Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Resolutions....






The new year is quickly approaching... (I cannot wait) and I was sitting in bed the other night, really thinking about my resolutions. I always make at least one resolution and really try to stick with it. So this year I'm going to really try to focus on me.

My resolutions are:
- get back into school... (never stop learning)
- focus on me and what makes me happy (in my opinion it feels like I am always trying to please someone, so this year I'm all about pleasing my self) (I've been reading and watching too many Jenny Mccarthy interviews/books)
- read more
- workout more (whoop a fit brain and a fit body, watch out!!!)
- save my money!!!


What are your resolutions?? Let's all join together and try to help each other out... I need motivation as much as the next person...

Happy 2011!!! Let's do this!! I can't wait for the new year, but let's start the resolutions now.



-- Tanya G

Fashion Friday's: New Year Fashion Tips








If you never know what to wear for New Year's then you are like me. This year though we had tons of styles to pick from. Let's break it down.

Midnight Blue was the colour of the year. Worn by many celebrities and tons of regular folk, midnight blue looks good on everyone- especially brunettes. So turn up the heat and stand out of the crowd. 



Neutrals was the other hit colour of the year. Neutrals look great on everyone, especially blondes or redheads.




Black is a universal colour, and it looks great on everyone. As well, if you did over indulge during the Festive season- the black hides it!! That's a TIP!!!




  
Now for the shoes... ladies, it's usually standard to do black or silver/gold combination, but this year NUDE heels are really in. They make your legs look longer, and that makes you look slimmer. If you are doing a black dress, I always like to pop colour on my feet, so maybe a midnight blue would be cute. Other accessories should be kept to a minimal (if you splashing colour that way) - just my opinion.


For hair, I always like to have it wavy and big or simply pulled back for celebrations. And makeup I like smokey eyes, with nude lips...


What are your fabulous plans for New Years?? What are you wearing ?? Tell ME!!!!


-- Tanya G 

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Tasty Thursday's: Chicken Enchiladas








Here is the tasty recipe that my cousin prepared for dinner the other night. She is sometimes a good cook. Enjoy!!!! and tell me what you think of this recipe!!!

INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups of chicken, cooked and diced
- 1 onion, chopped fine

- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice

- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped fine (optional)

- 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped fine

- 8 large tortillas

- 1 ½ cups salsa (store bought is fine)

- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (for topping)
- ½ cup light sour cream

PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, mix cooked and diced chicken, onion, cheese, cumin, garlic, lime juice, jalapeno pepper and cilantro.

Place a scoop of the mixture in the centre of each tortilla, roll up and place side by side in a baking dish (cake pan) top with salsa and grated cheese.

Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream on top. ENJOY!!!


What should we try next week?? Any suggestions...


-- Tanya G

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

What's Hot Wednesday's: Social Media






Social media is a great tool to use to get your company and your message out there. We have many fabulous ladies and gentlemen that follow our blog and this would not happen if we were not enthralled in social media ourselves. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube Pages, and Blogs are all a great way to bring out messages and promote products. Social media is the new way to promote and enhance a company. And ladies, we are the top gender to use social media. Social media is always a great way to keep in contact with friends and family from far away, as well, I have used it to network and meet new people.

I'm always looking for different books and information on how to blogs and social media is changing the workforce. Recently I discovered Naked Conversations: How Blogs are Changing Businesses.... and I just got it for Christmas, so I will be reading and updating you all on the information I learned. It seems like a great book and fellow blogging friends have recommended it to me as well.




Get on the computer and sign up for different social media strands to get you information out.


--- Tanya G

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tuning Tuesdays: Firework by Katy Perry






This year was Katy Perry's year. She has been on fire since her song 'California Girls' and then she had a fabulous wedding in India. Though I really do enjoy her music, I truly like this song "Firework" because it really showcases her voice. I love the video, I love the effects and I love the meaning. We all are capable of great things, and we all have fireworks in all of us (at least that is what I got from the song). So sit back and enjoy... Tell me what meaning Firework has for you??





