SELF's Best Book Picks

Famous designer Lady Lucille calls dibs on a raft & has hell to pay when she washes up ashore. Four of a Kind #Brooklynmoms become unlikely friends while playing poker. The Good Father Doc’s son accused of killing presidential hopeful. Did fam miss signs? Expiration date on loyalty?#Page-turner+ current events twist. Is she a ghost? Makes you want to dance. The Red Book Once-close roomies converge 4 20yr@Harvardreunion. Scandals happen; love blooms; secrets&surprises abound....

April 16, 2012 · 1 min · 102 words · Robert Lee

How to Find Happiness in Unexpected Places

A few winters ago, it rained pretty much constantly for three months. By month two of the unrelentingly wet weather, my thoughts had also taken a predictably dour turn. Why is my husband working such long hours? I’d like to say that normally I’m an optimistic and sunny person. But the truth is, my mind naturally tilts in the direction of worry. The endless rain simply pushed me more firmly toward the bleak side....

April 13, 2012 · 3 min · 577 words · Miss Rachel Boyer

Start Fresh! Your Spring Cleaning Must-Do List

**We love sharing the latest from our friends atYouBeauty! Contrast that with their neighbor Kimmy Gibbler: “We never clean at my house. We move in, trash the place for five years, then move out.” GALLERY:The 10 Best All-Natural Cleaning Products The key is to make it fun for the whole family. And of course, you don’thaveto clean every inch and take all of this on at once. If spring and fall cleaning stresses you out, break it down into smaller, doable chunks....

April 13, 2012 · 3 min · 479 words · Jessica Carlson

The Lucky One's Taylor Schilling Dishes on Zac Efron and Her Favorite Romantic Flick

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Exploring her circumstances was as interesting and exciting as it was challenging. (L-r) ZAC EFRON as Logan and TAYLOR SCHILLING as Beth in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ romantic drama “THE LUCKY ONE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. I wanted to honor her and women in her position as best I could....

April 13, 2012 · 2 min · 403 words · Roberto Smith

2012 Drop 10 Grocery List

BakerySoft corn tortillas (3 tortillas, 6 inches each)Whole-wheat bread (4 slices)Whole-wheat sandwich thinWhole-wheat wrap (2 wraps, 8 inches each) Condiments and SpicesBalsamic vinegarBlack pepperBrown sugarCinnamonDijon mustardDried dillGarlic powderHot sauceMaple syrupOlive oilPaprikaPeanut sauceRice wine vinegarSea saltSesame oilSoy sauce, low-sodiumVanilla extractVegetable oil cooking spray Dairy/RefrigeratedBlue cheese, crumbled (2 tbsp)Cheddar, shredded (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp)Cream cheese, light (1 tbsp)Eggs (9)Goat cheese, crumbled (1 oz)Greek yogurt, nonfat plain (1 cup + 1 tbsp)Greek yogurt, nonfat vanilla (9 oz)Hummus (3 tbsp)Milk, 1% (1 cup)Milk, skim (1/2 cup)Orange juice (1/3 cup + 2 tbsp)Parmesan, grated (2 tbsp + 2 tsp)Ricotta, part-skim (2 tbsp)...

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 255 words · Rachel Wise

22 Standout Spring Wardrobe Updates

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Structured Florals Powerful petals show you’re no wallflower. From left: On the runways at Peter Som and Prada; Huggins. A wedge heel, peep toe and ankle strap make for a sexy floral arrangement. $89;NineWest.com Stand tall in a retro V-neck dress with a gauzy placket that elongates the torso....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 278 words · Kenneth Mcgrath

4 Exercise Machines That Help Burn Fat And Build Muscle

Not that its a walk (er, row?) They challenge the user to be powerful and efficient, addsCrunchmaster trainerAriel Iasevoli. Its all about control and powerif youre speeding through, you probably arent using proper form. Jacob Ammentorp Lund / Getty Images A great rower looks like theyre are going ‘slow. Every stroke is powerful, so they don’t need to rush, says Iasevoli. This will help prevent you from getting exhausted too quickly....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 339 words · Amanda Oliver

5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

The Easy Fix: Hydrate H2O is like kryptonite to cellulite. It has the power to sideline puckers. Sure, it’s possible for you to chug it, but chewing it (you heard right!) Why it works:Water is abloatbuster that flushes away excess salt. (They act like skin’s natural fillers.) When the dermis of the skin is thicker, it conceals lumps better. Munch away: Enjoywatermelonoff the rind, slice it into salads, or freeze it into chunks....

April 12, 2012 · 3 min · 467 words · Michelle Nelson

50 Beauty Buys Under $10

Makeup Must-Gets Master the Mani No time to dry? Skippolish: Press on funky Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $10. Try Our New Free Drop 10 Diet! Kiss Fading Away L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Rose Elixir, $8, has serious staying power. Lash Out The so-simple Andrea Modlash Starter Kit, $6, is like falsies 101 forfirst-time fakers. Safeguard Your Smile Hydrate, and block UV rays, with Supergoop!...

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 394 words · Gabrielle Newman DDS

8 Colorful Outfit Ideas for Spring

If you’re wary of sugar shock, stick to the palest of shades. Sweeter:Pick a bottom or top that’s flirty in color or style. Pair it with denim or some other neutral to temper the effect. Sweetest:Pile it onpastels, ruffles and lace! Soft Focus Icy pastels, like lemon and lavender, are so pale that they almost act as neutrals. you’re free to mix and match them without looking over-the-top. Tank, Ann Taylor, $98....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 285 words · Lisa Bennett

Carrie Underwood's No-Fail Workoutand Diet Favorites

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. When do you go grocery shopping?" 2014 Frederick Breedon IV “I don’t ever want to not buy my owngroceries!” Sheoverhauled her eating habitsand became avegan. And she spent time writing and recording a new album, due out May 1. Left: Aqua tank, $68;Bloomingdales.com. J Brand/Christopher Kane pants, $285;Barneys....

April 12, 2012 · 3 min · 562 words · Scott Mcdaniel

Healthier Hair Treatments in the Salonand at Home

It fades over time, so, unlike conventional perms, there are no bizarro ridges. Find a salon atPravana.com. This may not be the healthiest option for hair. That said, there isn’t definitive proof that the chemicals in hair dye are carcinogenic. Eco way:Brunettes can cut back on PPD exposure by going brighter. Typically, the lighter the shade, the less PPD, Brocato notes. Learn which salons use it atOriginalMineral.com. Blondes don’t need to stress as much over PPD....

April 12, 2012 · 1 min · 188 words · Diana Gilmore

How to Lose 10, 20, 30 Pounds!

Each dish is packed withmetabolism-revving superfoods, so you get to eatnot suffer!your way slim. Plus, you get 200 happy calories every day to use on anything. (We mean anythingwine included!). © Condé Nast Read on for the rest of your Drop 10 workout planplus, a sample week of HIIT routines. (Try a sample move on slide 13.) Step 4: Logs, Tools, and Prizes! Lose With Friends Speed up your weight loss success withSELF’s new Facebook tool!...

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 387 words · Scott Morton