Girls' Life articles from December 2007

Girls' Life archives from December 2007

Find your perfect pen pal!(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Ever wish you had faraway friends? Girls who could let you know what's up in Wisconsin? A bud who knows the coolest trends in Tuscaloosa? Or maybe just someone you can tell your innermost secrets--without the chance of your entire school...

Ash is a smash!(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I really enjoyed "In a Tizzy" [Hangin" With, O/N '07]. It showed a different side of Ashley Tisdale. She's a great role model for girls with busy lives. She showed it's OK if you're not perfect.--A reader

Coke is no joke.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... When I read "All That Glitters... " [Special Report, O/N '07], I was speechless. Last December, one of my sister's best friends died from a cocaine overdose. It turns out the friend had been addicted to cocaine for a few years. My sister and a...

A weighty topic.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... "The Weighting Game" [O/N '07] helped me realize it's normal for athletes like me to weigh more because of muscle. This article might have saved me from anorexia and other eating disorders.--A reader I always like GL, but "The Weighting...

Hair Healin'.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)
December 1, 2007... Thank you for mentioning trichotillomania [Body Q&A, O/N '07]. I suffer from this disorder, and it's comforting to know other girls deal with the same problem. I wanted to mention to other sufferers that it is possible to stop pulling out your...

Sent from a smarty.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... I was upset to see the words "Polish for Dummies" [Beauty Trend, O/N '07]. I've been on the honor roll every quarter, but I can't paint my nails at all. Your magazine shouldn't call girls dumb, even if it is meant lightly.--A reader

Love for low.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... Thank you sooo much for featuring All Time Low [Top 10, O/N '07]. When I saw the little square of their CD cover, I couldn't believe it. I have loved All Time Low for a few years. The guys (Zack, Rian, Alex and Jack) are so interactive with...

It's a shoe-in.(shoe donation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lots of girls have shoes pouring out of their closet. It's easy to forget that in the United States and around the world, more than 300 million children are without shoes. That's why Soles4Souls is on a mission to...

Happy days.(Short Stuff)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What makes you happy? If you're anything like the 1,280 people ages 15 to 24 who answered questions for the Associated Press and MTV, the answer may be spending time with family. Twenty percent said family gets them...

Unsportsmanlike behavior.(teenage girl sport)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's not whether you win or lose, right? But some coaches seem to have missed that memo. Ten percent of girls 13 to 18 stopped playing a sport because a coach told them they weren't good enough, according to Weekly...

1.1 hours: 1.4 hours.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Middle-school girls spend an average of 1.4 hours per day on homework compared to 1.1 hours per day by boys. --Harris Poll Online Survey

Thinkin' pink.(Short Stuff)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pink is a girl color. Sound sexist? Well, a recent study of 208 guys and gals ages 20 to 26, published in Current Biology, proved girls really do prefer pinkish colors, and boys just don't. Participants were asked to...

A sweeter sixteen.(Cool Girl)(Olivia Lafrate)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Who wouldn't want an outta-this-world Sweet 16 party? Massachusetts teen Olivia lafrate was set to have a fabulous party for her birthday last year, but instead of presents, she asked friends and family to donate money to charity. "I'd been...

Miss popularity.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In my old school, I was popular. Since I've moved, I feel like a dork. Guys barely talk to me, and I'm not in my rightful place in the social hierarchy. Should I give it time or accept where I am? Dear Miss...

A friend who wants to help.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My friend and I have a crush on the same guy, and I just found out he has a crush on her. I'm fine with that. The problem is her parents won't let her date, but I'm allowed to date. If I went on a double date with them while her parents thought...

Dear too young.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My BF is 16, and I am 12. Usually when we hang out, he kisses me before he leaves. But the other day, we were in my room and he turned out the lights and got very close and made out with me, and, well, you know. Do you think he'll try to make...

Facebook fury.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My best friend and I just had a huge fight because I didn't want to comment on her Facebook pictures. How can I make up with her and be friends again? Dear Facebook Fury, Tell her you like the photos but that you're not very...

Friendly Problem.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... This girl thinks I am her best friend, but I'm not. My mom says she is a bad influence in school because she distracts me. She sits next to me for every class, even though I have other friends I'd like to sit with. Dear Friendly Problem,...

Stumped and torn.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... I'm a sophomore, and there is always a party at the end of each semester. I requested that we not do anything as a family the first weekend of winter break so I could go to the party. My morn said OK, and we even talked about my outfit. Now, my...

I know my friend's secret.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My BFF just found out her dad isn't her biological father. She didn't tell me, but my morn did, asking if she'd been acting strange or anything. My morn said she and my dad have known about this for years. Should I say anything to my BFF, now...

Friend in denial.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... I have a friend who is in denial. She needs therapy, but she says counseling is for messed-up kids. We tell her she needs to talk to someone, but she says she is fine and tries to change the subject. How do I get her to talk? Dear Friend...

Help me.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My BF is totally in love with me. I'm not sure I feel the same. At first, I loved him but not anymore. He tells me I'm the only thing he cares about. His home life is terrible, and his mother is crazy. (She tells him she should have aborted...

Intimidated.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... I always think people don't like me. I have no reason for thinking this--I just do. So I don't talk to people and am easily intimidated by them. A friend recently called me on this bad quality of mine. What can I do to change? Dear...

Confused about mom.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... My family recently visited some out-of-state cousins, and my mom didn't come home with us. I had not heard from her in a month, but she called last night so I let out my anger. This is not the first time she's done this. She wants me to forgive...

Fiance Fiasco.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My 18-year-old sister just got engaged, and everyone in my family hates her fiance. I dislike him, but not as much as everyone else does. The problem is that my morn wants me to side with her, and my sister wants me...

Bling it on: GL uncovered a treasure trove of holiday jewels--all under $50. Bracelets, baubles and tonsa gems. This winter, let the ice pile up.(GL's BEST NEW FASHION TREND)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crown jewels A bejeweled 'band looks super luxe with your fave party dress. Adds extra drama (the good kind) to your cute-jeans-and-a-tunic combo for that date this Friday. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Don't...

Warm up winter! Banish winter blahs! Your skin can look spring fresh (who cares if it's sub-zero?) faster than you think. Rosy cheeks, peachy lips and all-over color. No exotic vacation required.(GL's BEST NEW BEAUTY TREND)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Get glowing Cream blush gives that just-in-from-skiing flush. Dab on your cheeks, and blend like mad. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eye opener [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Frosted liner wakes up...

The outdo diva: one-upper. Thunder-stealer. Attention-grabber. Ugh ...(GL BFFs)
December 1, 2007... Your BFF is the best--literally. Whenever you have a moment of glory to spill, she has one even more amazing. THE ONE-UP It's lunchtime, and your girls are all ears as you dish about your victorious weekend on the slopes. Just as you tell...

GL Body Q&A.
December 1, 2007... I've talked to my mom about getting a female gyno, but she says my male doc sees hundreds of patients every week. Still, I feel awkward. Your mom's right--a teen girl having a male doc is quite normal. But if it prevents you from asking...

GL guys Q&A.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My boyfriend is friends with my brother and is always hanging out with him instead of me. Help! BILL Does your BF have a sister you can fix your brother up with? If not, ask your brother for some space so you and...

Is he a keeper ... or a playa? Flirt alert! Your guy's chattin' up another chica. How do you tell if he's just being friendly--or a low-down dawg?(GL GUYS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You cruise down the hall to meet your guy at his locker--but there he is laughing it up with Alicia from Spanish. Sure, their convo could be full-on innocent--or your guy might be cheesing behind your back. Here are...

GL ask Lucky.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My BFF is having a New Year's Eve party and plans to have Spin the Bottle--with real kisses. I haven't had a first kiss, and I want it to be with someone I like. I'm afraid that if I talk to her about it, I'll sound...

Buh-bye, bah humbug! Rather deck the next guy you see in an oversized red suit than deck the halls? Here's how to nix the the itch to be a Scrooge.(GL LIFE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've burnt your fourth batch of cookies, don't have enough moolah for those earrings for Mom and, get again, to grandmother's house you go--oh, no! Time to put the jingle back in your bells, sister. DIVVY UP...

