"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
Okay, I am going to keep it short today - I don't know about you, but I have a lot of baking and festivities going on today. But I want to wish you all very happy holidays, whatever/whenever/however you celebrate.
You know, it's funny, with all of the hustle and bustle and decorating and presents that goes on, it's so easy to forget what Christmas is really about. I think that can happen no matter what holiday you celebrate. To be honest, when I was little, the presents were the exciting part. I still love them, but somewhere along the line, things change. Why do we spend so much time and money and effort, for just one holiday, if it seems to stress people out so much?
After a month full of wrapping, baking, and shopping, I'm starting to get it. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy Christmas movie - maybe the holidays do mean something more. I guess maybe it's not so much about what you do, but why you do it. It's not just making sugar cookies - it's the fact that we make them together, as a tradition. It's not about buying presents for the gift exchange - it's celebrating how much fun us cousins have when we're together any day of the year. And it's about enjoying simple pleasures - candy canes, gingerbread houses, lights on the tree. Celebrating love, and celebrating life - all that we're blessed with in the last year. That's what Christmas means to me.
What about you, FG? What do your holiday celebrations mean to you? What are your favorite parts?
I hope that wherever the holidays bring you, you get the chance to celebrate your year, FG. You deserve it!
So the holidays are here! Time for family, music, giving, and yes - lots of sweet treats. It's funny, but I think every time I've turned on the TV or opened a magazine lately there's something about overeating (and dieting) through the holidays, the calorie counts of egg nog and gingerbread men, or how much weight people gain on average during this season. Talk about a ho ho whole lot of stress - I haven't even made it to Christmas dinner and I'm almost wishing I could skip to New Year's so I could make the resolution to lose all of this holiday weight I hear that I am going to gain.
It's true that there is a lot deal with over the holidays. And maybe sugar cookies and holiday goodies don't make for a balanced meal. But being overly preoccupied with it isn't healthy either. There's a lot of conflicting messages - first there's all of the delicious recipes, but then there's how bad all of these treats are and why you shouldn't have them. Throw this on top of everything else at this time of year, and it can be a lot to take.
Okay, so that's the problem. What's the solution? Well FG, I think that the smartest thing you can do is keep it in perspective. There is no way, no matter how many candy canes you consume, that you are going to gain 10 pounds over the holidays. And you absolutely deserve to have a wonderful time without worrying about sticking to a diet or avoiding once-a-year treats. And with whatever you deal with this holiday - food, family, or otherwise - remember: no expectations, no reservations. Things may not go perfect, but if you allow yourself to ditch the rules and be as happy as you wish, they will be very merry.
This is the time of year when everyone starts to share... including their colds. It seems to me like everyone starts to get sick right about now. I usually don't talk about health stuff, but I am a strong believer that staying healthy can keep down your stress, especially during busy times of the year like this. So here are some quick tips for staying healthy this season:
Stick to the Routine - Between big tests, shopping, holiday parties, and everything else going on, it's easy to skip out on your usual exercise and start eating more on the go. There's no need to miss out on the holiday treats or festive fun because you need to "diet" or "stay healthy." But make sure that you squeeze in time for physical activity and some good, healthy food. Your body will thank you for it.
Get Your Beauty Sleep - For me, lack of sleep is one of the main reasons I get sick. If you don't get some rest, your body won't have the energy to take on the germs that make you sick. Try to get a few good nights of sleep every week.
Take a Break - I think another reason that people get sick more often this time of year is stress. I'm not sure how that works, but there is definitely a connection between the mind and how well the body can fight illness. If you find yourself getting caught up in worries and to-do lists, take a breather and do something you enjoy to relax.
Boost Your C - Vitamin C is important to have when you're feeling sick or trying to prevent illness. That's why it's also really important to keep eating healthy meals when you're feeling busy. Make sure you eat lots of fruit or drink some OJ to boost your C intake.
Enjoy! - There are so many great things about winter - breaks from school, family time, ice skating....the list goes on. Give yourself a chance to enjoy those little things (even if you're really more of a summer gal). It will make you feel happier, and although I don't know for sure if there's a connection between happiness and preventing sickness, I'm sure it couldn't hurt.
