UsTrendy and MY NEW FAVORITE DRESS!

     So let me start off by saying this post is all about some things I love most in life: dresses, mirrors, shopping, and then making my boyfriend take pictures of me wearing my new dress. I mean, who doesn’t love to play dress up and then gush over how adorable you look? If you don’t love to do that, then just stop reading this post now because I’M A GIRL AND THIS IS WHAT GIRLS DO, so don’t judge me.

    Anyhow, I was recently given the opportunity to review a product from a successful independent fashion marketplace called UsTrendy. Seriously, how cool is that? A new place to shop? Hundreds of unique dresses, tops, jeans, skirts, handbags, pairs of shoes, jewelry, and all the accessories I could ever dream of all in one place? YES PLEASE.

    UsTrendy is company that sells a wide variety of fashion pieces from different designers all over the world! It’s perfect for people like me who love browsing new trends and styles! All it takes is a couple clicks of your mouse, and suddenly you are in a colorful dream world of the most stylish fashion items ever. How exciting is that? What’s even more exciting than that is I NOW OWN MY NEW FAVORITE DRESS all thanks to UsTrendy! 

     My favorite part about my new Zebra Print Carrigan Dress by Sassy Dolls is the fact that it’s sexy and chic yet tasteful and classy. It’s everything all in one! The shoulder pads add a touch of sophistication, while the puffy sleeves and skirt remind you that you’re young and ready to take on the dance floor! This dress consists of the perfect amount of stretch to hug your curves, permitting you to breathe and move around comfortably. The unique pattern sets this dress apart from the typical little black dress that you see everywhere you go.

  

Clearly I was caught off guard in this pic and wasn't ready, but a dress like this is ALWAYS READY to be photographed!!!!

  

  I could go on and on about how great UsTrendy is, but I don’t want to spoil the excitement for you, so I very highly suggest you figure it out for yourself just by clicking here. You can thank me later.            

P.S. Here's the link to this exact dress.  (<--- click there!) I promise I won’t get mad if you copy me. Well maybe I will, but then I’ll remind myself how you really should never live without this dress, so I’ll forgive you ;) ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING!!

An Important Cause- 2013 "Run-Walk To Home Base"

Hey readers! I wanted to take this time to shine some light on something close to my own heart, along with the hearts of many others. One of my best friends who also happens to be my little sorority sister---from wayyyyy back in our college days ;)---is participating in an extremely important cause that is not only significant to herself, her boyfriend, but our entire country. I've seen Crystal journey through many different phases of her relationship with her boyfriend from long nights of no sleep because of missing him, being worried about his safety and being able to communicate with him much, being so extremely proud of his courage and passion to serve our country, to tears of happiness for the thrill of him coming home. I'd tell you all about it and ask for your help, but I'd rather you hear it from her. Please read below, and stop to take a minute to really consider helping this out this beautiful cause. Thank you to all of the military, especially Patrick O'Keefe, for being so brave and courageous!!

Remember everyone, any help is better than no help!

Hi All, It's the third year in a row that I ask for your consideration in making a donation for a worthy cause... The Red Sox Foundation for the 2013 "Run-Walk to Home Base" fund-raising event presented by New Balance. I have signed up for the Run portion of the race again and will be running alongside (or most likely behind) my Marine-turned-Civilian boyfriend, Corporal Patrick O'Keefe. This time last year as I sat down to start my donation letters I was praying for Pat and all of the 3/7 Marine's safety while they were stationed in Sangin, Afghanistan. I had the fortune of welcoming home my boyfriend unharmed in May of this year. Unfortunately, not all of 3/7 were as fortunate to make it back or to make it back unharmed. The reason Run to Home Base has been a cause near and dear to my heart is because not all 'battle wounds' are visible and easy to treat. The Red Sox Foundation, in partnership with Mass General has taken the task of addressing Veteran's mental health once returning from war. I could sing the praises of this organization for pages, but I encourage all of you to visit their homepage and more importantly to join me in supporting their efforts. The link below will bring you to my donation page, if you are willing and able to donate it will be greatly appreciated!! We are indebted to the heroes we call United States Veterans. Keep posted for further fund-raising events/raffles as the months go by. Below is the link to my donation page or Pat's. Crystal's: http://www.runtohomebase.org/2013runtohomebase/PRO Patrick's http://www.runtohomebase.org/2013runtohomebase/POkeefe  The Red Sox Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Best, Crystal

The Interpretation of a Quote & Finding What Makes You Happy

 

 

“Saying YES to happiness means learning to say NO to things and people that stress you out.”

