Girls' Life articles from December 2008

Girls' Life archives from December 2008

Find your perfect pen pal!(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... 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...

I love Miranda.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a GL reader, I totally love that you put Miranda Cosgrove on the cover. She's a great role model, and I don't know one person who hasn't heard of iCarly. You've impressed me once again with your pick.--Alyssa ...

All or nothing.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I fell in love with your article "Be the girl who has it all" [GL Life, O/N '08]. It reminded me of something that happened two years ago. I started baton twirling and considered quitting after a few months, but decided to continue to see what...

Sporty spice.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... When I read your "Fierce Competition" [GL Special Report, O/N '08] article, I could relate to it 100 percent. I have had a volleyball coach for two years, and the only thing on her mind is winning. She frustrates the team with all the pressure...

What's up?(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... Oh my goodness! I thought your article "What's up down there?" [GL Body, O/N '08] was excellent. I was having some serious issues with smelting, and your article really helped me put things in perspective.--A reader Thanks so much for...

All grown up.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I have been reading Girls' Life since fourth grade, and I am now a sophomore in college. My sister is an avid reader, so I still pick it up when I'm home visiting. Something caught my attention in Dear Carol [O/N '08]. A girl was saying how she...

Fab fans.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I just want to say thank you so much for GL! I've been searching all over for a magazine that isn't too young or old for me, and I finally found the perfect one. I love reading your articles, which have given me a lot of advice. I like that you...

Fiction fancy.(You Said It!)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I really missed the fiction piece in your October/November issue. It's my favorite part of the magazine and generally has a good story and nice lesson. I just got back from evacuating [due to Hurricane Ike], and I was so excited to see the new...

Silence isn't golden.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My boyfriend is really sweet, funny and hot. But he barely talks to me in person, and he flirts with other girls. Online, he tells me I'm the only one he likes. I don't want to break up with him. But we don't talk, we only IM. Dear Silence...

Cell Phone Saga.(Dear Carol)
December 1, 2008... I really wanted a cell phone, and I got one last month. Yesterday, I put a bottle of Snapple in my purse, and I must not have put the top on right because it spilled all over the place, I'm really mad because my parents are making me pay for a...

Embarrassed.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My parents are separated. One of my friends asked me about my dad, and I found it hard to even sputter, "I don't like to talk about it." I could tell she was embarrassed and so was I. Is there a way for it to be less awkward? Dear...

Talking about boys to parents.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I want to convince my parents that I can hang out with guys and girls and have a boyfriend, but any time I mention this, they get mad. My Buy friends are like brothers to me, but my parents always assume that they are my boyfriends, which they...

Fighting with mom.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My morn and I fight all the time. I know I sound like a bad daughter, but I'm so sick of her act: She treats my sister better than me and gives her more attention. When she does peg attention to me, we fight because she doesn't care what I have...

Brother's bad behavior.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My little brother is everything to me. I love him so much, but he is rude to the family. I tried to teach him to be good, but he won't change. He's only 7, and I just want him to be the brother I've always wanted. Dear Brother's Bad...

E-mail girl.(Dear Carol)
December 1, 2008... I met this guy at zoo camp last summer, and we've been e-mailing back and forth ever since school started. I really like him, but how am I supposed to know if he likes me as more than a friend? And if he does, do we keep on e-mailing or do we...

Left out.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I'm feeling left out at school. I came in as a new student this gear, end all the people in my grade already knew each other. Even people who just met clicked better and faster than I did. I have a lot of doubts about myself, and I change to...

Pressured by BF.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My boyfriend is pressuring me to have sex, and I don't want to. What can I do? Dear Pressured by BF, Tell him you don't like feeling pressured and that it's not fun when every hug or kiss turns into a tug-of-war. Have this talk when you're...

I was here first.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I see my dad every other weekend. Now he lives with his girlfriend and her four kids, so it's never just the two of us. His idea of father/daughter bonding is for us to go grocery shopping for his GF and her kids. He spends no time with me even...

Wants a bra.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Every year, my parents ask me to write a letter to Santa. It's their way to saying, "We want to know what you want for Christmas!" But the thing I want, I can't put on a list. I am 14 and don't have a bra. My friends do, and I want one so...

Illegal love.(Dear Carol)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... My family owns horses, and last year my dad hired someone new to take care of them. I have feelings for him. He is 25 (I am 15), and he is married. But when he talks to his wife on the phone, he never sounds happy. After he gets done with the...

Top star is born.(GL FASHION: BEST NEW TREND)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... The ultimate girly go-to is making a comeback. Splashed in feminine florals or rockin' little ruffles, this classic makes ya look instantly pulled together. This winter, blouses are anything but buttoned-up Don't wish! Every bit of...

