Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month: @goodhealth Health Magazine July 2010 issue

  

What Did We Learn This Month: Health, July 2010

  

Health magazine: July 2010 

  

Health Cover Model for July: 

Christina Hendricks of Mad Men (new season starts soon!) who looks lovely if just a bit out of place by wearing a dress on the beach. But I appreciate the fact they feature a woman with real curves on the cover and not yet another stick-thin celeb in a string bikini who is proud of her 'body confidence." (Seriously sick of that expression.)

Christina seems to be a lovely and gracious person who admits that not only does she break "every healthy rule" there is but that she could "sit down with a bag of chips and French onion dip and go to town!" (Love this gal!)

Here is a pitctue of Christina in a Diane von Furstenberg "Zora" dress that I want like...now.

 
 

How Christina Keeps in Top Health:

The actress who plays whip-smart Joan Holloway really does embrace her curves but regrets her parents did not follow a regular workout routine. Christina hits the treadmill (even though it bores her,) balance trains on her BOSU ball and tries to watch what she eats. Her favorite "body love" is Jessica Alba and the reason her skin is so perfect and creamy is due to her habit of moisturizing often. Sometimes even with olive oil when necessary which is a  little hardcore for me.  Perhaps next winter when my legs feel like sandpaper...

  

Also in the July Health:

   

Whose Stay-Thin Tricks Should You Steal?: 

Health editors pick three different actresses (Anne Hathaway, Valerie Bertinelli and Halle Berry) and illustrate their unique diet strategies that could work for you. I think I get that but the graphic confuses the hell out of me. Can any of you figure this out? I think I am a "Hathaway" but not totally sure. See for yourself!

 
  

 

WTF? Too much partying in my 20s is affecting my ability to process this one. Moving on...

Wake Up Prettier:

I am a HUGE beauty junkie and am always looking for new potions and lotions to make me prettier. This month the Health beauty editors features "give me that and that and that" glamor-puss products that "work straight through the night."

Yes please! (I can vouch for the efficacy of the Lash Boosting Serum from L'Oreal Paris by the way.)  

 

  

The Bar Method at Home:

I keep hearing about The Bar Method created by Burr Leonard and how tough it is. To the point where I heard tougher chicks than me cried after a Bar workout! 

Combining ballet and Pilates, this month's issue features a Bar Method workout to try at home in which they claim you can lose "three inches from your waist and thighs" in one month. Not sure I buy that but maybe Burr has seen it happen with her students and I could modify this for my classes...hmmm. 

 

Anyhoo, here she is with a couple of moves I plan to try out for myself.

 

 
 

What Else is in This Month's Health?

 

Got a Headache? What's Really Causing It:

I have numerous friends who have problems with headaches so I sending this along to them right away. In a nutshell look out how you hold your Blackberry or iPhone (wow--who'd a thunk it?), make sure the chicken you get at the supermarket is fresh (really, really fresh people) the overuse of saline sprays causing more problems than being a help with allergies and watch out for your medications. Got that?

  

How Bad Are Your Past Sins Really?

Kind of a cool feature on whether or not you can "undo" damage you have caused in the past. Topics include unsafe sex, living on junk food in your 20s, sun exposure, how long it takes to "undo" a smoking habit (15 years, yikes!) and extreme dieting. Good advice throughout.

 

The rest of the best of this issue of Health:

• World's Best Beauty Buys: Great ideas for affordable beauty items from around the globe that won't break the bank.

• The 7-Day Carblovers Kickstart Plan: Health features a week-long plan from the hot diet book The Carblovers Diet. Nice to know the demonization of carbs is going away--whew!

• Healthy Skin at Every Stage: The best advice for overcoming beauty issues in your 30s, 40s and 50s.

• Four Surprising Women Can't Lose Weight: The 'hidden health issues" that can make you keep on extra pounds.