–Thema Davis

 

      Not only are these words brilliant, but they are a perfect collaboration of what I need to do, and what I’ve been slightly too afraid to do. You know, sometimes it’s really hard to put your foot down and demand respect or cut ties with someone who isn’t helping you grow. Oftentimes, people like me tend to put the needs of others in the way of their own, simply because it’s easier to please the world than it is to please ourselves.  This is why, after long nights of anxiety ridden restless sleep and listening to the wise words of people who love me, I’ve decided to dedicate 2013 to focusing on my own happiness.

     I’m often told that I have to stop stressing about him/her- that this is my life, so to stop worrying if everyone else is happy, and focus on myself, and worry about my own happiness, and, and, and…. these words truly hit home.

     Happiness can mean something different to each individual person. For me, happiness means something fairly personal. When I’m truly happy, I’m healthy in all aspects of my life. I’m eating right all the time, working out a lot, not drinking much alcohol, getting at least 8-9 hours of sleep each night, writing poetry, helping animals, and being around people and places that inspire me. My happiness means taking care of myself, and not bringing everyone else’s stress and drama home with me. It means being a good friend to people who are good friends in return. It means giving the best advice I can, but learning to stop when it’s not appreciated. It means growing from my mistakes and not being so hard on myself if I don’t achieve perfection. Happiness means surrounding myself with people who honestly understand me and only want what’s best for me. It means surrounding myself with people who I only want the best for as well.

    Putting myself first doesn’t mean loving anyone else less. It just means that I’m only going to give the best of me to the people who deserve it.  It means that I’ll continue to love the people and places I love as hard as I can possibly love them, and they know I’ll never give up on them.

    So far, 2013 has yet to disappoint me, but I think it’s all give and take. You have to give in order to receive, and I’m willing to give everything I can to stay on a healthy and happy path. I’m hopeful that some of you can grow on this journey with me, learn to really love and respect yourself, follow your dreams, and make choices that may be hard, but will help create the best and happiest version yourself.

So, what makes you happy?

A Little Inspiration :: What I’ve Learned In 25 Years

           Just yesterday my dentist looked at me and said, “I can’t believe you’re turning 26 next month. You look SO much younger than that.” I awkwardly tried to smile, but that’s kind of impossible to do when his hands, a long mirror, a light, and other tools are in your mouth, and you’re already dying to just close your jaw and swallow. So, I just giggled and thought to myself, “wow, when I’m 30 or 40, I’m totally gonna love that I look so young!” Then I started thinking, well he’s right, physically I don’t feel as old as 25. Hell, I feel 18. But mentally, I feel a lot more…..I won’t say older, I’ll just say more mature. I feel like I’m not doing what most girls my age are doing, but you know what? I’m doing more. I live in a beautiful house that all of our money goes to, I drive a cute car which the rest of my money goes to, I have the greatest family a girl could ask for, I’ve figured out who my true friends are, and I’ve found the person I want to spend forever with. That’s pretty good for 25, right?

          Although I’m where I want to be in life, and even maybe a little further along than I expected, I think I’m more grown up because I’ve been faced with some of life’s more difficult lessons at a young age. We won’t get into those right now, and there’s people who have been through way worse, but I’ll just tell you, I’ve learned a lot in 25 years---probably the amount of things people learn by the time they’re 40, but that’s okay. Everything I’ve seen and felt has shaped the person I am today, and when I’m lying in my bed at night, I really am content.

What I have learned in 25 years:

1.         You don’t have to be the most gorgeous person on the face of this Earth to be noticed and loved. It’s all about how you portray yourself.

2.         Your parents that knew absolutely nothing about life when you were 15 suddenly know everything, and they are the best people to go to for advice--because believe me, they have been in your shoes before.

