Tips On Staying Healthy Throughout The Holidays

Unless you are a serious cardio shopper, and who is anymore thanks to online shopping, gaining weight during the holidays is pretty much part of the season. While I have no interest in "dieting" (which will only result in me and you being a little moody and resentful), I do believe you can have your holiday treats AND fit into your New Year's dress.

For years, I've been challenged with striking a healthy balance between enjoying all the temptations of the holidays with staying fit and fabulous. My philosophy back then was to eat and eat again and I would start anew after the new year. Of course, that didn't work. Here are just a few of my tips I've learned along the way that will hopefully prevent us from going over the edge and packing on the holiday 15.

1. Don't show up to a holiday party hungry. You aren't saving yourself any calories by skipping a meal and starving yourself. You're going to end up overeating all the fried food and creamy dips. When you save all those calories for that one big party, you're going to end up eating more than you planned. I recently took this advice to heart and ate a healthy meal before a holiday party and it turned out that I ate a lot less than I did in years past. I was able to spend more time talking to friends instead of being worried about what I was going to stuff myself with.

2. Everyone is going to drink over the holidays and you're just kidding yourself if you. So if your cocktail of choice is eggnog, wine, champagne or fun and festive drink like The Grinch or Christmas Cosmo, I say go ahead and enjoy yourself. You deserve a night out making the spirits bright. But you'll do your body good by limiting how many nights out you have drinks.

3. Stay active and keep those extra poundages away. According to Everydayhealth.com, you can burn 150 calories by walking a mile at a pace of 15-20 minutes per mile, bicycling for 30 minutes, running a 10 minute mile, climbing stairs for 15 minutes or dancing for 30 minutes. But try to remember why you are exercising and make every moment count. After all, the more intense your workout, the more calories you can burn.

4. As my mother likes to say, pick your battles and allow yourself to indulge on your favorite holiday delights. But do be picky about what you do enjoy. Treating yourself to a few of your favorite foods is as much a part of the holiday season as overcrowded stores. Any plan I've ever had to follow a strict eating regimen over the holidays has usually backfired on me and I ended up binging on everything.

5. Don't throw in the towel. Just because you have a day or three where you went overboard doesn't mean all is lost. Just remember, everyday is a new day and each day you can start a new with a healthy plan.

I know this time of year is challenging to remain disciplined, but remember one day of indulging isn't going to wreck your health goals. You can't gain weight from enjoying a night or two, it's your everyday choices that can cause you to tip the scales. Enjoy yourself, but be sure to put it as my amazing spin instructor Kristin likes to say "back there" the next day and focus your energies on being healthy.

Let me know what your indulgences are during this holiday season -- then tell me how you plan to maintain your healthy habits.

Let's Shimmer, Shine and Sequins For New Year's

This weekend brought us lots of snow. Now I’m going to bring you the ice. Sequins and all things sparkly are everywhere this season and I just LOVE it. Sequins can be found lavished on everything -- from festive dresses and tops to this year’s fresh crop of blazers, vests and leggings.

Sequins can be the epitome of glamour and bring out the shine in everyone (not including your bubbly personality), but this year, sequins can also strike a casual tone.

Fabulous women know that wearing sparkling sequins take center stage. A sequined top or dress really makes a statement when going out to a cocktail party or dinner. Worn with the right pieces, you can pull off the sequined look during the day or at night. The secret is to team the sequined part with more tailored clothing such as structured jackets and pretty pumps or casual styles like jeans and a basic cardigan. Have fun discovering all the unexpected ways to add sequins to your wardrobe. But be careful, the risk of dressing with too much sequins is you will look like you are dressing too young, making you appear looking older. And we don't want that to happen. Here are some ways to add sequins to your life:

A true stand out piece from Phillip Lim with gold, silver and bronze sequins. Partner it with black opaque leggings and towering heels and you'll be set for New Year's shine.

I'm torn between these two gems. The one above from Top Shop OR...

....this one from Forever 21.

A classic cardigan is a closet staple. But this one from J. Crew turns glamorous when embellished with sequins. I love this cardigan because it can be worn dressed up or down.