Get insta glam! Diamonds may be a girl's BFF, but we've got affordable finds that'll make ya sparkle!(GL FASHION: CUTE AND CHEAP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CLUTCH SHOT Ditch your big bag and keep essentials in your hand. Love the velvet and the vintage vibe. $23, shop4sparkles.com NOT SO COOKIE-CUTTER Fresh-baked earrings come off as kitschy-cool, not kiddie. $16,...

Find a stylish sweater that flatters!(GL FASHION: LOVE YOUR BOD)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Don't spend another winter hibernating in bulky turtlenecks and shapeless pullovers. Here's how to score cozy, cute knits perfect for your bod. Ally, 14 COZIED UP TO A short--sleeve turtleneck with pleating that helps give Ally more curves...

Art school cool.(GL FASHION: REAL LIFE STYLE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sarah, 17, sketches, paints and sews her own designs. By mixing from-the-mall staples with unique vintage pieces, she rocks a look that's totally chic--and all her own. How would you describe your look? I...

You glow girl.(GL BEAUTY: BEST NEW TREND)
December 1, 2008... This party-packed season, shimmer smolders as the simplest way to step out in star-studded glamour. Skip the kiddie glitter and seek out girly shades that are part pink, part gold. The result? You're all gorgeous. GOLDIE GIRL This...

Eye-popping eyeliners!(GL BEAUTY: YOUR PERFECT SHADE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Finding the right eye pencil just got loads easier. We've got the hottest shades and super-easy how-tos that'll make your eyes sparkle this holiday season. No need to read between the lines, it's all right here. ...

Big bang theory.(GL BEAUTY: HAIR)
December 1, 2008... Whether perfectly piece-y or sweetly spiky, bangs add easy drama to your 'do. Ready to make the out? Here's how to get this look right (hint: leave the scissors to the pros). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bold 'n' Blunt PERFECT ON Girls...

Relationship resolutions: forget swearing off sweets or cutting back on texting. This year, resolve to fix what's keeping you and your BFF apart.(GL BFF)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEWSFLASH: Friend flameouts are so 2008. This year is all about reviving rocky relationships before they become a thing of the past. GL's here to help you keep your bond strong all year long. PAL PROBLEM She...

BFF dilemma: my BFF wants to go to parties with me, but she's awkward once she's there. What should I do?(GL BFF)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give her attention so she doesn't feel like an outcast. We all know what it feels like to be alone and left out, and it's horrible. Ask her to join in on the convo you're having. The most important thing is to make...

GL body & Q&A.
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whenever I get called on in class or talk to my crush, my face gets totally flushed. I am not embarrassed or nervous, really, but I can't stop it. It doesn't always take a hugely dramatic embarrassing moment to...

Score sweet dreams stat: totally tired? Don't worry, you can rest easy--we've got seven wags to fix your sleep probs fast.(GL BODY)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What a nightmare! According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens are totally sleep-deprived. A recent study by NSF found that just 20 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds get the recommended nine hours of shutege on a...

GL guys Q&A.
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A guy asked me out. I don't like him like that, so I told him we could see a movie as friends. Afterward, he told everyone we went on a date! How do I nicely tell him we aren't dating? BILL You know the phrase,...

Handle holiday hiccups: 'tis the season to be merry--not stressed over guy probs!(GL GUYS)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The holidays are here--and this year, you're feeling even more cheer because you've got a gorge guy by your side. It may feel like you're always walkin' in a winter wonderland with your BF, but the holidays have a...

Cram like a champ! The big test is on Monday, and you feel overwhelmed. Give us a few days, and we'll show you the speedy way to an A.(GL LIFE)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Procrastinate much? You're not alone. If you're like a lot of people, you may be guilty of doing everything at the last minute--especially school stuff. After all, with everything else going on in your life, it can...

Keke Palmer: the New VP.(GL What's Hot)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 15-year-old has already made a name for herself with movies like Akeelah and the Bee and the Disney smash Jump In! But now she's scored her own Nick show, True Jackson, VP (catch it Saturdays at 8:30 ET). "I...

GL's crushin' on ... Dylan & Cole Sprouse.(GL What's Hot)(Interview)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Yap, double the cute! The 16-year--old stem of the hilarious new spin-off The Suite Life on Deck (airing Fridays at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel) discuss everything from pranks and girls to the holidays, of course! OH, BROTHER Dylan's 15...

We love Jake!(MuSt sEe)(Jake T. Austin)(Interview)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] And you will too, when you see the five sweet things Jake T. Austin loves best. The star of Wizards of Waverly Place (Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on Disney Channel) and the upcoming feature film Hotel for Dogs (out...

The 39 Clues, Maze of Bones.(MuSt rEaD)(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 39 Clues, Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan, Scholastic, $13 Meet Amy and Dan of the Cahill clan, whose ancestors include Ben Franklin, Houdini and Abe Lincoln. When Grandma Grace dies, the kids are given a...