Miley face! GL gets some phone time with the one, the only ...(GL HANGIN' WITH)(Cover story)
December 1, 2007... Drum roll, please. This Nashville native has sold out concert venues in four minutes fiat! Elvis has come back to life? No. It's just-turned-15 Miley Cyrus, and she's busting up Billboard charts like nobody's business. That thick, homespun...

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.(Flicks)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Imagine holiday shopping in a store where everything comes to life. That's how it is in the Wonder Emporium, at least for those who believe. Natalie Portman plays a timid store manager chosen as successor to her...

Fred Claus.(Flicks)(Movie review)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fred Claus is nothing like his little bro (you know, St. Nick?]. When Fred's naughty wags land him in jail, his responsible, good-hearted brother bails him out, as long as he agrees to come to the North Pole and work...

The Golden Compass.(Flicks)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Twelve-year-old Lyre is on an epic quest to save a friend who's been kidnapped--but this is no ordinary journey. Along the way, she meets talking bears who fight wars, witches, angels and more. The first in a...

Horse Life.(gAme)
December 1, 2007... Wishin' for a pony? We doubt Santa will be leaving one under the tree, but Horse Life (Nintendo DS) can change that by letting you care for a virtual horse. You must feed him, ride him, clean his stall and compete in competitions. The better...

Snowglobe.(tUbe)(Television program review)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Angela (Christina Milian) longs for the perfect world she sees in her snowglobe--and then she's in it! But her presence causes the winter wonderland to lose its innocence, and her dream man shows up in the real world...

The Name of this Book is Secret.(ReaDs)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch Little, Brown, $17 Warning: This book is dangerous. But if you're brave, this is for you. It has riddles, codes, a magician, a pyramid and two resourceful...

Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall.(ReaDs)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass Little, Brown, $17 Gym class, dodgeball, a broken neck, and Tessa is floating above her body. To heaven? Looks like the mall. A bog gives Tessa a strange list-items...

The Castle Corona.(ReaDs)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech HarperCollins, $19 Long ago, in the land of Corona, there was a beautiful castle with a royal family who had no clue. They had everything, but still wanted something. Two orphan...

The Secret Handshake: one full year.(jaMs)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One Full Year Welcome to funky town! This quirky solo sensation jam-pecks eclectic electronic beats with emo, R&B, hip-hop--you name it! If ya totally dig the groovin' sounds of Hellogoodbge, TSH (aka Luis Dubuc) is...

Taylor Swift: sounds of the season.(jaMs)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A little country, a little rock 'n' roll. Honky-tonk roots intact, Taylor puts her signature sound to classic Christmas tunes--and two originals written by the down-home diva. Get it only at Target.

Jennifer Tisdale.(GL SPOTLIGHT)(Interview)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOW YA KNOW HER Last name sound familiar? She's Ashley's big sis! And she's cheerleader Chelsea in Bring It On: In It to Win It, on DVD Dec. 18. Plus, she appears in Ashley's "He Said She Said" music vid. MOD SQUAD...

Camp cute-tee-poo.(GL: CUTIE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After a short hike up a wooded hill along a lake, we spot the Jonas Brothers. The three sibs are standing around a black stretch limousine, a handlebar-mustached chauffeur nearby. But it's not what you might think....

Sparks is flyin'!(GL: HANGING' WITH)(Jordin Sparks)(Interview)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I can't stand her," Blake Lewis growls during a private American Idols concert tour rehearsal. Jordin freezes. For a second, the room goes dead silent. Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson and LaKisha Jones exchange...

Karen the editor's page.
December 1, 2007... For what it's worth, I am now ready to get hit by a bus. The old saying is that two things in life are inevitable: death and taxes. While I sure hope I live to be 100 (and that something less creepy than Botox can make me not look like a dried...

