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    Blog Posts by Redbook

    • Flat Abs Faster: 3 Reasons to Stop Crunching

      By Redbook | Healthy Living – Thu, Feb 10, 2011 5:47 PM EST

      by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK

      Good news! You never have to do another crunch again. The best move for flat, pulled-in abs is the plank. (To do a plank, get in push-up position and lower your arms so your elbows rest on the ground. Brace your abs in tight towards your back and engage your whole body by pressing your shoulders down your back and squeezing your legs together. Hold for 45 seconds and be careful not to arch your back).

      Here are three reasons a plank is more beneficial than a crunch:

      1. The plank does more for your abdominal muscles.

      "A plank is superior because it causes a natural bracing/engagement of all four of your abdominal muscles (the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques), whereas the crunch largely engages just one (rectus abdominis)," says Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at University of Auburn, Montgomery, who tested the effectiveness of the two exercises in the lab. In addition, the abdominals

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    • 7 Weird, Awkward, Dorky, but Somehow Most Romantic Couple Moments

      By Redbook | Love + Sex – Wed, Feb 9, 2011 7:00 PM EST


      REDBOOK readers tell how bad karaoke, a fiberglass shark, grungy sweatpants, and Costco helped them fall (and stay) in love.

      1. "Sam and I got into an argument that, looking back, was really about nothing - and he went for a walk to calm down. He then realized how ridiculous the fight was, so he popped into Stop & Shop and came back with a cake, specially inscribed in frosting: 'I'm sorry I'm so stupid.' He put everything back into perspective with a little flour and butter."
      -Jean Sagendorph, 40, engaged to Sam Pocker, 34; New York City

      Related: The Real Reason Men Hate Valentine's Day

      2. "My husband loves peanut-butter cups, and he never used to share them with me. But one day, after we'd been married for a year and a half, he passed me one. I blurted out, 'Oh, my God, you really love me!' Ever since then, he'll leave a cup on the nightstand or the kitchen table to say, 'I love you.'" -Alice Bennetts, 39, married to Brett, 41; Kalispell, MT

      Related: Dear Whys Guy: "Do Guys       Read More »

    • by Aaron Traister, REDBOOK

      DEAR WHYS GUY:

      My birthday is in January, and last year my boyfriend gave me a promise ring. We didn't celebrate Valentine's Day last year because of that (apparently). I eventually got over it, even though I bought him something for Valentine's Day.

      This year, I unintentionally spent more on my boyfriend for Christmas than he spent on me. He kept saying he messed up at Christmas, but that I shouldn't worry because he had already planned for V-day this year. (On Christmas, he got me a bottle of wine that we had a few years ago for a special occasion, not knowing I had bought a bottle of the same wine for our Christmas dinner). Last week, V-day came up again in conversation. But this time he played dumb when I mentioned that he told me he already had something planned.

      Could he have been lying the first time, or is he trying to throw me off? I don't want to over-spend on him for V-day if in the end he's going feel bad that he didn't do the same for me.

      Read More »

    • Do You Let Your Kids See You Naked?

      By Redbook | Parenting – Tue, Feb 8, 2011 5:54 PM EST

      We asked our readers how they felt about being naked around their kids. 24 percent of moms don't see any harm in a little nudity when their children are really young. After 3 years old, though, these moms agreed that it's time to start covering up. Reader Beccie shares a hilarious story about the downside of not being modest sooner. She writes, "I think its ok 'til they're about 3-ish. My husband showered with his boys until the toddler reached up a yanked daddy's 'chain,' plunging him to his knees screaming!" Your kid's curiosity may be a bit more than you bargained for during your morning shower.

      Related: Could You Love a Man in Skinny Jeans?

      Blogger Alice Bradley supports the age limit as well, citing her 8-year-old son's propensity for no-holds-barred questioning. She says, "For starters, being naked, or even semi-naked, in front of my son would invite all manner of awful questions. Questions like, "Why is that part of your body all bumpy?" And then he would share that information

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    • Lose Weight by Cleaning out Your Closet

      By Redbook | Healthy Living – Tue, Feb 8, 2011 5:23 PM EST

      by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK

      Did you know cleaning out your closet could help you lose weight? A 2010 study found that the average woman owns about 12 outfits that don't fit, translating to over $450 dollars hanging in the closet that will never see the light of day. According to the study, most women have a total of three different dress sizes in their closets. This is a mistake if you are trying to lose weight says certified personal trainer and weight-loss bootcamp coach Steven Cooper. To stay motivated to lose weight, it's better to "donate your 'fat' clothes," says Cooper. "Get rid of them...burn your boats, there is no coming back". Cooper recommends visualizing yourself in your new wardrobe for inspiration.

      Instead of holding onto the past (in case of weight gain) or hoping for the future (toss those skinny jeans already!), why not get real about where you are today? Save yourself some time, money and space by clearing out your closet. You may find new motivation to

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    • 5 Cheap, Natural Cleaning Swaps that Really Work

      By Redbook | Work + Money – Tue, Feb 8, 2011 5:08 PM EST

      by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK

      Spring-cleaning? Stay green, clean and non-toxic with these 5 natural cleaning swaps (that really work - we tried them all):

      1. Instead of DUSTING SPRAY, try 1 tbs. of lemon juice mixed with 2 tbs. of olive oil. Wipe down wood surfaces with the solution using a cloth, then buff to shine.

      Related: How to Find Your Magic Weight

      2. Instead of WINDOW SPRAY, pour 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle to clean windows and mirrors (and buff windows with a dry, clean chalkboard eraser for an even more brilliant shine).

      Related: 12 Anything-But-Plain White Vases

      3. Instead of TOLIET BOWL CLEANER, pour 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda into the bowl. Wait for the fizz to stop, then brush and flush!

      Related: Low-Carb Recipes That Taste Great

      4. Instead of BATHROOM CLEANER, try vodka! It works wonders on bathroom sinks and tubs as a germicidal cleanser, and it doesn't leave behind any toxic

      Read More »

    • Dear Whys Guy: "How Can I Bring the Sparkle Back to My Marriage?"

      By Redbook | Love + Sex – Tue, Feb 8, 2011 4:54 PM EST

      by Aaron Traister, REDBOOK

      DEAR WHYS GUY:
      My husband and I have been married for three years, and we have two children. I've noticed that my husband doesn't compliment me anymore, and when we're intimate, it's just, "Wham, bam, thank you, good night." I have tried talking to him about how we can make things better, but he doesn't seem to care. If you could give me a guy's perspective on the matter, it would be much appreciated. I miss the sparkle that used to come to his eyes when he saw me.
      Thank you,
      Connie, TX

      Related:       The Real Reason Men Hate Valentine's Day

      DEAR CONNIE:

      I think a lot of people would tell you to switch things up in the bedroom or eighty-six the sweats and "dress to impress," just like you did when you first met your husband. And those are fine ideas. But you want a guy's perspective, so: I find that when I'm not complimenting Karel, or if I'm going through the motions sexually, it usually has more to do with me than Karel. I've figured out that the moments

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    • 3 Fresh Date Night Looks for Valentine's Day

      By Redbook | Fashion – Tue, Feb 8, 2011 4:35 PM EST

      by Molly Fergus, REDBOOK

      Whether you've got a permanent Valentine by your side or are still trying to figure out if Cupid's arrow hit the bull's eye this time, a February 14 rendezvous marks the perfect occasion to step your style up a notch. We've rounded up three choices for the big day. How do you and your guy plan to celebrate?


      1. Quiet dinner at home
      The kids are tucked in and your man has fired up the oven (or phoned in for take-out) - lucky you! Take the extra time to doll yourself up with a comfy and flirty frock like this cocoa-colored jersey dress by Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique. It's simple enough for staying at home, but the goddess-like draping adds a touch of sex appeal. ($139 at Nordstrom)

      Related: Valentine's Day Plans Generator


      2. Fancy date out on the town
      Skip frilly red and pink dresses that scream "Valentine's Day!" and instead opt for sophisticated feminine style, like this Winter Lace Sheath from Talbots, paired with a bold

      Read More »

    • 5 Foods That Are Surprisingly Good for Your Heart

      By Redbook | Healthy Living – Mon, Feb 7, 2011 6:56 PM EST

      by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK

      When you think of a heart healthy diet, you probably think of a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium (read: BLAND) foods. Not anymore! Here are five surprisingly heart-healthy foods to add to your diet:

      1. Popcorn

      According to one study done by the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, popcorn was found to be the snack food that ranked highest in antioxidants and fiber. "Popcorn delivers polyphenols-antioxidants linked to improving heart health," says Registered Dietician Sharon Richter. "Gram for gram, popcorn boasts three times more polyphenols than kidney beans or cranberries." So pop some up next time you are in the mood for a snack-just go easy on the butter and salt so you don't negate all of your popcorn's heart healthy benefits.)

      Related: How to Find Your Magic Weight

      2. Potatoes

      Potatoes developed a bad reputation during the low-carb craze, but they are not only great for weight loss, but also heart health. "A Russet

      Read More »

    • by Aaron Traister, REDBOOK

      DEAR WHYS GUY:
      "I don't want to be high-maintenance, but every year, I'm a little disappointed by how little interest my husband shows in celebrating Valentine's Day. It would mean a lot to me if he'd put a little effort into planning something, but when the day rolls around, he asks me what I want to do that day rather than making reservations in advance or planning a surprise. How can I encourage him to plan something without being a nag?" - Eileen, New York

      Related:       The Real Reason Men Hate Valentine's Day

      DEAR EILEEN:
      Valentine's Day is a pressure cooker for men. It makes our brain lock up and we can't make simple decisions because we're so worried about screwing up on "the special day." So inevitably we screw up on "the special day."

      Related: Dear Whys Guy: "Do Guys Believe in Finding One True Love?"
      So my advice to you? Don't make Valentine's Day the special day. Keep expectations low - a good movie together on the couch, a home-cooked meal, a

      Read More »

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