Blog Posts by Redbook

From Fifty Shades of Grey to William and Kate's royal romance, these are the best love stories of 2012. By Lauren Bradshaw, REDBOOK.

We still want the fairy tale.
On TV (Once Upon a Time) and in film (Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror), we embraced badass princesses who require no saving from a guy on a horse. They win their happily-ever-after endings with grit and guts, which is actually how it works in real life.

The anti-dote to couple over-share: William and Kate
Other celebrities--and us plebes--could learn a lot from the royal newlyweds. Their sweetness in public (and their horror at having their private moments splashed across the tabloids) made their love feel that much more relatable. Hollywood, take note: Cute and classy is in.

Women are as "visual" as men.
From Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey wearing G-strings in Magic Mike to Ryan Lochte's low-slung swim tighties, there was a smorgasbord of eye candy this year, and we were loud and proud in our

Remember how your mom told you never to leave home without wearing clean underwear? Turns out that's not all you need to worry about. These surprising health risks will make you think twice before wearing that thong. By Madonna Beren, REDBOOK.

The problem: Cotton undies worn during workouts
The danger: Yeast infections
Cotton panties are supposed to prevent yeast infections, but if sweaty, the slow-to-dry fabric may increase your risk, says Cynthia Bayer, a nurse practitioner at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
The solution: bamboo fabric, which wicks sweat away faster than cotton.

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The problem: Constricting shapewear
The danger: Nerve damage and other problems
Too-frequent use of shapewear and other tight-fitting undergarments can bring on urinary tract infections, says Consumer Reports medical advisor Orly Avitzur, M.D.
The solution: Limit wear to a few days a week, at most.

Related: 100 Gifts Under $50 for Everyone on Your List

The success rates of diets are less than 5 percent, not because you're no good at counting calories, but because of the weight of emotional clutter. Rather than turning to a nutritionist to craft yet another eating plan, we've mined expert tips based on the emerging field of health coaching to help you find your own personal eating balance. By Holly Corbett, REDBOOK.

The stress-fat connection
Despite what you hear, the whole concept of "calories in, calories out" is outdated. "Experts have a new understanding of biology, including how stress affects our physiology," says Ali Shapiro, a top health coach based in Philadelphia. She explains that when you're stressed out about a scarcity in your life - even an emotional one like having time for yourself - it can register as famine in your body. Your metabolism slows down and fat clings to you. Connecting to what feeds you emotionally is as important as what you eat - whether it's setting aside time to pursue a life goal or just scheduling

The number of zeroes on your savings account statements aren't just a depiction of your financial future - they're a symbol of your self worth says Kate Northrup, author of the upcoming Money: A Love Story. Here, she lays out your plan for financial and emotional freedom. By Holly Corbett, REDBOOK.

Stop feeling bad
"There's often a lot of guilt around money, but surrounding your finances with negative feelings will interfere with your ability to create abundance," says Northrup. Instead of focusing on the fact that you can't afford a family vacation this year, pay attention to the seemingly simple things paying the bills has gotten you. Thanks to auto-paying the electric company, you've had lights for 30 days. When you write a check for your mortgage, you're reaffirming your goal of owning a home. Reframing your expenses puts you in a completely different mindset - one of positivity that makes you feel more ready and willing to take action to change your circumstances.

Find your

Constantly complaining about your weight? Comparing your hubby to his dad? Newsflash: He hates when you do this. Here are the phrases that drive him absolutely crazy, and to banish them from your vocabulary. Is that the sound of better communication? By Anne Roderique-Jones, REDBOOK.

"You're exactly like your father."
Sure, we love our parents, but no one wants to be compared to them - especially when it's not a compliment. Marriage and family therapist Carin Goldstein says that starting a conversation with this phrase comes off as critical, judgmental and possibly insulting to your partner. She suggests spinning it differently if you want him to actually hear you. "If he's passive aggressive and that's how his father acts, take the comparison out - it leaves you stuck in negativity." Instead, tackle the problem outright by saying something like, "It would really help me if you could be more direct about what you're talking about." The key is asking for a desired behavior, not heaping

Grinch-time came early last year: By early December, more than a quarter of American shoppers had already outspent their gift budget, according to a survey from America's Research Group. Nothing saps joy like credit card dread, so this year things have to be different--and they can be. We calculated that if you use all the rebates, tools, and strategies below, you could save over $500 on your season's celebration. Ho, ho, ho! Consider that our little gift to you. By Kate Ashford, REDBOOK.

Stalk a lower price.
Know exactly what you want to buy but aren't finding it at a cost you can live with? Visit google.com/alerts and, in quotes, enter the product's name followed by the minimum price and the maximum price you'll pay, separated by two periods. (It looks like this: "Sony Handycam HDR-CX190 $1..$250.") Hit "Create Alert." Now, if a price pops up on that item that's under $250, you'll get an email.

Fill your pantry in advance.
Beginning in late fall, bargains start appearing on

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