• Hoop Yourself Slim: A fun routine using hula hoops that will whittle your waist. I never learned to hula hoop have you? Is it hard? Is it one of those things you have to take up as a child?

• Road Trip! Eat Healthy--Anywhere: How to eat healthy on the road whether you are at a rest stop, diner or fast food mall. Very helpful!

• Super Cool Treats: Page after page of drool-worthy, frozen yummy-ness. We are talking low-cal ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet--am I dreaming?  Seriously, I am drooling right now just typing this down. (Nom nom)

  

And now the rest of the rest of Health:

There's an important story about keeping your reproductive system healthy and the headline says "Good News About Down-There Cancer.' Down where? My feet? Shit like this really bugs me. Use proper names and terms please! Your readers are grown-ups--really!

 

But that is really the only article/line that made me wince. The rest of the magazine is an informative and easy-going read. Nicely done Health magazine editors!

  

Overall Grade: 

B  Very strong issue full of the good stuff that is perfect to take along to the beach. Good job!

 

Until next month  Health!

 

ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

 

(BFC)

 

 
 

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Fitness links I like today including @WomensHealthMag

A few fitness links I am digging today...

(And you should too!)

 

Women's Health magazine:

Today they feature a slide show that gives the some of the best information on how muscles work I have seen in a long time. Here is their link: 10 Facts About Your Muscles

 

USA Today.com:

They have some excellent stories in their health section and are currently in the middle of a Weight Loss Challenge. Be sure to check them out!

 

Newsweek.com:

This week's newsstand issue is all about "The Science of Living Healthy" and is one of the better comprehensive health pieces I have read in quite some time. You can find some of the articles here:Newsweek Health  but I get the feeling they are purposely hiding the story on their web site so you will be forced to actually buy the magazine. If you do, here is the cover to look for:

But be warned--they have some scary-ass art work inside. You have been warned! (See for yourself if you dare...)

and here...

 

Anyhoo, let me know what your favorite sites and Blogs are for health, fitness and nutrition. I could always use more!

 

BFC

 

  

What Did We Learn This Month: @Shape_Magazine July 2010 issue

What Did We Learn This Month?

  

Shape magazine: July 2010 

  

Cover Model: Jewel

What is the Deal With Her "Rockin' Bod?"

Jewel is the cover model this month and inside she discusses her past issues with her body image, how the press discusses her in print (one jerk-weed described the singer/songwriter as a "chubby Renee Zellweger" --ass hat!) learning to manage her "hormonal imbalances" (what 'dis?) and gain more energy and finally--Jewel shares her workout routine that got her a bod that truly "rocks" as the cover suggests.

 

She also looks pretty in her photo shoot--see!

 

 

Jewel gets many of her workout moves from "cowboy boot camp" at her neighbor's house. Her husband Ty Murray is a real-live rodeo cowboy and competed on Dancing with the Stars so he knows the importance of being fit (and wearing tight costumes!) The singer also shows readers exercises that are convenient enough to do while on the road. You can see some of them here:

  

 

What Else is in the July Shape?

  

The Sexiest Bodies in Music: 

Shape continues with the music theme by featuring some of the hottest female performers out there and their secret to getting their "fittest physiques.' They include the usual suspects (Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Sheryl Crow) plus newcomers like Lady Gaga (who follows the 5-Factor Fitness program,) Jennifer Hudson (who promotes Weight Watchers,) and Katy Perry who keeps a jump rope with her on the road to get in quick workouts. (She is also engaged to Russell Brand. Just sayin'.)

 

"Get Off-the-Charts Energy":

This is a clever story where the chefs and nutritionists of A-list music stars offer tips for how the rest of us can  have more energy from what we eat.  Now I assumed rock stars and singers loaded up on Red Bull and vodka before hitting the stage but for divas like Pink, Taylor Swift and Rhianna--this will not do. They need to eat healthy as they are on stage up to two-hours per show. (I am guessing Janis Joplin had a whole different backstage dining experience!)