3.         Ocasionally fighting with your boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t mean you aren’t meant to be together. It means you both care enough about the relationship to fight for what you think is right. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t fight.

4.         Your actual, genuine, true friends are the ones who call you and show up when your world is crashing down right in front of you. They’re the ones who don’t even need to ask if you need a glass of wine, a coffee, a hug, or an “I really care. Your problem is now my problem.” They just simply know when you need something, and they will provide.

5.         Eating healthy (in my opinion vegetarian) is so extremely important, as is staying fit. Your body should be your temple, and as cliché as this sounds, you need to worship it.Your health is not only vital to you; it is to your loved ones as well. Go to your doctor, keep up with your health. Promise me you will??

6.         As much as you love your friends, family, and boyfriend/girlfriend, sometimes you need to put yourself first. It’s important to find something that relaxes you and showers you with peace. Stress can do terrible things to your body. Sometimes you need to just let go of what is weighing you down and put yourself on the top of your importance list.

7.     If you have a goal, do everything you can possibly do to achieve it. Never give up because someone tells you it’s not doable. Instead, just feel sorry for them, and keep on trucking.

8.         Stand up for what you believe in, even if you’re standing alone. The people who really love you will support you.

9.         Take good care of your pets. They don't have a voice, and their whole relationship with you is built on trust. Keep up with their health too.

10.         This one’s important, guys…. Never, and I repeat NEVER EVER google something when you’re sick. If you’re anything like me, you will diagnose yourself with every type of fatal condition in the world, and then you’ll get stressed, and I just told you how bad stress is for your body. Just don’t do it, okay?

11.      Be nice to strangers and everyone else you meet. You never know what someone is going through and what kind of struggle they are dealing with. A small gesture can really change someone's day.

12.       Finally, JUST BE YOURSELF. You’re only on this Earth for a short while, so make an impression everywhere you go. Let the world know just how vibrant you shine.

Remember, everyone smiles in the same language.

That's What Makes It Love

    

     Knowing that the last night of 2012 was approaching, I promised myself I would watch it go with dignity. I’d be proud that I’m alive and in good health. I wouldn’t dwell on the larger trials and tribulations I was hit with that year. I wouldn’t focus on the little ones either.

     We were having people over for New Year’s Eve, and I had been cleaning for days. The house was close to spotless. The couple crumbs on the counter and cat hair on the rug we JUST vacuumed wouldn’t bother me because it was the last night of 2012 and I needed to be excited and eager and constantly smiling, right? That was true until one little thing set me off, and I went on a rampage – exactly what I promised myself I wouldn’t do. Luckily for me, my sister and Stephanos let me shout, cry, and stomp my feet like a child, and they just accepted it. They knew I would get over it within an hour, and after realizing how foolish I was, I did exactly that. They joined forces and pulled together, we finished cleaning and cooking, and by the time the first guest arrived, we all had a drink in our hand and cheerfulness in our hearts. I guess that’s what makes it love.

     I kept apologizing all night to my sister and Stephanos for being so over-the-top with my cleaning and organization OCD. They just grinned and told me I’m not crazy at all- it was just something I needed to work on. I sipped my beer and fully agreed. After a few more guests walked into our house, I suddenly recognized that the washing and scrubbing for hours beforehand didn’t matter anymore. The mere fact that all these people we love chose to come to our house, instead of some thrilling party with fancy dresses and bright lights in the city, made me realize that they care about us for us – not because there was no cat hair left on the rug. I guess that’s what makes it love.

     Between laughing, taking shots of Ouzo, many games of flip cup, and beginning stories with “remember when…” and “I really miss you, we need to see each other more often...”, I realized I was at the only place in the world I wanted to be for the last hours of 2012 - in the comfort of our home, with some of the people I love most, at the young age of 25, all tied together with excitement for many more midnight kisses with Stephanos in my future.  I guess that’s what makes it love.

