Girls' Life articles from February 2006

Girls' Life archives from February 2006

Find your perfect pen pal!
February 1, 2006... Ever wish you had faraway friends? Girls who could let you know what's up in Wisconsin? A bud who knows the trends in Tuscaloosa? Or maybe just someone you can tell your innermost secrets--without the chance of your entire school finding out?...

WatsON, WatsOFF!(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I love your celeb picks. I'm so glad you chose Emma Watson [Hangin' With, D/J '06] for the cover. She has great style and doesn't let what other people say bother her. --A reader I understand why you put Emma Watson on your...

Wishing well.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... Qyzra's story is so inspiring! I'm really glad there are organizations out there like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It upsets me that others don't understand Qyzra's disability. Thank you for granting her wish and for informing people like me...

Poor choice of words.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I can't believe what you said in "Are you Dateable?" [D/J '06]. Answer C for question 5 says, "Secretly worry that your makeup or your hair looks retarded." Why did you do that? Retarded is not an insult, it's a disability. Please, don't do it...

Dear Santa Claus ...(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I was so disgusted with the "Holiday Hassle Survival Guide" [D/J '06]. I still believe in Santa, and I can't believe you write about there being no Santa. I don't think it's fair, and I can't imagine what I'll be thinking on Christmas Eve. ...

When it rains, pour on the support.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... "Surviving the Storm" [D/J '06] acknowledged that girls want to read about real life and real girls. You proved that even though the media got sick of Katrina, it's not over. There's more work to be done, and turning off the TV doesn't make it...

GL update: Caitlin Wachs.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... A newcomer when we featured her on our D/J '04 cover, Caitlin, now 17, recently starred in Kids in America (on DVD this March) and is now wrapping up her first season on ABC's Commander In Chief (Tuesdays, 9 p.m.) as the daughter of the first...

Weighty issues.(Short Stuff)(eating disorders)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Here's a mini yes-no quiz: 1) Are you a perfectionist? 2) Do you feel overweight? 3) Is your serf-esteem low? if you answered "yes" to all three, you're a likely candidate for developing (yikes) an eating disorder. Anna Bardone-Cone, University...

Singin' for supper.(Short Stuff)(National Association for Music Education sponsors World's Largest Concert in support of Feed the Children)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Hey, wanna shake up the classroom monotony Tell your teacher to tune in to the World's Largest Concert (March 9, 1 p.m., PBS). The National Association for Music Education is sponsoring the event in celebration of Music In Our Schools Month....

Up to date.(Short Stuff)(Feb. 6-10, 2006 designated as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Here's one that definitely gets our vote. The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution designating Feb. 6-10, 2006, as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. So mark your datebook because organizations around the country are...

Sound off.(Short Stuff)(Voice Box promotes teen communication)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Think adults don't listen to you? That's why one tuned-in mom made The Voice Box--for kids' anonymous shout-outs. Darlene Ghanhem created the ballot-like box after a communication breakdown with her teen. She placed it in her daughter's school...

Book smarts.(Short Stuff)(Kyle and Kent Healy's company Cool Stuff Media Inc. produce books, audio programs and seminars for teens)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Kyle Healy, 19, and his brother Kent, 21, have their entrepreneurial savvy wrapped up tight. And they want to share their know-how with other teens in a tidy package of books, audio programs and seminars called Cool Stuff Media Inc. So what...

Chew on this.(Short Stuff)(actress Christy Carlson Romano creates plush-animal version of her dog to raise money for the American Society for Shelter Animals)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Everybody who's anybody knows that a cute little pooch is the hottest new accessory. But unlike Britney Spears or Paris Hilton, actress Christy Carlson Romano (Even Stevens, Kim Possible) is training her privileged pup to give back to a good...

Out of the ordinary.(COOL GIRL)(disabled athlete Caitlin Sarubbi gives free ski instruction to disabled soldiers as volunteer for Wounded Warriors Project)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Caitlin Sarubbi, 15, is a volunteer, star athlete and model student. This might sound like your average girl, but Caitlin has overcome some major obstacles. She was born with ablepharon-macrostomia, a rare condition that results in a deformed...

