Redbook articles from February 2006

Redbook archives from February 2006

What is it about love?(editor's letter)(Editorial)
February 1, 2006... It was easy to make this issue of REDBOOK all about love--and not just because it's Valentine's Day. In our daily conversations in the office, the staff editors (and designers and photo editors and so on) are always discussing what's exciting,...

Mariska's mission.(red letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... Thank you so much for putting Mariska Hargitay on the cover this month [December]! I am a big fan of hers. She is truly amazing! Not only is she smart and beautiful, she's got heart to boot. Mariska is definitely role-model material. ...

Faith and marriage.(red letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... Thanks for the article "Keeping the Faith" [December]. I nodded my head in agreement throughout the piece. I'm sure there are many of your readers who are sexy, confident, and professional women who also happen to be Christian. It was thrilling...

What makes a family.(red letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... As an adoptive parent, I feel I must respond to Melissa Fay Greene's story about the adoption of her son, Jesse, in "A Love Like No Other" [December]. I sincerely hope that all the non-adoptive parents out there reading her story do not think...

Redbook way back when.(red letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I was recently going through my grandmother's pictures when I came across one that I thought might interest you. This picture is of my grandmother and her friend at the beach in Miami during the summer of 1944. I guess this is proof that...

$14,386 worth of free love: we're giving away a sexy chemise, his-and-hers massage products, and an island trip--just in time for Valentine's Day!(win it!)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... 1. So kissable Create a sexy glow with shimmery blush, shadows, and lip glosses. 40 readers will each win a Box of Pink Chocolates lip gloss and a Quickie Chronicle Palette from Too Faced Cosmetics. Value of each, $52.50. Total value,...

Win $5,000 at redbookmag.com.(web page)(redbookmag.com)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Take our quick online survey about the magazine at redbookmag .com and you could win a $5.000 American Express Gift Card, a $500 American Express Gift Card, or one of 10 $100 American Express gift cards. You can also enter this month's Free...

Readers helping readers: the married girl's guide to life message board.(web page)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... One of you asked: "I've been married for a year, and my husband has four children from a previous marriage. Recently, his ex has been bad-mouthing me to their children, which is very confusing for them. My husband thinks we should just ignore...

60 seconds with Jacques Torres: chocolatier Jacques Torres shares his secrets for buying, melting, and enjoying the world's sweetest indulgence.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... Why is chocolate so seductive? Chocolate is very mystical. In the 1700s and 1800s, it was known as the food of the gods and could only be afforded by kings and queens. People drank hot chocolate as an aphrodisiac. There's now scientific...

Instant makeover: these key pieces will carry you through winter, spring, and fall.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... before Police officer and mother of three Janice Lambertucci, 34, spends most of her time in uniform. We met her shopping at Kohl's in Levittown, NY, for "clothes that I can wear all year long and clean easily." We showed Janice that...

20 minutes to a better body: the channel surfer's guide to shaping up.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)
February 1, 2006... Sometimes getting off the sofa is the hardest part of working out. Now you don't have to! Each of these moves can be done from the comfort of your couch. BRIDGE KICK Tones butt and thighs. Lie on the couch with heels planted on the...

1-hour expert custom-paint your walls: punch up your walls with paint for a designer-wallpaper look--at a fraction of the cost.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)
February 1, 2006... STENCILS Instead of prim border stencils, experiment with more modern, free-form wall art. Here, in the bedroom, a floral pattern blooms around your headboard. STEP 1: tape up stencil. Decide where the center point of your design will...

4 weeks of ideas February.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... health It's American Heart Month. Check out page 68 for tips on how to care for your ticker. 4 weeks of ideas february SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 5 PARTY 6 TO DO 7 ...

Saving time shopping made simpler: these retailers offer special services that let you shop without the drop.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)(Drugstore.com)(lowes.com)(Amazon.com )
February 1, 2006... 1 No more waiting for online purchases. Electronics superstore Circuit City guarantees that items you purchase online will be available for in-store pickup at the branch closest to you in 24 minutes, or you'll get a $24 gift card. As you...

How she does it: Christina Trani of Norwalk, CT--wife and full-time working mother of three--reveals her secret for balancing it all: a husband who helps run the household.(beat the clock: GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... Christina, 32, started dating Luigi, 33, in 1989, when stonewashed jeans and big-hair bands ruled. Sixteen years later, the high school sweethearts are married with children: Jake, 6; Ryan, 3; and 8-month-old Analise. Christine, a full-time...

Jake Gyllenhaal is all heart: he loves acting, believes in lifelong passion, and knows how to keep certain romantic details to himself. Here, the 25-year-old actor fills us in on his life (sort of) and explains what Brokeback Mountain is really about.(manifesto)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... How did you first get involved in Brokeback Mountain? My agent told me about this gay cowboy movie... And you thought, "That's for me!" [Laughing] I thought, Absolutely not. But when Ang Lee came on to direct, I read the script...