The Cabinet of Wonders.(MuSt rEaD)(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $17 Petra Kronos lives in a village with her family and best friend--a tin spider named Astrophil. The spider was crafted by her father, who...

Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister.(MuSt rEaD)(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister by Liz Kessler, Candlewick, $16 The new girl Daisy is a bit snotty, but Philippa hopes they can become friends and maybe magically improve the misery she's felt since her BFF...

15 minutes with ... Christian Serratos.(Interview)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 18-gear-old Twilight star dishes with GL about her role as Bella's BFF Angela and her obsession with red candy. GL: Tell us about Angela, your character in Twilight. Christian: Angela is a human. She's more...

Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Deck the halls with Nickelodeon's dreamy duo as they promise one farm the best Christmas they've ever had. The music-filled comic adventure reunites the whole cast, airing December 5 at 8 pm. ET.

3 Willows.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... Catch the next generation of the "Sisterhood." Author Ann Brashares' latest book, to be released January 13, follows three teenagers embarking on their own journey through South Bethesda High. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The family dinner box of questions.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Which TV family is most like your own?" With over 30 questions in each The Box Girls set--there's one for Christmas, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving, too-- holiday dinner convos will be even more delish!

The Tale of Despereaux.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... What do a big-eared mouse, a rat and a princess have in common? They're all heroes in Universal's new animated fairy tale, in theaters December 19. Catch Emma Watson's voice as Princess Pea. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The original Christmas classics.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Take a trip down memory lane with Frosty and Mr. Magoo in this DVD box set of seven classics, including our fave claymation flick, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." We heart the misfit toys!

You're in the movies.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... Take to the screen, drama queen, with this new interactive game for Xbox 360. Star in a reel of flicks with friends or hop in the director's chair for your own creation. Get ready for your close-up!

The Davids.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... It's the battle of David Archuleta and David Cook--again! Both American Idol cuties just dropped their debuts. We're lovin' Archie's "Crush" and Cook's "Light On"--don't make us choose!

Imagine Party Babyz.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... Prove you're the best 'sitter on the block--without the mess. Grab your Wii and entertain the virtual rugrats with 40 hilarious mini-games, unlocking adorable outfits and creating your ideal clientele.

Elle Fanning.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... Move over Dakota, there's a new Fanning in town. Adorable look-alike li'l sis, Elle, plays a young Daisy in the fantasy drama The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in theaters Christmas Day.

Create your own paper-craft cards.(Gl's Must List)
December 1, 2008... Skip the card aisle this year, 'cause this kit's got tools you can use to put together perfectly pretty cards. Stocked with glue, glitter and colorful shapes, it's also a sweet holiday gift for your most crafty pal.

Fabulously fearless: in the glare of the spotlight, Taylor Swift is busy juggling a super successful career with life as a regular girl.(Interview)
December 1, 2008... It's a perfect blue-sky afternoon at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, but we're not spending the day riding roller coasters. Instead, we're with superstar Taylor Swift. And she's bleeding. "I'm sorry. It's so gross. I'm trying to hide it," she...

Karen the Editor's Page.(Christmas )
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For quite a number of years, Christmas and I didn't get along. It started when my parents divorced. As any kid with split parents who aren't Bruce Willis and Demi Moore will tell you, spending your holiday shuffling...

Paint the town.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GLOSSY MEETS GRUNGE Luxe looks get tough when formals flirt with sporty chic. The writings on the wall--ya don't have to be super dressy to stand out this season. You can make gout mark... your way. PICK...

Party like a pro! You've got the invite. We've got the foolproof guide to being the belle of the bash.
December 1, 2008... Evites are fillin' up your inbox. Are you ready? From looking amazing to being a great guest, GL's got the insider secrets you need to rock every party right. Save on style. Can't afford to buy a new outfit for every party on your...

What's your 2009 love resolution: wanna make this the year of rochin' romance? Take this quiz to figure out how!
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sure, 2008 was great. But 2009 will be divine--especially when it comes to your guy sitch. How can we be so sure? 'Cuz GL's got the inside scoop on simple changes you can make to rev up the romance in your life. ...

Home is where the heart is: news flash! You don't have to be Angelina Jolie or Oprah Winfrey to make a difference in the world--and Hannah Salwen, 16, is proof. When she discovered that merely hoping to end world hunger just wouldn't cut it, she took matters into her own hands--with awe-inspiring results.(WELCOME)(Viewpoint essay)
December 1, 2008... There's no question my younger brother Joe and I grew up privileged. We went to an upperclass school, otherwise know as "The Rich Kids' School," where everybody has an iPhone and lots of unbelievable stuff. We also had a "Wow!" house,...

Are you too demanding? When it comes to getting what you want, do you make a wish list or a list of demands? Take this quiz to find out!
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's not called the giving season for nothing--from sweet treats to generous gifts, you'll probably cross a few must-haves off your wish list this holiday. But as for what you really want from life, do you make...