Dear Carol!(advice on mother-daughter relationships, boyfriends, girlfriends, health issues, e-mail fraud and education)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Dear Carol, My mother is skinny and gorgeous. I'm fat and ugly. When she and I walk down the hallway of my school, guys look at her and not me. I hate being in my mother's shadow. I want my own spotlight. Can you help? Shadow Girl ...

The sisterhood code language: You and your BFFs can speak volumes in just a few syllables. Seriously.(GL BFFs)
February 1, 2006... when you and your gals are gabbin' small-talk, sometimes you've got to read behind the fines. Are you down with your friendship-ese? Here's what it really means deep-down when she says... "I HAVE A SECRET" She's got something juicy...

Paper dolls.(BFF GIVEAWAY)
February 1, 2006... We're totally hooked on designhergals.com! Create fun notepads, cards and invites with customized (and so cute!) characters you create from tons of options. The Design-her Gals goddesses will smile on one girt who will win a one-year account to...

BFF dilemma of the month.(GL BFFs)(How long should I wait to date the guy who dated my friend? )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... My BFF used to date my crush, but she dumped him. How long should I wait to date the guy who dated my friend? I have a major crush. Trouble is, he used to go out with my BFF. When do I know if it's OK for me to pursue my crush prospect? ...

The crush squad. Here are the five friends you want on your side when it comes to all things guy-related. And they're already in your crew....(GL FRiENDS)
February 1, 2006... You've got a minor crush on a major cutie? Great! But don't go it alone. It takes a village... ya know? Put your girls' best qualities to good use when it comes to navigating your love life--or lack thereof THE BOY WATCHER Every...

Where's the love?(GL BEAUTY 10 BEST)(cool Valentine's stuff )(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2006... Cheap and easy! We're talking about the cool Valentine's stuff on this page, not you. 1. Benefit True Confessions Makeup Bag in "Go Ahead, Girls," $22, benefitcosmetics.com Going after what you want is just the sensible thing to do. 2. B....

Arm candy.(GL FASHiON 10 BEST)(jewelry for Spring)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2006... Spring's new trend? Bright bangles and cuffs rock from school day to Friday night. 1. $13, girlprops.com Pretty, sparkly flowers look right any time of the year. 2. $10, limogesjewelry.com This heart pattern is a perfect silver basic. 3....

Wide awake: it takes me over an hour to fall asleep after my head hits the pillow. Is something wrong?(GL BODY Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Relax; Literally. Most likely, you aren't getting enough down time before hitting the sheets. Many teens expect to zoom through homework, IMs and MTV, then zonk right out at bedtime. That's not how falling into a peaceful slumber works. Before...

I have dark hairs around my nipples. Why are they there, and how can I get rid of them?(GL BODY Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Pluck them! Gently pull out the little rascals with tweezers. Avoid waxing or shaving that area--it's too tender, and you'll get red bumps that aren't harmful but can be sore and unsightly. Most women have a little nipple fuzz, explains Dr....

My hands are almost always cold. When my whole body is cold, my hands turn purplish red. When I'm hot, my hands turn pink. What's happening?(GL BODY Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... It's normal for extremities to lose out on heat. Why? Our bods preserve heat in core areas--brain, heart, stomach--to keep us toasty. But since your hands are cold all the time, Dr. Diana Finkel, Clifton, N.J., explains that you could have...

Anti-bacterial soap kills way more germs.(FACT OR FICTION?)(fiction: regular soap is just as effective at killing germs )(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... FICTION! The people at the Food and Drug Administration have deemed regular soap just as effective at killing germs as the super-strength stuff. Proper washing is the key. Girls who freshen up four times a day miss a lot less school for stomach...

Enter the ex.(GL GUYS Q&A)(I have a mega-crush on this boy, but I used to go out with his buddy)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... I have a mega-crush on this boy, but I used to go out with his buddy (who is very rude to me now). I really want to talk to the new guy but, whenever I try, I get interrupted by my ex. BILL Harsh! Tacky behavior by the ex, don't you think?...

My BF has been acting strange.(GL GUYS Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... My BF has been acting strange. He's all super sweet one day, barely shows me he loves me the next. I asked if he had thoughts of breaking up, and he said, "No, I love you." Should I be worried, or is this just one of those weird confusing guy...