This draped sequined vest from A Common Thread adds a shimmery touch to your LBD or tank top. This simple addition will transform your feminine frock to one with a flashy edge.

Get up on the dance floor with these sequined leggings from LaRok. Just be sure to wear it with something long.

Of course accessories are a quick and easy way to add a touch of fabulousness to any outfit. Whether you add a pair of shoes, a bag, a scarf or even a delicate hair piece, you can instantly glitz up your look. Here are a couple of ways:

This clutch from Judith Leiber adds plenty of elegant sparkle.

This crinkled silk scarf from Juicy Couture adds a playful touch to all your looks.

Keep your shoulder warm and add radiate shine to your face with this convertible sequined cowl from Free People.

What do you think of all the shimmering sequins available? Are you inspired to dazzle this holiday season? Let me know in the comment section below.

Wishing You A Very Stress-less Holiday Season

I made a slight dent on my holiday shopping. Of course, I'm kicking myself for not starting earlier. The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of year. Yeah, right! The thought of buying all these gifts stresses me out. But dealing with the hoards of people in midtown Manhattan is downright frightful. Hello!!!! This isn’t the mall. There is no reason to walk five across. It’s a working sidewalk and I have things to do. I was body slammed countless times this afternoon. Isn’t this the season of joy and peace? Where’s the spirit?

Here are some common sense tips for giving you a little relief from the holiday stress and hopefully even give you a lift this season:

Shop online: Shopping with a cup of coffee in your comfy pajamas right from home is always a plus. In addition to the convenience, you can sometimes get better deals online and you get to avoid the lines and crowds.

Make a list, check it twice: Make a list of everyone you need a gift for and jot down a few gift ideas. Of course family and friends are on it, but don’t forget smaller gifts for people like your babysitter and hairdresser.

Buy yourself something: Yeah, I know the holidays are about giving gifts, but you deserve something special. Go ahead, reward yourself. I bought this plaid shirt from Urban Outfitters to keep my comfort level in check.

Add something sweet smelling : When I was at Saks Fifth Avenue, I applied a dab of Laura Mercier’s ultra-rich Soufflé Body Cream in Creme Bruleée to my hands. As the afternoon wore on, I would take a whiff and instantly felt calmed. I also have dabbed some Buddha Nose to the back of my ear lobes to instantly melt away any stress.

Take some time out for yourself: It may be only 15 minutes, but make sure there is some time in your day for you. I’m talking about reading a great book, taking a bath by candlelight, getting a massage, doing some knitting. The holidays aren’t only about pleasing others, make sure you have enough TLC.

Exercise: The holiday season really throws your whole routine out the window, but make sure you save time for a little bit of exercise. On top of the added energy exercise gives you, it also reduces stress and helps to avoid weight gain.

Meet friends for a night of laughter: It’s simply the best medicine.

Share your feelings: And if all else fails, blogging wonder and jewelry designer Wendy Brandes has something that will really make a statement, the exclusive Wendy Brandes for Francis Swear Rings. Now, if you are experiencing some really rude person, you can really express yourself.

Now relax and enjoy the season. I accept all presents!

My Plan For A Healthy Holiday Eating and Drinking Season

Are you ready for the holiday party season? Do you have a healthy eating plan in place? Sadly for me, I can no longer overindulge in whatever delicious treats or fancy cocktails are passed my way since I don’t want to look like Santa Claus. I know this time of year is jam-packed with eating and drinking festivities and fun - from holiday cocktail parties, carmel popcorn deliveries to the office, freshly baked cookies from neighbors and family dinners. But you don't have to leave the party feeling like a stuffed turkey. With my simple tips, you can still spread good cheer and without whopping it up with extra calories and undoing all your hard work at keeping fit.

Don’t show up hungry. Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you shouldn’t go to your holiday party with one either. It’s never a good idea to skip a meal because you’re planning to indulge later with holiday goodies. Trust me, it’s much harder to make a smart eating decision when your stomach is growling. Everything looks good and you’re going to end up eating way more than you planned. So eat something satisfying and healthy before the party. You can have a small sandwich, a cup of soup, a handful of nuts or yogurt with fruit.

