Showing posts with label cosmo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cosmo. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

How to Lose Weight Without Getting Out of your Chair!





Chained to your desk all day? Too much sitting is linked to obesity and heart disease, according to new research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, so keep chair chub at bay with these easy exercises from Doug Sklar, a personal trainer and owner of DHS Personal Fitness in New York City. Spend 30 seconds on each of the following moves, and try to do the mini workout several times a day (sounds like a lot, but the whole routine takes just two minutes total).

Experts also recommend taking quick breaks to walk around if possible—even if it’s as simple as stopping by a coworker’s desk to ask her a question instead of emailing her, or running out for lunch rather than ordering in. And these exercises are no replacement for a real workout (sorry!), so don’t cancel your gym membership.

Exercise 1: The Chair Dip

Targets: Arms, core

While sitting in your chair, place each hand firmly in the center of the armrests. Lift your feet a few inches off the ground and engage your stomach muscles. Then press down with your hands to raise your body up off the chair, until your arms are straight. Hold for one count, then lower into the chair. Repeat for thirty seconds. (Warning: Only do this exercise if your chair has sturdy arm rests that are strong enough to bear your body weight.)

Exercise 2: The Desk Pushup

Targets: Arms, shoulders

Stand up and face your desk. Place your hands shoulder-width apart against the edge, and then step back so you’re about three feet away from the desk. Keeping your back and legs in a straight line, do pushups against the desk. Lower down until your chest almost touches the edge, and then push yourself back up. Repeat.

Exercise 3: The Seated Reverse Crunch

Targets: Core, inner thighs

Scoot forward so that you’re closer to the edge of your seat than to the back, and place your hands on the armrests. Put your knees together and slowly pull them up off the ground as close to your chest as you can get them. Hold for a beat, then slowly lower down. Try to keep your back straight, rather than rocking back and forth. Repeat.

Exercise 4: The Seat Squat

Targets: Legs, butt

Push your chair back and stand a few inches in front of it. Your butt should be facing the chair, your feet hip width apart. Hold your arms out straight in front of you, and then slowly bend your knees and lower down, so that your butt goes backward, as if you’re about to sit down in the chair. Keep your weight on your heels, and as soon as you feel the chair graze your backside, stand back up—don’t relax into the seat. Repeat.

Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez: Making out in Maui







Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez continued their PDA tour in Maui, Hawaii yesterday, and it’s safe to say the teen dream couple is definitely hot and heavy. The Biebs and Selena engaged in a hardcore surfside makeout session and grab fest in their bathing suits! Selena was even hoisted up by her prince charming, who looked very content with his hands on her booty!



After grabbing a bite to eat and hitting the waves, the twosome, along with their families went jet skiing and para-sailing along the shore. Sounds fun!


Justin and Selena didn't let para-sailing get in the way of there smooching either!





for more pics of Justin & Selena check out this site! ---> HERE

Monday, August 1, 2011

7 Lap Dance Moves to Make Him Melt






Want to make your guy go gaga? It's not just about what you do in bed that counts. Sure, great sex technique will make you a star in his eyes, but knowing how to tease him will make you a legend. Don't believe us? In The Little Bit Naughty Book of Lap Dancing for Your Lover, real-life exotic dancer Rebecca Drury spills the seven secret -- and really sexy -- steps that work on every guy, every time. You can thank us later.

1- The Grinding Circle
Stand about 60 centimeters (two feet) from your partner, with your feet slightly more than hip-width apart and your toes turned out. With your hips, begin to draw a circle, keeping your back arched. Now slowly bend your knees and grind down as far as is comfortable, then up again, continually undulating your hips and dancing erotically. It's really important to keep your back arched and upright. If you lean forward, you risk impersonating a sumo wrestler.

2- The Turn
Lap dancing is about showing off all your assets, so remember to turn around occasionally. For the best effect, turn slowly -- your lover should barely notice. When you practice, work out which direction is most natural for you to turn in. And don't be overly concerned with how you do it; just take small steps and aim to make the turn blend into and become part of your dance. Keep circling your hips and remember your arm movements. As far as possible, try to keep your lover in your gaze as you turn.