My BFF "let it slip" that I'm crushing on this guy.(GL GUYS Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... My BFF "let it slip" that I'm crushing on this guy. He told my friend he might ask me to the winter dance if he didn't go with this other girl who, he claims, begged him to take her. Turns out, he didn't go to the dance at all. Am I getting a...

Guys ask me out a lot, but I don't know how to say "no" without being mean.(GL GUYS Q&A)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Guys ask me out a lot, but I don't know how to say "no" without being mean. Suggestions? BILL Seems like a lose/lose sitch. If you tell a fib ("I have to babysit"), you'll seem mean if you get busted. But if you say, "No way, dude--you're...

Trust is a must: sure, he can be as trusty as your black lab and you could still get your heart flattened. But ...(GL GUYS)(Column)
February 1, 2006... A relationship without trust doesn't account for much. Granted, trust alone isn't a guarantee of relationship bliss but, without it, you're left with mere hollow words spouting from a cute face. These five easy-to-spot signs might help you...

Sister act: my sister and her BF are like the perfect coupe. I have a BF but, whenever I call him, I do the talking. My sister has it all. I'm really jealous of her, and I hate admitting that.(GL ASK LUCKY)(Column)
February 1, 2006... It's possible your boyfriend simply doesn't like to gab on the telephone (lots of boys don't!). Or, could it be that you're trying to force a BF/GF relationship that isn't quite right in an attempt to duplicate what your sister has? Remember,...

What to do? A major dilemma has your brain cells spinning? Decisions, decisions ...(GL LiFE)(tips for making up your mind)
February 1, 2006... You face choices daily. Should you stay with your so-so BF, or dump him for that hottie whose feelings are mondo-mysterious? You could score a cake dog-walking gig, or take a shot at the bead biz you dream of launching. You can keep being...

The key to friends.(Make it!)(personalized key chains)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Make it! Betcha didn't know February is National Best Friend Month. We think you should celebrate by making one of these super-fun and super-adorable crafty personalized key chains! WHAT YOU NEED photos of you and your BFF *...

Tear your heart out.(Why not!)(turn a tee into distressed rock-worthy wear )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Why not? Turn a tee into distressed rock-worthy wear (and tear). We got the how-to's from Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt ($14.95, Workman). Grab some scissors and a tee (pink has good shock value). Turn it inside out, and...

Peek-a-boo jelly valentines.(Bake it!)
February 1, 2006... Bake it! WHAT YOU NEED batch of chilled sugar-cookie dough (go to girlslife.com for a recipe, or use the pre-made kind) * raspberry or strawberry jelly * plastic wrap * flour * rolling pin * large heart cookie cutter * small heart...

Just my luck.(Scene)(new Lindsay Lohan movie)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Are you a Lindsay Lohan fan? You're in luck! She has a new film coming out. She plays fresh-outta-college Ashley, who seems to be the luckiest girl in the whole wide world. But her good fortune takes a turn for the worst after she kisses a...

Girl Trouble: PBS.(Scene)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Four years. Three girls. One thing in common: They've all had stints in the juvenile justice system. Shangra's mom is drug-addicted. Sheila's whole family has a history of legal trouble. And Stephanie is a pregnant runaway. Catch it Jan. 17 at...

High School Musical: Disney Channel.(Scene)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Tune in February (check listings) to this movie with a few familiar faces (Zac Efron, Summerland; Ashley Tisdale, Zack & Cody). Hey, we're so impressed with the song-and-dance numbers, we're thinkin' this might become (dare we say it?) a Disney...

KT Tunstall: Eye to the Telescope.(Jams)(Sound Recording Review)
February 1, 2006... When we plopped KT's debut into the disk drive, it was love at first listen. This Scottish lass absolutely oozes passion, and she does it with a whopping dose of sincerity. Her bluesy/folksy/poppy blend of songwriting is immediately addictive....

We Are The Fury: Infinite Jest.(Jams)(Sound Recording Review)
February 1, 2006... This energetic five-piece pumps out a rebellious appeal. But even with its unique, hard-edged qualities, there's something soothingly familiar. "Anesthetic Parade" is, in its way, like sonic comfort food. And "Parody at the Masquerade"...

