Here are some Fall beauty tips that are easy to incorporate into your routine.

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Here-here to that, sister! Though it is tough to get away from cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry, most “modern” inventions and products end up making our lives more cluttered and complicated instead of relieving us of senseless stress. Keeping things simple (or at least progressing them towards that end of the spectrum) is the overall theme of Body+Soul Magazine’s April 2008 issue - right in time for Earth Day, of course.

Learning how to kick back and take things in stride is the theme of this issue’s Reader to Reader column (page 20) . In celebration of the premiere of Sundance Channel The Green’s second season on April 1st, Body+Soul is giving away a luxury goody bag (worth over $2,500!) to one lucky reader.

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If having a gift-free holiday is not something your family would go for, why not get them something sustainable? Just by looking through the eco-links collection on my website, one can easily see that there are cornucopia of green stores to choose from. For the next two months, I’ll be featuring some of the freshest shopping destinations the world wide web has to offer, helping you get to the bottom of that twice-checked list faster than ever.

Trying to decide who to feature in my first Green Shopping Spotlight was a darn tough decision, but the answer came to me in a snap, or an e-mail as it were. Two days ago, I got a delightful message from Jennifer, half of the two-woman team that started Max and Zane, the other half being April. I’d never heard of the online outlet before so I quickly clicked on over to see what the scoop was, and boy (or girl, haha) was I in for a treat!

Handmade, vintage, recycled, repurposed — Max and Zane has it all. We’re not just talking accessories and t-shirts either — paper goods, bath & body, kid & baby, men, women and special gift lists are full of unique items that I haven’t seen on any other sites. "Max and Zane was born out of a love for all things extraordinary and the knowledge that not everyone has the time or the patience to seek them out."

While the goods sold on Max and Zane are green, does the rest of the business operate under the same principles? You bet! "Not only do we have a love for vintage and repurposed goods, but we use recycled office supplies and support eco-friendly companies whenever humanly possible. Your purchases from Max and Zane will most likely arrive at your door in recycled cardboard boxes with reused packaging … we figure, if we can provide secure shipping in materials that are reused, why waste valuable resources?"

Need a simple gift for a co-worker? Shopping for a relative that is "difficult" to pinpoint? Ready to start putting slash marks on your holiday list? Click on over to Max and Zane — you won’t be disappointed.

You might be thinking, "is the October issue so bad that she can’t even bring herself to write about it?" Not at all! As usual Body+Soul came out with another great issue that I could put down; in fact, I finished it in two days.

Take charge of your life! In our latest issue, learn the essential strategies you need to break free from stress, curb your food cravings, and take control of your heart health. Find out the secrets to natural beauty, tips to greener living, and our picks for fall beauty. Plus, we’ve done the research, now see the results: Body+Soul’s "best of yoga."

It is highly ironic that I was having such a hard time writing about a publication whose feature store is about how to "Stop Stressing [and] Start Living!" After reading this piece by senior editor Terri Trespicio (the magazine would truly not be the same without her), it became quite noticeable just how many times in the day I start to stress and/or worry about silly things that didn’t deserve my mind’s time. I’m sure having clinical anxiety doesn’t help, but that doesn’t mean I need to be fretting about things that a) I can barely, if at all, control or b) don’t have any impact on my personal happiness or the joy of those around me.

"We identified six types of worriers and asked experts … to show us how each type can get a handle on their hand-wringing. Chances are you’ll see yourself in more than one of the following worry profiles - and that’s okay (we did, too)." Boy, did I ever! Three of the six "types" hit pretty close to home with me: the generalist ("I worry all the time about everything."), the rehasher ("It’s not voluntary; I get stuck in a mental loop."), and last but not least, the worldwide worrier ("I worry about the generic engineering of crops and animals. I worry that the bees are dying."). One article isn’t going to change my mind’s odd process, but it is a good start. Terri did a beautiful amount of research and talked to a range of expects (the Buddhist psychotherapist was one of my favorites) and I think this piece can really hit home with just about every reader.