I'm with the band: a li'l sparkle, lots a heavy metal and plenty of rock 'n' roll velvet. What more could a girl want? How 'bout a cute band to jam with? GL hits a fashion high with all time low.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dance, Dance. Just because the guys are wearin' jeans and sneaks doesn't mean you have to! Rock a vintage-inspired dress. Metallic tights make it edgy. Bright eyes All black is classic rock. Catch his...

Don't dream it--do it! Why waste time imagining how great life would be ... if only all your wishes were to come true? Instead, take on a fresh-for-the-new-year game plan to make any dream an awesome reality!
December 1, 2007... Two. Thousand. And eight! It's coming around fast, and you're psyched--but stuck. You spent all last year fantasizing about how amazing it would be to have a cool new crew, snag a supersweet BF, star in the school play... and then ya snapped...

Mr. Right-on! You dig him, but you think he must be all wrong because ... why? He's older? Your BFF's ex? What? Here's why it might not matter.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What happens when you have a crush on the "wrong" boy? Like, that dude from summer vacation who is skater-cute but already hooked up? Or the guy from chem class who's goth and you're... not? When making a...

Are you naughty or nice? Yeah, the fat guy is coming to town. So ... have you made the list?
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stockings are hung, chestnuts are roasting--the holidays are here! Are you going to score lotsa prezzies or a big o1' hunk of coal? Find out if you've been a good girl.... [1] Your numero uno New Year's...

GL charm school: get down with good manners. All the cool kids are doing it.(Girl's Life)
December 1, 2007... Etiquette. It never goes out of fashion. So at the risk of seeming rude, GL asked readers to dish their embarrassing bed-manners moments. We consulted the utmost experts on social savvy to find out how these situations could be handled with...

GL'S awesomely spectacular 2008 Astro-chart.(Girls' Life)(Table)
December 1, 2007... COSMIC STYLE ARIES 3/21/19 An above-the-knee form- fitting dress in "here I am!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] red is so you, pretty Ram. ...

Up to the challenge: some girls have to do a lot more than make good on new year's resolutions to turn their lives around. Here's how Adriana, 17, did it--and with military precision!
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I'm the last person who'd want to be pitied, but my childhood wasn't exactly picture perfect. I was 6 when my mom married my stepdad, and he was extremely abusive in every way imaginable. Somehow, I made it through...

Where to turn if you're having troubles.(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If there is abuse in your home, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for free advice and support 24/7 at 1-800-7997233. If you just need someone to talk to about problems, go to teenlineonline.org or...

Fashion resolutions.(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yeah, we know you're passing on that third cookie and will sooo write thank-you notes (promptly!) in 2008. Time to take those resolutions to your closet. Happy New Year, gorgeous! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I...

Big night looks in 5 minutes flat! 8 gorgeous, they'll-last-all-night hair and makeup tricks that'll have you out the door and on the dance floor.
December 1, 2007... Red Kiss [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Want red lips that look right now? Skip over lipstick, and slick on a gloss. "Focus on one area when going bold," says celeb makeup artist Gregory Arlt. Your smile steals the show. Have an extra sec? Go...

GL Knock-offs! You can go to the mall and blow beaucoup bucks on holiday prezzies. Or hang onto the bulk of your allowance by doing it yourself for a fraction of the $. Think inspiration, not imitation!
December 1, 2007... CUTE CROCHET CAP skein of acrylic yarn * 4.5 mm crochet hook * extra yarn for trim * decorative button * large sewing needle Crochet a chain of 4 stitches; join ends with a slip stitch. Do 9 double crochets into the circle's center. Do 2...

Healthy mind, healthy body, Healthy you! Look great in 2008! (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) But seriously, GL has a new program that will leave you looking and feeling your all-time best. What better way to start the new year?(Girls' Life)
December 1, 2007... Truth is, we all feel insecure at times. We get letters from who think they're too tall, too short, too skinny, too curvy, too whatever. All those hang-ups are confidence-busters. That's why GL is on a mission to help girls feel good about...

Flaked out!(GL AND HOW WAS YOUR DAY?)
December 1, 2007... We have Snow Week at our school, and kids dress up every day. The first day was Pajama Day, so on Monday I came to school in my red flannels. I was the only one--Snow Week wasn't until the following week. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I was...