--- Tanya G

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas









From everyone here at What's Fabulous we would like to wish you and your family a festive, fun, and safe Merry Christmas. Make sure it's Fabulous!!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Fashion Friday's: SALES!!!!






My emails this morning were flooded with sales. So I thought I should let every Fabulous reader know what is going on. Christmas is here, and will be gone in a day, then it will be sales.

Browns has up to 70% OFF... BROWNS- 70% OFF!!!!!!!!! :) new purses and shoes, here we come :)


Mexx has 50% off--- EVERYTHING!!!!





Sears has pretty much everything and anything on sale-- electronics- sleepwear ranging from 25% to 70% off.




Forever 21 is having sales. 25% to 50% off everything.





And so is the Bay..!!!


Ok, let's forget Christmas dinner and let's go shopping.

-- Tanya G



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tasty Thursdays: Special Christmas Biscottis







This week, I have been cooking up a storm. My favourite recipe are these delicious "Special Christmas Biscottis". These flavourful biscottis are crisp enough to dunk into a steaming mug of coffee but aren't too hard to eat on their own.




Ingredients:
1 cup currants
2 cups (500 mL) chocolate chips  
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp finely grated orange peel
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, whisk flour with baking powder and salt; set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar and orange peel on high speed until light-coloured. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides if necessary. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture. Stir in everything else. Dough will be soft.

3. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Space apart, place pieces of dough on baking sheet. Form each into a log, leaving at least 2-inches (5-cm) between the logs. Bake in oven 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

These are so delicious.





-- Tanya G


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What's Hot Wednesdays: Tips to Save During Christmas

Christmas is my favourite holiday, yet every year I always seemed to have no money left. This year however, I decided to be wise and start saving early. Money is always a stressful part of the Christmas season. Here are a couple of tips that I have put use in my life to not break the bank this year.



Ways that I saved :
1. Start saving early-It might be a little late in the season for this one, but it will be useful for next year. By just putting ten dollars a week away, starting around the first of the year, you can have enough Christmas funds saved up that you won’t have to stress about having enough money.

2. Christmas Funds- There are some banks that provide Christmas Funds where a portion of your paycheck goes to a seperate account. There is also a time that is set upon the account and you cannot access the money until that date/time, such as December 1st for example.



3. Look for bargains- I am a big bargain hunter. Especially since I have clawed out of $10,000 in debt. So with my past retail experience, and now my money sense I looked for the bargains. Don't be afraid to cut coupons, or check out the clearance racks. Everything usually goes on sale before Christmas. If you sign up to some of your favourite stores' email list, you can also get some coupons. Always keep an eye on the clearance racks- no matter which store you go to, you never know what you'll find.






4. Homemade Goods- This is one of the best ways to save money on gifts for the Christmas Season. If you have a lot of people on your Christmas list this year (like I always do), you might want to consider making them something. Some may include, homemade cookies, hot chocolate, handmade soap, or jewelary. Let your imagination run wild, just make sure you have enough time to do all these fabulous creations.

Remember yes you may have to give gifts but you do not need to break the bank to do it.

Enjoy your Christmas!!!
-- Tanya G

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tuning Tuesdays: Jessica Simpson- Happy Christmas Album

Christmas is literally around the corner and what better way to get into the Christmas then listening to Jessica Simpsons new Christmas album. This album came out on November 23 and it has been steady on the charts since. Have a listen to some of her songs off the album. Her voice sounds better.!!!



