The Fab Gal

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Fab Gals!

Oh, V-Day. It’s funny how a day all about sugar can inspire so much bitterness. I’ve heard people joke that they only recognize “Singles’ Awareness Day” or “Sad and Alone Day.” Of course they’re just kidding – but then you don’t hear anyone teasing Thanksgiving! There are also people who seem to really hate the holiday. They say it’s too commercialized, puts too much pressure on people in relationships, or that we should celebrate love every day, not 1 in 365.

I’ve never been one of those people. I couldn’t possibly hate a day reserved for all of my favorite things: glitter, pink, roses, chocolate, and heart-shaped anything. And I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with making a day to celebrate love – in all its forms – a little louder than usual.

At least that’s how I usually feel. But this year… truthfully, I’ve been feeling like Sad-and-Alone, party of one.

I can remember being a little girl in Barbie PJs, dreaming about the day Prince Charming would come (I pictured him as B, the 5-year-old Romeo in my kindergarten class). Then, a few years later, I couldn’t wait to be old enough to have a BF and go to prom (as close as it gets to Cinderella dreams, right?).

That was all cute enough. But now… the feeling doesn't seem so adorable. I hate to even admit it, because it always seems like strong, confident girls aren’t supposed to care if they’re single. But I do.

Anyways, I imagined I could spend V-Day night curled up in bed, drowning my singleness in truffles, tears, and chick flicks. But the reality is, solo or no, I’m really, really lucky. I have so many Fab Guys in my life – my dad, my brother, my BGFs – who care for me, whom I have fun with, and most importantly, who let me be me. Ultimately, those are the qualities I want in a boyfriend. Someday. For now… I’ll just enjoy my time as one of the guys.

But that’s just my story. Wherever V-Day brings you, my chocolate-covered wish is that every day you get to do what you love, be who you love… and celebrate with the ones you love.

xoxo

The Fab Gal

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Happy New Year, Fab Gals!

2012 is still brand new, so it’s that time when everyone is hopeful – making resolutions and looking forward to the possibilities of the New Year. It’s also that time for me (and maybe you!) when graduation is just a few months away. Sure, graduation is an ending, and reflecting about all that’s changed since you stepped through those school doors for the first time. But even more, graduation is about making big decisions for the future. What do you want to do with your life? Where will you go to college? Or maybe, who do you wanna be when you step into the halls of middle school? The questions and uncertainty are enough to make the future seem a little frightening.

When the future seems frightening, it’s easy to just push it away, focus on the now, ignore the what-ifs, and play it safe. That's what I've been doing, anyway. But of course, that’s not really dealing. No matter what you do (or don’t do) the future is always coming, one minute at a time. Thankfully for me, I have someone who always puts things in perspective. My dad reminded me that what matters most is thinking not just about the right now, but where you want to be in the future – whether that’s 1 year, 4 years, or 10 years. Because c’mon, you have big dreams, right? But the only way to get there is by pulling them out of the clouds and starting to work towards them right now, not some day in the future once this or that happens. I don’t want you or me to sell ourselves and our Fab-ness short by squishing down life into what fits in the present.

So I’m starting to make goals for the new year… including a few I hope to share with you. But what are your hopes, FG? How are you moving forward in 2012? Share in the comments below… and know I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

xoxo

The Fab Gal

Cruising ahead in 2012 ;)

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• Find The One. No, I'm not talking about searching for Mr. Right (although that certainly would help, wouldn't it?). I'm talking about the one person you can come to when you're facing a challenge or just feeling down. It can be anybody you trust - a sister, parent, teacher, BFF or school counselor. But having even just one person that you can turn to when you're feeling down can make a big difference.
• Do something... When it feels like everything in your day has gone wrong, it's like the only thing you want to do is slide into bed and hide under the covers. But doing something active that you enjoy - be that jogging, baking, sewing, or even going for a walk around the mall - keeps your body and mind occupied. Also, talking on a small challenge, like cleaning up your room or working on a project, reminds you that you really can do anything.
• ...then do nothing. When you're feeling down, you really need a little pick-me-up. Find something that you love to do - reading magazines, listening to music, writing in your journal, taking a bubble bath - and do it. No questions asked.
• Remember the positives... This one is the hardest for me (but probably also the most important). Bad days often end up feeling way worse when we spend time thinking about things that went wrong, like a fight with a friend. But even if everything went completely wrong that day, there are other positives - things you are grateful for, challenges you've overcome in the past, and things you're looking forward to. Try to take a minute to delight in those things.
• ...and that you're not alone. Thankfully, there are many happy and successful Fab Gals out there that have lived through a bad day (or week or month) and come through, maybe even stronger than before. And for any one person who's brought you down in a day, there really are many more who want the best for you. Including your fellow FGs. So hang in there, baby.

xoxo

The Fab Gal

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• Get organized. By the end of the year, when it's time to clean out lockers, you're probably doing the "Huh, so that's where that went!" Okay. But starting out with a clean slate makes at least the first few weeks a little easier and stress-free. So clean out your folders, recycle all those old papers, and get ready to go.
• Make it you. Some classes are a total snooze. There's not much magic you can pull to change that. But you can always liven up your stuff. Pull out Sharpies and stickers, make a collage, and decorate your binders and book covers. Your math notebook suddenly got a lot prettier.
• Sleepover! I just love sleepovers, and any reason to have one is good with me. But especially if you and your buds have been far apart over the summer, now is so the time. You'll have a lot to catch up on before the bell rings. Plus, who better to give you input on your first day outfit?
• And, as always, have fun. The first day is tomorrow, whether you like it or not, so use your last day how you want. Give yourself a mani and a new 'do, hit the pool one last time, or just lounge around and do nothing at all.

It's a shame to see summer go, but the school year's got it's bright spots, too. So enjoy the last of summer, and get ready to shine in the new year. I'll be here with ya for the whole thing.

xoxo

The Fab Gal

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• Don't Forget.... Shoes, check. Swimsuit, check. You've got the basics, but make sure when you're packing in to throw in a few personal comforts, whether it's a new book you just started, your fave CD, or a special blanket. It will help you relax if you're feeling a little stressed out.
• Ask and You Will Receive... Hitting your limits on family time? See if you can (nicely) negotiate a little beach time or moment in the hotel to be by yourself. Having a little alone time to recharge might just be what you need. Sometimes you just need to speak up.
• Look Ahead... You want me to go where?? Not digging the place your rents picked? So maybe you are more of a city girl, and they've planned a trip in the good 'ol outdoors. See if you can do a little research about your vacay spot before you leave. Find out what kind of stuff they've got that you would enjoy to do there. You might find out they have something you, and your family, can all have a good time doing.
• Wish You Were Here... So your parents aren't letting you bring your cell phone, let alone your whole crew. Yep, you're gonna miss them. Make some time to grab some postcards to send to your girls, or get some silly pics you know your BFF would love. It might not be the same without them, but at least you'll have something to share when you get back.

And most importantly...

• Laugh! Chances are mom or dad, or maybe one of your li'l sibs will embarrass you at some point during the trip. No, actually not chances. They most definitely will. There is nothing in your powers to stop them. You might as well laugh, and enjoy the little comedy crew you call your family.

Are you going on vacation, FG? How do you make it rock? Let me know the scoop, either here or at Twitter or Myspace. Wishing you super summer vacays, whether you're heading out or staying home!

xoxo

The Fab Gal

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