One of the big things that I worry about is my health, which, thankfully, I do have a fair amount of "control" over (genetics aside). My mother is currently on medication for high blood pressure (mostly from stress, I’m sure) and my father passed away last year from a rare bleeding-of-the-heart issue, so anytime my ticker gets funky, the rest of my body and mind goes on high alert. New info and articles about managing our cholesterol come out all the time, but Carolyn Edy’s "Take Charge of Your Cholesterol" is one of the few that didn’t make me feel anxious after reading it.

Do I eat enough fruits and vegetables? No. Do I exercise at least 3 times a week? No. These are two of the main things that I know I need to improve; that’s obvious. According to the Healthy Heart Action Plan that accompanies the article, I am doing a few things right already — maintaining a healthy weight, taking supplements, limiting refined carbs, and relaxing. Like most readers, I’m not perfect, but now I have a solid education of the topic of cholesterol and how to manage it without stressing or eating like a rabbit.

Other swank highlights from the October issue:

• Pantry Primer: Nuts (page 60)
• Think on Your Feet (page 94)
• The Secrets to Natural Beauty (page 122)
• The Best Yoga for You (page 137)

Her statement details the establishment of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, in honor of her mother. "Set to open in October the state-of-the-art facility will enable [Mount Sinai's doctors] to continue to learn new ways for all of us to live healthier, more productive lives and will teach patients, caregivers, and physicians how best to manage the aging process."

After a lengthy paragraph about how each of her publications is contributing to this healthy living commitment through its editorial content, she closes with a very intriguing, yet general, paragraph about her eco-intentions.

It is impossible to celebrate the value of healthy living without considering the health of the environment in which we live. We believe that all companies can be more mindful of our environmental impact. With that in mind, we are exploring ways of making greener practices part of our business plan, including the creative content we generate, the products we offer, and the materials we use to keep our offices clean. You’ll hear more from us on that in coming issues.

What does the September issue have to offer readers? Here’s what Body+Soul’s website has to say:

Get healthy now! Our newest issue gives you 138 ways to look and feel your best. Learn the key to lasting weight loss, make delicious recipes featuring the ultimate power food, and discover natural anti-aging secrets. Plus, our complete guide to supplements for a healthier heart, brain, bones, and mood and a no-fail walking guide.

The introductory "Whole Living" section of the magazine is filled to the brim with useful tidbits, taste tests, product recommendations, and the latest health research. An interview with "traveling chef" Jim Denevan is on page 27, detailing his spectacular efforts on strengthening people’s appreciation for where our food comes from. Eco-entrepreneur Nau is featured on page 30; a personal favorite of mine, it’s great to see the brand getting such wide-spread attention.

Cheryl Richardson’s monthly life coach column does a delightful job of explaining how you can make your life better and more meaningful by subtracting energy-draining activities and people: "addition by subtraction," as she calls it. On page 53, this month’s power food is papaya; admittedly, I’ve never had one. Of course, after reading all of this tropical fruit’s benefits (along with a two taste-bud tempting recipes), I’m a bit more open to trying them out. I know that creamy dressings aren’t the healthiest for you, but when I didn’t find mention of them in page 58’s "Dress It Up" article, I was notably disappointed. Personally, my first choice is always ranch, and I’d be amped to find out about a less fattening, do-it-yourself, Martha Stewart version.

While it is pretty obvious that our food choices can cause us mental stress (Why did I have that last slice of pizza? How many calories were in that cake!?), medical studies have proven that the old phrase "you are what you eat" is more true than ever. "Food + Stress" is a very informative piece about how what we eat affects all manner of our mental functions. The accompanying "Good-Mood Foods" chart is already hanging on my fridge, right next to where I write my grocery list.

A favorite in the green community, Ideal Bite founders Heather Stephenson and Jennifer Boulden are featured in a two-page spread, starting on page 70. Along with their back story, a selection of their favorite "eco-creature comforts" are featured, including Sigg reusable water bottles, bamboo cutting boards, and recycled note cards. The following article, offering up four mix-it-yourself cleaning recipes, is common knowledge for most sustainable readers, but the additional "helpful hints" that follow each concoction are more than useful.