Don’t go crazy with the sugary and high calorie drinks. Cocktails are poured freely and often, but unfortunately, these drinks are filled of hundreds of empty calories that can cause you to have a little jiggle in your middle. Not only is alcohol high in calories, but it lets your inner inhibitions go to the toilet. If you do drink, why not mix it with soda water or tonic, it’s lower the calories. Or you can have a diet soda or tonic water with a lime. You’ll be glad you did in the morning.

Move away from the food, I repeat, move away from the food. In recent times, I’ve situated myself just outside the door where the waiters would come out with trays piled high with delicious food. The mindless temptations were too close to say no. Now I keep my distance from the food by standing near a friend or colleague. After all, you’re there to mingle.

Fill your plate with fruit and vegetables and enjoy a small sampling of the desserts. Don't feel that because it's the holidays you can't continue to eat healthy. Balance the sugary toppings and the creamy dips with healthy fruits and vegetables.

Just say no to food you simply don’t want to eat. Don’t worry about offending anyone. Your thighs and behind don't care if you are overly sensitive to others. Just because your Aunt Sally made her famous cheese cake doesn't mean you have to eat it. Sweetly say, “No thank you, I'm thirsty" and head over for a liquid refreshment. (See Rule 2 Above).

Enjoy your favorite holiday treats, but do keep track of how much of it you're eating. The holidays are a special time of year and the table is set with your favorite indulgences. Don't deprive yourself. You've worked hard all year. If you look forward to peanut butter pie, then by all means, go enjoy yourself. But remember, everything in moderation. After all, that's why it's special and a treat and not routine. I believe it's perfectly healthy to indulge every once in awhile.

Don’t skip the gym. This time of year is especially busy, with all the traveling and shopping, but it’s especially important to keep up with your workout routines. Make sure you take the time to take care of yourself. It's a real stress release anyway.

Dance the night away! Dancing burns a ton of calories and it’s so much fun.

Drink lots of water. You probably ate a lot of high fat, sugary and salty foods and drinks. Drinking lots of water can keep you hydrated and help you avoid looking puffy the next day. This is especially important right before you go to bed.

By following these simple tips, you can still look fabulous in your skinny jeans after the holiday season is over!

It's Just Another Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday!

Today is online retailers answer to brick-and-mortar's Black Friday and the Internet is indeed packed with amazing deals for the gift giving season. The reason for Cyber Monday is simple. Not everyone wants to spend the morning after Thanksgiving at the mall (me included) to get their holiday shopping done. For some, shopping from your home or office is so much more convenient. So with most people back to work, they are letting their fingers do the shopping.

There's no need to head outside. I've compiled a list of some of my favorite sites just for you. Check out the amazing sales going on right now and get clicking!

Ann Taylor: Take 40% off plus free shipping on purchases over $100

Ann Taylor Loft: Take 30% off your entire purchase plus free shipping on purchases over $100

Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap, Piperlime and Athleta: Take 20% off plus free shipping on any purchase

Henri Bendel: Save 30% and free shipping

Bliss: The holidays are extra stressful. Why not indulge on some beauty with great savings. Take 30% off hand-picked gift sets and enjoy up to 50% on select items.

You won't go wrong with this age defying gift set from Bliss. It pumps the skin with as much moisture as possible for a younger you. On sale now for $115 from $128.

Bloomingdales: Take $50 off your purchase of $250 or more

Edressme: Find your holiday party dress here and take 30% off every style

J. Crew: Take 20% off all sweaters plus free shipping on all orders of $150 or more

I love the faux jeweled buttons on this cardigan. It's an easy way to bring a dose of glitter to all your outfits. This wool blended favorite is on sale for $54.40 from $68.

Saks: Free shipping on every order plus 20% off select gourmet items

Victoria's Secret: Enjoy 20% off your entire order. Perhaps something pretty spectacular for you?

The ultimate push-up bra in allover lace, The Miracle Bra® will light up your nights. $58. There is also one with sequins for even more glamour.