3- The Slap And Tickle
Turn your back to your audience, and with straight legs, bend forward slightly, look back at him coquettishly, and stroke or lightly slap your bottom. I guarantee this will make him smile. Alternatively, still with your back to him, gently sway from your ankles, opening your legs gradually. Slowly bend over so that your bottom is brazenly pointing at your man. Bend one knee to the side and straighten the other out to the other side. Glide your hand up the straight leg and raise your head over the corresponding shoulder to look back at him. Slap your bottom hard. Repeat on the other side.

4- The Lap Dance Grind
Gracefully dance yourself into the triangle made by your lover's open legs, and stand with your back to him and your feet together. Make sure you're as close to the chair as possible. Now bend your knees, keeping your back straight, and gently put your hands on your partner's knees. Lower your bottom toward his lap so that you can just feel his crotch on your skin. Then, keeping your hands on his knees for support, grind down gently, moving your hips in a circular or forward-and-backward motion. Look over your shoulder at your man while you do this, if you can. This is a little tricky, though. Take extra care whenever you go near his groin. If you hurt him, he'll never trust you to dance for him again.

5- The Breast Stroke
Every woman has her own personal scent that collects between her breasts, no matter what size they are or what perfume she wears. It's a potent aphrodisiac. So this step is guaranteed to get your lover going. Move closely into the space between his knees. Standing with your legs straight, gently lean forward and place your hands on either side of the chair. Once you have a firm hold, push your breasts toward his face; his nose should be nestled in your cleavage. For added effect, try brushing from side to side and stroking the end of his nose with your bra or nipple. Keep moving in a provocative way throughout.

6- Knee Strokes
Facing your partner, stand between his legs, as close to the chair as you can. Place your knees in the space between his crotch and the edge of the chair. Gently put slight pressure against his groin with your knees. Lean toward him and blow gently into his ear or on his face. You could even exchange a mouthful of wine with him or pour champagne from your nipples into his mouth. As a variation, try this: Stand up facing your lover, then catch one of his knees between your knees and gently rub up and down his thigh. This is a fabulous sensation; ask him to do it to you sometime.

7- The Body Slide
Standing between your lover's thighs, lean forward and put your hands on the back of the chair for support. Put one knee on each of his thighs, then lift your torso, slide your knees into the space in front of his crotch (careful here!) and slide, slowly, all the way down his body until you're kneeling on the floor in front of him. To get up off the floor, use your lover's knees for support and stand up sexily -- bring your bottom up first, then flick your hair in his face as you raise your upper body.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Shower Sex You've both been Craving, Especially Him!






1. While he’s washing his chest, stand behind him and press your soaped up boobs against his back. Then reach around and teasingly stroke his upper thighs. All that anticipation combined with the lukewarm water will up his blood flow to his package, meaning he’ll be really (really) turned on.


2. Use a loofah to give him a naughty back massage. Press it firmly against his skin, and move it in slow, small circles from the nape of his neck to the base of his spine...and then keep going so you massage his butt cheeks. The rough texture of the loofah will stimulate all those sensitive nerve endings down there.


3. Stand facing each other so that both of you have one shoulder toward the shower head (but not directly under it). Pull him in for a passionate kiss—having the water spray over both of your faces will add totally new sensations to your lip lock. While you’re at it, give his hair a gentle tug—his scalp is particularly tender right now (in a good way) since he’s been scrubbing it, so it’ll intensify his pleasure.


4. Since the water isn’t piping hot, his nipples will likely be hard and super sensitive. Take advantage by tracing your tongue around the outer edges a few times before (very gently) biting his nipple.


5. Wrap a wet wash cloth around his penis so that it’s touching the underside of his shaft. Then, with your hands holding either end of the washcloth, move it up and down slowly, so it ever-so-lightly rubs the bottom of his penis, creating feel-good friction.


6. Soap up your hands so they’re sudsy, then grab his boys for a little ball-on-ball action (the slickness of the water and soap will increase sensation). Hold them in your hand and move them so they rub against each other. Then move your hand a little further past his balls and stroke the sensitive patch of skin between his twins and his butt with your fingers.


7. Without saying a word, get on your knees (use a hand to steady yourself) and take his penis into your mouth. Use your free hand to stroke his shaft as you go up and down in a corkscrew motion. Not only does it feel amazing for him, it’s way easier for you since the shower water helps to make things super slippery and pleasurable.


8. As you’re going down on him, grab his butt with your hands and dig in lightly with your nails. The water spraying on his butt, plus your nails against his skin, will put his arousal (and his impending climax) into overdrive.