For many of us, aging reminds us of medicine cabinets full of prescriptions, nursing homes, and tearful goodbyes. Tracy Gaudet, M.D.’s article "Aging Well", starting on page 91, presents a much more pleasant, accomplished, introspective view of what getting older means. Yeah, I’m only 23, but hey, I want my 50th and 60th birthdays to be loads of fun, too, so reading this piece helped to put a lot of things in perspective. I recommend it to people of all ages.

Weight loss … do we really want to hear about this again? I was a bit hesitant when I started to read Celina Ottoway’s "Beyond Willpower" article, but even before I finished the first page, I knew this was something different. Three kids and a job make it quite tough to find time to eat right, let alone exercise. A week-long visit to the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts gave her an invaluable depth of information. The most useful part of the article covers her return from the weight-loss program, when she is thrust back into her real life. A feature like this is all the more proof that a change in perspective and a bit of effort can do wonders for your well-being - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

"The Best Supplements For Your Health" is another piece that, at first, I assumed I knew all of what I was about to be presented with. In terms of the specific supplement information, I was correct, but the "What To Look For In A Multivitamin" proved to be most useful. I’ve been taking the same organic women’s multivitamin for about a year now, but was very surprised (nay, shocked) to find that it didn’t meet half of the requirements suggested in the chart on page 122.

Written by senior editor Terri Trespicio, "What You Get From Giving" sheds light on the unique benefits of giving with compassion. After the article’s introduction, readers are presented with a host of ways to give back to others, whether it be in your day-to-day life or via a specific volunteering opportunity. In the end, not only is giving (no matter the form) helpful for our own personal health, it benefits the community and society as a whole, making it a priceless part of our humanity.

You’re stressed and you need to clear your head - what does every magazine suggest you do? Talk a walk, of course. B+S takes it to next level in "Get Walking" by providing us with four different walking "plans" to help improve our fitness, stress relief, posture, and inspiration. Each plan is easy-to-follow and well-explained, making this a perfect tear-out-and-keep reference article.

This is just a small sampling of the great coverage in September’s Body+Soul magazine, so stop by your favorite newsstand and pick one up - you’ll be pleased, I assure you.

It's that time again already - a new issue of Body+Soul magazine is on sale and it's time for me to give you the rundown of what's good. If you happened to miss the first B+S review, or want to know more about the background of this publication, check out my June 16th review. For the July/August issue, Body+Soul's official website offers up the following blurb:

Energize your life! Our newest issue is the ultimate guide to feeling your best — inside and out. Cool off and stay healthy with recipes for healthy lemonades and get the latest news on SPF protection from the experts. Plus, fresh, delicious, power-packed summer recipes, our definitive recycling guide, and three easy moves to give you strong, beautiful arms.

As usual, I am impressed with how much information can be squeezed into just four sentences. Summing up a whole 144-page magazine issue can't be easy, but the Omnimedia crew does a good job of hyping up their hard work (and I mean that in the best possible way). The "Letters" section has been returned, while the "Reader to Reader" section is still intact. This month's RtR is all about recycling, where ideas for "ditching waste, buying less, saving water, and making the most of everything" are shared openly.

While only a small part of the "Whole Living" section, the "What Is …" segment grabs my attention in each issue. Explaining the dangers of certain chemicals in common products, it is great to see such a large media force taking a stand on what should and shouldn't be tolerated in everyday items. On the same page, Al Gore's Live Earth concert is mentioned, as well as a taste test of organic ketchup and mustard. Last but not least, UsedCardboardBoxes.com is mentioned as a tip for those planning to move (tis the season). I must say that when I moved across town last month, I ordered my boxes from their website and have nothing but good things to say.

This month's "Big Ideas" interview is with Rebecca Kousky, founder of the year-old website Nest. After finding the site myself about six months ago, I'm glad to see that B+S is giving smaller ventures the attention they deserve. In the recently established "Your Health" section of "Whole Living", more bad news about plastics is featured - they are linked to obesity, thanks to the phthalates used to make plastic flexible. The writers note that they are not trying to cause a panic, but, rather, provide another good reason to reduce your exposure to such substances.

