Girls' Life articles from February 2008

Girls' Life archives from February 2008

Smileys for Miley.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OMG! I really love Miley Cyrus [Hangin' With, D/J '08]. She is a role model for so many young girls. I love all her songs and have them memorized. Thank you for putting her in the magazine and doing the ticket...

Mo' Jo Bros!(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I really appreciate your dedication to the Jonas Brothers [Cutie, D/J '08]. When I skimmed the table of contents, I was happy to see Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers. I am going to the tour and wanted to catch up on the latest deets. Joe is my...

Grrr ... not all green 'n' red.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... As I read through the [D/J '08] issue of GL, I became more and more upset. The whole magazine focuses on Christmas. Have you ever stopped to think maybe some girls in the world are not Christian? I'm Jewish, and we have a yearly celebration...

Tis ... the season?(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I was really disappointed with the Spotlight section in the D/J '08 issue of GL. Jennifer Tisdale? Come on! What has she done to deserve this spot? She is only mentioned because she's Ashley Tisdale's sister. The article is mostly about Ashley....

To your health!(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I'm very happy that we readers have a chance to get fit ["Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy You," D/J '08]. It's a wonderful idea, and it doesn't lead to eating disorders. Thank you. --Gonna Get Fit We're bringing you health and...

Rockin' fashion.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... Thank you for putting All Time Low [Fashion, D/J '08] in your mag. When I saw them, I totally flipped. The day after I got GL, I went to their concert. The boys were amazing and extremely nice to their fans. Thanks, GL! --Nikki I'm...

Missin' fiction.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I was bummed when I opened D/J '08 and saw no sign of Fiction. It's one of my favorite sections in the magazine. I hope you decide to put it back in. --Andrea No worries, Andrea, it just took a little break! Check out the short story...

GL letter of the month.(LETTERS: WE'VE GOT MAIL!)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... Thank you so much for Guys Q&A by Bill and Dave. I have found their advice helpful in the past, but this month, it really hit home for me. One girl asked what she should do if guys don't ask her out because they thought she wouldn't "do"...

Risky business.(Short Stuff)(youth behavior)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Teens often get a bad rap for reckless behavior, whether it's driving too fast, experimenting with alcohol or generally doing things they just, well, shouldn't. New research by the National Institute of Mental Health and several prominent...

Do the Math.(Short Stuff)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Girls have a rep for not being into math so much. Unfair, right? Girls are capable of rockin' some serious success with digits. So you wanna kick-start your interest in the subject? A recent study by the Brookings...

Texting not 4 school.(Short Stuff)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether you have a cell phone or just IM with your buds, chances R, oops... chances are you use abbreviations to get your point across. Come on, admit it. You totally know what WEU means. And WITW. And GTRFN. Right?...

Girl power.(Short Stuff)(Stuyvesant High School's Cassandra Lee)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You can bet that when Super Bowl XLII rolls sophomore Cassandra Lee, 15, won't be watching just for the commercials and halftime show. As running back on the JV football team for Stuyvesant High School in New York,...

Dare to share.(Short Stuff)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] POP QUIZ If you've got something tough to say, you would... A) work up the courage to just spill, or B) sit down at your computer and IM it instead. If you chose the somewhat cowardly option, you're not alone. Half...

Fight plan.(Cool Girl)(Dallas Jessup)(Interview)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dallas Jessup, 16, had lots of motivation when she took up tae kwon do at age 10: "My dad had told me I couldn't date until I had a black belt." All that training paid off as she produced her movie Just Yell Fire...

Sad and teased.(DEAR CAROL)(breast size)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I am a C cup, and I go to a small school where all the other girls are flat-chested. Kids tease and stare at me, and ask if my boobs are real. I feel terrible every day because of this. Dear Sad and Teased, It's crazy, isn't it? Some...

Above C Level.(DEAR CAROL)(getting good grades)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... My parents pressure me to get perfect grades. They say a B- is unacceptable. When my sister got a C+, they freaked like she won't get into a college. I tell them C is average, but they won't listen. Dear Above C Level, Some parental...

Facebook Brokenhearted.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I met a guy over winter break, and we started going out. He lives in a different part of the country, I found out that we had broken up when I read that he changed his Relationship Status to "single" on Facebook. My...