 

Here are some "secret" energy sources:

• Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds have magnesium which is needed "to activate cell enzymes that produce energy."

• Instead of gummy bears and diet soda--try eating fruit for that extra sugar boost to keep fueled up.

• Burgers(!) are an excellent source of iron--just be sure to get the lean beef and not the buttery Kobe or New York Strip which will give you the sleeeeeeeepies.

• And when you are working hard and getting really sweaty--sometimes regular H2O will not be enough to stave off dehydration. Instead think like Madonna and get some coconut water which will give the potassium your body needs when stressed. (Seriously, I had heat exhaustion last week and this stuff was the only thing that helped me get my energy back. Keep hydrated always!)

What Else is in the July Shape?:

This is a chock-full of goodies issue people! I am serious! I want to snark but the July issue is pretty damn killer. This is why:

  

"30 Best New Snacks" Under 200 Calories!:

Pretty much says what it is about--the best snacks for low calorie treats. Some of my favorites are here including POP chips, Potato Flyers Backed Potato Chips, and Indiana Gourmet Kettlecorn in cinnamon sugar (nom, nom , nom...)

 

 

 
 

  

"Weight-Loss Workbook": 8 Tools for Slimming Down: 

One really cool page features "I want that!" weight-loss gear such as an electronic scale to weight your food for only $30, a body composition monitor from Omron and a wine glass that has etched on it lines that indicate 4, 6, and 8 ounces to keep the portions accurate from a company called Wine-Trax. Genius.  

 

 

But wait--there's more!

 Just as in the June issue, Jackie Warner (of SKYLAB Studio) makes an appearance and this time offers a diet and fitness plan that aims to tone-up your "trouble zone." (You mean some people only have one?!) They say you can lose ten pounds in one month: "a slimmer you in four weeks." I need to review it more but it seems pretty sound to me. You can find more information here: shape.com/jackiewarner.

  

In essence the soon-to-be host of Thintervention on the Bravo network advises:

1. Try to keep your daily caloric intake in their neighborhood of 1500 calories.

2. Eat three meals per day plus a snack to avoid getting hungry.

3. "Embrace the idea of exercising with intensity during your cardio and strength sessions." In other words, move your bloomin' arse! (Thats my take. Jackie is most likely far too elegant a creature to say that.)

 

  

 Even More Good Things in the July Shape:

• "What Ever Happened To...": Smart article detailing certain health trends of the past (wheatgrass, bee pollen, wheat germ, etc) and whether or not their touted health benefits have held up under the passage of time and scrutiny. {Spoiler alert; wheatgrass is NOT the chlorophyll cure-all as promised by those smug hipsters at the juice bar. So feel free to avoid that nasty tasting stuff. You're welcome!}

• "Ready, Set, Race!": The editors of Shape offer an excellent three-part plan for triathlon training.

• "Pick Up the Pace, Live Longer": Yes!!!! I am a fast walker. I walk faster than you. When you are walking with me you are going to move quickly. And according to a survey done by Harvard University: Women who walk briskly--about 3 miles per hour--are 37% less likely to suffer a strike than those who don't walk for exercise.So guess what friends and family? You need to move your bloomin' arse and try to keep up!

• "Get the Legs of a Dancer": Someone who apparently is in the music business named Nicole Scherzinger (who 'dis?) won the Dancing With the Stars competition this year (oh) and she is showing us how to use a kettlebell to get foxy gams. Sure, why not?!

 

Plus we have the usual beauty, fashion, lifestyle and reader's "get healthy" stories jammed in here as well. The editor-in-chief, Valerie Latona, in her monthly letter to the readers tells us they are updating the look of the magazine with this issue and I have to say so far, so good.

  

Overall Grade: Congratulations! You have earned your first A! Keep this up Shape editors!

Until next month Shape!

 

ox ox,

BFC

 
 

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"Celebrity" Workout Video Introductions (who is the last guy?)

