Blog Posts by Woman s Day

By Alexandra Gekas

Spring is upon us, which means that wedding season is in full swing. But while wedding celebrations are often steeped in tradition, not everything is as it once was. Couples are personalizing their nuptials more and more, and as budgets become stricter, a lot of the old etiquette is being pushed aside. From who pays for the reception to how long afterward you can send a gift, find out which wedding rules are being bent, and which ones can be broken.

1. The bride's family doesn't always pay.

Tradition has always dictated that the bride's family pays for the wedding and the groom's family pays for the honeymoon. But because of the recent recession, that's not necessarily the case anymore. "Oftentimes the actual funding for the wedding, the expenses, are taken care of by a slew of people as opposed to only the bride's family," says Lizzie Post, spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute and great-great-granddaughter of etiquette expert Emily Post. "You want

By WomansDay.com Staff

Makeup Multitaskers

These days, a foundation can do so much more than just conceal-it can fight aging or acne, too. And that's not the only beauty product that boasts side talents. Click through to see 10 items that qualify as MVPs thanks to their versatility.

Problem Salver

Favored for its chapped-lip-healing power, Smith's rose-scented balm is also light enough to use on all your rough spots, including jagged cuticles, ashy elbows and more. Smith's Rosebud Salve Tube, $6; Sephora.com

Wax On

This tea-infused candle-which melts into a rich, creamy lotion-is a complete spa experience in a jar. Bathe in the aromatic scent it releases as it burns, then use the melted product as a paraffin treatment or full-body moisturizer. Melt T Glow Lotion Candles, $44; HWoodBeauty.com

Contour Guide

Shine on, literally! By swiping this popular NARS shimmer stick over any of your

By Mandy Major

While the arrival of spring brings renewal to your surroundings, the varying temperatures and upswing in airborne irritants often have the opposite effect on your complexion. Add hormones and aging to the mix, and you've got a recipe for ailing skin that's in desperate need of a fresh start. But who has the time or money for a facial? With that in mind, we sought out the fastest and simplest skin-renewing products out there. From loose powders to serums, discover which overnight products will give your beauty sleep a boost.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

The Claim: "An overnight treatment that helps clear skin, calm inflammation and prevent future breakouts by reducing excess sebum, removing impaction plugs and eliminating bacteria."
Score: 5 of 5
What WD had to say: Unscented and simple to use, this product, which is applied like a mask and washed off in the morning, got raves from our tester. "I give this a 5 and I don't do that lightly. It really

By Spectracide

Weeds, bugs and diseases can destroy all your hard work in the yard and garden. Here are some proven solutions to taming the wild and tackling nature's pesky invaders.

Lawn Weeds- Crabgrass and Broadleaf Weeds

Problem: Crabgrass can multiply quickly, so it should be treated as soon as you notice it.

• Thrives in long, hot summer weather.
• Will take over a drought-stricken lawn in a short time.
• It is common in all parts of the country.

Solution: For lawn weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions and chickweed, among others, only use a selective weed killer (which kills the weeds, not the grass). The best defense against weed infestation in the lawn is to maintain a healthy lawn with regular feeding, proper mowing and watering.

Lawn Disease- Brown Patch

Problem: Brown patch can be found throughout the country and attacks Kentucky bluegrass, centipedegrass, Bermudagrass and bentgrass.

• Likes high humidity and shady spots.
•

By Amanda Greene

Whether you've got a case of the Mondays or an argument with a friend has left you in a foul mood, reaching for the nearest chocolate bar isn't your only option for a quick pick-me-up. When it comes to feeling better in a flash, everything from concentrating on your breathing to giving a stranger a compliment can help. Read on for eight quick, easy-and often surprising--ways to turn that frown upside down.

1. Make a gratitude list.

"The most effective way I know of to shake a bad mood is to brainstorm everything possible that you're grateful for and write it down," says Amy Wood, PsyD, author of Life Your Way. She suggests starting with broad strokes, like being thankful the sun is shining or that you're breathing. "You'll find that once you get the ball rolling, more and more ideas will come to you. Studies actually show that it's impossible to feel gratitude and unhappiness simultaneously. That's why this strategy works so well, and so quickly!"

2.

By Gina Way

In honor of Mother's Day, we set out to change the lives of four very different moms. Check out their transformations below and learn how the stylists worked their magic.

Kathy Hanna
Elementary school teacher and single mom of Carson, 15, and Christopher, 13
Age 49; lives in Middletown, Delaware

Haircolor: Since Kathy's salt-and-pepper hair was more cool-toned salt than warm-toned pepper, it was washing out her complexion. So Louis Licari, colorist and owner of Louis Licari Salon, New York City and Beverly Hills, colored it a medium golden blonde to enhance her skin tone. By leaving the lighter baby hairs framing her face au naturel while he deepened the rest of her hair, Licari created a natural highlighting effect. "Haircolor is makeup that doesn't wash off," Licari says. "We're making her complexion pop so she looks gorgeous when she wakes up in the morning without a bit of makeup."

Hairstyle: Jennifer Lawrence, senior hairstylist, gave Kathy

By Brynn Mannino

Not that we're envious (actually, yes, we are), but guys seem to have a much easier time getting fit than women. Sure, their bodies are different, but what if there's more to it? After looking at men's traditional workout habits versus women's, we found that they have a few tricks up their sleeves. For one thing, strength training burns way more calories than cardio alone, and post-workout protein shakes are more than just an excuse to drink a smoothie. But that's not all! Read on to find out how you can improve your own fitness routine by taking a few tips from the boys.

1. They work multiple muscle groups at once.

The more muscles you work at one time, the more calories you'll burn at one time-not only at the gym but during the days following, as your muscles rebuild, says Myatt Murphy, coauthor of The Body You Want in the Time You Have. Compounding exercises, like squats, dead lifts and bench presses, will give you the most bang for your buck, as they

By Joy Bauer, RD

Food cravings are a normal part of life; after all, who hasn't at some point found herself staring into the freezer, ready to eat more than just a few scoops of that mint chocolate chip ice cream? While the occasional "crave-in" isn't a big deal, if it happens regularly, it can lead to weight gain, not to mention a slew of other health problems including headaches, bloating and feeling downright blech. Though you may not be able to curb your food cravings entirely (in my book, spinach and celery will never satisfy a hankering for chocolate or chips), understanding what causes them can help you develop a realistic plan for dealing with them.

Blame it on the brain. A few good theories explain what's going on. One is that eating sugar, fat and salt triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good brain chemical that can also make you want to eat when you're not really hungry. Over time, the mere sight or smell of certain foods is enough to make your brain say