Oh Holy Night


Mary Did You Know


Jingle Bell Rock


-- Tanya G

Tuning Tuesday's: Who's That Chick- Rihanna

Just because Christmas is coming up it does not mean that all you have to listen to is Christmas music. My younger sister has been playing this song over and over and over and over. I really cannot get it out of my head. Who's That Chick




-- Tanya G

Monday, December 20, 2010

Muscle Mondays: 12 Tips To Keep Fit During The Holidays






Hey dolls,

Christmas is this Saturday and if your family is like mine, you know you will eat, eat and eat. Food helps bring the family together and it is yummy. Christmas in my family is eating, drinking and karaoke. Like all you fabulous readers, I will try to stay fit during the holidays. So here are my tips to staying fit during this time:
1. Eat Before You Leave For Your Event(s): Eat a salad before you leave to keep you full for a little while and you will be less tempted to over-indulge.
2. Choose Treats Wisely: Eat the ones that you only have during holidays.
3. Don’t Skip Meals: Skipping meals is counterproductive.


4. Control Your Drinking: Alcohol has a lot of sugar, therefore, it is an easy way to add the calories. Do not drink mixed or fruity drinks and avoid the egg nog-it has atleast 350 calories per cup.
5. Exercise Whenever You Can: Exercise doesn’t mean just at the gym. Park a distance from the store, use the stairs.
6. Make It A Family Affair: Plan activities to do such as walking in the neighborhood to view the holiday lights.
7. Don’t Forget Strength Training: Maintain your muscle mass by paring down your routine to basics.
8. Don’t Set Unrealistic Exercise Goals: Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day instead of an hour. Its alright to divide it up into 10 minute intervals during the day. But STICK to it.
9. Stick to a Realistic Diet During the Holidays: If you enjoy your favorite foods in small portions, you will feel more satisfied. Trying to stay away from certain foods may cause you to eat more than you intended.
10. Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps counter the dehydrating affects of travel or alcoholic beverages. Water will also help satisfy your appetite as thirst is often mistaken for hunger. WATER! WATER! WATER!
11. Spread Out Your Meals: Don’t eat everything at once. Eat dinner early and walk before having dessert.
12. Make workouts a priority: Try early morning workouts. I know it can be hard, but it is better to jump start your metabolism.

Have any other tips or ideas?


Tanya G

Friday, December 17, 2010

Fashion Friday: Sweet Sparkle and Sequins







I’m sure some of us tend to steer away from the oh-so-glamourous-shiny-sparkle-sequins look, but why not think of it as a touch of chic dazzle to your outfit by adding hints. No need to worry about going over-bored, unless you’re the type to be more daring then by all means, go ahead and welcome to my kind-of-style.

This is the perfect time of year to shine! So, give your look something classic and show stopping.

Have fun ;)

Eleni M

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Vegetarian Recipes from a.m. to p.m.





Breakfast
Greek Feta and Olive Omelet
Yield: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
  • 2 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
  •     or 1 pinch dried oregano
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pitted black olives

Directions

  1. In medium sized pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  2. In bowl and with fork, stir together eggs, water, oregano and pepper until mixed
  3. Pour into pan and cook for 3 minutes and then lift edges with spatula to allow uncooked eggs to flow underneath.
  4. Sprinkle half of the omelet with feta and olives
  5. Fold half over top and cook for 2 minutes. Slide onto plate.

Lunch

Tofu Parmesan


Yield: 4
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano,
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (12 ounce) package firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1.      In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper.
2.      Slice tofu into 1/4 inch thick slices, and place in bowl of cold water. One at a time, press tofu slices into crumb mixture, turning to coat all sides.
3.      Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook tofu slices until crisp on one side. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, turn, and brown on the other side.
4.      Combine tomato sauce, basil, garlic, and remaining oregano. Place a thin layer of sauce in an 8 inch square baking pan. Arrange tofu slices in the pan. Spoon remaining sauce over tofu. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
5.      Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 20 minutes.

