Blog Posts by Redbook

On Friday, the Social Security Administration released its list of the top 10 baby names of 2009. Topping the boy list was Jacob, and number-one name for girls was Isabella. What do these names have in common? They happen to be the names of two of the main characters in the crazy-popular Twilight series. Before you call this a fluke (the name Jacob has topped the boy list several years running), consider this: Cullen, the last name of the third main character, Edward, jumped from number 782 on the list to number 485, making it the fastest-growing boy's name.

Parenting sins confessed!

This got us thinking: Do that many people really name their children out of fictional characters from cult classic vampire books? Then again, it can be so tough coming up with baby names that perhaps such familiar icons can make it easier. And then again, when your child someday asks where his name came from, is answering, "Oh, Mom was really into this young adult series when you were born" as acceptable

Read More »from How Did You Choose Your Baby's Name?

If you're lacking in the sex-drive department, join the crowd. By a landslide, most of the questions our columnist Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., receives have something to do with a low libido, such as:

• "I am still attracted to my husband, but I'm never in the mood. Could this be a medical problem?"
• "Since having my second child, my sex drive has disappeared. Sometimes I suck it up and do it for my husband's sake, but I stay dry and it hurts."
• "My husband doesn't initiate sex anymore, and I feel awkward doing it."

Loss of sexual desire can happen at any age, even if you're totally attracted to your partner. If you've been married a long time, simple boredom can take its toll. This is natural - who wants to eat the same meal every day? So work a little to add the spark back. Check into a hotel, take a bubble bath together, or cut some strategic holes into an old T-shirt of his and wear it to bed. Medications like birth control pills and antidepressants can also Read More »from Lose Your Sex Drive? How to Get It Back

Think back to last summer: the beach days, the picnics - the sunburns, the breakouts. Before the blazing sun and high humidity wreak havoc on your skin this year, make some smart changes to your skin-care routine. We asked David E. Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, NY, to analyze the skin of three REDBOOK readers and give each a skin-care cheat sheet based on her skin type - so they'll be glowing all summer long.

SKIN TYPE: Combination
Lisa, 37, finds that though she does get oily, she's also quite dry in the winter, so she's been using a line of very rich products. What Bank sees is a likely case of seborrheic dermatitis - a very common condition (we're talking 40 percent of the population!) caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. The yeast migrates down to the face, making skin both greasy and flaky; it also causes dandruff. "It's a vicious cycle," Bank says: Lisa feels dry, so she uses a heavy cream on her face, which is actually making the condition worse. His

Read More »from Match Your Summer Skin-Care Regimen to Your Skin Type

Happily ever after? | Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Everett CollectionThe teasing trailers for Sex and the City 2 have us asking that eternal question again: Big or Aidan?

Sure, he said "You're the one," and now they're Mr. and Mrs., but as any cosmo-sipping aficionado of the series will tell you, Big and Carrie's relationship has also had its share of epic lows (um, who just casually mentions they might move to Paris for a year?).

Which men make the best lovers? This revealing survey's results may surprise you

Personally, we always thought sweet, sensitive, furniture-making hunk Aidan was better husband material...but the mere thought of marrying him gave Carrie a serious case of hives.

There are two kinds of husbands. Which did you marry?

So, who should Carrie end up with? Should she and Big live happily ever after? Or should she give Aidan a second chance? Hopefully the new movie will settle the debate once and for all, so we think the more pressing question is: *Team Chris Noth or Team John Corbett?

Chris Noth as Mr. Big | Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Everett Collection

CHRIS NOTH (Mr.

Read More »from Team Big or Team Aidan?* (This post may sway your allegiance)

They may have more money, and nannies, and a whole other lifestyle, but when it comes to feelings about their children, celebrity mothers are not all that different from the rest of us. There is something about the experience of motherhood, the incredible love one has for her child, and the fear (and joy) that comes from being responsible for an innocent life that makes all mothers, at heart, the same. Here are some famous mothers on what motherhood means to them, and what they've learned from it.

Being a Mom Made Me . . .
"Realize that life is an adventure. No two days are ever the same, which is so exciting." - Jada Pinkett Smith, actress and mother to Trey, Jaden, and Willow

Also important: keeping your marriage strong and sexy. Here's how Jada and Will do it.

"Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy." - Tina Fey, actress, writer and producer, and mother to Alice

Try these tips to boost your energy.

"Being a mom made me fear for the first time in my life. The stakes felt

Read More »from Motherly Wisdom from Famous Moms

It can be really tough to carve out time just for you, especially when your spouse, kids, and job take every moment you've got. But a few minutes all to yourself can work wonders on both your mental and physical health. A few women share their favorite just-for-me moments and show us how simple activities can banish stress and help you refocus.

"I practice a yoga move."
"Your body and mind are like your computer. All three need a regular opportunity to shut down and restart! So whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or fatigued, I like to lie on my back with my legs up on the wall. This move clears my head, helps me relax my muscles, gets rid of my headache if I have one, and restores my sense of calm. Putting my legs up the wall is also a great way to recharge at that low-blood-sugar time of day instead of having coffee or a candy bar. By restoring blood flow to the brain and getting a different perspective, I give myself a chance to regroup."
- Noel Schroeder, 39, yoga instructor/energy

Read More »from How Busy Women Beat Stress

Ever wanted to know what goes on inside the male mind during sex? Well, you can stop waiting for your guy to tell you what he's thinking when things get hot and heavy! We have the lowdown on what real men think about kissing, hot dates, foreplay, fantasies, getting busy, and more.

On what gets him in a sexy state of mind: "I think my wife is totally hot. She'll point out what she perceives as flaws, but I think she's nuts. Even if I'm not in the mood, I'll catch a glimpse of her taking off her bra, and bam! I'm in the mood. Which is great at night, but slightly problematic in the morning if she's trying to throw some clothes on to make her train." -Dan, 31

On all-day foreplay: "One Saturday morning, my wife and I started fooling around, but before it could get hot and heavy, she jumped in the shower. Then we went shopping. But whenever we had a semi-private moment, she'd touch me. By lunchtime all I had on my mind was sex. When we finally got home, we went at it as if we hadn't seen

Read More »from What Men Really Think About During Sex

Ah, summer. We love your warm weather and adorable fashions, but you make shopping a little tough too. Between finding a swimsuit to fit our shape and finding the perfect pair of shades, summer styles are enough to make a lady a little frustrated. But never fear. There really is a pair of sunglasses out there just for your face shape, and the right style and shape make you look cool on even the hottest of days. How to get the right shape for you? We've got your guide.


Aviators
Works for every face - but be sure to choose a version that covers your eyebrows. This timeless shape has survived decades of trend cycles - and is as chic as ever.

Layer jewelry the right way


Oversize Square Flatters round and heart-shaped faces. You'll look like a modern-day Jackie O. hiding behind these large frames.

Tailor your summer beauty routine to your skin type



Wayfarer
Balances a strong jawline. These classic-cool shades will add the perfect dose of rock 'n' roll to your look.

Find the best jeans

Read More »from Find the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape