How Volunteering Can Change Your Life

Lisa Zenno, 27, Seattle"I have a two-hour commute, and my workday averages 10 hours. Once I’m home, I’m back at it, doing translation work. My weekends are for errands. I’m just too busy!" Bonus: She’ll never have to leave her bedroom. “The training was online, so I did it whenever I had free time,” Zenno says. We’ve chatted for three weeks so far, and we’re really connecting. Last session, she opened up about her mother’s recent death....

December 14, 2010 · 3 min · 564 words · Vickie Cardenas

7 Ways To Banish Holiday Stress Today!

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. Ah,the holidays. Sometimes I still feel like she’s invading my space, even though I invited her into it!" It' not insincere, it' loving, and the emotion is the authentic part. Now it’s your turn to offer a little time and effort. How can I let it go and just enjoy my time with my loved ones?...

December 13, 2010 · 2 min · 388 words · Joseph Collins

Seven steps to Natalie Portman'sBlack Swanbody

It’s out today in limited release. Both actresses reportedly lost 20 pounds to get into character. “It wasn’t really giving up [food]. It was just smaller portions… It was more quantity than a particular thing.” But once shooting ended, so did the dieting. “It was just pasta and bread and pizza all the time,” Portman says. make a run at not let the knees fall forward. Push through the heels, engaging the inner thighs, back of legs and glutes to stand....

December 3, 2010 · 2 min · 317 words · Alex Waters

How Women Cope After Almost Dying

Now she was irritated; the bad weather would push her arrival close to midnight. Two hours and 12 minutes behind schedule, American Airlines flight 1420 took off. “Quite a light show off the left-hand side of the aircraft,” the pilot announced. “I’m going to have to slightly overfly the airport for turn back around to land.” As the plane circled and dipped, it jolted in the wind. Still, she was alive....

December 2, 2010 · 5 min · 1063 words · Ann Smith

Beat Holiday Stress and Slim Down With Yoga

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. **Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season keep you from sweating. Exercise is a great way tobeat stress and keep you energizedfor whatever the festivities may bring. Grab your mat and unwind with these poses from Kim Fowler’sThe No Om Zone....

November 23, 2010 · 2 min · 324 words · Christine Maldonado

10 Reasons to Quit Smoking

Super Smarts Ex-smokers have better reasoning skills and memory than current ones. Clearer Skin Cigarette toxins change your face’s oil secretions. (Hello, breakouts!) Gorgeous Locks Puffers are four times more likely to go gray early. Pet Protection Secondhand smoke can up cancer risk for furry friends. A Baby Boon Smokers have a greater risk for infertility. Winter Warmth Cigarette breaks in the freezing cold are a total drag!

November 20, 2010 · 1 min · 68 words · Linda Hernandez

10 Ways to Glowing Winter Skin

Try Avon Healthy Makeup Liquid Foundation, $12. Opt for an emollient-rich lipcolor such as Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Tiger Lily, $30. We like Stila Convertible Color in Rose, $25. (Plus they can all be applied beautifully with your fingertips!) Create a Matte Complexion “In winter, skin should look more matte,” says Dempsey. She uses a weightless mousse foundation that dries to a semimatte finish, yet remains transparent and moisturizing....

November 20, 2010 · 2 min · 275 words · Brett Cooke

11 Ways to Wear Knits This Season

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. A Winter Must A sweaterdress lets you be Saturday-comfy any day of the week. Dress, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, $390. Hat, 1717 Olive, $40. Scarf, Fraas, $36. Scarf, Mulberry, $475. Dress, Christopher Fischer, $575. Left open, a cozy cardigan lets you show off your curves (and your great outfit!...

November 20, 2010 · 2 min · 369 words · Tanya Barnes

7 All-Occasion Fall Dresses

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. Mark, $30;MeetMark.com When shoes match your dress, be sure your bag contrasts. Dress, Pink Tartan, $395; 800-365-7989. Belt, 213 Industry, $71;DiamondsAndPearl.com Faux skin for day? Yes, in sedate shades. $378;ColeHaan.com Sturdy wooden heels offer inches, comfort and confidence. $325;ToryBurch.com Wednesday: Buckle-down Workday Textured tweed gives shape without clinging....

November 20, 2010 · 1 min · 197 words · Julie Jensen

Beauty Tricks and Products the Pros Swear By

“You stiffen the lash line, giving liquid liner something to hold on to. (Think of how a Sharpie bleeds as soon as you press it onto paper.) Apply Blush Naturally __Tweak your technique__2. When using cream blush, smooth a little bit over the plumpest part of the cheek. Then use overlapping, upward strokes with a flat-bristled brush to paint on color. Start at your hairline, moving inward with a small blush brush....

November 20, 2010 · 3 min · 451 words · Debbie Edwards

Get the Perfect Haircolor

You’ll lift color without overdrying. The problem is easy to fix without splurging at the salon. If your blonde has flecks of gold, opt for a toning gloss to mute orange tones. (Try CHI Organics Tone & Shine in Summer Blonde, $20.) For low maintenance, opt for a semi- or demi-permanent formula. These dyes cover your color and eventually wash out. Unless you crave red tones, opt for shades withashorneutralin the name....

November 20, 2010 · 2 min · 245 words · Johnny Duran

34 Snacks That Fight Stress

Avocado Tribe All Natural Classic Hummus or one with no more than 70 calories and 6 g fat (1 g saturated) per 2 tbsp Whole-Grain Pitas with 180 calories or fewer Chi-Chi’s Whole Wheat Tortillas or another variety with 180 calories or fewer Black Beans Low sodium Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella or another cheese with 80 calories or fewer per 2 tbsp Chipotle Salsa that’s 15 calories or fewer and no more than 150 milligrams sodium per 2 tbsp serving...

November 17, 2010 · 2 min · 312 words · Joshua Wilson

Eat Like A Star: The Stars ofGlory Daze

Want to look like a star? Have what they’re having! Every Tuesday, we’ll tell you what healthy breakfast helps our favorite stars kick off their day. Copyright 2008 This week, we talked to the stars of TBS’s new comedy,Glory Daze! Callard Harris"I attempt to eat foods closest to their natural state. This is an organic raw sprouted buckwheat granola with goat yogurt. And OJ and coffee." Start the day off right and it’s delicious!...

November 16, 2010 · 2 min · 234 words · Dr. Sean Williamson II