Cosmopolitan articles from January 2006

Cosmopolitan archives from January 2006

Meet the finalists.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Each of the four finalists from Cosmo's Fun Fearless Female Reader of the Year contest has her own unique style. Troy Surratt, Maybelline New York's Global Consulting Makeup Artist and Brian Magallones, Stylist for Garnier, brought out each...

Get a fun and fabulous daily dose of Cosmo by clicking on cosmopolitan.com.
January 1, 2006... Your Daily Bedside Astrologer Want to know what the stars have in store for you today (and every day)? With our new daily horoscopes, just log on and find out what to look forward to... instantly! Carnal Counseling Still have a steamy...

Man explosion.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "Thanks for 'Cosmo's Bachelor Blowout.' All the guys are yummy, and I love that you give us so much information about them!"--Tiffany Chumbley, Bondurant, Iowa

Weighty issue.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "I'm a woman recovering from anorexia and bulimia. I was so happy to see your article 'Informer: From Skinny to Sexily Svelte,' about celebrities who have put on some pounds and look better. Thanks for sending out such a positive image to young...

Naughty number.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "Your new sex position, 77, in 'Hot Sex Trends Worth Trying' was hot, hot, hot! As soon as I read it, I took my guy upstairs and we tried it out. Let's just say mind-blowing doesn't even begin to describe it! Thanks, Cosmo!" --Michelle Treat,...

Gyno alert.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 14. The hardest thing about living with this disease is the lack of information. So kudos to you for 'Cosmo Gyno: Pain Never to Ignore.' You've done quite a service by promoting awareness of a...

Cosmo cowboy.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "Matthew McConaughey visited both Mississippi (where I'm from) and Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to lend a hand. I was so excited to pick up the November issue and see him on the cover. I was actually going to write an e-mail...

Risque business.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "In 'Is Your Man Getting Busy? ('Finding Love at Work'), you say that we should mark our territory by showing up at his place of business. Um, aren't women a little above that? If you have to stake your claim on your man that way, you might be...

Split decision.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... RANT "I thought 'What the Hell Is Happening With Guys?' was unfair. My boyfriend joined the army after college. Like many of his friends, he's currently serving in Iraq--not sitting in his parents' den. They're responsible men, nothing...

The way to his heart.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "'A Dinner He'll Die For' was awesome! With drinks, appetizers, the main dish, and dessert--plus fabulous tips for setting the table, selecting a wine, and presenting the food--Cosmo gave me everything I needed for the perfect night."--Tami,...

Guy test-drive: one man mouths off about the November issue of Cosmo.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... "'Get the Affection You Desire' was right. Women should take more initiative when it come to holding hands--guys don't want to seem clingy. But not always making the first move ('What the Hell Is Happening With Guys?') isn't because guys today...

Check out the action behind the scenes at the Video Music Awards in Miami.(buzz worthy bash: the promos, products and hot happenings that have people talking)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... The Style Villa, created by Flying Television and the Miami Marketing Group at the Sagamore Hotel, attracted hundreds of celebrities, trendsetters and tastemakers for the ultimate in mingling, schmoozing and scoring fab free stuff. Check out...

What's on your mind?(Behind the Scenes at Cosmopolitan)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... On page 108, we help you figure out whether you're more like Jen or Angelina. Here, readers tell us which of these two A-list chicks they identify with most: "I relate more to Angelina. She's out there doing what works for her--living her...

Cosmos annual hunk day.(Behind the Scenes at Cosmopolitan)
January 1, 2006... New York City got a little hotter last fall when our 2005 bachelors flew in to celebrate being part of our November Cosmo Men issue. Their whirlwind visit kicked off with the Today show, where the guys were interviewed by Katie Couric. Then it...

Girls just wanna have fun.(Behind the Scenes at Cosmopolitan)
January 1, 2006... Like many working women, I eat plenty of lunches at my desk. But sometimes I get an invite I can't say no to, even if my work is piled high. Recently, I was asked to attend a lunch at which Cyndi Lauper would perform from her new CD, The Body...

What's sexy now: check out the most pulse-pounding, drool-worthy stuff we've seen lately.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... VIOLET LIPS AND TIPS Glam up with glittery purple polish and lipstick, the cool new look that celebs seem to love. "Slick on the lipstick straight from the tube and keep the rest of your makeup neutral," says Rachel Hayes Gayle Cosnw's...