Dinner
Butternut Squash Soup

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 pounds butternut squash (600g), peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (710ml)
  • 1 potato, cut into cubes
  • 4 tablespoons butter (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 20g of yogurt
  • salt and pepper to season

Directions

  1. In a pot, add butter, butternut squash, potatoes, salt and pepper, and sauté for a few minutes. Add vegetable broth and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes or until the potatoes and squash are fork tender.
  2. With a hand blender, puree the squash mixture to the desired consistency and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add heavy cream and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Remove from heat. Finish with yogurt for garnish. Serve immediately.
Enjoy eating :)
Eleni M

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What's Hot Wednesday: What he Really Wants....





...For Christmas!

Here are some gift ideas for those who still have yet go complete their holiday shopping for Him:

  1. Coat/Blazer
  2. Sweaters
  3. Gloves
  4. Cologne
  5. Car
  6. HDTV
  7. Anything Apple
  8. Watch
  9. Sneakers
  10. Socks and Underwear

Happy Shopping :)

Eleni

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuning Tuesday: Justin Bieber, Almost Too Famous





Did you know, and of course if you are a die hard fan you would, that teen pop idol Justin Bieber has...

1. Racks of servers dedicated to him on Twitter: "Any any moment, Justin Bieber uses 3% of our infrastructure. Racks of servers are dedicated to him. - Twitter employee," Dustin Curtis tweeted.

2. A toy and doll line that will feature “a variety of singing dolls, toys and plush teddy bears.”


3. His own 'flirt coach'!

4. Partnered with Nicole by OPI to design a collection of nail polishes inspired by his hit songs.

5.  His own trading cards (soon enough). The Biebs said to ABC in a statement:
"I always dreamed of being a hockey player and having my own trading card. "I remember collecting hockey cards, so the idea that kids are going to enjoy my cards like I enjoyed my hockey cards is amazing."

6.  His own fragrance line. The star has teamed up with Etoile Nation Beauty creating a fragrance line that doesn’t come in bottled perfume, but as wristbands and dog tags infused with a scent called “My World.”

...and the list goes on.

Well done Justin. May you rock our world til the end.

Eleni M

Thursday, December 9, 2010

What's Fabulous: Signs of Hope

We here at What's Fabulous??  are always about helping others, and helping charities. Recently when I had received a message on Facebook  from a good friend of mine I was delighted to help promote her designs.
Julie Michaud is a bright young women with a bright future ahead of her. However, cancer hit her rather quickly. During her healing process, she started to draw and design. Now she has many paintings that are up for sale. But before you think that the proceeds are all going right into her pocket, listen to this. Julie is having a promotion for Christmas this year and MOST of the proceeds will be going to the CBCF (Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation).

Her deal, is a set for $125 (including single prints as well) plus FREE shipping to anywhere in Canada before DECEMBER 15th, 2010.




Check out Signs of Hope for other offers and designs... 



--- Tanya G

Tasty Thursday: Easy, Healthy Meals from P90x Nutrition Guide






Hi Fabulous readers,

Everyone knows that I have started doing P90x again, so this week I have decided to post one of the tasty meals from the nutrition guide. For those of you considering the P90x home fitness program, it’s very important to follow the meal plan because it is outlined to help you lose fat and gain muscle.

The P90X Nutrition Plan book is packed with information to help you learn what kinds of food to eat, how much, and when to eat, so you can lose fat and get into shape. The Nutrition Plan gives you specific portion and meal plans based on your nutrition level which is based on the daily amount of calories your body needs for optimal health and performance. After calculating your nutrition level you can see exactly what you should be eating.

Phase 1 in the P90x Nutrition Plan is the “Fat Shredder” phase that should be followed in days 1-28 of the program. It is a high protein based diet that is designed to help strengthen muscle while rapidly shedding fat from your body. The amount of time you spend in Phase 1 depends on the individual. People who are relatively fit but still have more body fat can extend this phase a bit longer. The Fat Shredder phase is designed to cut down your body fat percentage and while it is doing this your available energy should also decrease. This is why the Fat Shredder phase should only be extended if you REALLY need to drop more fat and if you feel that you have enough energy to get through the workouts.

On the other hand, if your body fat is already low and you don’t have enough energy to get the most out of the workouts, you could cut Phase 1 short by a week or two.

