This season's healthy holiday entertainment guide with tips from Jennifer Hudson

(ARA) – From cocktail parties to New Year’s bashes, ’tis the season for endless celebrations with friends, family and food – and lots of it. Facing multiple parties packed with those indulgent holiday goodies can be a challenge to anyone’s weight loss goals. But with the right strategy, you’ll be celebrating even after the party has ended.

One person who has mastered maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holidays with Weight Watchers is Grammy Award-winning recording artist and Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson. “When it comes to those once a year family favorite recipes, I don’t say no. It’s all about moderation and portion sizes,” says Hudson. “I also remind myself that food is just a small part of the holidays. The biggest gift to me is having a chance to celebrate with my family and friends.”

Here is Jennifer’s “at a glance” entertainment guide to a healthy holiday season:

* Power pack the party foods. Jennifer always pairs a few of her indulgent holiday favorites with low-fat, fiber-filled finger foods. Weight Watchers calls the ingredients to these recipes Power Foods because they offer the best nutritional bang for your buck, and they’re filling, so you’ll stay satisfied longer. They include lean protein, fruit, veggies, whole grains and fat-free dairy. One of Jennifer’s favorites is layering a sliced cucumber with avocado, low-fat wasabi mayo and shrimp.

* Dress like a star. Ditch the baggy sweaters and stretchy pants. Get gorgeous for the party with that dress or skinny jeans that show off your best assets. Jennifer always likes to wear something tailored because it helps her feel confident.

* Chill out with some steamy drinks. Create a hot beverage bar with a variety of light holiday favorites such as apple cider, lattes and flavorful teas. Let your guests create customized concoctions by stocking up on fat-free whipped toppings, sugar-free syrups and rich spices.

* Cut the rug – and some calories! Parties don’t have to be all about consuming calories. Look for fun ways to burn calories, too. Dancing is not only a great cardiovascular work-out, but it’s also an easy way to inject instant entertainment into your party and help guest intermingle.

As the party winds down, get a head-start on the clean-up effort and send your final guests home with the remaining holiday goodies. This will serve as your party favor to help avoid being faced with those lingering leftovers; and will give you more time to start planning your next healthy gathering with family and friends.

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Ten holiday tips on gifting, entertaining and celebrating without the stress

(ARA) – The holidays are about seasonal traditions and making merry with family and friends, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to have so many events to attend and to-do lists to complete. In fact, more than 80 percent of Americans find the holiday season to be “somewhat” or “very” stressful, according to an About.com poll. As you plan celebrations and gift giving, forget the stress and consider these 10 tips to keep you organized, spirited, and best of all, relaxed and ready to enjoy the season.

1. Start the day with a smile – The holidays are a season of giving and sharing. Treat your coworker to a cup of coffee or holiday treat, or simply wish a stranger a happy holiday season. An unexpected surprise for a friend will make her day and also keep your spirits high.

2. Be ready for anything – Alleviate last-minute stress by having goodies on hand should a visitor stop by unexpectedly. You don’t have to go out of your way. Stock up on simple, easy-access essentials like your favorite holiday snack mix and Starbucks(R) Christmas Blend. Impress guests by brewing one cup at a time, especially for them, with a Starbucks Pour-Over Kit.

3. Personalize it – Make every gift stand out with personalized wrapping paper. Jenn Sbranti, editor-in-chief and founder of Hostess with the Mostess recommends using creative rubber stamps or stencils with festive-colored inks and paints to decorate white or kraft paper with your favorite holiday images. Take it up a notch with a gift-wrap-making party complete with festive music and your favorite holiday snacks and drinks.

4. Give gifts that everyone will love – Know someone who can’t go a day without their favorite coffee or espresso beverage? Look no further than the coffee shop around the corner or for a gift that everyone loves, like a new coffee mug, travel tumbler or a gift card. Quick and easy, these gifts are no-brainers and sure to please.

5. Treat yourself – Remember to do something nice for yourself too. Whether it’s indulging in quiet time with a new book by the fire or an afternoon treat, relax and enjoy. Grab a Starbucks Chocolate Creme Whoopie Pie for a perfectly sized treat less than 200 calories. Pair it with a Skinny Peppermint Mocha for an afternoon break.

6. Give back – Make a donation, big or small, to your favorite charity. Whether it’s giving to a local animal shelter or contributing to the neighborhood food bank, every bit helps and there’s nothing better than giving back during the holiday season.

7. Start fun, new traditions – Instead of the same old holiday cookies, create a major “wow” factor with holiday cake pops. Gather family and friends to bake and decorate with the new Starbucks Cake Pop Kit. For a festive presentation, display the finished cake pops in pretty boxes lined with gift wrap covered Styrofoam. Your creations will look like they came from a seasoned pastry chef and stand out among all the traditional cookie baskets.

8. Old holiday movie night with the kids – Introduce your kids to the classics. From “Miracle on 34th Street” to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” these movies are sure to bring back fond memories for you and create a memorable impression on your kids.

9. Plan ahead for travel – Airport delays and long flights can take their toll. Keep your energy level up and frustrations down, even in the most trying circumstances. Bring along your favorite pair of cozy socks, invest in noise-cancelling headphones, a good book, and a stash of Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend for a perfect cup of seasonal coffee on the go.

10. Recharge with a non-holiday day – You’ll enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy season more with a break. Refresh with a non-holiday day of activities. Hit the salon, check out that exhibit you’ve been eying at the museum, or take a leisurely stroll. A day away to recharge is the best cure for seasonal stress and frustration.

Celebrate festive gatherings and joyous occasions this season stress-free and make the season merry and memorable with friends and family.

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Tips for staying fit through the holidays

(ARA) – The holiday season is a time for fun, family, and – let’s not forget – food. Between work functions, family get-togethers and endless holiday soirees, the sheer amount of cheesy appetizers, buttery entrees and sugar-laden desserts can be overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to maintain or lose weight.

Don’t let the holidays weigh you down; here are a few tips for how to stay fit and energized throughout the harried holiday season.

Smart snacking
The first rule to staying fit throughout the holidays is never arrive at a party hungry. With the abundance of tempting, fattening treats available, choosing an appetizer or dessert that fills you up and not out, can be a challenge. Satisfy your hunger beforehand with a protein-rich snack, like Jack Link’s Teriyaki Beef or Jack Link’s Cholula Hot Sauce Beef Jerky, to help you curb your desire for calorie-filled treats at the party. Made with premium cuts of beef, pork, turkey or chicken, these snacks are naturally high in protein and low in fat, calories and carbs, making it a smarter snacking choice. And because jerky requires no refrigeration, you can easily toss a bag in your purse or gym bag for on-the-go noshing or a pre- or post-workout snack.

Jack Link’s Jerky is available in grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience and drug stores nationwide or at Jacklinks.com. (Suggested retail price per 3.25-ounce bag: $5.99.)

Hit the gym
As any personal trainer or nutritionist would tell you, the key to seeing results with any diet is exercise. But, you don’t have to be a heavyweight champion or triathlete to stay fit. Fitness centers across the U.S. make fitness affordable and accessible to people of all abilities and fitness levels. Hit the treadmill for a long walk or run; strengthen your muscles through weight training; find your “zen” during yoga; or improve your cardio through conditioning while cycling. Whether you’re looking to tone up or slim down this holiday season, there is sure to be a fitness center near you that will meet all your exercise needs. Many fitness centers are open 24 hours a day, so you can slip in your 30-minute workout when it’s convenient for you. As always, check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen.

Visit a fitness center near you for more information on how to become a member.

Drink up
Most holiday get-togethers offer a variety of beverages to satisfy every guest, such as wine, spirits, eggnog, soda or coffee. In moderation, these beverages can be a festive treat; however, they can also leave you dehydrated and consuming more calories than you intended. This year, pair your beverage of choice with a healthy glass of water. Recent research shows, drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while also cutting back on portions, can help you meet your weight loss goals. While each person’s hydration needs are different, the Institute of Medicine advises that men and women try to consume about 3.7 and 2.7 liters of water a day, including water that can be found in food and other beverages, such as fruit, vegetables or even coffee.

Tally it up
Wearing a heart rate monitor, fitness watch or pedometer is a great way to track your progress before, during and after your daily workout. In preparation for the holidays, choose a tool that allows you to track calories consumed and calories burned all day long. Personal calorie management devices are available at a variety of price points and offer a wide array of capabilities. For example, through the use of an armband and a compatible smartphone, many calorie management devices will allow you to log calories consumed, track calories counts and even track how many steps you take all day long. Tools like this are essential in maintaining your weight loss goals all the way through to the new year and beyond.