Celebrity Workout Video Introductions

(Anyone know the guy at the end?)

 

Ah and the celebrity workout video train keeps a rollin'. Today I offer this gem from "reset counter" on You Tube. I have a feeling they will give me plenty of fodder in the upcoming weeks.

 

Here is a collection of "celebrity" introductions that gives me the giggles every time I see it. One question, who the hell is the last guy introduced?

 

Please to enjoy...

 

 

 

Enjoy the rest of your day. Let me know if you can think of any odd celebrity video workouts. I am always in the mood to view more!

 

BFC

 

BFC Moves of the Week Including @JillianMichaels

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick (B.F.C.) Moves of the Week

Week Ending July 2, 2010

 

To quote Matthew Broderick in Biloxi Blues"It's jungle hot here. This is like Africa hot. Tarzan could not take this kind of hot." (If you have never seen this movie do yourself a favor and put it on your Netflix cue now!)

 

Anyhoo, I managed to record a couple of moves that you may or may not want to try out on your own.

 

The first is from the July issue of O! Magazine:

 

Ms. Winfrey didn't exactly go heavy on the fitness tips in this issue but they did have one story that emphasized "balance." Here it is!

 

 

And next we have the tough and amazing Jillian Michaels with her latest fitness product: "Hot Bod in a Box"

 

 

I decided to try out one of the moves and now include it as a regular part of my core class. You can see what it is supposed to look like here:

 
Anyhoo, here is my version of them. Let me know what ya think!

 

 

 

Keep cool,

 

B.F.C.    

When Jane Fonda Ruled the World: A Retrospective

When Jane Fonda Ruled the World: A Retrospective

About a time when leotards and leg warmers spelled "cool"

 

I am going to sound a little like Sophia from The Golden Girls ("Picture it, Sicily 1922!") but I want to take you back to 1982 when home video machines were just starting to gain in popularity. Of course the VCR companies expected people to watch their favorite movies and TV shows on their products but no one realized what a goldmine they would have with the brand-new industry of home workout videos. And we have none other than Jane Mother F***in Fonda to thank for that!

 

In 1982 the then 45 (!) year-old actress released an exercise book, record (yes I said record,) and finally a video based on dance classes and exercises she had been practicing for most of her adult life. Jane always wanted to be a dancer and swore that these moves were the reason she was able to maintain her slim frame right into her middle-aged years. She went on to sell 17 million copies of that workout which is more than any other video before or since.

 

 

Altogether Jane Fonda created 23 workout videos and her high-gloss production values and attractive cast became the standard-bearer that many potential usurpers would try to imitate but none could ever duplicate.

 

It's not hard to find the allure in her workouts. She is an attractive Oscar-winning actress, the daughter of Henry Fonda, a former "radical" of the left, and the wife of some powerful men including director Roger Vadim and media titan Ted Turner. Jane has presence. You have to watch her when she is on screen. She has star quality and charisma which are things you can never fake. No wonder America went along with it.

 

However, most of the moves from her first workout are either useless, or worse, just plain dangerous for the average person to follow. I get the feeling when I watch it that Jane and her dancer/co-stars think there is a world out there filled with skinny people looking to be just a bit more flexible.

 

The first clip we have here of The Jane Fonda Workout is from the "beginner" portion of the workout which could not only hurt your neck but also your back and hamstrings within the first 8 minutes of the warm up. Don't believe me? See for yourself here!

 

 

 

My God! Did you see the one dude wearing shorts on top of a pair of tights and finishing the look off with leg warmers? I didn't imagine that right?

 

Anyhoo, in case you didn't know--please do not do the following when you workout:

• Drop your head suddenly and then whip it back up. Didn't we all do that by accident when we were kids and realize how stupid that was?

• "Bounce" your muscles--streching them will work just fine.

• For Pete's Sake, grab a rubber band and pull your hair back! Who needs a floppy mess of hair in your eyes while doing cardio?