Let the games begin!(TV)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... So you haven't ice-skated since sixth grade. You can still have Olympic dreams for someone else. This year, we bet you'll root for these U.S. hopefuls. THE UNDERDOG: Kimmie Meissner, figure skating. Last year, this 16-year-old was the...

Seduce your sweetie with ...(MUSIC)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... SYD MATTERS Candlelight? Check. Gourmet dinner? Check. Sexy French troubadour serenading you from the stereo? Check. Huge in his native France, Matters pens simple, melodic tunes a la Rufus Wainwright and Nick Drake. Canoodle the night away.

No sweetie? Celebrate your independence with ...(MUSIC)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... THE SECRET LIFE OF THE VERONICAS The Veronicas are sassy, they're Australian, they're twins. They play the kind of Kelly Clarkson--esque power pop that makes you belt your heart out to your reflection in the mirror. Who needs men? This album...

So the weather outside is frightful.(Book Review)
February 1, 2006... Here, three delightful reasons to stay in. * Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos. Will the Cary Grant lookalike who walks into Cornelia's coffee shop give her a Hollywood ending? Smart, funny writing about the risks we take for love. ...

Date-night flicks: our picks for the perfect dinner-and-a-movie night out.(tv, movies and more)(Movie Review)
February 1, 2006... For him: The Matador Julian (Pierce Brosnan) is a "facilitator of fatalities" (translation: a hit man). Danny (Greg Kinnear) is a salesman. Their unlikely friendship comes in handier than either expect in this funny and often poignant film. ...

"What's your best advice for newlyweds?" Stars share their tips on what makes love last.(star stories)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... "Remember how lucky you are to be together. Each time I look at my husband I think about how lucky I am." --JULIANNE MOORE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I was once told by someone that you should hold hands when you're arguing, to...

Happy birthday, Aquarius [January 20-February 18].(astrology)
February 1, 2006... You're not usually sentimental, but during your birthday month you will wax nostalgic! Party with the people closest to you. And while you're at it, buy something extravagant that you and your guy can share. Come oil. it's your...

Your best bust: just in time for Valentine's Day, get a dazzling decolletage.(REDBOOK look)
February 1, 2006... 3 BUST-BOOSTERS best insta-lift: Yves Rocher Spa Energie Vegetale Bust Beauty Concentrate, $25 Like a shrink-wrap for the bosom, this gel, formulated with ginseng and wheat proteins, creates an immediate tightening effect. But to keep...

Lingerie you'll (both) love: no matter your taste, body, or budget, we've found your perfect lingerie.(fashion finds)
February 1, 2006... BRA AND PANTIES $44 GIRLY SHORTS Floral-print demi bra, $29, and lace shorts, $15, Barely There; 800-225-4872, barelythere.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $88 DEMURE DETAILS Corset-style lace bra, $60, and panties,...

Preserve your splurge.(style solutions)(Illustration)
February 1, 2006... preserve your splurge HOW TO CLEAN AND STORE YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES--SO THEY'LL STAY THAT WAY. THE ITEM HOW TO CLEAN IT HOW TO STORE IT lingerie * Wash by hand * Place in in...

Color therapy.(TREND SPOT: THE LOOK THAT WILL KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Banish winter blahs with bright eyeshadow. "A strong pop of color makes every woman look lively," says celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal. Get the look: Prep your lids--from lash line to brow bone--with a neutral base. "Try a shimmering...

Gotta get it: radiant skin: give your skin a fresh-off-the-slopes glow with these three radiance boosters.(beauty news, views, & q's)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... the cheap fix FREE! Face massage "Use your ring and middle fingers to massage the cheekbones, stimulating blood flow," says Los Angeles wellness expert Robert Scott. "Then, tap cheeks with fingertips for added flush." the fast...

Q&a: ask the skin doc.(beauty news, views, & q's)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Q: Why are my nails peeling? A: Lots of women ale plagued by peeling nails--a condition known as onychoschizia. Like your skin your nails are made up of layers that peel off at different depths when dehydrated. While some people are...

Beauty checklist: the one to-do list you'll want to do.(beauty guide)
February 1, 2006... [] send yourself roses. Let us guess: He lost the phone number for 1-800-FLOWERS. Forgive, forget, then fill the air with the Healing Garden Sensual Therapy Passion Rose Pillow & Room Spray, $6.75. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [] and...

Saving money.(REDBOOK handbook: ADVICE, ANSWERS, AND NEED-TO-KNOW INFO)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Q: "I swear my gas mileage goes down a lot in the winter. Is this possible?" A Absolutely. Your gas mileage decreases in colder months because your car works harder to warm up, explains John Millet of the Environmental Protection Agency...