Visit a local or online sporting goods retailer for more information.

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Get your home holiday-ready

(NC)—As a stylist, I see first-hand how the holidays can be both joyous and overwhelming. With so many things to do, getting the house ready for entertaining can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

No matter what you’re planning, here are the three things I recommend to get your home holiday-ready:

1. Create an air of celebration in your home throughout the holiday season. One of the easiest—but most overlooked—ways of doing this is with scent. Look for a product that creates an inviting atmosphere and eliminates odours, like cooking smells. I like to stock up on Febreze Fabric Refresher, especially with the scent of ‘cranberries & frost’,which I use on cushions, couches and curtains before guests arrive. (Tip: Febreze holiday scented candles also make lovely hostess gifts.)

2. Keep cleaning products within easy reach for quick touch-ups. I always have a bottle of Mr. Clean Disinfecting Spray in my bathroom to make sure surfaces are sparkling and clean before guests arrive. And a Swiffer Sweepervac in the front hall closet means I can quickly touch-up the floor as guests are walking to the front door.

3. Maintain order in the kitchen. People love being in the kitchen at parties, perhaps because it’s the heart of the home. Keep a selection of nice biscuits and an assortment of teas on hand—perfect for welcoming unexpected guests. And try to load your dishwasher as the evening progresses to keep your counters clear and uncluttered. I also recommend using a tough grease-cutting dish detergent, like Dawn Power Scrubbers (which is from the makers of Cascade) for pots, pans and other tough jobs that you’re washing by hand.

With just these few simple tips, you’ll be able to create a guest-ready home, and have more time to enjoy spending with family and friends.

Janette Ewen has been one of Canada’s leading décor and lifestyle experts for more than a decade, passing on her passion for design to avid fans through magazines, newspapers and television.

www.newscanada.com

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Five ways to stay upbeat and energized during the holidays

(ARA) – As Christmas carols hit the airwaves and the snow begins to fall, the joy of the holidays brings out the best in everyone – right? With a seemingly endless to-do list of shopping, cooking, entertaining and decorating, the holiday season can quickly become a recipe for anxiety. A recent study by the American Psychological Association shows that one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress.

The true meaning of the holiday season can be overshadowed by the demands of preparations, but it shouldn’t be. By planning ahead, taking care of yourself and making sure to spend quality time connecting with loved ones, you can stay upbeat and energized during the holidays.

Try these tips to make sure your mood is as bright as the lights on the Christmas tree.

Plan ahead: Instead of subjecting yourself to the last-minute trips to the mall, get shopping done earlier, and do what you can online. If you need to hit the mall, get there when it opens and develop a list beforehand so you can quickly check off what you need. Establish a schedule for the month of December and plan several days in advance for holiday meals and parties. Also, create a budget early in the season, and stick to it. Studies show that finances are often a major trigger of stress during the holidays.

Make meaningful connections the entire season long. Making time to connect with close family and friends – whether through a phone call, e-mail or Skype – will help you remember the true meaning of the holiday season. You can also let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them throughout the season by surprising them with the jacquielawson.com Advent Calendar. The animated e-calendar includes 25 holiday animations that transport recipients to a magical version of London. It’s a meaningful and unique gift for friends and family, near and far – you’ll love sharing stories with loved ones from that day’s holiday animation.

“We heard stories of extended families living thousands of miles apart yet sharing the daily ritual of watching the day’s animation and then talking with or emailing each other about it,” says jacquielawson.com co-founder Mike Hughes-Chamberlain, speaking about the company’s first-ever Advent Calendar last year. “Many customers asked us to keep making new calendars each year so it could become a new family tradition.”

Take time for yourself. Escape the hustle and bustle of the mall by going to a movie with a friend, or curling up by the fire with a bestseller. Taking a moment to breathe and focus on something unrelated to the holidays will give you a chance to regroup and more effectively tackle the next cookie recipe or holiday party on your schedule. Try spending a few quiet moments of alone time each morning to recharge for the day ahead. And, if you feel like splurging, enjoy a few hours at the spa while you’re picking up gift certificates for others on your list.

Avoid over-committing. With holiday parties to attend and host, cookies to bake and deliver, and tackling an ever-increasing Christmas card list, the holidays can easily swirl out of control. Decline the office cookie exchange this year, and cut down your gift list. You’ll be better able to savor the most important things of the holiday season when you’re not frantically running from one commitment to another.