• Rushing through exerices--I would have sworn they sped the tape up. Where's the fire Jane?

• Be wary of instructors who have you do sexually suggestive moves (unless you are taking one of those stripper pole classes.) The last exercise in this clip gave me the willies!

• Snap your fingers and count out loud like you are in a Fosse musical. That is just plain silly

 

But let's not forget one very important thing while watching this video...the woman is 45 years-old and is as fit and flexible as a teenager. Wowza Jane!

 

Eventually the lawsuits began to happen from those who could not keep up with Jane and hurt themselves which is why there is a LONG disclaimer on all workout videos and DVDs now.

 

Jane went on to create videos for Yoga, Low-Impact Aerobics, Step, and much more and continues to be on the path of health and wellness in her 70s. She is a leading voice and advocate for women's health and is particularly involved in charities dealing with helping pregnant teens in her adopted home of Atlanta.

 

Here is a recent photo of Jane next to one from her "workout" days, not too shabby eh?

 

So I will now leave you with a scene from On Golden Pond which was also released around the time of The Jane Fonda Workout. I believe this is one of the few acting roles where Dabney Coleman doesn't play a creep. Please to enjoy. (God, I love this movie!)

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik (please note spelling!)

 

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What Did We Learn This Week: People magazine

What Did We Learn This Week? People magazine

 

People: June 28, 2010

 

A Special Double Issue Featuring "50 Most Amazing Bodies!"

 

Who's on the Cover:

Zac Effron looking pretty hot though that makes me feel a little dirty. He's over 18 right?

 

This is one of those special issues with page after page of celebrities in their bathing suits including Kendra Wilson who tells People "My Post-Baby Curves Shock Me!" (link) (Gasp! Shock! Pregnacy and weight gain can bring curves!)

 

For a more comprehensive look at this special section check out their People "Body Package" web site here.

 

But wait, there's more!

 

Also included in this issue is an interview with Jennifer Love Hewitt who claims she is "...starting to love my body." The editors include the following sub-headline: "The (real) skinny on how Jennifer Love Hewitt went from 'fat' to fabulous." Um, when exactly was she 'fat?' This is why I need to cut down on the tabloids. They have a totally skewed idea on how women should look.

Anyway, here we see Jennifer in her photo shoot.

How Does Jennifer Love Hewitt Keep In Shape?

Jennifer watches what she eats (under 1500 calories per day,) works out at least an hour a day (cardio & weights,) and takes workout DVDs and resistance bands on the road with her when she travels. She also laments that she was not happier with her body when she was younger which is something many of us can relate to.

What else is in the special "body" issue of People?

The Body Summit: Stars Tell All!:

Think Dorothy Parker and the Vicious Circle with C-list "stars." I am not kidding.

Lisa Rinna, Nikki Blonsky, Dayna Devon, Garcelle Beauvais and Whitney Port meet to discuss what it takes to "look good in Hollywood.' I am not kidding.

Here they are!

Highlights include:

Lisa Rinna: "I had something done to my lips 24 years ago." (You don't say!)

Dayna Devon: "I have two words for you: cabbage soup."

What else is in People this Week?

Real Housewives of New Jersey's Teresa Giudice talks about the wild $11 million in spending that sent her family into bankruptcy (does anyone on this show know who to manage their money?)

Teresa also shares some personal photos which made me giggle:

 
  

The rest of this week's People in a nutshell:

• A "Dirty Dancing With the Stars" photo spread featuring people from a dancing show I don't watch.
• Jordan van der Sloot is still incredibly creepy.
• The true heroes of the Gulf Coast who are working tirelessly to protect their environment and way of life.

And finally:

A story on Pat "Mother-F***in'" Benatar that made my day. Wee! Please to enjoy one of her finest performances from back in the day when MTV stood for MUSIC television.

Here's the plot in a nutshell: A 30 year-old Pat Benatar runs away from her 40 year-old parents to become a dance-hall floozy. The End. (I always wondered if Scarface was influenced by the bad guy in this video...)