Ashlee on top: in honor of her new mega-hit album, I Am Me, Ashlee Simpson dished to Cosmo about what it's like to walk in her stiletto boots. Hold tight--these are some of the most honest answers we've ever received.(Interview)
January 1, 2006... At lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Ashlee orders a cheese pizza and a glass of champagne because that's her idea of a celebratory meal. What's the occasion? Her recently released second album, I Am Me, hit number one on the...

Rock some chunky jewelry: Tiny trinkets are O-U-T. The trend right now? Supersize styles.(COSMO NEWS: Fashion Front)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... A WEIGHTY WEAVE This ribboned chain-link is for chicks only. Wear it with the bow in front! Lucky Brand Accessories, $38, luckybrand jeans.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JUMBO JEWELS Don't save sparkle for night--steal that...

What's going on with men (and women)? With chicks acting ballsier and guys wimping out, the sexes are undergoing a bizzaro transformation. A new book tackles the phenomena head-on.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Even though Cosmo expends a helluva lot of energy decoding the mysteries of the male-female dynamic, these days even we've been stumped at times. It seems that gender roles are totally muddled. While some women have become super-aggressive in...

Trend alert: dazzling beauty: these frosty faves are guaranteed to heat up your look for New Year's ... or just a great date.(COSMO NEWS: Beauty Beat)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... BRILLIANTLY BEADED HAIR PIN Jazz up your do with Jane Tran Pearl and Crystal 2Bead Hair Pin, $95. It'll add a radiant touch to your tresses. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LUXE LUMINIZER The glimmery DiorGlam Eyeshadow and...

Eric Bana.(Man on Fire)(Interview)
January 1, 2006... * Aussie actor Eric Bana has played a Delta Force sergeant in Black Hawk Down, a green man/monster in Hulk, and a Trojan warrior in Troy (a movie in which he stole the screen from none other than Brad Pitt). Next up: He's got the new drama...

The color is hot pink: this vibrant hue has replaced soft pastels as the sexy shade of the second.(COSMO NEWS: Style Stakeout)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... PETRA NEMCOVA Model Petra shows that a little fuchsia can go long way. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LIZ HURLEY Liz dresses the part at a pink ribbon Breast Cancer Research Foundation event. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HILARY...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets.(CONFESSIONS)
January 1, 2006... Standing at Attention "My boyfriend, Greg, is away in the army. To keep things hot, we send a lot of digital pictures back and forth over the Internet. One afternoon, my mom decided to have our entire extended family over for dinner. I was...

Men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever.(GUY CONFESSIONS)
January 1, 2006... It's Raining Men! "I used to date this girl who lived in a different city than I did. She had this weird fetish where she'd get horny whenever there was a thunderstorm. As soon as the sky clouded up, she went on IM and tried to have...

His favorite passion pose says ... every guy has a sex position he prefers, and believe it or not, it can reveal a ton about his personality.(MAN MANUAL)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... SIDE-BY-SIDE "Men who like the closeness of side-by-side sex tend to need reassurance of a woman's feeling for them," says body-language expert Jan Hargrave "This sexual stance provides a lot of intimacy, which would indicate that he's the...

What his touch reveals.(guy spy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Know the saying "Actions speak louder than words"? That's so true of men, who don't exactly speak up when they're captivated. * He extends his hand. When a guy is into you, he'll sometimes reach over and stroke the back of your hand to see...

Why do guys never cry?(dude brain scan)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Many experts believe that one major reason you rarely see a man shed a tear is because that's the way he was raised. "Boys are taught to react differently from girls right from the start," says William Pollack, PhD, director of the Center for...

Read between his lines.(guy spy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... HE SAYS: "I'm not looking for a girlfriend right now." HE MEANS: "I don't want you to be my girlfriend." SOURCE: PSYCHOLOGIST JUDITH SHERVEN, PHD, COAUTHOR OF BE LOVED FOR WHO YOU REALLY ARE

How to know if he's hot for you: uncertain if your crush is interested? Read this and you'll be sure.(his point of view)
January 1, 2006... * No matter how cocky a guy seems, he'd rather have his chest waxed than risk being rejected by you. So instead of sticking his neck out with a straightforward come-on, he might work his mojo magic in these mysterious ways.... He Teases...

