Merry Christmas from www.monicabrant.com

BNRG Endorsed Athlete

"There has been only one Christmas.. the rest are just anniversaries"... W.J. Cameron

Dear Friends and Fans!

I can hardly believe it is holiday time already. Seems like we were just in the HEAT of TX summer and we were paying outrageous electrical bills to keep cool!
To get in the festive time Scott and I have been fixing up the house with lights, ornaments and the usual.. not necessarily for Christmas but more so for New Year's Eve as we are having a BASH as Scott likes to call it! Our Christmas day will be quiet..my Mom went to CO with a friend to ski, Dad is in MX with some friends and Scott's family is in RI. We are planning a fun Christmas eve with a crew of friends but Christmas day will just be Scottie, me, pups, Kitty and we are supposed to see my brother and his wife towards the afternoon.

Scottie, Mo and pups Dec 09

On another note, for those of you that haven't heard yet, I am excited to say that I have been invited to compete in the 2010 Figure International at the prestigious Arnold Sports Festival. This is pretty exciting for me as it marks my 10th invite and 16th time to work the expo. Should you be attending the event and would like to stop by the booth to say hello, please visit me at the BNRG booth where I will be on Sat/Sun. I am planning on bring my best physique (at the tender age of 39 yrs young) to stage. It seems even though my Olympia 09 placing wasn't that great, you fans enjoyed my 'look' and I felt good about it too.. so I'll do my best once again!

I'm looking forward to working with my crew again, Kim Oddo, Maggie Blanchard, Elizabeth Dwelle, Brandon Boyd, Bill Meyer and Jan Tana.

Just recently I sent out my first newsletter Survey and I was pleasantly surprised at the great response that many of you took time to respond to me with. I really appreciate your generosity of time and I am reviewing all feedback in order to update the newsletters to better motivate and support each of you! With that in mind, I have enlisted a very dear friend of mine, Jennifer Soos (a licensed
psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and families who are seeking to overcome, solve, recreate, achieve, dream and live with joy and purpose) to answer a question from my fans each month.

Hello to Monica's fans!

I'm so excited to be "meeting" everyone this way and to help Monica respond to what her fans have requested. Monica and I have been friends for a long time (longer than either one of us probably wants to admit) and I've loved celebrating her success over the years. I can say with sincerity that she is very much the same person I knew growing up. While her celebrity status has certainly affected her lifestyle; it has not changed the person I've known and loved for so long. She's the real deal...successful because she follows her passions and stays true to herself. It might sound easy, but it's not.

Life can be complicated and a million things can get in the way of our happiness. I love working with people who have decided they won't settle any longer: individuals who are ready to make big changes, integrate their past into their present in a positive way or finally tackle whatever it is standing in the way of creating the life they want.

What is it that keeps you from living a life filled with joy and purpose?

Your job? Bad habits? Your past? Relationships? You?

Maybe you aren't even sure what it is.

Let's talk about it.

I'm listening,

Jennifer

Jennifer Soos

Jennifer has experience working with anxiety, depression, grief, compulsive behavior, pre-marital preparedness, couples counseling, sexual issues, parent coaching and blended family struggles. She has been providing services to her clients in person, online and by phone for nearly a decade. Jennifer received her Masters in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University. In addition to her private practice work, she volunteers with the MISS Foundation as a grief support group facilitator for families who have experienced the death of a child and as the International Coordinator for their HOPE Mentor training program.

Jennifer is a reluctant Texan who misses Seattle, mother to boys, avid reader, aspiring writer, next-door gourmet and world-class procrastinator.

If you are interested in having Jennifer answer one of your questions via my newsletter, please email Jennifer directly with your question and watch the following month's newsletters for her response.
Should you want more individualized counseling, please email Jennifer directly for details about services, pricing and scheduling.

(New website launch scheduled for February 2010.)

As you may recall I enjoy providing you with some fun images for the month.. here are some taken by photographer extraordinaire, Lisa Brewer.

Be sure to check out her websites and find coupon (MOFIT) for discount shopping! This code may be used on her pooch website with free shipping too!

Mo n Gidget-- More Mo n Gidget photos at bottom of newsletter!