As you know, I'm really trying to get in the holiday spirit this year. And one of the most simple ways to do that is music. So for this week's top 10, I am going to share the FG choices for holiday CDs. Check them out for an extra boost of holiday cheer!
1. Acoustic Hearts of Winter - Aly & AJ(Must listen: "Greatest Time of Year")
2. Rejoyce: The Christmas Album - Jessica Simpson
3. Let It Snow! - Michael Buble
4. Disney Channel Holiday - Disney Channel Stars (my fave - "Last Christmas" by Ashley Tisdale!)
5. Cheetah-Licious Christmas - The Cheetah Girls (So Cheetah-fabulous!)
6. Now That's What I Call Christmas! - Various Artists
7. The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection - Taylor Swift
8. All Wrapped Up! - Hollywood Records Artists (this includes the JoBros & DemiLovato)
9. Music From the OC: Mix 3 - Have A Very Merry Chrismukkah - Various Artists (Random, but so fun!)
10. My Kind of Christmas - Christina Aguilera(An older one, but that girl can sing!)
So those are my faves. How about you, FGs? What's your fave holiday music? Or is it so not your thing? Leave a comment to let me know what you think.
Even if you're stressed about the holidays, there are lots of things to enjoy about the coming month. Make some time to relax and enjoy the season - you'll be glad you did.
1. Hot Chocolate - Okay, this is one of my favorite things of winter. It's delicious, and believe it or not kinda good for you too. Check out these CosmoGIRL! recipes.
2. Movies - Some of the best movies come out this time of year. I'm excited for Marley & Me, which comes out December 25th. But I've also heard great things about Four Christmases and Twilight, which are both already in theatres.
3. Snow Days - Now is the time! Snow days are fabulous for curling up indoors (or playing outside). Even if you live somewhere it doesn't snow, it's still a great time to get cozy.
4. Dress-Up - With all of the parties and events that come up this month, there's a bunch of chances to get all dressed up. Even if you can't afford a bunch of new stuff (believe me, I can't either!), you can get creative with everything you've got in your closet already.
5. Music - I love, love, love holiday music. And if you need a little boost of holiday cheer this month, music can do it for you. Check it out - Jessica Simpson, Aly & AJ, the Cheetah Girls, and lots of your fave artists have made holiday CDs.
6. Baking - Whether you need treats for friends (or just for yourself), now is a time to get in the kitchen. It's relaxing, fun, and delicious -try this Seventeen.com recipes.
7. School Break - Winter break is getting close! And we could all use one every now and again.
8. Family Time - Okay, maybe they're a little bit crazy. But spending time with the fam can be great, and this month brings a lot of it. And hey, nobody loves you or understands you better -sometimes they can even teach you a thing or two.
9. Giving Back - There are always extra chances to volunteer or reach out to others in need of your help during this month. Keep an eye out, or check out this FG Top 10, if you need ideas.
10. Almost a New Year... December means that the year is almost over, and 2009 will be here soon. New year, new opportunities. What do you want to do with it?
xoxo
The Fab Gal
PS - What are your favorite parts of this month? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.
As of this morning, the holiday season is officially in full swing. I've already busted out my Christmas CDs and got working on my shopping lists. And one look at the calendar says that the next month is going to be jam-packed.
It's kind of funny, and maybe a little sad, that so many people find this "season of joy" to be majorly stressful. Kids never seem to see it that way. When I was little, I loved December most of all, because it was like one whole month of excitement and celebration. But somewhere along the line, all of that childhood wonder seems to get lost. All of these worries come up - What will this holiday food do to my diet? What on earth will I wear to the big party? What do I need to by for my BFF/boyfriend/sister/cousin/etc.? Suddenly, that holiday spirit is melting faster than Frosty on a sunny day.