 

     Waking up on New Year’s Day without a hangover was a miracle. Seeing my boyfriend lying next to me and my cat curled up in a ball on my stomach was pure reassurance that even though I’m not in some huge city with busy streets or tropical town with palm trees, I am where I’m meant to be. When Stephanos finally awoke, I turned to him and said “Happy New Year, I’m sorry for being so crazy about cleaning. Thank you for everything you do for me.” He just smirked and said, “It’s ok, I understand. You can work on it in 2013.” And for him, I will do just that. I guess that’s what makes it love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Happy New Year's Eve to all my readers! Thank you for supporting me and for following my journey to a happier and healthier life. Without you, I would bottle up all my stories and thoughts, and I would probaly pop like the champagne I'll be drinking at midnight!!

I'm looking forward to a safe, healthy, and successful new year for myself and everyone around me.  Thanks again for believing in me and my passion for writing!

I LOVE YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY LITTLE HOLLY HEART!

My Life :: Some Little Updates

“And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd ‘cause these words are my diary screaming out loud, and I know that you’ll use them however you want to….”

-Anna Nalick

            First I’ll say sorry for not blogging lately. Then, I’ll try to fix it by saying that I’ve been so busy with my fulltime job, and my side freelance writing jobs, and Christmas, and throwing hissy fits over cleaning, and everything else. But you probably don’t care because you’re either equally as busy or even more so. So, I’ll just say sorry and carry on about myself.

            As I mentioned in my previous post, it takes a certain bravery and courage to write about your life. Some people write in private journals for only their eyes, some people write through books and songs. Some people bottle it up and don’t write at all. I unashamedly write about my life right here, through words and poetry and pictures, for all of you to see. So I guess that doesn’t leave much room for embarrassment to harbor. I know there are readers out there who really do care, and for that, I just want to reach out and hug all of you, one by one.

            So here are the updates you’ve been asking for:

            I finally accomplished one of the more nerve-racking goals on my list of things do to before I’m 26 - I went to see the allergist. Just as I had suspected, I am still severely allergic to birch trees, and nuts, and everything that is cross contaminated with birch trees and ragweed, and then some. Learn about it here if you’re interested: It could save somebody’s life. At first, I was nervous to post this photo because it’s unpleasant and uncomfortable, but I want you to see just how allergic some people are (like me). I can’t believe a tiny needle prick consisting of simply the allergen proteins made me have this reaction. Right away, the doctor and nurse had to rush in some Benadryl and Zyrtec and keep me there on watch for almost an hour. Scary stuff. The mark furthest to the left of my back is birch trees, and the other ones on top are tree nuts. So if you don’t like me, please don’t secretly hide a nut in my food. I’d hate you forever.



Can you believe how allergic I am? This is nuts... get it?



           I have had a super crazy hormonal-flying off the handle-short fuse-don’t even come near me or I’m going to hit you- month. I really can’t figure out why. All I know is I have cried more times this past month than I have in a long time. However, I’m honestly and whole-heartedly trying to find reasons every day for smiles to win the war against my tears. I’ll let you know who wins.

            Really though, I feel horrible even bitching and complaining about anything that goes on in my own life. I am alive, healthy, and everyone I love is alive and healthy as well. My heart is crying for the families in Newtown, CT whose holiday season and whole life was completely turned upside down. I have been praying for everyone involved in the situation, and I hope God can hear my little voice and bring them some strength and comfort during this horrifying time.

             On a lighter note, my sister came home for the holidays on Saturday, and my aunt & uncle from PA came last Sunday. THESE ARE HUGE REASONS TO SMILE. Best Christmas present EVER. Stephanos spoiled me, as usual, as did my entire family. I feel so blessed, I literally couldn't ask for a better group of people to love. Here's to 2013 being the best year ever.

            So, there’s a little bit about my life. What has been going on with you? How was your holiday? Are you excited for 2013?

50 Shades of Blogging

“So, what’s your blog about?” “Well, it’s about being a vegetarian, trying to be as healthy and happy as possible while still living a normal 25 year old life, and helping animals, and about the times I cry when I get overwhelmed with cleaning, and just about the times I cry, and about my migraines, and about holidays, and about my boyfriend and my cat, oh and it’s also about what I do on the weekends, and blah blah blah…”

How am I supposed to explain all of that?