Exercise and eat right. In a season where schedules get busier as the holidays get closer, make one thing a standard in your daily routine. A trip to the gym or an exercise class helps you relax and unwind. If you can’t make it to the gym, incorporate more walking into your daily routine. Park a little farther from the store entrance, or take a walk to see the neighborhood Christmas displays. Try to focus on your nutrition and avoid overeating, a major cause of holiday and post-holiday anxiety. Make sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, and avoid that extra cookie when you can. Usually, one is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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A recent study by BISSELL Homecare, Inc. found that, on average, 45 percent of women spend three to seven hours preparing their home for holiday guests, and another 29 percent spend eight or more hours preparing. Here are 10 tips from organizing and cleaning guru Donna Smallin, author of The One-Minute Cleaner, that can help you reduce the amount of time spent getting ready for the holidays, so you can spend more time enjoying them.

* Get started early. Make a list of tasks and check them off as you go. Some tasks such as dusting fan blades, polishing silver and ironing table linens can be done well in advance. You can even set your holiday table ahead of time. Plan to have everything done a day or two early so you can get into the holiday spirit and relax with your family and guests.

* Declutter. Keep in mind that “less is more,” especially at the holidays. Now is a good time to donate some of your kids’ old toys and games — and some of your own stuff. When you pull out holiday decorations, add the unused ones to the donations box and toss anything that’s worn or broken. Keep a list of what you donate and be sure to get a receipt for year-end tax purposes.

*Clean where it counts. There’s no need to deep clean your house from top to bottom. But do yourself a favor and don’t leave it to the last minute to clean your house. Do what you can now and then make an extra effort to keep it clean and picked up.

Focus your efforts on high traffic areas: kitchen, bathrooms, living rooms and family rooms. And don’t forget to spruce up the guest room. Clear space in the closet and provide thoughtful amenities such as toiletries and magazines. Stock the guest bathroom with extra toilet paper and towels and make it sparkle.

In the family room and other high traffic areas, nothing freshens up a room like clean carpets and rugs. A great way to clean them yourself is with a deep cleaner such as the new BISSELL PROdry. It as convenient as a vacuum, but the combination of hot water and cleaning solution will make your carpet even cleaner. Plus, PROdry uses professional technology that not only cleans but allows carpet and rugs to dry in just 30 minutes. In the time it takes to bake a batch of your family’s favorite holiday cookies, your carpet and rugs will be clean and dry.

* Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. Mix big batches of cookie dough and freeze in smaller batches that you can pop into the oven after dinner each night. Double or triple dinner recipes in the weeks leading up to the holidays; freeze the leftovers, and reheat for houseguests. Do prep work like chopping vegetables and mixing dips the day before guests arrive.

* The study found that 32 percent of women would do the dishes if they only had 30 minutes to clean. To minimize time spent washing dishes, before you begin cooking, fill the sink with hot, soapy water and clean pans and kitchen implements as you go along so you don’t end up with a sink full of dirty dishes.

* Host a party that practically cleans up after itself. Look for one-pot and crock pot recipes or make it a potluck party and send guests home with the leftovers.

* Simplify gift-giving. Consider giving edible gifts or gift certificates rather than packaged goods. The last thing most of us need is more stuff. Or draw names to give gifts to only one family member, eliminating the need to buy for everyone. It’s a good idea to have a few simple, inexpensive gifts on hand — a small box of gourmet chocolates, tin of cookies, or candle for unexpected guests as well as hostesses, teachers and anyone you may have forgotten.

* Wrap it up. Gather holiday gift wrapping supplies and store them all together. If you need to buy gift wrap, consider limiting wraps to one or two and use the same color ribbon and bows on all of your gifts.

* Play your cards right. If you’re planning to send holiday cards, do it in stages. Buy your stamps online to avoid long lines at the post office. Then personalize your cards, address the envelopes, stamp and seal them. Do it during television commercials over a few nights and you’ll be done in no time.

* Plan ahead. Make a list of things that need doing before guests arrive — everything from dusting to decorating the tree. Ask family members to choose the tasks they wouldn’t mind doing. Assign the tasks no one likes doing. Then schedule a time to get the job done together as a family. Play some holiday music to get into the spirit.

For more holiday tips, please visit www.quickholidaycleanup.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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