Coming out of the darkness: the holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for the thousands of teens suffering from depression, it's often hard to find anything to be festive about. Here, GL goes into the dark world of teen depression to shed some light on this serious mental illness.(GL SPECIAL REPORT)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Growing up, Jayme B.* had always been a happy and outgoing girl, full of energy and quick with a smile. But just a few months after her 16th birthday, Jayme's usual sunny personality became much darker. Suddenly...

Pretty party hair ... any girl can get tonight!(GL BEAUTY NOTEBOOK)
December 1, 2008... You scoured the mall for the just-right dress and finally found a dreamy date. Now ya just need the perfect locks to finish your look, natch. Whether you're going glare for the holiday ball or super sweet and girly for the New Year's bash,...

Make this your best year ever! Our Healthy You program was such a huge hit last year--both in the mag and online--we've decided to expand and improve it, just for you! Welcome to a brand new year of looking and feeling amazing.
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Being healthy is all about being good to your bod (think: exercising and eating plenty of nutritious foods). It's not about being stick thin or obsessing over what you eat. We've got six specific bite-sized plans...

Ask the trainer.(G-LIFE: Healthy Mind Healthy Body Healthy You)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How do I know when I'm too sore to exercise? "Good sore is when you feel the muscle being used," celeb trainer Mark Jenkins tells us. "You can keep working." Think of a time when you busted out an amazing ab workout....

Busted.(G-LIFE: Healthy Mind Healthy Body Healthy You)(sugary cereals)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU'VE HEAD: Avoid sugary cereals at all costs! Go for grainy goods like granola instead. THE TRUTH: Stick with those Cheerios. Granola (like the crunchy kind above) has twice as many calories (345 in a cup) as...

Best of the buffet table: sampling from every platter that's passed will leave ya feelin' more stuffed than Tom the Turkey. Here's our guide to better-for-you party picks.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GOOD THINGS IN SMALL PACKAGES Pigs in a blanket, mini eggrolls, Swedish meatballs--that's a lot of fat and calories in one little bite. Our smarter starter? Shrimp cocktail--it's got lotsa protein (more than half...

Stay fit during the holidays.(G-LIFE: Healthy Mind Healthy Body Healthy You)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From piles of parties to trimming the tree, a girl doesn't always have tonsa time to exercise during the holidays. Fit 'n' lab GL readers share their super easy ways to keep the cheery time of year healthy, too....

Eat this!(G-LIFE: Healthy Mind Healthy Body Healthy You)
December 1, 2008... Not only is broccoli at its best in the winter, a recent study shows that this antioxidant-rich veggie may protect lungs. While lotsa lung damage comes from smoking (which we know you'd never do!), studies have shown that pollution can be...

Can the ham.(ONE SIMPLE SWITCH!)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recent research shows that teens need to double their daily Vitamin D intake. One easy way to do it? Swap your deli sammie (like ham or turkey) for tuna fish once in a while. You'll get a quarter of your daily...

Jump to your best, ever bod!(THE NEW YEAR, NEW YOU WORKOUT!)
December 1, 2008... For this full-on fat-blasting routine, you only need a jump rope and plenty of room. It's a great place to start (hello, no fancy gym required) and an easy way to get into the, ahem, swing of working out. You'll torch over 200 calories in 20...

Cheap, easy & totally cute: the perfect prezzies for your pals! What better way to show your friends you care than with homemade, crafted-with-love creations? These projects from Planet Girl's Everywear are so fab, why bother battling the crowds at the mall at all?
December 1, 2008... These beauteous bangles were made with Japanese paper, but you can use any kind that suits your style--even fancy gift wrap or pages from GL. Bonsai Bangle [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STUFF YOU NEED a large cardboard mailing tube...

You're so sweet! Got an afternoon? A couple bucks? Then head to the grocery store, babe, and make batches of these gift-worthy goodies.(GL FOOD)
December 1, 2008... Go ahead, impress your friends and family with these tasty treats from the new Cookbook For Girls (DK Publishing, $18, March 2009), Easy, delicious and as sweet as you are. Toffee Popcorn INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp corn oil * 1/2 cup...

GL's awesomely spectacular 2009 astro chart.(Table)
December 1, 2008... GL'S AWESOMELY SPECTACULAR 2009 ASTRO CHART STAR STYLE SOLAR SISTER ARIES Rockin' threads without a Your bestie's, well, the 3/12-4/19 purpose? So NOT Totally best! You cheer her on...

Party crasher.(AND HOW WAS YOUR DAY?)
December 1, 2008... It was my holiday piano recital, and afterward there was a reception with cookies, cake and punch. I was so distracted, I ignored my piano teacher's warning about the wobbly table. As I leaned onto the table for a cookie, the entire thing...