Likes Best Friend's BF.(DEAR CAROL)(boyfriend)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I have a crush on my BFF's new boyfriend. Over break, he asked us if we liked anyone in our grade. I should have made my move, but I said "no" while my BFF said "kinda" (referring to him). Now I'm jealous! I really like him, but I don't want to...

Undervalued.(DEAR CAROL)(public display of affection)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... My BFF treats her other friends different than she does me, like giving them hugs or telling them how much she loves them. She's never like that around me, and it makes me feel bad. It seems she values them more. Dear Undervalued, If...

Privacy Problem.(DEAR CAROL)
February 1, 2008... I have a big problem. My mom went through my diary and didn't ask. I don't want her going through my stuff. Help! Dear Privacy Problem, I don't blame you for being upset. Keeping a diary is a great way to express thoughts and find your...

Shopaholic.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I'm shopping-obsessed! I buy everything I see. When I'm not shopping, I think about shopping. How do I prevent this from taking over my life? Dear Shopaholic, Even if your family can afford for you to buy...

I Want to Make More Friends.(DEAR CAROL)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I have only three close friends. I know a bunch of kids at school and people I talk to on MySpace, but no one ever asks me to hang out and I feel like a loser. I usually have to make the plans, even with my three best friends. Dear I Want...

Not a 'Ho.(DEAR CAROL)(reputation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I often hate life. I'm starting to really hate who I've become. The one thing I hate most is that everyone thinks I'm a whore. I have a lot of guy friends and always find myself talking to them about perverted stuff. One guy and I make bets,...

Violated.(DEAR CAROL)(sexual harrassment from bestfriend's brother)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... My BFF's older brother tells me to do inappropriate things and makes comments about my body that make me feel really uncomfortable. I can't go over to her house without worrying what he is going to do. Once, he kept touching my chest so I had...

Silent Daughter.(DEAR CAROL)(managing mother-daughter relations)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Lately, all I think about is kissing my crush! I really want to talk about it with my mom, but last time I talked to her about something intimate, she shouted. It might be a nervous habit, but I suspect that it's so my dad and brother can hear!...

Lucky Gymnast.(DEAR CAROL)(time management for a young gymnast)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I love gymnastics, but 16 hours of training a week is too much. I often miss out on things people my age normally get to do. My time is so crunched I don't always have enough time to do homework or even shower. My mom loves the sport and would...

Eco-chic bags: plastic or paper? No longer an option. We dug up fashionable bags that are actually good for the planet. Who says it isn't easy being green?(GL's BEST NEW FASHION TREND)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One girl's juice junk... ... is another's tote! This ultra-bright juice-box bag means tonsa trash skips the landfill and instead ends up as a cute, colorful carryall. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Spot on...

Lip service: GL scoured the runways to find the hottest shades to paint your pout this spring. From a wow-worthy nude to head-turning pinks, consider lip color this season's makeover-in-a-tube.(GL's BEST NEW BEAUTY TREND)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dangerously red This season, the right red is ripe with orange, perfect for girls with olive skin. Fair or darker skin? Stick to sheer cherry stains or blue-based red shades. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] ...

Too friendly? How to tame the flirt ... before someone gets hurt.(BFFs)(confronting an alleged flirt best friend)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What's up with your BFF? Lately, her clothes are super-tight, she's an eyelash-batting pro and a little too touchy-feely with every boy on the basketball team--including your BF! HEY, WHADDUP? Is your pal...

Bad buds (who kinda rock): nobody's perfect. Hey, sometimes, a friend's flaws can actually be a good thing. Seriously.(GL FRIENDS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A good friend doesn't stir up drama, never puts you down and is 100-percent reliable. Right? Uh, not necessarily. Fact is, a bud's less-than-desirable quality could be not-so-bad after all. You can tell the diff...

Body Q&A.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lately, I've heard VitaminWater is worse for you than soda. At my school, they offer that but not soda. Declaring that VitaminWater is worse than soda is a bit of an overstatement. But you probably shouldn't chug...

Guys Q&A.(questions about relationships with boys)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I like this really cute guy in my class, but he is way too physical. He pokes me in the abs and forces me into corners so he can get close. I like the attention, but it feels uncomfortable. BILL Explain to this...