"Her sizzling come-on".(guys speak out)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... "Friends and I were coming out of a club when this cute girl pulled me aside and said 'I wanna get with you.' I like a girl who knows what she wants."--Corey Neufville "I told a girl I was into the Western look. When I got to her place for...

Guy without his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk.(MAN MANUAL)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Name: Nicholas Vidulich Age: 24 Height: 6 feet 2 inches Weight: 185 pounds Sign: Libra Hometown: Delray Beach, Florida Favorite thing: "I'm hooked on kiteboarding. I love being totally in control of my body and the...

Her naughty needs revealed.(cosmo for your guy)
January 1, 2006... * Even if your girlfriend is super comfortable with you in the sack, chances are good she hasn't divulged all of her deepest doing-it desires. That's why we decided to clue you in to her occasional lusty longings. Gentlemen, some nights she'd...

She doesn't notice when you gain weight.(Myth of the Month)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... "We're women--it's our job to pick up on small details. You can bet that if we register something like a friend's subtle highlights, we'll take note when you've packed on a few." --Sarah, 30 "Sure, your girlfriend may say that she...

7 things I learned about celebs this week: access Hollywood weekend coanchor Shaun Robinson gives Cosmo the inside scoop.(informer)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... [1] Lionel Richie told me that he's planning on singing at daughter Nicole Richie's upcoming summer wedding, but Nicole says that she just wants him to play dad and enjoy the festivities, [2] Stars like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton can...

Paging the Love Doctor: answers to your most probing questions about celeb relationships from Beverly Hills psychotherapist Bella Dishell.(informer)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Q: Drew Barrymore reportedly told her pal Cameron Diaz that she should stay with Justin Timbelake. Do your friends really always know what's best for you? Love Doctor: No. A friend can't know an intimate relationship as well as the two...

Emily Procter.(FUN FEARLESS FEMALE)(Interview)
January 1, 2006... BABE BIO Age: 37 Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Current Gig: Playing Calleigh Duquesne on CSI: Miami HITCHED HANG-UP "Marriage is in style at the moment. I think marriage is great, but I'm commitment-phobic. I'm...

10 silver styles to sparkle in.(COSMO SHOPPING: PARTY SPECIAL)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... 1 Wire Mesh Beads New York and Company, $26.50, nyand company.com To avoid the frump factor, wear these with a mini. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 Round-Toe Flats Circa Joan and David, $95 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3...

Back in black.(COSMO SHOPPING: TREND TIP SHEET)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... What's the new black? Well, black... and the killer combo of black-and-white. So bank on these chic basics--they're classy as hell and always appropriate. Cardigan, Bebe, $69, bebe.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Headband, Amici...

Drop-dead dresses for less.(COSMO SHOPPING: STYLE STEALS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... If you're to a big bash but don't have a wad of cash, relax. Each of these fancy frocks is less than $150, so you don't have to go broke to look beautiful. $138 BCBGirls, 888-636-BCBG [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $90 SL Fashions,...

Celeb trend: bolder eye shadows.(Beauty News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Extreme eyes--as seen on stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aisha Tyler -are a killer party look this season. Heed this hint, however: "When choosing intense colors, go for translucent versions with a slight shimmer," says NYC makeup artist...

A-list atomizer.(Beauty News)(Tom Ford updates Estee Lauder's Youth Dew perfume)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Style guru Tom Ford has updated Estee Lauder's first fragrance Youth Dew by giving it a dose of amber. We think this new scent is downright sexy, and the bottle is tres chic too. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Beauty tips for women of color.(Beauty News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... In her new book, The Beauty of Color, supermodel Iman shares some tricks she scooped from her runway days. A sample: When picking a face powder, darker-complected chicks should look for yellow undertones--anything grayish will make your skin...

Sexpot scene.(Beauty News)(Jennifer Aniston)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... An insider from the set of the new flick Rumor Has It said Jennifer Aniston showed up for a take looking so stunning in baby-blue shadow and pink blush and gloss, the extras broke out of character to stare. The director kept it in! ...

Hair Houdini.(Beauty News)(Put On Pieces Clip-in Extensions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... At a recent fiesta, Lindsay Lohan rocked a bob. But scissors never snipped her strands. Her secret? NYC stylist Oscar Blandi pinned up her real hair, then added extensions and trimmed those. Try it yourself with some DIY hairpieces! We like Put...