 

 

My apartment is as hot as balls today and I have no more to give so I will end here. See you next time People!

Overall score: B- (Many, many points taken off for featuring "The Situation"--blech!)

ox ox,

BFC

 

 

 

What do ya' mean "Barbie" had a workout video?

The Barbie Dance Workout (1992)

(Oh those kids and their creepy toys that come to life...)

 

Yesterday we saw the magic that was the Mary Hart "Fit & Firm" video and today our journey continues with Mattel's bright idea from the early 90s to get girls to exercise. Why not have their hero Barbie lead them in a workout routine they can do at home? What could possibly go wrong with that?

 

Okay it is not the worst idea I ever heard--that would be the Shamrock Shakes McDonald's sells every year for St. Patrick's Day. (Really Mickey D's? Why?)

 

But look at the way the creative behind the video animate our favorite blond doll with the impossible-to-reproduce in real life figure. It's disturbing and creepy to see Barbie pop into the frame while the kids are in the middle of their routine.

 

Dolls should be animated only in a cartoon version and not in this almost-looks-like a Twilight Zone creature we have here. But don't just take my word--check it out for yourselves.

 

Don't watch it with the lights out though--it's very spooky!

 

 

 

 

Here is some trivia for you about Barbie to take with you. Her real name is Barbie Millicent Roberts. She is estimated to be 5' 9" tall and would have a 36 x 18 x 33 figure if you translate her into a human scale. Now THAT is truly terrifying!

 

I don't want to scare you anymore so tomorrow we will have a fun celebrity workout video to uncover.

 

Until next time...

 

 

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BFC

 

When Celebrities Enter the Fitness World: Mary Hart Had a Workout Video?

 

Mary Hart's "Fit & Firm" Video (1990)

(Where the hell is John Tesh anyway?)

  

Sometimes when goofing around, er, I mean "doing research' on You Tube--I come across the most insane celebrity workout videos. At one time it seemed everyone was releasing their own video from Mr. T to Cher to Estelle Getty. Just for shits & giggles I will pass along a collection of them over the next few days. Today I bring you the lovely Mary Hart.

 

Its hard to believe in the tabloid TV world we live in now but at one time Entertainment Tonight was a classy show--seriously! They used to interview real live movie stars and we thought it was all so magical. Nowadays it looks as if the American public would rather watch celebrities make fools of themselves instead of being a "star" but that is a rant for another time. Today we will not rant. Today we will celebrate!

 

Anyhoo, Mary Hart was a bona fide famous person in the 1980s & 1990s and achieved notoriety for not only hosting E.T. but for also having such a wonderful pairs of legs-- they were insured by her producers for $1 million should anything happen to them. Now this is total PR bullshit but sometimes we hear dumb media stories and just go along with them. (Spencer & Heidi anyone?)

 

Below you will see a clip that is a condensed version of Mary Hart's "Fit & Firm" video released in 1990. The cheesy music, the bright leotards, the "tan' tights, the SCRUNCHIES---it is a dork-tastic delight that will make you smile on a lazy hump day. You're welcome!

 

Please to enjoy...

Ox ox,

BFC

 

 

By the way, if you want to get a copy and you are willing to spend 1 penny + shipping for it, here you go!

Mary Hart Fit & Firm: Amazon.com

 

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What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine July 2010 Issue

  

What Did We Learn This Month: SELF, July 2010

SELF magazine: July 2010 

  

SELF Cover Model for July: 

Anna Paquin who plays Sookie Stackhouse on HBO's True Blood and claims the nudity on the show doesn't bother her as much as wearing the "skimpy" outfits. (Not sure I understand that but what the hell?) The sexual tension between Sookie and head vampire Eric Northman (played by the delicious Alexander Skarsgard) is so intense I swear my TV will melt from it one day. And that's a good thing as Martha Stewart would say!