But maybe it doesn't have to be so bad. My goal for this year is to focus on the simple pleasures of the holiday season. Sure, the end of the year may mean more tests, more chores, and less sleep. But there's lots of great things, too - candy canes, early morning shopping, snow. There's also a million opportunities to be giving, and a chance to appreciate the people that make all 365 days merrier. So get with your FGs, kick back, and make some hot cocoa - whether or not you buy the perfect present or wear the most glamorous party dress, there's no reason you don't deserve to celebrate life and cherish the wonderful people in it. That's what this time is really about.
So holiday season isn't quite here yet, but I am so ready for it! And it's about time to think about going shopping. Maybe you know what's on your wish list, but what are you getting your FGs? If you're like me, you want to get them something special - that' won't break the piggy bank. Think of this list as your starter guide for the perfect presents:
1. Get Crafty - Why not give her something made special by you? Crafts are so fun because they are unique, thoughtful, and won't even cost you too much! Look online for instructions for making jewelry, keepsakes, and all kinds of cute stuff.
2. Share the Music - Holiday music is so my thing, so one year I handed out mixed CDs of my fave holiday tunes. Even if you don't want to go with the holiday theme, you could make your friends a "friendship soundtrack," with all the songs that remind you of them.
3. Bake Up Some Love - Let's face it, who doesn't love good food? Whipping up a batch of sugar cookies or another treat is fun for you, and you'll have presents that all of your friends can enjoy.
4. Capture the Memories - If you and your BFF take a lot of photos, why not gather them up for her? Photo albums, scrapbooks, or even a collage are sweet and creative.
5. Save it for Later - If your friend is truly the girl who has it all, why not give her something that isn't found in a store? Make up a gift certificate for a girls' night, spa day, or slumber party - redeemable whenever she wants.
6. Get Her Started - Is there a hobby she's always wanted to try - scrapbooking, making sushi, running, whatever? Make her a starter pack of things to help her get going on that dream.
7. Spread the Joy - Maybe you can find a gift that's double duty - something cute that also gives part of the proceeds to charity. Better yet, you and your girls can decide to skip the gifts this year, and each donate $10 to a cause you love.
8. Her Faves - What things always make you think of your friend? Does she have a favorite food, favorite lip gloss, favorite candle? Whatever those things are, they are probably a safe bet for presents. Make her a friendship box of all of those things that remind you of her. It's a safe bet, and she will know you were truly thinking of her.
9. Your Fave - If you're at a loss at what to get for a new friend, why not give her something that you love? A favorite book, CD, or treat will show you are thoughtful - and help her get to know you a little better.
10. Skip it! - If you and your friends are running out of ideas (or $) for gifts to give, why not just skip it? Have a holiday party for yourselves instead. It will help you get pumped for winter break, and the memories will last long after the wrapping paper's gone.
What are your gift ideas, FG? What are you getting for your friends this year? Let me know by comment or at The Fab Gal Myspace Blog.
Well, one of my favorite seasons is in full swing, and there is a lot to look forward to! Here are my top 10 favorite things about this fall...
1. High School Musical 3 (October 24) - The big finale is coming this Friday to the big screens. You can bet it's going to be pretty fabulous.
2. Halloween (October 31) - Who doesn't love to dress up and get candy? It's time to pick out a costume!
3. Fall Fashion - Cute scarves, jackets, hats... the good thing about cold weather? It gives you more room to accesorize!
4. Election Day (November 4) - Even if you're not voting, history is being made! You'll definitely want to keep up.
5. Cozy Weather - Okay, okay, maybe fall means it's getting too cold to play outside (depending where you live). But cool weather also means excuses to stay in, curl up, and make hot chocolate!
6. World Kindess Day (Nov. 13) - Sounds like a reason to celebrate to me! Think of secret (or not-so-secret) ways to show kindness to others.
7. Thanksgiving (November 27) - A great day to eat good food and celebrate all that you're thankful for. My favorite part? What comes the next day...
8. Black Friday (November 28) - It's the day after Thanksgiving when you can get up early to shop! Good sales means it's a fab time to do some holiday shopping (or buy something for yourself).
9. TV - All the fall shows are back in full swing, with new episodes! Whatever your show, that's something to cheer about.
10. Zac Efron's Birthday - It's today. You can't tell me that's not a reason to celebrate...