Genius polish pointer.(Beauty News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... A way to tell if your lacquer is dry: "Apply cold water to one nail. If it glides off, you're good," says Jessica Nails, a fave of Renee Zellweger.

Pick the perfect hair-color kit.(HOW TO ...)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... DRY hair color can turn out totally gorgeous as long as you choose the right hue. Mark Stephens, a colorist at L.A'.s Byron Studio, shares some of his shelf smarts: * If you have a warm skin tone, look for the word golden on the packaging,...

Braided buns.(Trend to Try)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Boho braids were superhip for a while, but now we're loving Jaime King's updated, updo version of the tress effect. "The look is still a bit hippie, but now it's more chic," explains Joy Topping, a stylist at Warren-Tricomi Salon in NYC. To...

Create a coif cocktail.(COSMO LOOK: hair)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Did you know that some products work even better when mixed together? Here, Noah Hatton, a hairstylist for Redken, tells you what concoctions to blend. Curl cream + light-hold gel = frizz-free spirals Texture balm + pomade = pieceyness...

Camouflage a kink.(COOL TRICK)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... If your ponytail elastic left a huge dent in your hair, crib this quick fix from Pancho, owner of Pashah Salon in NYC. "Blend the bump in by adding waves all over. Dampen the bent section, and apply curl cream or mousse throughout your mane....

Time-saver.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Time-Saver: Wrap dry hair around Velcro rollers before bathing your bod. The shower steam will set your locks into gentle waves.

Amazing skin, at any age: want to cop a glowing complexion and ward off age-related issues--like fine lines and wrinkles? Don't wait until you have 40 candles on the cake. Act now!(COSMO: BEAUTY BOOK)
January 1, 2006... * You already know that age plays a huge role in how your skin looks and the way you take care of it. Early on, it's all about acne, but then as the birthdays pile up, other problems do too. But what might remain a mystery is what to do about...

Stylish statements.(cool tips HOT BUYS)
January 1, 2006... Our Sterling Silver Affirmation Jewelry offers the ultimate expression of personal style with over 120 words to personalize a necklace or bracelet. Try one of our popular combinations like Live, Love, Laugh or create your own. It's the perfect...

A gift for all occasions.(cool tips HOT BUYS)
January 1, 2006... Treat yourself or buy one for a friend! Pillpaks designer cases for birth control pills, have a built-in alarm to remind you to take your pill! Never forget again! Give yourself a gift that gives 365 days a year. Only $20. Call 1-866-301-PAKS...

The pimple healer.(cool tips HOT BUYS)
January 1, 2006... Mario Badescu's famous Pink Drying Lotion dries out pimples overnight and helps prevent breakouts. Order: 1-800-BADESCU (223-3728). In NY, 212-223-3728. Or send ck/mo $17.00 + $4.95 s/h: Mario Badescu, Dept. CO0106, 320 East 52nd St., NY, NY...

Larger, fuller breasts without surgery, pills or creams.(cool tips HOT BUYS)(Brava[R] Breast Enhancement System)
January 1, 2006... The Brava[R] Breast Enhancement System can give you the shape you've always wanted. Brava's patented system has been clinically proven to safely grow your own natural breast tissue. Brava is safe and doctor recommended with lasting results of...

Knowledge is power! When it comes to birth control ...
January 1, 2006... DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU TAKE HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A PERIOD EVERY MONTH? New birth control options give you more choices and more freedom--like having your period fewer than the typical 13 times a year. We know...

Talk money with your man: it's a topic that can get ugly ... fast. But these tips will ensure that cash doesn't come between you and your man.(HOW TO ...)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Get on the Same Page Maybe you want to travel while he wants to save for a house. "Discuss your common dreams and individual goals, and then compromise," says Olivia Mellan, author of Overcoming Overspending. Make a Plan Figure...

Give him the frisky once-over.(BLOW-HIS-MIND TIP)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Directing a hungry gaze toward your man is a surefire way to get his attention. For maximum impact, time it right by teasing him with your eyes when you're meeting for dinner or socializing with friends at a party. Start by undressing his body...

'We don't go out on dates anymore.".(SPAT OF THE MONTH)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... "He might not know you're unhappy, so ask him to take you out," says Darlene Mininni, PhD, author of The Emotional Tool Kit. Say something like "I'd love to go out to dinner with you this Friday." Chances are, is as keen as you are to shake...

