fabulous. We're all just people.
xoxo
The Fab Gal Labels: body image, celebrities, fab gal, media |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 1:43 PM |
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009 |
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| Body, Voice, & Soul |
Hello FGs!
It's just about died down now, but there was a whole lot of buzz - both on YouTube and the news - about Britain's Got Talent "shocker" Susan Boyle People were not only surprised because the girl has a voice - it seemed everyone was amazed that someone who looks like she does, whatever that means, can actually sing well.
It's not like she doesn't deserve the praise. She does. I mean, that girl can sing! But it just seems to me that she hasn't been given it the way she deserves. It's almost like a back-handed compliment. Like, "Wow, we saw you and thought you would be terrible. But you're not. Good for you!" Um, ouch? It kind of puts us in a difficult position - it seems nice, but it's almost perpetuating the stereotype that pop stars have to look a certain way, or even that people with talent must fit one definition of beauty. Actually, in ways it's like what happened with Jessica Simpson. What on earth does her body size have to do with her voice?
Of course, it's impossible to take looks or our bodies completely out of the equation. But I think it's better to look at people - and yourself - as a whole package. Yes, our bodies are important. But that's only one piece of it. They can change. Whether Susan was having a good hair day or a bad one - that doesn't need to be the focus. She's a whole person. We need to appreciate all parts of someone.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
PS - check out this video of Susan Boyle, and watch for everyone's reactions. (Thanks Alexis!)Labels: beauty, body activism, celebrities, fab gal, media |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 7:45 PM |
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009 |
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| Speaking Up for Real Beauty |
Hey hey FGs!
I have been so fascinated lately by all the talk going on about Jessica Simpson, and the recent photographs that everyone seems to have a comment on. Her outfit has been bashed, and her body picked apart and labeled - everything from "curvy" to "fat." Normally, I would say it's just best to stay away from this kind of media and the nasty body talk. It just perpetuates our ideas about beauty, weight, and what's considered ac  ceptable to say about other people. But I'll admit - I've been obsessed, clicking on every Jessica link I've seen (believe me, there are quite a few!). It's just so strange. We always say that we are so over the skinny thing, and everyone tears apart the stick-thin celebs. But if someone does look normal, whether or not she has gained weight, everyone feels they have the right to call her a pig. No wonder we are all so confused about beauty. But as I was on my celebrity gossip frenzy, I found on article on Us Magazine's website. They talked about her "new curves" in some back-handed way to seem nice. But when I scrolled to the bottom, so many people had left comments. And most of them were talking back. They said things about how she looked beautiful the way she is, but that it really isn't our right in the first place to decide what her body should look like. And I am so glad these people chose to say (or type) what they did. You see, you can try to stay away from the negative media all you want. But sooner or later, you have to face it. So I think the better approach is to face it - and speak up when you see something you don't like. Things won't go away just because you ignore them. Now, I understand that speaking up may not change the way the media works. But it will give you the power to have your own voice and make your own decisions about what beauty means to you. And that's beautiful in itself. xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: beauty, celebrities, fab gal, gossip, Jessica Simpson, media, self-confidence, weight issues |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:03 PM |
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Friday, January 9, 2009 |
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| The Plastics |
Hello FGs!
These days, beauty can really be taken to the extremes - fad diets, tanning, and at the most extreme, plastic surgery. I find it so fascinating, mostly because I live in a small enough town where it just isn't super-common. But whenever I watch the news or pick up a magazine, there seems to be new, wacky procedures (shoulder lipo, anyone?) all the time. Also, more and more celebrities are being accused of going under the knife, no matter how much they try to deny it.
Now, I generally believe that people have the right to do what they want with their bodies. But the problem I see with this growing trend is that it shifts the standards far beyond natural beauty. When so many celebs (and even average women and teens) are going in for parts as perfect (and real) as a Barbie doll, it gets a lot harder to accept your own body as beautiful as it is. Even if you know what's real and what's fake, it totally shifts the framework for what "beautiful" should be.
So I don't think that plastic surgery should be outlawed or anything. I mean, there's all kinds of ways to change your appearance, and that's a personal choice. But I think the reasons for doing it have to be considered. Health concerns are one thing, like when Ashley Tisdale got her nose done to fix the deviated septum that was causing breathing problems. But when it's insecurities, well, I don't think surgery can really fix that for you. "What I found, though, was that it didn't help me one bit," says actress Kathy Griffin, who got a face lift and multiple other procedures. "It didn't get me happier or didn't make me look particularly younger." Acceptance, happiness, confidence - these things really can't be touched by outside changes I've learned.
But what do you think, Fab Gal? Would you ever get plastic surgery, if it were a possibility? Do you think it's okay? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: beauty, body image, celebrities, fab gal, plastic surgery, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 3:33 PM |
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Saturday, December 27, 2008 |
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| Fab Gal Top 10: FGs of 2008 |
Hey FGs!
As the year is coming to its end, it's time to look back on all of 2008 - the good, the bad, and the fabulous. Today, I'm looking back on all the ladies who proved to be true FGs.
1. Miley Cyrus - She started off the year a little rough, with her controversial photos for Vogue. But she proved to be a girl who learns from her mistakes. Plus, she celebrated her 16th birthday at Disneyland with one of her favorite charities, Youth Service America. Pretty sweet!
2. Taylor Swift - 2008 proved to be an even bigger year for Taylor, including mega-record sales and awards too, including Breakout Artist at the Teen Choice Awards. But the best part? She proves that a real girl with real talent (she writes all of her songs) and a big heart can make her dreams come true.
3. Hillary Clinton - No matter what your political beliefs, Hillary Clinton took a big step for us FGs here in the United States. She was the first woman to be a serious candidate for president. Even though she didn't make it all the way, we are that much closer to having a woman in office.