As summer continues to rage on, all the new information released about sunscreens may have your head spinning. B+S's "Beauty Basics: Sun 411" article does a respectable job of helping to sort out the fine print in between natural and chemical UV blockers. After reading the whole piece, I came away with a personal feeling of wanting to stay with the more traditional sunscreens for the time being, at least until more research and testing is done on these newly released "micronized" particles.

Upon turning the page to find that beets were this issue's "Power Food", I was taken aback. Beets? Are you serious!? My childhood exposure this this vegetable was mostly through the canned versions, and that only happened about once a year. I expected to read about how healthy they were (hey, it is does grow in the ground, go figure), but just how much fiber and folate they possessed was a surprise in and of itself. While you won't find a cart full of beets on my next grocery store trip, I am quite tempted to try making the sauteed beet greens with roasted beets and pork tenderloin, provided I can find a veggie-meat substitute.

Before trying a new product, or deciding between two different foodie items, I read the Nutrition Facts label. Of course, considering how much is printed on them, I am confused at times as to what I should be factoring in the most. "Read Your Labels" on page 54 does a delicious (no pun intended) job of spelling it all out for you with a easy-to-follow graphical table. On a side note: two points to anyone than can recognized the product they used in the picture (wink).

Why the "Tapped Out" article about simple water-saving tips is not online yet is beyond me, but it is a damn good one. The usual recommendations of using low-flow shower heads and only doing laundry when you have a full load are present, of course. Along with those are tips on how to find pinpoint leaky fixtures, installing sprinkler sensors, why going to the car wash is better than doing it yourself, and more. For other helpful tips, check out Amy's post on reusing water and Elizabeth's post on installing a rain barrel, which helps to save water and money.

Eco-paints (previously covered by Amy) are the subject of this issue's "Green Living" column. The most common confusion that I've heard about green paints is folks think there isn't much of a color palate to choose from; boy howdy, does B+S prove them wrong! Three of the five brands featured have hundreds of colors to choose from, leaving your imagination limitless. As an added note of great research, the piece notes the VOC difference between a gallon of "regular" paint and the greener alternatives, a noteworthy difference that I had been curious about for some time now.

A subject on nearly every woman's mind, oral contraception is one of the ultimate natural conundrums. Balancing your body and mind by taking a pill is quite tempting, but keep in mind that you are, in turn, using synthetic hormones to do so. TracyGaudet , M.D., does a marvelous job of explaining the connection between birth control pills and cancer, along with many of the other options available and how to choose what is right for you. As a woman currently taking oral contraceptives, this piece was most enlightening and gave me much to consider for my current and future health.

Featured frequently is a wide variety of natural living magazines, Ayurveda is the subject of this issue's cover story, "Stay Juicy". This particular piece focuses on how to keep the ojas (Ayurveda's name for chi) flowing freely through personal nurturing, life balance, and basic dietary principles. The recommendations are straightforward, easy to follow, and relatively painless to integrate into your weekly routines. An add plus is given in the "Minding Your Ojas" table on page 87; it's the perfect side to cut out and hang on your fridge (or put in your wallet) for easy reference and reminding.

Recycling, a cornerstone of the green movement, is investigated in the feature "Sorting It Out". My favorite part of this piece is the two page spread that covers, step by step, how cans, plastic, paper, and glass is recycled, along with mentions of other products they can be integrated into. Most of the questions answered on page 94 (and continued on page 130) have already been covered on GO by Kelli, though B+S does go into a bit more detail and figure-flinging. Being the reference fan that I am, I can't go without mentioning the tear-out sheet on page 95, covered basic rules for recycling paper, glass, plastics, metals, and hazardous waste. For the average consumer, this feature will be an exponentially informative read.

You can't have a Martha magazine without a food feature, and this issue's "100% Fresh" rings true. The perfect season to visit your local farmer's market, chef Jody Adams takes advantage of the unique fruits and vegetables available during this time of year. Slightly concerned about the striped bass featured in the second recipe, I found this particular farmed fish to be listed as safe to eat.