 

I then try to say that it’s about all the people out there who ask me how I manage to still have fun without eating meat, without wearing leather or fur, and what I eat at restaurants and cookouts, and how do I even live without meat? Finally I say, “you know what, just read the blog. It will all make sense.”

This was how last night went. Two of my friends, MacKenzie and Crystal (who both happen to be bloggers as well, despite what Crystal might tell you!) and I headed to Audubon Circle in Boston for the Boston Bloggers Holiday Meet & Greet. We wore cute outfits, sipped on Prosecco, took photos, deleted them and then took more, and mingled with some really interesting people. I’d say it was a complete success, if you ask me, which I know you didn’t but I’m telling you anyway since this is my blog and you’re reading it.

What I found to be most entertaining about the night was meeting people who blog about really different concepts. The people who had really enthralling stories are the ones that I remembered best. It’s fascinating to me how many different ideas and theories people have, and what’s even greater is the courage so many young people have to write about their own lives. There are so many different shades of the blogging world. You know, it takes a certain bravery to open yourself up to the world of blogging. Your life becomes an open book, and you quickly find yourself interested in other people’s open books as well. What’s remarkable to me is the group of people who write about things you wouldn’t expect. When you ask them what their story is, and you think “wow, that is so intriguing” – that’s what stands out to me. 

 

 

 

 

Until next time, keep reading, and I suggest the following blogs for you:

www.breatheeasywithme.blogspot.com
www.bbefa.blogspot.com
www.adrinkwithastranger.com
www.flipflopsandcombatboots.net
www.paleo-project.com
www.stylecusp.com

These are just a few of my favorites, but the world is full of many other talented writers who are traveling very interesting journeys. Go find them, but don't forget about little old me :)

Xo, Holly

Tradition :: The One That Never Changes

tra·di·tion – noun

an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior

Example of TRADITION

1.     One of my family’s many time-honored traditions is to have a small gathering a couple nights before Christmas, where my sister (!!!!), her boyfriend Mike, my parents, my aunt & uncle from Pennsylvania, and of course Stephanos, myself, and Nala all eat delicious foods and drink out of fancy champagne glasses and frosted mugs, open some presents, take photo and video footage, and it usually ends with a tequila shot or two and laughing so hard until we cry. It’s precious.

     Tradition. Say it. I love the way it sounds. If tradition had a color scheme, it would be red and gold, much like the gleaming bulbs on our tree. Or, it could be purple and silver, like the bulbs on my parents’ tree. Either way, it would be nothing less than radiant.

     Most families have these traditions, these parties, dinners, and holiday rituals that they follow each year. When I think of the word tradition, I feel comfortable. The word tradition ignites a warm flame inside of me reminding me that, although we are all growing older, some things never really change. We might celebrate at our house, or we might celebrate at my parents’ house. One year, we even celebrated a few days after Christmas in Pennsylvania. Some year, we might even celebrate at Jacy & Mike’s house in Tennessee. Who knows where this road of Christmas traditions will take us, but there is one thing that’s never-ever changing: the foundation of our tradition. It is built on many years of love, laughs, comfort, loyalty, incredible memories, and a beautiful family that I am so lucky to be a part of.

Our glowing tree

 

 

This is our house this year, patiently waiting for family to arrive in a few shorts weeks!

 

     What is your favorite holiday tradition?

A Perfect Thanksgiving :: No Turkey & Some Skinny Pants

Some of you can't wait to wake up on Thanksgiving, throw your sweats on, fill your own stomach up with enough food to feed a family of 8, drink your cares away until you want to puke, and crash on the couch to watch football, all while nursing your hangover from the night before. Right?

Sounds fun, really it does. But luckily for me, there's not an abundance of Holly-vegetarian-food on holidays to make my stomach that full. That's why I don't wear sweats and/or have to worry about the button on my skinny pants popping off. You, too, can have this no-zipper busting assurance. I promise. Say NO thanks to turkey this year too, help save millions of little turkey lives and eat some healthy vegetable based foods. Remember to say thank-you for everything you have, tell lots of stories, laugh alot, be glad you're not in a Tryptophan induced coma, and join me in my dream of wearing this amazing Thanksgiving outfit all while everyone tells you how cute you are.