4. Demi Lovato - She went from being a former kiddie on Barney to the star of Disney's Camp Rock and touring with the Jonas Brothers. Her new music has gotten stellar reviews from Rolling Stones, and she's proven to be one FG not falling in the Hollywood trap (Just listen to "La La Land").
5. Selena Gomez - Selena's starpower continued to grow this year. Not only can the girl act, but she can sing, as she proved in Another Cinderella Story. Not only that, but she proved friendship can survive stardom - she and her best friend Demi (#4 on our list) made time to create web videos together for their fans to enjoy.
6. Britney Spears - This one might seem like a strange choice. And it's true that she started off the year with some... strange behavior. But you know what? She has gotten back to work, started turning her life around, and proved that comebacks are definitely possible.
7. Beyonce - This girl can sing! And she's back, with her new album I Am... Sasha Fierce. Not only that, but she has shown her acting abilities and gotten married to long-time boyfriend Jay-Z. A little class and a lot of hard work can take you a long way!
8. Hayden Panetierre - Although this actress is best known as an activist because of her attempt to stop a dolphin hunt in 2007, she continued to use her starpower for good in 2008. She helped raise funds for SaveTheWhalesAgain.com, and spoke out about the election.
9. Jordin Sparks - Last year's American Idol has had big success this year. She won an AMA and sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl. This real beauty has attributed American Idol to helping her feel more comfortable in her own skin - and that confidence shows!
10. Maya Angelou - This writer has a little more life experience than the other FGs on this list, but that's exactly why she's here! She released her book Letter to My Daughter to share her life lessons with all of her daughters around the world, which is the type of FG unity I love to see.
So, what do you think? Did I miss any FGs on this list? Let me know what you think!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: 2008, celebrities, fab gal, top 10 |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:47 AM |
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Saturday, November 15, 2008 |
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| Fab Gal Top 10: Celebrity Videos |
Hello FGs!
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!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: Alpha Kitty, Alyson Stoner, Ashley Tisdale, celebrities, Cody Linley, Demi Lovato, fab gal, Miley Cyrus, PopStar, Selena Gomez, Seventeen, Taylor Swift, top 10, videos |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:36 AM |
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Friday, September 26, 2008 |
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| Give Us Some Spotlight |
Hey FGs!
So I opened this week's Time magazine, and there it was: "The Truth About Teen Girls." Uh-oh, I guess they figured us out. Another article about how we have gotten so bad, so sexy, so fast. We've all heard it - teen girls are all dressing hot and having sex and generally messing up.
Most people seem to agree - blame it on the media. Even the media blames it on the media. It's shows like Gossip Girl and The Hills and celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Jamie Lynn Spears - all over the place, making a bad influence, they say. It's everywhere, sure. But is it everything? I'm not convinced.
It's like this - there's a huge 4-page spread about what's happened to us bad girls, filled with references to and a picture of Miley's infamous Vogue shoot. But then, in a small corner of page 54, there's a different story, by Miley herself, about the importance of service. In fact, she's having her Sweet 16 birthday party at Disneyland with Youth Service America, which supports young volunteers. I had never heard about that. And that's exactly the point.
The media may be filled with naughty shows and celebrity gossip, but there is also so much time devoted to talking about how bad it is and how bad teens are now because of all this bad stuff. And on a smaller scale, what's up with Miley is what's up with the rest of teen girl America. Sure, we make mistakes. And maybe there are some girls who have gone just a little too far. But what about all the amazing things girls are doing now? I know plenty of talented girls, athletes and volunteers and smart cookies and good friends. What about that epidemic? That's not interesting enough, I guess. It's like a cycle - the media talks about all these bad girls and then that's all we focus on and then they talk about how that's all we talk about. It's kinda silly.
Anyways, I guess what you see isn't always what you get. I know how Fab you are, FGs. Keep shining - they'll get it someday.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: bad girls, celebrities, fab gal, media, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:03 AM |
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Saturday, September 6, 2008 |
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| Fab Gal Top 10: Best Friends |
Hey FGs!
So, to finish out our friends week, I thought it would be cool to count down the top ten FG famous best friends. These are just some of my faves...
1. Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez - Cutest story ever! These two Disney girls have been BFFs since their days on Barney. Soon, they'll be starring in the movie Princess Protection Program together.
2. Carmen, Tibby, Lena, & Bridget - In the book or in the movie, these Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants girls make quite a crew. It's amazing that four totally different girls can share one pair of pants.
3. Miley & Lily - The girls of Hannah Montana get to live the rock star life together and have some crazy adventures as regular best friends. The best of both worlds!
4. Serena & Blair - Probably not the best example, but we love these Gossip Girl on-and-off friends as much as they love each other (most of the time).
5. The Cheetah Girls - In real life and on-screen, these girls are as loyal as they are fierce. So cheetah-licious!
6. Miley & Mandy - Miley's name is already on the list, but this time it's with her real-life BFF, Many. Have you seen the "Miley and Mandy Show" on YouTube? Check it out!
7. Drake & Josh - So, they are boys, and they can be a little...weird. But you've got to love this hilarious duo!
8. Raven & Chelsea - Before all the rest, these two That's So Raven stars were known for getting in crazy situations and wearing wacky disguises. They always had each other's back!
9. Alex & Harper - The girls of Wizards of Waverly Place are be totally different - Harper is the goofy gal, and Alex is a tough chick. But they always share the Funky Hat song!
10. You and your BFF! - Okay, maybe not famous yet. But who knows? I bet we'll be seeing your names someday...
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: celebrities, fab gal, friends, top 10 |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:59 AM |
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