A favorite feature for many readers, "The Natural Vet" has expanded as of this issue to include not only natural treatments from Dr. Shawn Messonnier, but also perplexing pet behaviors, courtesy of Dr. Nicholas Dodman. This month, aggressive behavior during walks and feline ear infections are covered with impeccable, professional detail.

As a long-time reader of Body+Soul, I must say that I highly enjoyed this particular issue - 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Body+Soul

Having subscribed to this particular magazine for nearly three years, I've found that not only do the features offer unique insight into the sustainable world, but the simple tips sprinkled throughout the first half of each issue are just as valuable. From the magazine's website, the blurb for the June 2007 issue barely scratches the surface of all the helpful tidbits in this issue.

Live a healthy, full life! Our summer special is full of ideas to help you savor the season. Save energy and money with our home energy guide, learn 20 secrets to keep you healthy and active through Labor Day, and prepare a delicious Mediterranean barbecue for family and friends.

Often overlooked by the average consumer, magazine cover art directly affects the successful sale of each issue. The selection of the cover and inside photography highly reflects the quality of the magazine. Of course, the Martha Stewart crew has a beautiful eye and the pleasing visuals are just as splendid as the information Body+Soul offers. Clean, cozy, and lived-in is often the vibe presented on the cover of each issue, include the June 2007 copy. On the newsstands, you often finds images that are "too perfect", as though you would never see such a picture in real life. Even in a few of the other MS magazines, I personally get that vibe, but B+S feels much more down-to-earth.

While pictures are worth a thousand words, the articles and features are just as important. Each issue begins with a one-page "Action Plan", which includes six simple ways to better your life and the planet, and ends with "Ten Thoughts on Whole Living", providing an overview of the issue's key thoughts and concepts. A common complaint from the average American is that most feel the climate problem is too big for one person to make a difference, but the Action Plan bestows a few month- and season-specific tips to improve the health of your own life and our planet. I've found these two features to be fantastically useful, perfect for ripping out and hanging on the fridge as a daily reminder of how to make a difference and keep your life in perspective.

Instead of the common "Letters to the Editor" section, Body+Soul has a "Reader to Reader" section where you can read a variety of reflections from people all over the country on a particular topic. For the June issue, "readers reflect on the personal choices that have turned their lives in a positive direction." While it is nice to read what others thing of the publication and its past features, being able to learn form others you wouldn't normally meet is quite refreshing - different is good. Following this section is the "Whole Living" area, which provides "quick tips and fresh ideas for living a balanced, healthy life", a.k.a lots of mini-tips. If you are looking to learn a little bit about a number of different topics, then this is your section. For the June issue, just some of the following is included: taste-tested organic ice cream, Q&A with chef Alice Waters, weighted exercise vests, natural nursery products, a refreshing summer soup, trans-fats, antioxidants, TMJ, colon cancer, and much more.

Next, two life coaches answer reader's questions, a collection of similar beauty products are presented, and a select personal care topic is covered - for June, this is specifically healthier deodorants. With all the rumors buzzing around about under arm protection causing cancer, among other dangers, this straight-forward article comes as just the right time (before we all start hitting the beaches). The "Eat Well" section often focuses on a particular ingredients and its nutritional benefits; the June issue picks up peppers - bell peppers to be specific. Continuing the food theme, "Food Friends" is about pairing certain foods together to maximize nutrition absorption. The topic is an interesting one, but only three matches are discussed; I would have expected more, or at least a nice little table that you can cut out and save.

One of the key green features within this issue is one page 66, featuring a great illustration with a wide variety of tips on how to save money, stay cool, and have a smaller carbon footprint. Most of the tips are common for the dark green folks reading (such as using CFL bulbs and unplugging electronics when not using them), but there were even a few that surprised me, making this feature useful for everyone. The fitness section follows, featuring three basic exercises that help to strengthen your knees. Living in San Francisco with weak knees is a bit oxymoronic, but this article gave me hope that even my genetic predisposition for unhappy joints can be overcome to a certain extent.

