Blog Posts by Redbook

To give pumpkins and gourds majestic flair that will last the season (dried gourds will last even longer), try gilding them - a simple technique that isn't just for frames, mirrors, and palaces.

First, cut a four-inch hole in the bottom of each pumpkin, scoop out the pulp, and reserve the seeds for making tasty treats. (You can skip these initial steps if using dried gourds, like we did.) Wash the outer shell with a multipurpose cleaner and a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. Dry the surface completely, then draw the desired design on the shell with a pencil. (We wanted these to look as if they'd been dunked in gold and silver leaf.)

Related: 4 Ways to Eat Pumpkin Seeds (They're Good for You!)

Using the Country Living Artisans Collection paint kit by Carol Kemery ($34 to $40; caromalcolours.com), liberally spread an even layer of the basecoat on the pumpkin. Let it air-dry about two hours (you can give yourself a makeover here while you wait!) - or speed the process with a hair

Antibiotic resistance started making headlines about 10 years ago, when experts discovered that thanks to 60 years of excessive use of the meds, many common bacteria had learned how to outsmart them. As these bacteria reproduce and become more powerful, fewer drugs are strong enough to combat even common infections, rendering the bugs more dangerous. Unfortunately, kids are most vulnerable: Children have the highest rate of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bugs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Related: Do Vaccines Cause Autism?

But don't be too quick to blame pill-happy pediatricians. Turns out that parents continue to push for antibiotic prescriptions even when kids don't need them (are moms wired to worry?). In a 2002 survey, doctors admitted prescribing antibiotics 65 percent of the time if they thought parents expected them, but only 12 percent if they felt parents didn't. Not only does overprescription of antibiotics help set the stage

There's never enough time in the day, especially on frantic mornings. When you're trying to fit in breakfast (don't skip it - try these healthy breakfast ideas for people in a hurry!), find an outfit that doesn't look like you've slept in it (for inspiration check out Brooke Burke's sexy style for a busy schedule), and squeeze in a few extra minutes of beauty sleep (find out how much sleep you really need), it can be tough to cram in a proper beauty routine too. These beauty discoveries will get you extra gorgeous - and out the door - ASAP.



1. Great hair in a spritz
Add movement and moisture to tired hair with a few pumps of mineral spray. Try Salon by Sally Hershberger Mineral Spray 3D Texture Layer Lift, $24.

Another time-saver? Skip the wash and use dry shampoo instead!








2. Clear-skin quickie
Colored pigments help to erase blotches and spots on the skin. We like Stila One Step Correct, $36, for its mix of green, lavender, and peach pigments and cool creamy texture.

Plus, try

Here's a shocking piece of research: Nearly half of women suffer from what's called "bag-lady syndrome" - a none-too-PC term for the fear of finding yourself suddenly destitute, especially in old age. This fear plagues even those earning as much as $100,000 a year - and in some ways, it's justified: Women earn 77 cents for each dollar men earn and live, on average, five years longer than men do, so we are more likely to find ourselves with dwindling resources as we age.

Here are three steps you can take right now to plan for the future.

1. Build an emergency fund with at least six months of living expenses.
A recent poll found that 61 percent of people don't have a three- to six-month safety cushion, though they claim it's their number-one financial goal. Even just thinking about saving up such a large amount can be daunting, so do it gradually. Have $50 or $100 automatically withdrawn each month from your checking account and plopped into a savings account. And remind yourself

Not sure what's causing your child to feel rundown? Check out these common symptoms of colds, the flu, and allergies along with helpful treatment for each problem.

It may be a cold if... your child is up and about, even if she has a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, a sore throat, and a cough. Symptoms tend to come on slowly and last no more than two weeks, says Sara Caldararo, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. If your child does have a fever, it's typically low-grade. Some kids may have mild aches, including headaches.
What to do: Make sure your child gets plenty of fluids and rest. Try a cool-mist humidifier to relieve congestion. Cold symptoms that last several weeks - especially if your child has a headache, a low-grade fever, and (for an older child) facial pain - may signal a sinus infection, which requires antibiotics.

Related: Bad Cough? Find Out if It's Whopping Cough or Croup... Plus How to Treat

Don't just stand there in your undies, staring at your clothes in despair. Listen to Tim Gunn, fashion expert, Project Runway mentor, and the creative brain behind Liz Claiborne's exclusive new line at JC Penney. He's the go-to guy for classic, looks-good-on-everyone style.



"Hey, Tim! What should I wear today?"
These basics, mixed and matched, will help you get through the week without looking like you've worn the same piece more than once.

The Plaid Skirt
"The silhouette of a classic, slim, pencil-style skirt is very flattering for most women," says Tim. (We love the oversize print!) Plus, 60% of men love the sung fit of a pencil skirt. (See what else men find sexy.)

The Anorak
"It can easily be dressed up or down, and makes any outfit look instantly fresh," Tim says. Try these other double-duty items that go from day to night with minimal effort.

The LBD
"Every woman should own a well-fitting little black dress - it's forever chic," Tim says. Here are four other dresses every

Yes, it's exactly like all moms say: Once you've had a baby, it's a bit tougher to rediscover your pre-baby body. But these brave new mommies put their post-pregnancy body issues up against the latest treatments and found a little help where it was needed.


Body Bummer: Deflated Boobs
Melanie (with Connor, 9 months)
"During pregnancy and nursing, my breasts were not my own. And when I stopped nursing, I wasn't sure I wanted them back: My skin was crepey and my chest looked deflated. I tried Mama Mio Bootcamp for Boobs, $85, a 30-day system of skin care (serum and firming cream) and instructions for two fast, simple exercises that target pecs, triceps, and biceps every day. (One of the exercises is push-ups, which I confess I did not do. At all.) Applying the lotions helped me reconnect to that part of my body, and made my chest look smooth, even-toned, and - dare I say, perkier?"

Related: Real Moms' Best Tips for Breast Feeding





Body Bummer: Stretch Marks
Kim (with Elizabeth, 10

Rumor has it that Jessica Simpson bought her own engagement ring for her boyfriend, Eric Johnson, to give to her. It's a diversion from the traditional "rules," but perhaps happy couples need to break certain marriage rules (like these).

But, while we're all for taking the lead and being independent - perhaps she doesn't need an old-fashioned engagement, just these retro rules that will keep the marriage happy - don't you think Jess is taking it a little too far? Or do you think the gossip mag reasoning is valid: that Jessica has more money and wants to show him she doesn't need his money - just his love - to get married, and that Jessica wants what she wants and doesn't see any reason to wait. For that matter, do you buy into these new rules of marriage?

We can't help but worry about Jess, though. Since "do I make enough money" is one of men's biggest "secret" fears, could this act, especially when it's publicly questioned, be emasculating? Learn the truth about men, women, and