Friends? Or maybe more: wouldn't V Day be the perfect time to seal the deal with the guy friend you really want as a BF? Um, maybe. Before ya make a move, here's how to be certain.(GUYS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He laughs at your jokes, listens to all your probs and never misses a Monday playing Mario Kart with you. Toss in the fact that he has dreamier eyes than Zac Ef, and is it any wonder you're crushing your brains out?...

Ask lucky.(questions and answers about girls' lives)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I really want a job so I won't have to ask my mom and dad for money all the time. The problem is I'm only 11, and I don't want to work for my mom! Do you have any suggestions? It's so great that you want to...

Decisions, decisions: believe it or not, you make thousands of 'em a day. Gazillions over a lifetime. And every decision matters.(LIFE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some are no-brainers, while others require major mental energy. Most are no big deal (slaw or fries with that?), but many have the power to change your life. No one makes the right choice every time, but with...

Girls' Life top 10.(Penelope, Girls Rook!, College Road Trip)(Movie review)(Sound recording review)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... Flicks [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Penelope Penelope is cursed with the face of a pig. Bummer, right? She is kept hidden away in her family's home, but when her heart and pride are stomped on, she ventures into the world, hiding her...

Sarah Bolger.(SPOTLIGHT)(Brief biography)
February 1, 2008... HOMETOWN Dublin CLAIM TO FAME She's big sister Mallory to Freddie Highmore's Jared/Simon (he plays twins!) in The Spiderwick Chronicles, in theaters Feb. 15. GUILTY PLEASURE Sarah loves TV! "I am obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. I just finished...

Triple threat.(CUTIE Special !!!)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... When GL got an invite to the set of Disney Channel Original Movie Dadnapped, we hopped on a plane to Salt Lake City star Sure, we looked forward to talking with the film's star Emily Osment. She's nice and all. But we were sooo stoked to be...

Feelin' the love Selena Gomez.(HANGIN' WITH)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... You all know her as rival popstar Mikayla on Hannah Montana, and now she's charming us as the wickedly magical Alex on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place. Next up for Selena? A starring role in the sequel to A Cinderella Story alongside...

The editor's page.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's a topic GL has never touched before: teen pregnancy. Why? Well, it's not like we didn't know there are sexually active 13-year-olds out there. It's just that we knew, statistically, there were (thankfully) very...

All aboard for spring prints: bold florals. Pretty patterns. Lotsa color. Fashion has a one-track mind this spring prints! We love Technicolor tunics with tights and loads of jewelry. Next stop? Fashion Central!(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2008... Dining car daze In eye-catching florals, you'll never blend into the scenery. Candy-colored jewelry makes it that much sweeter. A table for two, please. On left: Shirt, $25, Marshalls. Shorts, $15, Drama Gold. Necklace, $45, Adia...

Love thy (single) self this Valentine's Day: flying solo this year? Stop fretting about it. Your February 14 will still be as sweet as a box of Godiva!
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sad that you're unattached Valentine's Day? Don't be! It may seem like everybody but You is off in couple heaven, but in actuality, about 90 million folks in this country will be unspoken for this V Day. Simply...

Gossip, girl! When GL wants dish, we hit up the most dependable sources. That's why we asked real readers to spill on what it is to be tangled up in the land of gossip. Because we don't want to risk misinterpretation, we're giving it to you word for word. And to avoid schoolwide verbal outbreaks, these gals will remain anonymous (kinda like the one who narrates on--what else?--Gossip Girl). Here's the dirt, straight up....
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What, a World Without Gossip? "Gossip is a big part of my life," one reader 'fesses. "My whole grade is all about that six-letter word: g-o-s-s-i-p. It's sometimes hard not to join in, especially when you love...

Shake the winter blahs: muddling thorough a mid-season melt-down? Your 'tude is due for a tune-up!
February 1, 2008... Your holiday vacation buzz is toast. Now it's back to munchin' reality cookies. The same boooring classes, dragging through track practice, chipping away at scores of chores. Ready to curl up in a snowbank until spring rolls in? Hold up! Why...