Honey from local bees has been show to help protect a variety of people from regional allergy afflictions. With such power, I had a feeling that bees are even more important that most of us knew, and "Healing Secrets of … the Beehive" on page 78 confirms my theory. One of my favorite articles from the June issue follows, called "Cross-Train Your Brain". I already know that I don't get enough physical exercise, but what about my mind? As elderly issues of Alzheimer's and senility become more commonplace, keeping our minds fit should be just as important as the health of our bodies. Seeing an article of this topic in such a widely-available magazine is refreshing and is of use to many. Another hidden jewel is the "Afternoon Rescue" piece on page 88, which gives you a five-minute energizing meditation that you can complete right at your work desk. Turning to sugary treats to help get your blood sugar back up is the first step for most (myself included) when that afternoon lull comes around. Though temporarily effective, this habit causes nothing but long-term harm. Most of the time, a silenced ring tone and a few deep breaths can make all the difference.

Finally, we've reached the features section of the magazine, and there are many more useful things to come. Listed as the main "attraction" on both the June cover and in the table of contents, "20 Secrets to Staying Healthy All Summer!" starts on page 92 and doesn't disappoint. From sunburns and sniffles to heatstroke and blisters, summer is a time for both unpleasant and unavoidable distractions. This particular feature provides a wealth of natural health knowledge of simple and effective ways to treat these and many other common, seasonal ailments. As someone with pale skin and "sweet" blood, I often shy away from any summer activities, worried that my skin will turn into one big heat rash. Though you won't see me spending a marathon day at the beach anytime soon, I do feel more confident about venturing into the great outdoors with a few particular oils and salves in my backpack.

Ah, farm life: rising with the sun; spending the day doing honest, physical work; making a dinner from fresh ingredients; clean air and water … the list of benefits is a long one, unless you live in modern America. As the organic and local food movements grow nationwide, family farms are working their hardest to hold on to their traditions. "Growing Season" follows three women who put their life on hold and attend a year-long organic farming program in New England. We all may not have the option of leaving out usual duties for 12 months, there are a number of helpful things we can learn from the experience of these women. Following this feature is "A Mediterranean BBQ" recipe section from chef Jody Adams. The offerings are light and summery, but I couldn't see myself getting filled up from eggplant and salad.

If the knee strengthening workout earlier in this issue didn't prove useful for you, then maybe the "Confidence Workout" will suit your tastes. I don't see anyone breaking a serious sweat from this routine, but the spiritual and centering benefits make it worth the 30-some minutes it takes to complete. Another of the key green features of this issue follows the workout, called "A Green Dream Home". Moving from San Francisco to Boston, the Reingold family began to built their own house when the wife, Jeanette fell ill with multiple chemical sensitivity. This stood to change many of the previous plans the family had, causing them to investigate any and all types of less toxic alternatives. Even before the trend began, the Reingolds truly put in a lot of effort to find their best possible options. Brands like IKEA, VivaTerra, Loop Organic, Furnature, Looolo Textile, and Flor are highlighted, showing once and for all that living sustainably doesn't have to sacrifice an ounce of style.

Two final articles in the back of the June issue are worth mentioning. "Going With the Flow", starting in page 140, is a personal travel essay from a Utah woman kayaking down the same stretch of river that she met her husband on three years back. The emotional concept of learning to flow with life is important for all the learn, but the environmental poignancy is also prevalent in lines like this: "[The river] looks impossibly low, practically without current." Changes such as these show just how quickly our planet is changing, and not for the better. The second article is a monthly column, called "The Natural Vet". June's installment focuses on organic and healthy pet foods. "You are what you eat" applies to more than just the human diet, and knowing how to read the labels on foods for your pet is key. The article provides a good collection of information, but this is yet another piece that I would have loved to have a table or chart that can be cut out and saved.

Bless you if you have made it all the way through this entry, unless you are already on the way to the newsstand to grab a copy of Body+Soul's June issue - if so, then you rock. For those that have not read a issue of B+S yet, I highly recommend it, and the June issue is a great one to start with. Having subscribed to the magazine for nearly three years, it is safe to say this is one of the issues from the past year and is proof of why I continue to welcome new copies into my mailbox each month.