Paramore: All We Know Is Falling.(Jams)(Sound Recording Review)
February 1, 2006... The hard-edged rock band is buoyed by the powerful vocal skills of 16-year-old lead singer Hayley. Her rhythm guitarist is the genuine boy next door (yep, he's her nearest neighbor). And the band is rounded out by some of her other guy...

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: Kaznapped!(Bytes)(Product/Service Evaluation)
February 1, 2006... Zap your Gameboy Advance with a shot of Puffy. If you love the Cartoon Network series (and we know you do), you'll have a blast helping Ami and Yumi rescue their kidnapped manager Kaz!. This is a girl-geared game that actually requires...

Gender Blender.(Reads)(Brief Article)(Young Adult Review)(Book Review)
February 1, 2006... Gender Blender by Blake Nelson, Delacorte, $15.95 Misunderstandings, miscommunications and middle school turned childhood pals Emma and Tom into outright enemies... until they bang heads (literally) and pull a Freaky Friday. Their...

Birdwing.(Reads)(Brief Article)(Young Adult Review)(Book Review)
February 1, 2006... Birdwing by Rafe Martin, Scholastic, $16.99 An unfamiliar Grimm's fairy tale comes to life in the story of Ardwin, the youngest of six brothers turned into swans. When the spell is broken on Ardwin, one wing remains, leaving the young...

Amazing Grace.(Reads)(Brief Article)(Young Adult Review)(Book Review)
February 1, 2006... Amazing Grace by Megan Shull, Hyperion, $15.99 Tennis all-star/cover-girl Grace "Ace" Kincaid wants out of the race. So contracts are cancelled, agents are put on hold, and Grace's long blond locks are hacked off and dyed red. She's...

Kimmie Meissner.(GL SPOTLIGHT)(Brief Article)(Biography)
February 1, 2006... AGE 16 HOMETOWN Bel Air, Md. CLAIM TO FAME The first U.S. skater in over a decade to land a triple axel, she was the 2004 U.S. Junior National Champion and 2005 U.S. National Bronze Medalist. She hopes to be going to Turin with the 2006 U.S....

Nothin' fake about Drake; you really dig this boy. You've told us in all your "Drake Bell is super-hot!" e-mails. So happy Valentine's Day from us to you....(GL CUTiE)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... He's cute, he's funny and, OMG, he plays guitar! But, mostly, he's genuine. He called us from his L.A. home, and being on the phone with Drake, 19, is like chatting with an old friend. You never feel like he's dishing out bologna or canned ham....

Just one of the ... guys.(Amanda Bynes goes undercover in the movie, "She's the Man")(Cover Story)(Biography)
February 1, 2006... Have you ever wished you could get inside the head of a guy and finally understand male mysteries, like overuse of the word "bro" or the obvious oblivion to body odor? And what's the deal when a guy has a mad crush on you but fronts like he...

The editor's page.(the whole truck of suck about being dumped)(Editorial)
February 1, 2006... There are few things I'm certain of (death, taxes, blah blab blah), but one thing's for sure: There are only two ends to every relationship--getting married or breaking up. And, God bless the 21st century, I'm pretty sure getting married is not...

Say something nice.(KAREN'S Tip of THE monTH)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Want to get your crush's attention this Valentine's Day? Try the oldest trick in the book--flattery. But for added effect, don't compliment him to his face. Instead, say something genuinely nice about him to one of his friends. Chances are...

The new romantics.(clothing and accessories)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2006... UTILITARIAN REALLY CAN BE ROMANTIC MIX IN SWEET ACCESSORIES, FEMININE SHOES AND PALE SHADES OF PINK TO SOFTEN TAILORED PANTS. SPRING IS SOFT, PRETTY AND... EDGY. LACE, RUFFLES AND FLOUNCES MEET BOLD LAVERING, MODERN TWISTS AND PLAYFUL...