REGARDING the horse project... for those of you that 'know' about horse stuff.. here is a short youtube video of the TRAIL clinic I did last weekend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mLkvQGHHd0
The clinic was (2) days long but I could only make one day.. 'Storm' did quite well and my new trainer (and interestingly enough, high school graduating friend), Brad Jewett was pleased with his performance too.
If you have a second, please vote for Brad in the 2009 All Around Trainer Bowl by clicking VOTEBRAD
For information on the Trainer Bowl click HERE.

Mo's Quick Q&A Corner

Q) Hi Monica, I have been working out all my life and submitting photos for a long time now with little success. (IMO) I am more fit and toned than most women I see in the magazines. Do I really have to compete before I can get consideration to be a fitness model? I am a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor but it seems I need to compete to be considered.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Misty

A: Hello Misty!

It is true that competing will give someone more exposure and a better chance of making the right connections at shows! I am speaking from experience; mind you it was back in 1994! I won a local show in Venice, CA and was qualified to compete at the national level (Wally Boyko)- Fitness USA Finals. I was in touch with an M&F photographer that told me earlier if I was ever in the area to contact him and we would set up a test shoot. 'Test shoot' only means that we would shoot and see how the images turned out - there was no guarantee that they would be used for anything.

Well, long story short, the photographer thought my images were good enough and sent them into M&F for consideration.. with an outcome of landing the NOV 1994 M&F Cover! If I hadn't been competing, I would never have met the photographer, and secondly, I would not have been in CA for the show and photo shoot since I lived in Texas at that time!

In this day of our beloved fitness industry one has to really STAND out on stage and market herself professionally to get noticed! Keep in mind that there are literally 1000s of ladies sending photos and letters in to the publications on a daily basis!

Don't give up, keep sending your images but make sure they are the BEST you have! Also, you need to show marketability in your images and be sure to answer these questions with your submissions:

Why would the publication want to use you?

Why would they choose you over someone else that has maybe been competing or had a major transformation, story, etc... or if you have a good story, be sure to share it!

Get to some big shows (Olympia, Arnold Classic) looking your best and be ready to market yourself to the exhibitors (supplement companies, magazines, clothing companies, photographers) have your bio, head shot and body shot ready to hand over when you approach the companies with your plan of action- other words, know what your ultimate goals are and let people know when you are speaking to them!

Be professional and enthusiastic.. also be humble! Personality wins lots of hearts!

BTW-- you should consider attending one of my F.E.M. Camps to help with all aspects of fitness, nutrition, posing and modeling! Have you heard of them?

http://femcamp.net/

Good luck!

Ladies! Should you be interested in talking to me, please purchase a 45 minute Phone Consultation with me so that we can discuss your questions prsonally!

Mo's Recipe of the Month

One of my all time favorite recipes happens to be my own! Since I typically like to make enough for (2) I will double the recipe. Below is enough for (2) meals for me.

In a blender, include all ingredients below and blend till smooth. *I like to re-blend immediately before each 'pancake' pour to ensure oats don't sink to the bottom.
*Quick spray on a pan to cook small pancakes.

(2) Strawberry Flavored Oatmeal packs

(1) c. Egg Whites

1/4 c. low fat cottage cheese (you can use fat free if you like too)

(1) scoop Berry Burst flavored Stevia

1/2-3/4 c. Old Fashioned Oats for added thickness Optional addition of shaved almonds can be added on the flip side of the 'cakes'.

I like to eat these cold so will wait till they cool or save for later in the fridge. Makes a great snack to take with you for that quick meal on the go or in the car.

Mo n Scottie REALITY DVDs

We truly appreciate your business and loyalty. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea, consider a gift from FitnessandFigureReality.com!
For those of you that requested more training info from me via the survey, I wanted to remind you that these DVDs have tons of training in them.. we have almost 3 years worth of filming all kinds of workouts!
This is why I decided to do the DVDs, to give you all the infor you are requesting!

This month we traveled to sunny Marina Del Rey, California for F.E.M. Camp!

Some of the footage was shot in Gold's Gym Venice and boy was it crowded and noisy. But the footage was so good that we left it in.

Monica was only weeks out from the Fitness Olympia and as you can see in the this youtube preview of DVD 33, she is ripped!