Lemon Garlic Chicken – Nutrition Level II


- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons of molasses

- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

- 4 garlic cloves, chopped

- 2 pounds of skinless chicken thighs

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- lemon wedges

- parsley sprigs

Yields 32 ounces

Combine first 4 ingredients in a nonreactive dish and add chicken. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour, turning occasionally. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove chicken from dish, reserving marinade, and arrange in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Pour reserved marinade over chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade. Bake without basting for 20 minutes more or until chicken is done. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley, if desired.

[Per serving: 192 Calories (kcal); 5g Total Fat (24% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 107mg Cholesterol; 274mg Sodium]


Coleslaw


- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded

- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded

- 1 cup jicama, julienned

- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

- 2 red delicious apples, finely diced

- 1/2 fat-free mayonnaise

- 1/3 cup white vinegar

- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fructose

- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

- 1-1/2 teaspoons caraway seed

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- pinch white pepper

Yields 6 cups



Combine the vegetables and apples in a large bowl and mix well. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix well to make dressing. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated. Cover tightly and chill before serving.

[Per serving: 38 Calories (kcal); trace Total Fat (4% calories from fat); 0g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 171mg Sodium]

The P90x meals are so good, hope you enjoy.

Stephanie B

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What’s Hot Wednesday – 23 Guaranteed fun Activities for all Ages this Winter!





The days are shorter, it’s freezing, and to be perfectly honest, winter isn’t my favourite season, but it is so beautiful and there are so many fun outdoor and indoor actives to take part in. With winter nearly here, I have some really fun things that we can do.


Outdoor winter fun:

1. Building a skating rink for the kids can be fun for everyone. I love playing ice hockey with my friends and family on our own rink.


2. Cross-country skiing is a great activity for the whole family. Or it can be enjoyable as an exciting winter date!

3. Who doesn’t enjoy tobogganing? I still love racing down the hill with friends. It makes me feel like a kid again.

4. Have a fire and roast marshmallows. This one can be romantic for a date or enjoyable for the kids.

5. Dog sledding is great for dog lovers and you get a chance to take in the beautiful winter wonderland around you.

6. If you like the natural smell from your Christmas tree, bring the kids to your local tree farm and make it a family event.

7. How about snowboarding and downhill skiing? If you haven’t had the chance to do either try them out this year!

8. Building a snowman is always a winter tradition in my family.

9. Watch the Santa Claus Parade.

10. Join the children when they make their snow angels...it’s amusing!

11. Horse and carriage ride with your loved one while you take in your breath taking city

12. My favourite thing to do during winter is going to a ski resort with my friends. You can enjoy just about everything from this list there.

Indoor winter fun:

13. On a cold winter day I like to bake! Cookies, muffins, cakes and gingerbread men or a gingerbread man house. You can give them to friends, bring them to an office party of donate them to charities or shelters for the Christmas season.


14. Have the whole family take part in making a nice big pot of soup! It will keep everyone warm on those cold winter nights.

15. Of Course you have to put up the Christmas tree. Give everyone a task so the whole family takes part in this Christmas tradition.

16. Snuggle up on the couch with a loved one and watch funny movies with hot chocolate and treats.

17. Warm up by the fireplace and tell family stories.

18. Host dinner parties and make egg nog with or without rum.

19. Volunteering at a shelter home will make you feel great about giving back to your community and to people who don’t have as much as you.

20. Treat yourself to an at home spa and include candles, bubbles, soft music, robe and wine.

21. Make your way to a winter festival play or look at your local city’s event calendar.

22. Take the kids to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus (workplace, schools or mall).

23. Make it a game night, with some fun action games on your Nintendo Wii system!

What’s on your list for fun activities this winter? Whatever you do have fun and stay warm. Remember the first official day of winter is December 21, 2010, but you can still enjoy all these activities any day!

Stephanie B