Thursday, May 28, 2009

the ugly side of glossies

It’s probably no surprise that we didn’t retouch the photo of Dr. Bonnie Straka on our summer cover. Charlottesville Woman isn’t subject to pressure from national advertisers or celebrity publicists, unlike our favorite magazines - from Lucky to GQ - which have relied on digital technology to alter every minute detail of the human body since the 90s.

Thanks to Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and a few retouching scandals, over the past few years readers are more aware than ever of the artifice of glossy pages. But perhaps it’s time to pick up the debate again, as the corseted waists of the Victorian era and traditional Chinese footbinding with a shudder. But the way we’ve set our standard of beauty over the last decade, with camera and computer work to not only slim away pounds but reshape the human skeleton, is damaging too. It’s damaging to every little girl who thinks of her mother’s Marie Claire as another picture book, to every teen who reads Cosmo as a guidebook to maturity, and to every mother faced with the absurd “Desperate Housewives” midlife bodytype in print as well as TV.

As an editor, even of a small regional magazine, I completely understand the tough decisions that face the art directors and senior editors at national publications. More than ever, sales are everything. But here’s the great thing about the industry - the readers have an incredibly powerful voice. If this is an issue that matters to you, let your favorite magazines know. Tell them what you want to see - celebrities that don’t resemble plastic aliens, real curves, less airbrushing - and let them know when they get it right (or totally wrong). This goes for other issues too - lack of diversity, smoking and drinking, too-thin models, too-tan models, all the ugly issues of the beauty industry. Readers have a voice and magazines listen, we just have to remember to use it.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I scream for portion control

It’s great to see ice cream companies serving up lighter options, like Edy’s Slow Churned varieties - around 100-150 calories per half cup (4 oz.) serving and 3 or 4 grams of fat. The Yogurt Blends contain live and active cultures, and the Sugar Free flavors save around 10 grams of sugar per serving.

Just make sure you’re dishing up one serving. In a 2006 study, nutritionists at Cornell University held an ice cream social to see how bowl and serving scoop size influenced people’s consumption. The guests, mostly nutrition experts, were randomly given 17 or 32 oz bowls, and 2 or 3 oz scoops and served themselves. The bowls were weighed, and guests were asked to estimate their portions. Although the nutritionists were better at judging their portions than the average American, it didn’t stop those who were given larger bowls from serving themselves over 30 percent more ice cream (read the article here). So if you’re not getting around 16 servings from a half gallon carton or four from a pint, you’re in trouble.

To keep portions in check this summer, we’re loving this mod ice cream scoop from Cuisipro. It measures out one 3.75 oz serving, so there’s no danger of scooping out an overly ample serving after a bad day at work.

Or, opt for an ice cream bar or sandwich - there’s a reason the treats from Weight Watchers and Skinny Cow are so popular. I love Nestle Minis, which weigh in at 90 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 7 grams of sugar.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

save the date: Women with Nails evening class

If you missed the last Women with Nails event at The Habitat Store, a Saturday packed with DIY demos and Girl Scout cookies, mark your calendar for June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Demonstrations will include composting and lawn mower maintenance.

And, if you have any ideas for the July event (date TBA), volunteer coordinator Carla at Habitat would love to hear from you. So far, rain barrels and repairing/replacing leaky faucets are on the agenda. “We have a short list but are always looking for more!,“ Carla says. Contact her at .

Thursday, May 21, 2009

get your urban on

Charlottesville’s hipsters rejoice - today is the long-anticipated grand opening of Urban Outfitters on the Downtown Mall. Devotees of the brand love the ecclectic mix of bohemian, retro, kitschy, and ironic clothing and accessories. Personally, I love the niche perfumes and quirky cosmetics.

Even if screen printed t-shirts and throwback styles aren’t your thing, stop by anyway in the next three days - the store is donating 10 percent of sales to the Music Resource Center, which educates and inspires young people through music to equip them with life skills for the future. And while you’re dowtown, don’t forget to show a little love for the mall’s other residents - we love Eloise, O Suzannah, Londons Bathecary, and Revolutionary Soup for lunch.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

tolerable summer footwear for men

A hatred for mens loafers and man sandals runs deep in the women of my family. But what’s a boy to do during warm weather? Surprisingly, I sort of dig these loafers from Sperry - classic silhouette, but quirky enough to stand out amid the sea of boat shoes I’m already seeing this year. $119.95, available at zappos.com.

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