HAPPY ALMOST THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

A Weekend To Remember

     Our schedules are typically very busy, so when we have a night to do nothing, I love it. And then I blog about it. And then you read it and think, aw how cute. You're catching on, good.

     I left work on Friday and went tanning (sorry, mom) and to the bank while Stephanos went grocery shopping all by himself. What a good man. Then we both got home, cooked dinner, watched a movie, didn't drink wine because I didn't want a hangover, and fell asleep in our princess bed. How perfect. Oh, I forgot to mention that I went on a psycho-cleaning-frenzy and yelled at Stephanos for not doing the dishwasher all while I went around the house figuring out what else I could bitch about. He just smiled and knew I'd be over it soon. After I decided to stop being crazy is when we finally drifted off to dream land in our princess bed.

     On Saturday morning, Stephanos tucked me into a burrito in bed, kissed me goodbye, and he left to go golfing. I chatted on the phone with Jade and finally got out of bed, got dressed up pretty, and went to meet my mom. We went to lunch at Bertucci's where I did nothing close to eating healthy, and then we started our excursion. Errands, shopping, meeting Billy Costa & Lisa from the Matty show, snacking, taking pictures. Wait, did you see the part where I met Billy Costa? Some people might not think this is anything special, but for a girl who has been listening to Matty In The Morning every morning since forever, and been a big fan of TV Diner, I was PSYCHED. Plus, I think he had a crush on me, can't you tell?

     THEN, my mother/daughter day continued, and we went go to see a brilliantly performed play of Steel Magnolias. Who remembers that movie? The whole show was full of emotion, and as Truvy says, "my favorite emotion is laughter through tears", and this proved to be mine as well.

     Sunday came and was spent with family as well. At night, I went back to my parents' house where my mom went through a ton of her old jewlery that she wore when she was my age, and told me all the interesting stories of where she & my dad got each piece. My dad chimed in on each story with something exciting to add.  One of my favorites is a gorgeous gold pendant that opens up into a perfume bottle. How cool. As I sat there, I realized that I honestly have the coolest parents in the world. They have lived such a fun and exciting life, and all their stories come to life through the happiness in their voices as they tell them. Family is such a beautiful thing, and if you don't spend a lot of time with yours, I suggest you start now. Friends are family too, ya know :)

What did you do this weekend? 
Am I really a psycho-cleaning-freak?
Do you love Billy Costa too?

Big Decisions :: Migraines and Voting

          Once again, I spent a full day in my dark bedroom with no lights or sound this past weekend. I couldn’t even find the strength to lift my head. Hell, even if I did find the strength, it would do no good because serious waves of nausea would encompass my body. This is how my whole Sunday went, right into Monday. Lovely.

          So, along came Big Decision Number 1 – I have decided I need to make some changes in my life in order for these migraines to stop haunting me. I said to myself, “self, you are too young and busy to have these debilitating headaches. You need to fix this problem, and you need to fix it now!” So, I’m doing the only sensible thing I can think of-- eliminate certain aspects of my life that could possibly be the trigger. My doctor has recommended this path, and I’m ready to go down it. I’m starting with less of the following: alcohol, certain foods, certain smells, etc. I NEED TO FIND THE PROBLEM because I don’t want to be on a migraine pill every day of my life. If removing certain pieces of my life doesn’t work, then it’s possible I need to add some vital things to my life. I will get to the bottom of this, and my journey to a happier and healthier life shall continue.

          Big Decision Number 2 – voting. This is honestly the first time the election matters a lot to me. It’s the first time where I am truly concerned about health care, taxes, etc. I’m such an adult now! No but really, I need to stop worrying about how the election results will affect other people, and I need to stop listening to other people’s opinions. I have watched all the debates and done enough research where I can make an educated decision. I need to follow my heart and vote for who I think is best for ME and my future. Call me selfish, but I don’t care. So, today I will be making my little way down to the polls, and I will perform my civil duty. I’m so proud to be an American, and you should be too.

Do you suffer from migraines or know anyone who does? Do you know of any certain foods or drinks that could be the cause? CAN YOU HELP ME?