Your most private sex questions--answered: Cosmo gets to the bottom of your deeply intimate carnal queries. Nothing (and we mean nothing) is off limits.(LOVE AND LUST)
January 1, 2006... If you've ever had a burning sex question that you were too embarrassed to pose even to your best friend, you're not alone. Here at Cosmo, we are flooded with anonymous e-mails from readers about carnal conundrums. "Many women erroneously...

50 fun ways to get closer: these bonding tricks are such a blast to undertake, he'll have no idea they're part of a ploy to fuse your union. Pick and choose the ones that grab you.(LOVE AND LUST)
January 1, 2006... * Whether you've been with your guy for just a few weeks or more than a few years, one thing is likely true: You could 'always be just a little bit tighter as a couple. "Intimacy is an integral part of any budding or long-term relationship,"...

The kind of foreplay he craves: here, six male-body bliss-out moves that'll let your man savor every before-sex sensation.(LOVE AND LUST)
January 1, 2006... * There's a persistent myth floating around that men don't dig presex play, that all they really crave is a grope here and a nibble there and, barn, they're prepped for action. Not true. Not one bit true. The mix-up lies in the fact that guys...

The secret language of men: dudes have their own clever way of talking about love, lust, and dating, so we've been in the dark ... until now. Cosmo cracked the code on their most covert speak.(GUYS UNCENSORED)
January 1, 2006... * Believe it or not, guys do communicate their feelings. It's just that their language is often assembled from sports jargon, movie quotes, and secret male codes, which poses one teensy-weensy problem: We don't always understand them. So Cosmo...

Totally smooth intimate shaving--without the pain and irritation.(cool tips HOT BUYS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Never again endure the pain and embarrassment of waxing! With the Body Bare Intimate Shaving System, women and men alike can experience a smooth, sensual shave anytime. This revolutionary dry shaver is completely safe on your most sensitive...

Holiday sparkle!(cool tips HOT BUYS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... New from Peugeot[R]! Be noticed with this colorful crystal bracelet watch. Each link is bezel set with genuine Austrian crystals and matched with genuine mother-of-pearl dial. A glamorous timepiece which is sure to impress all season long....

The scent is all you notice!(cool tips HOT BUYS)(oil air freshener)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Renuzit Airlets are the most discreet scented oil air freshener providing consistent fragrance for up to 90 days. Airlets' patented design provides two functioning outlets and an adjustable lever to control the intensity. Airlets come in six...

Potent Hoodia Gordonii diet tabs taking world by storm!(cool tips HOT BUYS)(Lean Tabs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Lean Tabs, a powerful thermogenic, is the latest buzz! Feel it working immediately, including a slight warming effect, enhanced energy and decreased appetite within minutes! Used by fitness trainers, models and actresses, leading innovator...

Guys' #1 sex hang-up: small penis? Nope. Can't it up? Think again. His chief bedroom conundrum is a too-soon climax.(LOVE AND LUST)
January 1, 2006... * At some point, just about every guy has gotten overly excited and blasted off too quickly. But here's a stat that may shock you: "About 20 percent of men experience premature ejaculation (PE) on a chronic basis," says Ivan Grunberger, MD,...

Ask him anything: advice from our guru, Jonathan Small.(LOVE AND LUST)
January 1, 2006... Q After years together, my boyfriend broke up with me out of nowhere. Then two weeks later, he said that he realized I was The One and wanted to get back together. What happened during those two weeks to make him change his mind? A Sounds...

Bedroom blog: one woman dishes about her sexy (sometimes dramatic) dating adventures.(LOVE AND LUST)(Short Story)
January 1, 2006... * The story so far: Last month, K.--our fun, fearless, fictional blogger--started wondering if the friends-with-benefits sitch with Shady (aka Derrick) was doomed. Despite their hot-and-heavy nonrelationship, Derrick was flirting with Ashley,...

"Understanding my eating disorder 10 years later": when her diet-obsessed pal began to downsize drastically, Cosmo editor Meaghan Buchan followed suit. Here, she reflects on her long battle with anorexia, triggered by peer pressure.(REAL-LIFE READS)
January 1, 2006... * Today, you can't walk past a newsstand without seeing pictures of a pin-thin actress and her incredibly shrinking BFF. But the pressure to be eensy isn't just on celebs. Regular chicks strive for these impossible ideals too. And like women in...