Strollin' solo ... ... or so low? Desperate to be dating, or single and satisfied? Take our quiz to find out if your solo status is getting you down or givin' ya reason to live it up!
February 1, 2006... Singles Awareness Day--we mean Valentine's Day--is right around the corner. Love is in the air, the streets are paved with chocolate, and you're seeing hearts... if you have a Valentine, that is. If you're part of the majority, the single...

Get lucky! Quit lookin' over that four-leaf clover. We clue you in on the real secrets to getting yourself some groovy breaks.
February 1, 2006... It's St. Party's Day, and you are so into it! You're rockin' an emerald-green mini with matching shamrock earrings--and you're sure all that green is bound to bring you a whole lotta luck o' the Irish. But when you cruise into homeroom,...

The super sweet way he won me over.(Valentine's Day)
February 1, 2006... THE SAID IT WITH FLOWERS. Valentine's Day was shaping up to be the same boring holiday. But, when I opened my locker, I found an awesome surprise--a boy had left a dozen roses and a tiny pink note asking me to be his valentine. He truly made my...

Stranger in my house: everyone has mood swings, but what if your mom's extreme moods went from crazy-happy to seriously depressed, all in the blink of an eye? Erica Poole, 16, tell us what it's like to not know who your mom is from one moment to the next.
February 1, 2006... I grew up in Los Angeles with my older brother, younger sister and both of my parents. I've always had lots of friends and participated in tons of school activities, and I get pretty good grades. It was your average household--at least, that's...

In the bag: this spring, we're in love ... with handbags. From chic little clutches to colorful oversize totes, personal baggage has become a very positive thing.(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2006... Brad Tuckman at Alyssa Pizer Management, alyssapizer.com Styling by Heather Williams-B Hair by Tatiana Peralta. Makeup by Lellis Ribeiro. Bag, $48, redfishdesigns.com Shirt, $20, Ilbean.com. Dress, $107. parkvogel.com. Ring, model's own....

Get flawless skin.(SPECIAL COVERAGE REPORT: ANY SKIN CAN LOOK LIKE GREAT SKIN)
February 1, 2006... It's what every girl craves--healthy, pretty, glowing skill. But we'll let you in on a little secret. You know that "I've never had a zit in my life" look models, celebrities and the girl next to you in homeroom are sporting? Chances are,...

The don't-you-dare-diet diet: forget starving until you can't think straight and working out 'til you drop. GL has the right answers to getting fit for good.
February 1, 2006... FOODS TO CHOOSE ENJOY BREAKFAST If you start the day off with a good breakfast (about 400 calories, which is two scrambled eggs, toast and a banana), you are more likely to eat less the rest of the day than if you were to eat a wimpy...

Polka dotted paradise: grow up your room with a fresh pop of color, shape and stunning details. And do it all for cheap!
February 1, 2006... When Maddie, 13, decided her room was ready for a grow-it-up makeover, her mom told her she had to stick to a $1,000 budget. Not bad. So Maddie turned to GL's fave designer Lane Oliver, creator and host of the Digs A Go-Go makeover DVD, for...

Miss quit: sometimes, winning isn't everything.(GL FiCTiON)(Short Story)
February 1, 2006... There are three of us backstage. Me, my sister Jess and a first-timer named Courtney, who's turning green. "I'm nervous," she whispers. "I think I might throw up." Jess grabs a garbage can and I pass it over, giving Courtney a quick hug...

Star signs.
February 1, 2006... Aquarius 1/21-2/18 FEBRUARY School and social stuff are demanding so much ten-shun! that you haven't had a single minute of "me" time. Focus on you: Take a looooooong bubble bath, catch up on your diary entries, pair up that pile of sock...

A family affair.(And how was your day?)(embarrassing moments)
February 1, 2006... My boyfriend took me to dinner for my 13th birthday. He walked me home afterward, and we were kissing goodnight on my front porch. Suddenly, the front door flew open as my parents, friends and cousins all yelled, "Surprise!" A very awkward...

To tell the tooth.(Celeb Moment)(embarrassing moments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... I was 8 and on set for one of my first movie roles. I had lost a baby tooth and was given a replacement tooth for my scene. At lunch, I took the fake chopper out and put it on my food tray. Afterward, I totally forgot the tooth was on the tray,...