  

How Anna Keeps in "Skimpy Outfits" Shape:

Anna doesn't lie about being naturally thin or never having any issues with her body image which is very refreshing. Being something of a jock she keeps fit by swimming, running, boxing, the Bar Method, Core Fusion and even dabbling in trapeze lessons. (Holy shit, I am tired just from typing all of those activities down-- whew!) 

 

As for what she eats to stay "gettin' naked for the camera-ready," Anna sticks to a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables with the occasional treat allowed (ho hum.)

 

Finally, the actress admits that becoming a (spray) tanned blond to play the part has upped her wolf whistles quotient: "...it's true that people stare at blond girls more than quasi-famous brunettes."

 

 If I ever become quasi-famous I will be sure to put that to the test. Moving on...

 

Also in the July SELF:

  

 Wacky, but it works!: 

I want everything on this page! Well truth be told, I do have The Miracle Ball Method which has honestly helped me with back and neck pain. Write me if you want more details. The rest of the merchandise featured all seem to have useful functions and are still cute-looking. Good job picking them out SELF editors!

 

In the meantime, are the PR folks for Shake Weight or Banlgz.com reading this? I would love to sample your products...

 

 
 

  

Bikini Body:

SELF asked Vanessa Manillo of ABC's True Beauty to "road test" their bikini workout as it will produce "look-at-me results." I am going to guess Vanessa's perfect face has a lot to do with how many people 'look" at her but the workout is solid enough. I like this move! 

 
 

  

Supermarket Cheat Sheet:

Page after page of all kinds of foods the editors of SELF can get behind. We are talking everything from chips to salsa to ice cream to pasta sauce to frozen waffles. They are based on being "fast-fix foods" and are therefore convenient and healthy. Worth the price of the magazine just for this section.

 

But why no love for POPchips? I freaking live for those things. Take care of that error SELF food editors! 

 

Bryce Dallas Howard is Adorable:

A friend of mine went to school with Bryce Dallas Howard and can attest to the fact that the red-headed actress is quite possibly the sweetest biped alive. (Dad played Richie Cunnigham--shout out!) I happen to know two, count 'em two, other "Bryce" chicks and both are just as delightful. Maybe the name needs a popularity surge?

 

Anyhoo, Bryce looks totally lovely in her picture and she talks to SELF about her favorite things including the show Spartacus with her husband, dry-brushing her skin before showering, and writing real live, actual letters to her best friend (a lost pastime if there ever was one!)

 

She also admits to eating meat after years of being a vegetarian due to health deficiencies but takes care to appreciate where her food comes from. Nice Bryce!

 

  

The Rest of the Best of the July SELF:

• "SELF Expression" First person account of panic attacks that is very well-handled and explained.

• "The New Ambition": SELF speaks to a few women who gave up (or were laid off from) big money, high-powered careers and are now following their passion including a woman who helps collect medical supplies to distribute to folks in developing countries. Love this!

• "Who Controls Childbirth?" A look at the growing trend of home births and the problems of being able to have them in certain sections of the country.

• Plus a fashion story that takes place on Route 66 and features this kicky, spangly dress I really, really want. (hint, hint to anyone feeling generous.)

 

 

And finally...:

The beauty stories about summer skin were a little rote but the rest of the magazine still held up in quality. Particularly the recipes using fresh, summer ingredients--nom nom!

 

Editor-in-Chief Lucy Danziger announces on her "editor's LETTER" page that Dylan Lauren of Dylan's Candy Bar is their new "candy curator." Color me intrigued as to how this will work out in SELF. Dylan is a candy connoisseur who can wear skinny jeans. Maybe she knows something I don't...

 

Overall Grade: 

A solid B.  I am calling it a fun summer read that is a breezy as a day at the beach.

 

They also get points for having an excellent web site: http://www.self.com/ 

 

I am eager to see what you offer in August SELF editors!

 

ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

 
 
 

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