Are you proud to have the opportunity to go out and cast your vote today? Are you going to do what’s best for you and your future? Do you love this song? (Click here)

 

Living Healthy During The Holidays

Okay, since this IS a healthy living blog after all, I figured it’s time to write another post about the beautiful, meat-free, i-love-animals, kittens and whiskers, 100% perfectly healthy little world I live in. Total exaggeration. It’s not perfect. It takes hard work and motivation--every. single. day. So why do I do it? Because I can’t imagine living and eating any other way.

It’s November 1^st already, and my stomach knows that all kinds of mouth-watering holiday treats are in its near future. So, I figured I’d enlighten my readers who are considering becoming a vegetarian, or to the ones who already are, how to keep yourself full, satisfied, healthy, and sane during the upcoming season. For me, being meat-free comes naturally because I find eating flesh utterly revolting. For others, it is very difficult and the meat cravings can be intense.  I’m here to help put a stop to those desires.

Making time for the gym and staying fit is what takes motivation for me. Believe me, it’s a battle between my fluffy couch/warm-cat-on-my-lap images and sweating my ass off at the gym after a long day of work, but it’s a battle that must be fought. I just remind myself that once I get home from the gym, I will be healthier, stronger, less stressed, and my mind will be clearer. These reasons alone are why the gym typically wins the fight. (I’m not saying that the cat image hasn’t won in the past, but I try to make my health come first. Sorry Nala)

Here are some tips on how to make it through the Thanksgiving and Christmas season with only having to cheat once….or twice. You can do it!

1. Each time you want to eat a piece of meat, poultry, or fish, remind yourself that there are healthier, less cruel ways to add substance to your meal. Use hearty vegetables in your pasta dishes. Substitute the stuffing that comes out of the turkey (gross! even when I ate meat, I thought this concept was repulsive) for homemade stuffing from scratch using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

2. When you aren't eating meat, you will feel and actually become lighter. There is no meat sticking to the insides of your intestines and colon, therefore you won't be suffering as many stomach aches, and who wants to get up and work out with a stomach ache? When you're feeling good all the time, you will want to continue on this path. Got my point? If you aren't feeling overly full and sick from the heavy meats you are consuming, you will be more apt to want to work out. You will have more energy, and you can put that energy to good use!

3. Cooking healthier meals for holiday parties will help with your anxiety over all the full of fat, calorie intense, sugar infused foods on the table. If you bring your own healthy (vegetarian) meals or desserts, you will know for sure that there will be delicious options to fill up your tummy. Also, you won't be in a turkey tryptophan induced coma like everyone else. You will have the energy for a brisk walk in the cool Autumn air while gorgeous leaves descend from trees and crunch under your feet, all while holding the hand of the person you love. Doesn't that image sound so enticing that you just want to reach out your arms and hug it?

4. Think of the millions of cute, little, colorful turkeys that people will save if they don't cook them this year. Imagine all the tiny turkey babies whose turkey parents will be slaughtered and put on your table all for your own sick pleasure. If you eat turkey this year, you will most likely come back in your next life as a turkey that will definitely be brutally killed and eaten for Thanksgiving, and you will absolutely have stuffing stuffed up inside your bum. Alright maybe not, but just don't do it. K?

5.  Exercise as often as you can. I know everyone has a busy schedule, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. However, if you have enough time to go to the mall and shop or stay home and watch football, you should be able to have enough time to work out. If not, you can count your laps around the mall while you shop. Build up a sweat! If you don't have a gym membership, exercise at home with videos on demand, or go for a jog outside...just watch out for black ice! If you're working out regularly, you won't feel so guilty when you indulge a little bit on yummy foods.

6. So, if you want to have a cookie, just do it. If you need a slice of pie, fine. If one beer happens to turn into six, it's okay. They are the holidays after all, but just remember that your health is the best gift you could ever have, so don't abuse your body.
 

These websites below have lots of vegetarian receipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Have yourself a look, and remember, your life is the only thing you have complete control over. Make it a healthy one :)

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/vegetarian-vegan-holiday-recipes.php

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianlifestyle/tp/thanksgivingrecipes.htm

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/desertrecipes/tp/healthydesserts.htm