What's your crush-snagging strategy? Potential BFs abound, and you want in on the chocolate-and-flowers fun. So tap your natural boy-magnet powers. Take this quiz to pinpoint your personality's best attract-him attributes--hey, it's like a roadmap to romance!
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Between classes, you're most likely to be found... A) At your locker, surrounded by your girls. B) Trying to speed-read another chapter of The Luxe before chem. C) Reviewing yesterday's notes. No pressure, but...

When you least expect it.(SPECIAL REPORT)(teenage pregnancy trends in the United States)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To the left is Arlington National Cemetery. Across a bridge over the Potomac River, and the Washington Monument looms to the right. It is our nation's capital. The good ol' U.S. of A.... where the incidence of teen...

Layers are pilin' up.(winter clothing for girls)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Don't stash away your spring buys just because it's still chilly. Wear your new favorite clothes right now! GL is showin' ya how to rock the cutest pieces... without lookin' like you're wearing everything you own. Say goodbye to the gray days...

Your biggest hair and makeup mysteries--solved!(hairdressing and make-up management)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GL's on the case for outta-control curls, lumpy concealer and every other crime of beauty you can think of. We called in a few A-list detectives, er, experts and got a clue. Looks like your dilemmas have fled the...

Healthy mind healthy body healthy you: time to look good, feel great!(G-LIFE)
February 1, 2008... It may still be winter, but GL's Healthy You program is heating up. Time to enter the next phase... WEEK 5 GO FOR THE GOAL Think of three things holding you back from your get-healthy goal. Striving to hit the gym at least two...

Arms! Did you know arms are one of the easiest body parts to get in shape? With just a few simple exercises, you can build strength--and see results fast!(BODY BLAST)
February 1, 2008... Every celeb's secret to Looking great on the red carpet: toned arms. GL chatted up trainer Andrea Partland for the best workout to prom-worthy guns. Use 5-pound weights, or water bottles, for resistance. Do the exercises every other day (plus...

Excuse busters! Got a million reasons why you can't work out? Not anymore.(BODY BLAST)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... GL's got a rebuttal for every "but I don't wanna" you can dream u a. That's why trainer Andrea Partland gave us her best-ever reasons to get your butt moving. Sorry... no more excuses. I'M TOO OUT OF SHAPE! "There's no such thing as...

Only skip deep: imagine if you weren't allowed to talk about your feelings. Ever. You could gossip, joke, discuss mundane things, like school assignments, but no feelings allowed! You'd probably explode, right? That's exactly how Chloe * felt ... before she began cutting herself.
February 1, 2008... All kids get stressed, but many get to talk it out. For me, that didn't seem like an option. My relationship with my parents wasn't good, and although I had a lot of friends and a brother and sister, I've never felt comfortable telling anyone...

Shelby's crushes the complete unabridged history: when Shelby sets off on a mission to ditch the junk food at her school, she cooks up a history of her love life to go along with it.(Short story)
February 1, 2008... Shelby pushed her empty lunch tray along the cafeteria line, half-listening to her best friend, Kara, ramble on about what happened with her boyfriend Joey since last night. Wincing at the two-for-one corn dog spesh and passing the soggy...

Made with love: totally steamy Sam Stern, 15, is not only adorable--he's culinarily gifted. Our fave UK kitchen cutie shares some fab recipes for heating things up....(FOOD)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You know what they say about the way to a guy's heart... so why not whip up a romantic meal for your crush this Valentine's? These dishes from Sam Stern's Real Food, Real Fast are super simple--so there should be no...

Star signs.
February 1, 2008... AQUARIUS 1/21-2/18 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FEBRUARY You're outta the wings and on center stage. A burst of "woo-hoos!" boosts your ego. Set super-high goals, like varsity softball or first chair for trumpet. Even if you miss a note,...

Ice going.(AND HOW WAS YOUR DAY?)(girls' narratives about some part of their lives)
February 1, 2008... My school had a bake sale at a hockey game. I volunteered since cuties would be there. My fave song was blasting, so I danced to it. I slipped, grabbing a folding chair on my way down. Talk about going out with a bang. I was working at a...

Celeb moment.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I was talking to one of my friends at the lunch table and went to take a sip of my chocolate milk. I guess I wasn't paying attention to the carton and, before I knew it, my pants were totally covered in chocolate...