Health news.(REDBOOK handbook: ADVICE, ANSWERS, AND NEED-TO-KNOW INFO)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Q: "Is it true that I can e-mail my doctor and have an online consultation instead of going in for a visit?" A For about the cost of a co-pay, several health plans such as Cigna and Blue Cross and Blue Shield do indeed offer patients online...

Stress relief.(REDBOOK handbook: ADVICE, ANSWERS, AND NEED-TO-KNOW INFO)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Q: "How can meditating--sitting and doing nothing--really reduce stress and make me healthier?" A Well, first of all, you're not doing "nothing"--you're focusing on your breath and ignoring everything else, so your mind is clear. "This...

What you must know about heart disease: lifesaving facts about the number one killer of women.(handbook: YOUR HEALTH)
February 1, 2006... Each year some 88,000 women ages 45 to 64 have a heart attack--which is why knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. So in honor of February, American Heart Month, it's time to separate the rumors from the facts about this deadly...

Can't make a dent in your credit card debt? Here's a simple three-step plan that works.(handbook: MONEY SMARTS)
February 1, 2006... The average American household has a hefty $8,650 in credit card debt. That's a mental strain and a serious financial problem. "Its the worst kind of debt, because it has higher interest rates and no tax advantages," says Louis Kokernak, a...

You've got questions? She's got answers.(handbook: THE HARD STUFF)
February 1, 2006... Q How do I break up with a friend? I probably sound really cold, but I have a friendship that has run its course--and my friend won't let it die a natural death. We became friends years ago while working abroad, but that's all we have in...

Your love life great moments in the history of love: these romantic milestones will surprise and inspire you.(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... 2800 BC THE INVENTION OF THE WEDDING RING Ancient Egyptians believed that a vein in the third finger of the left hand travels directly to the heart. 1595 SHAKESPEARE WRITES ROMEO AND JULIET This tragic play gave rise to the phrase...

His most secret sex question.(sexier sex)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... I often lose my erection when we change positions. How can I prevent this? "Losing your mojo during sex is nothing to worry about," says Sandor Gardos, Ph.D., founder of mypleasure.com. It's normal for an erection to wax and wane during...

Her most secret sex question.(sexier sex)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... I love my husband dearly, but lately I've been fantasizing about women. What's going on? "This type of fantasy is common and doesn't necessarily reflect what you truly desire in real life," says Lou Paget, certified sex educator and author...

Why once is (usually) enough.(sexier sex)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Sure, a night of multiple O's sounds fun, but in reality it's perfectly normal to want to call it quits after just one sizzling round. Why? Turns out your body has an "off" switch that signals you when you've had enough, according to a study...

"The kids are making us crazy!" Take five energetic kids under 10, add two parents with full-time jobs, and what do you get? Chaos --at least in the case of Kimberly and Dylan Allard. How can these two get a handle on their hectic home life so they can enjoy their kids and each other more? Our Redbook Marriage Institute expert leads the way.(marriage makeover)
February 1, 2006... As an elementary school teacher, Kimberly Allard, 38, has no problem managing a classroom of active kids. But when it comes to her own family--she and her husband of 15 years, Dylan, 37, live outside San Diego with their 9-year-old triplet...

Why you should have sex tonight (even if it's the last thing you feel like doing....).(your sex life)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... It's all too easy to let everyday life (stress, boredom, kids) get in the way of sex. But making love with your man is essential to keeping your couple connection strong, says leading sex educator and researcher Laura Berman, Ph.D. Here, in an...

The joy of unexpected pleasures.(time for you)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Nothing feels sweeter than a surprise moment that tickles your senses. REDBOOK readers share theirs: "I had my boots buffed at the train station by a hot Brazilian guy wearing a tight black T-shirt and sporting some serious biceps. Next...

Energize your work space.(time for you)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Nothing saps your energy more than staring at a desk piled with work or bills to pay. Here, some easy decorating tips from Marie Elena Rigo, a Los Angeles-based interior designer and feng shui consultant, to help make your office space--at home...

Give a little love.(time for you)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... What's the easiest way to feel good? Do good! These websites let you donate to all your favorite charities in one place--from funding breast cancer research to helping the homeless to aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina. Network for Good...

5 things to be happy about right now.(time for you)
February 1, 2006... 1. End-of-winter sales! 2. Valentine's conversation hearts (TOO HOT). 3. Presidents' Day: a long weekend to snuggle in your pj's and finally catch up with yourself. 4. The smell of fresh-ground coffee. 5. Another season of...

Are your supermarket habits ruining your diet? Little decisions we make every day--buying soda by the gallon, keeping six rice mixes in the pantry--can add up to big weight gain. This month, our experts show you how to shop smart and eat right--without feeling deprived.(THE REDBOOK REAL-LIFE HEALTHY LIFE MAKEOVER)
February 1, 2006... The first installment of our year-long Real-Life, Healthy Life Makeover was all about helping you take those first small, gradual steps on the path to a healthier life. (Find January's tips at lifestyle.msn.com/redbook.) Now, Lisa R. Young,...

How to be a smart cupid: think you've got the perfect guy for your single sister or friend? Not so fast. There's a right (and very wrong) way to hook people up. Details here.(love lessons)
February 1, 2006... * YOU'RE MARRIED WITH THREE KIDS, YET YOUR PERPETUALLY single sister CAN'T GET IT RIGHT. * YOUR guy's best friend HASN'T DATED SINCE HIS WIFE DIED FIVE YEARS AGO. * YOUR lonely coworker CAN'T GET PAST THE SECOND DATE. * AN...

Make over your closet: visitors may not see what's behind your closet door but you have to dig through the cluttered space every day. Give yourself the simple pleasure of a well-ordered closet.(get organized)
February 1, 2006... what's wrong here * Zero visibility This closet's overstuffed with clothes on a mishmash of hangers, so there's no clear sight line. And clothes hung up in dry cleaning bags are easy to forget about (plus. fabrics can't breathe inside...

What Kelly Ripa has learned about love. Kelly Ripa has never been shy about following her heart. Just look where it's led her: She's got three great kids, two fabulous jobs, and one very hot husband (who knows how to pen a sweet love note!). Here, the petite powerhouse goes live with everything she knows about love ... and sex ... and more.(Interview)
February 1, 2006... "Do the catwalk!" someone yells from the audience. It's a commercial break during the 60-minute morning pajama party that is Live With Regis and Kelly, and the command from the woman in the second row sends Kelly Ripa right into action....

A life less ordinary: simple, easy clothes for days that are anything but.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... NEWSFLASH! another paper I won't have time to read. Pink trench coat, Mexx, $129. Silk-and-lace nightgown. Mary Green, $100. Wool slippers, Patricia Green, $54. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS not a word until I have...

Hair America: which state has the highest population of redheads? Where is hair the highest priority? Who can't live without their hairspray? Get lots of gossip--and great ideas!--from our state-by-state tour of tresses. Plus: the celeb cuts you want now!
February 1, 2006... what's a good haircut worth to you? 33% of you pay $25-$50. Who says blondes have more fun? The top hair color nationwide is BROWN--68% of readers surveyed have it--with highlights and without. 31% of you are always...

Weird guy behavior explained.
February 1, 2006... Why does he buy power tools he never uses? Why does he love quickies? Why does he always think it is 20 degrees hotter than it really is? What's up with the lesbian fantasy? Why doesn't he want to talk about his day? and Why oh Why won't he...

6 easy ways to beat winter colds: your child's best defense against bugs and viruses is a good offense. Boost her immune system and she'll be less likely to catch whatever's going around. Here's our expert-devised game plan.(keeping them healthy)
February 1, 2006... 1 Fight stress with fun. Studies have shown that stress weakens the immune system. "And this time of year has inherent stressors such as the darkness, the cold, and the fact that kids can't get outside to play as much," says Kathleen Hall,...

Teach your child to love art: a trip to an art museum is a great way to spend a chilly winter day--even for toddlers. Follow these tips from Susan McCullough, director of School and Family Programs at New York City's Museum of Modern Art.(health aspects and learning of children)(diaperfreebaby.org)
February 1, 2006... REDBOOK readers reveal: Potty-Training Secrets The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids should be at least 18 months old for toilet training. But groups such as diaperfreebaby.org advocate starting much sooner. When did your child begin...

How much does it really cost to have a baby? A lot more than you think, according to results from our survey of parents and parents-to-be. Here's how to be truly prepared.(surveys on parenting)
February 1, 2006... 87% of expectant parents in our survey anticipate that expenses for their baby will increase their stress level. Everybody knows that having a child puts a dent in your family finances, but not everybody plans for it. What's worse, even...

These guys can cook! We've got a soft spot for men who know their way around a kitchen. Here, three food-obsessed guys dish out the recipes their families just love.
February 1, 2006... the entertainer "Food is the center of my family's social life." Steve Kyono, 44, has always been passionate about bringing friends and family together with his cooking. On top of his work as a busy attorney in Roseland, NJ, and...

Breakfast for dinner? Why not! Turn your day upside down and indulge in these hearty dishes at night.(what's for dinner)
February 1, 2006... Huevos Rancheros Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 21 minutes 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup finely chopped onion 1 tsp minced garlic 1 (14 1/2 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained 1 chipotle chile in ...

Redbook club.
February 1, 2006... After her healthy 1-day-old daughter's unexplained death, Emilia Greenleaf has come unmoored. She's drifting from her husband, Jack, and trying hard not to loathe his 5-year-old son, William, who is unnervingly skilled at hurting her. In this...