Are you a Jen or an Angelina? Although they seem day-and-night different, Brad Pitt fell for both. To figure out who you most resemble, read on. It may not be as obvious as you think.(WHAT YOU'RE DYING TO KNOW ABOUT)
January 1, 2006... * When the hottest guy in Hollywood made the headline-grabbing switch from sweetheart Jennifer Aniston to seductress Angelina Jolie, just about every chick on earth seemed to take it personally. Come on, any woman who's ever been dumped can...

The disturbing prime-time trend: TV crime dramas increasingly show women being beaten, raped, tortured, and killed. So why do we tune in?(WHAT YOU'RE DYING TO KNOW ABOUT)
January 1, 2006... * Like many young women, you maybe hooked on one of the several gritty crime shows on TV tiffs season. With three versions of Law & Order mad three CSIs, as well as a slew of new series, it's one of the fastest-growing types of prime-time...

Ways to relax with him.(PLEASURES)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Just chilling out with you man can give you a surge of feel-good vies. Boost that potential with these ideas: GO FOR Bundle up and take an arm-in-arm walk through your A SNUGGLY neighborhood. The crisp air plus your brisk pace...

Warm cookie bliss.(QUICK LIFT)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... There's nothing like that first bite of a fresh-baked treat, but it turns out that simply savoring a yummy smell can put you in a good mood almost instantly. "You can actually derive more pleasure from inhaling a comforting scent than from...

Red-hot stress reliever.(PLEASURES)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... To decompress postwork or before a date, spend a few minutes staring into a rearing fire or cluster of candles. "Focusing on the flickering movement of the flames mesmerizes you, allowing your brain to zone out and your whole body to let go,"...

The 6 new work challenges every chick will face: navigating some of the hurdles that crop up in the modern workplace calls for a type of people smarts that career counselors don't teach you. We show you how to survive ... and thrive.(YOU)
January 1, 2006... * Once you land a job you really dig, it doesn't take long to figure out that getting ahead isn't simply about being good at what you do. In the current hyperactive work world, there are booby traps at every turn. So besides the skills, you...

Too-fast friendships: finding a new partner-in-crime can be superfun, but buddying up at breakneck speed has pitfalls. Cosmo explores the phenomenon.(YOU)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... * In Hollywood, chicks seem to become BFF almost instantly, and their alliances fizzle out just as fast. Plenty of real girls participate in full-throttle friendships too--sometimes with similar results. "Instant best friends give you a sense...

Are you approachable? Do people flock to you like bees to honey or are you constantly giving them a "buzz off" signal? Find out.(COSMO QUIZ)
January 1, 2006... (1) When you catch someone staring your way, you often: a. Say "Hi, can I help you?" b. Give a quick nod and smile, then return to what you're doing. c. Dart your eyes away. Stalker. (2) The most personal info I'd give a guy I...

Don't go there!(YOU)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Don't Go There! While plenty of dudes love when a woman comes up to them first, stop yourself from making these overtures: * Slip him a note that says: "Hey * Throw a large glass of ice-cold you. I'm available. Meet me in the...

My weird coworker: one question: how did these freak shows ever get the job?(YOUR WORK LIFE)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... * "Marc is an English teacher at the high school where I work. He was always a little odd--he refused to shake people's hands--but then he started using a tissue to open doors and carrying cleaner in his bag. I was doing a science experiment...

Nix post-vacay blues.(TRICK OF THE MONTH)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Take it easy. Spend 15 minutes chatting with coworkers in the a.m. "You'll feel relaxed and back in the loop," says John D. Drake, PhD, author of Downshifting. Start with something you love. Kick off your comeback by tackling an assignment...

You've got a H-O-T boss.(YOUR WORK LIFE)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... SCENARIO He's so smokin', he's sailed past Orlando as your dream guy. WORK & LOVE OPTION 1 He makes you nervous. Try these tips to keep cool. Before talking to him, jot down the points you want to cover to help you stay...

Get past a mistake.(STRESS SOS)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Say you committed a major faux pas at a dinner party or were caught in a big lie. "Agonizing over a mistake just gets you stuck in a pointless worry spiral," says Holly Hazlett-Stevens, PhD, author of Women Who Worry Too Much. "It makes it much...