If you haven't done so already, sign up for this fabulous shopping web site Shop It To Me. This is an amazing web site that proactively sends you clothing that matches your size and brand preference as soon as it goes on sale. And they have some assortment of brands I love like Vince, Diane von Furstenberg and Theory to just just a few. On my list alone there are over 6,300 items on sale today. It has changed the way I shop. Today, they are offering an amazing deals with 20% off your entire order plus free shipping.

You can also find some amazing deals at http://www.cyber-monday.org/ and http://www.cybermonday.net/.

Fabulous Hostess Gifts Ideas So You'll Be Invited Back

We’re going to New Jersey for Thanksgiving this year, to my parents' house. My mom usually cooks up a storm, leaving us little to bring but more wine. For all her hard work cooking over a hot stove this week, I want to give her a little something special she'll enjoy. So if you're like me, and you’re one of the lucky ones not cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, you should show your appreciation for all the planning and hard work by bringing a thoughtful gift. Whether it’s a gift for a child, something for the table, a festive present for the holiday season or something she’ll enjoy after everyone has left, it’s always best not to come empty handed so you’ll be sure to be invited back next year.

Here are some awesome gift ideas for your hostess for all the hard work she has put into making this annual feast. These can be easily sent ahead of time or if you love them so much (and I know you will), why not order one for yourself too! After all, you’re traveling on one of the busiest weekends of the year and that's deserving of something, right?

1. Gifts for the Home. Everything from wine stoppers to cocktail shakers to great bowls and glassware, gifts for the home can be used all year long and your hostess with the mostess will be sure to think of you each time she uses your special gift. I really love a pretty pitcher. It makes a table that much more elegant. This one from Ona available at Crate and Barrel is especially sleek and eye-pleasing with its off-center handle.

2. Gifts for Fitness and Health. If you know your hostess is watching her weight or wants to counterbalance all of those extra calories (you know where they always end up), the gift of fitness and health is a great idea. Resistance Bands are a great gift idea for the frequent traveler who doesn’t want to sacrifice their workout regime. Exercise Balls are also a fun way to stay in shape and these exercise gadgets usually come with an instructional DVD.

3. Gifts of Food and Drinks. You may not be bringing the main attraction, but gourmet olive oil, exotic salts, delightful chocolates and wonderful wines will really add to the day or will be appreciated for sure on another night. You’ll really warm the heart of your hostess with some rich, delicious hot chocolate. My all-time favorite is from Mariebelle. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy night at home.

4. Gifts of Sweet-Smelling Candles and Room Fresheners. I’ve been a huge fan of Diptyque Candles forever. I haven't splurged on one yet for myself, but I've always loved going into homes where someone has caved. If I ever had a dinner party, you read it here first what I would love. It is that perfect luxurious gift that is sure to win you some points. The candles are available at Saks and Neiman Marcus.

5. Gifts of Beauty. For a hostess that serves Thanksgiving with style and grace, she would swoon to have anything from Jo Malone. They have pretty amazing beauty products from their creamy body lotions to fragrant bath soaps.

You don’t necessarily have to applaud after you finish your turkey, but you can give the gift of the best smelling hands. Philosophy makes a great perfumed restorative hand cream called Amazing Grace that will instantly give your hostesses' hands a little TLC they need after working so hard.

Philosophy makes other amazing scented beauty products that are sure to become a hit this holiday season. You might also like to try:

Holiday Cookbook , 6 recipe-inspired 2 oz. shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths in red velvet cake, cinnamon buns, spicy pear cobbler, pumpkin spice muffin, gingerbread and double rich hot chocolate.

Gingerbread Shower Gel, a high foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath.

6. Gifts for Children and Pets. If you are going to a home with small children or pets, you’ll never go wrong by surprising the little ones with something to keep them busy during dinner. For pets, brining their special treat or toy will always keep their tails wagging. Pottery Barn Kids makes super adorable plush stuffed turkey dolls to add a lively touch to any Thanksgiving table. They even make gobbling sounds when the tummy is pressed.