Click here for YouTube PREVIEW

During part of the F.E.M. camp weekend, world famous photographer, Robert Reiff explains all you need to know to get into the fitness magazines. He talks about the value of exposure and what it can do for your blossoming fitness/figure career. Next, THE person you need to know if you want your picture in Muscle and Fitness Hers is Erica Schultz. Erica is the Photo Coordinator for M & F Hers and explains EXACTLY what she's looking for when she's hunting for new talent.

She addresses:

How you should submit your photos to her.
How important is lighting?
Whether or not you need professional pictures.
And much more

If you are looking to get yourself in a fitness magazine, then this part of the DVD is invaluable advice!

DVD 33 also has makeup artist expert, Nancy Jambazian who gives out some juicy tips on hair and makeup.

As if all of that's not enough, we get to watch Monica participate in a cover shoot try with Robert Reiff. This was an awesome behind the scenes look at what goes on at Monica's and Lynda Thoresen's F.E.M. Camp!

In another chapter of DVD 33, Monica and her husband, Scott undergo a workout at CATZ Training Center together. You'll see some new and different exercises that maybe you can implement into your own routine.
All of this in DVD 33 of FitnessandFigureReality.com!

To Purchase DVD:

US Customers

Outside the US Customers

Should you have any issues with ordering please email SCOTT YORK directly.

Mo's New SFLL Long Sleeve T Shirt

'Stay Fit Love Life' Monica Brant signature T shirt in long sleeve thermal by AA is now available for purchase on the
MB MALL..
Thanks, Brandi for the perfect modeling! (She was a participant from Calgary, Canada 2009 F.E.M. Camp™)

Train with Mo in TEXAS

For those of you that want more personal service than I can give you at a F.E.M. Camp™ I am booking clients for weekend (or week days work too!) Personal Training 'getaways' in Austin!

For Ladies only... we can work on your specific needs with your training, posing (for fitnees, figure and bikini) and cardio routines.

:Please email me directly for more details and add: Training in subject line. Serious inquiries only please!

F.E.M. Camps™
presented by BNRG/PROTOWHEY

We are booking new camps for 2010! As of now, F.E.M. + MEN is ready for registering.. email me directly for a REG form. This CO ED camp is scheduled for April 9-11 in Austin, TX.
REG fee for CO ED camp is $269 unless you are a Venice Nutrition member or coach then fee is discounted $245

Canadians! You are next with Calgary, AB F.E.M. Camp™ at the end of May and scheduled in October we head back to MDR, CA for the annual F.E,M. Camp™.
These camps will be added to the official website soon and be ready for Registering.

Australians.. keep your eyes peeled for a F.E.M. Camp™ to possibly come your direction too! Haven't finalized this one yet, but working diligently on it now!

MOJOWellness
Nutrition

With the new year approaching fast I wanted to remind you that your health is key to making the best of life! If you haven't invested anything in a good nutrition or health program, let me suggest you check out my online nutrition site.

The program is completely customizable to your specific needs and offers tons of valuable resources to learn and succeed in your personal health plan for life. This user friendly program is not a quick fix or 'diet' it is a program that you CAN DO for life.. don't be afraid to invest in your health. You can sign up and work on your own for these low prices:

Monthly Memberships $19.95 Annual Memberships $129.00

Or you can work with one of the MOJO coaches for Single sessions, 6 or 12 week packages and an introductory package of (2) sessions.
Click PACKAGES for more details on these prices and structures.

For those of you that are planning to compete next year, let me assure you that your contest prep will be 100% easier if you are in the best shape going in and sitting with a lower set point too .. MOJOWellnessPros will get you there and pick up back up after your show too when you are lost in the 'what to eat now' phase most competitors fall into after a show!
Email me with any questions about the site. We offer Nutrition Certifications too that top any other nutrition cert you can find! Check it out... you could add licensed in all states (and other countries too) Nutrition Consulting to your services if you are a Health Professional already! JOIN and work under the MOJO Team!

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I didn't think this newsletter would end up to be this long.. I realize you all have a very busy time of year right now so hope you know how much I appreciate your support and interest!

I hope and pray your Christmas is (or was if reading afterward) fun, relaxing and blessed. Keep your loved ones close and remember to make take time to enjoy your holiday.

Until next year...Merry Christmas and Happy, Safe New Year's!
xo Mo

Closing thoughts for Christmas..

John 3:16

¹⁶"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.