9. Let him play voyeur and touch yourself. If you have a removable shower head, hold it so that the water hits your clitoris, while your guy stands behind you—his chest against your back (that way he can touch your breasts, kiss your neck, etc.). Don’t have the detachable kind? Tweak the angle of the shower head so the water sprays between your legs. (There won’t be as much water pressure on your hot spot this way, so you may need to give yourself a hand).

Blowjob: Tips & Tricks.







His sensitive spot

Like a matchstick in every way but size, his penis is ‘hot’ at the top and the rest is his ‘wood’. The head, called the ‘glans’ is his most sensitive part. The corona, the rim or ridge of flesh that makes up the bottom of his head is also very sensitive. Some men can orgasm by having only their head stimulated; others will need a firm touch (hand or mouth) on their shaft too.


The Head Kiss

This move allows you to really focus on that sensitive head. With your lips pursed, kiss the very top of his penis, then slowly allow your lips to open up and you move further down his penis head. Stop just as you reach his corona, squeeze your lips tightly together, then go back to the top.


The Swallow

You can start this in the same way as the Head Kiss, but when you get further down, let your tongue press against the underside of his penis and, taking care to wrap your upper lips around your upper teeth, try swallowing. This should create an amazing suction feeling on his penis head.




The Tongue Push

With him inside your mouth, use your tongue to work the most sensitive part of his penis: his head. Wrap your upper lips over your upper teeth and with your tongue extended out of your mouth, push it upwards and in circular motions. Add pressure with your upper lips too, or insert two fingers so you can massage his head while preventing your teeth from meeting his flesh.
The Twist and Twirl
This is a move to get him excited. Position your mouth over his penis, then swirl your tongue around his penis head one way, then the other. Punctuate your swirls with the occasional full suck, to give him a taste of what is to come, then keep teasing and titillating him with those swirly tongue moves.


The Long Lick

If you want to boost his ego, show him exactly how long his penis is by licking it from the very bottom to the very top repeatedly. This works best if you use your hand as well. Place your hand on the side of the penis furthest from your face, so you’ve got something to push against. Now using the flat of your tongue, lick him from his testicles all the way to the tip of his penis, making sure you apply pressure the entire time.


The Sideways Suck

If his penis was a sweet and juicy corn on the cob, this move is all about you eating him up. Using your hand underneath, again to give you something to push against, put your lips against his penis. Hold your lips so the inside, where it’s moist, is touching his penis and then move up and down him, sucking your lips in and out as you go.


The Soft One

Sometimes it’s great to start a BJ before he’s hard. Take him into your mouth (you’ll have to use your hands, else he’s likely to slip out!) and let his penis lie on top of your tongue. Gently swallow, making sure you don’t let your teeth come into contact with his manhood. Within seconds, your mouth will be full, so be prepared!


Make some noise!

Humming or just ‘mmming’ while you’re going down will add an extra sensation to the experience for him. It’ll also make him feel as though you’re loving it – a sure-fire way to make it feel great!





Adding Lube

Spit is a great natural lubricant but it dries out far too quickly, so give yourself a break and invest in some tasty lube to help your blowjob efforts work more smoothly.


Using hands

Hands are indispensable when it comes to fellatio, they supply the pressure that often your tongue and lips can’t – but because you’re using them in combination with your tongue and lips, he gets to enjoy the softness and moistness he so loves. The easiest way to use your hands is simply to grip him around the shaft and place your mouth at the top. Now move your hands in time with your mouth, so that to him, it all feels like one movement. Be warned: this is a fast-track route to ejaculation!

Now, Have fun & try it out.. I'm sure he won't mind a bit!


Monday, July 25, 2011

13 Sex-Drive Killers!









Sex-Drive Killer: Stress
You may be the kind of person who does many things well when under stress. But feeling sexy isn't likely to be one of them. Job stress, money troubles, caring for a sick family member, and other stressors can decrease libido. To keep your stress levels in check, learn helpful stress management techniques or seek the advice of a counselor or doctor.

Sex-Drive Killer: Unresolved Issues
Unresolved relationship problems are one of the most common killers of sex drive. For women in particular, emotional closeness is a major ingredient in sexual desire. Simmering arguments, poor communication, betrayal of trust, and other barriers to intimacy can steer your sex drive off the road.

Sex-Drive Killer: Alcohol
A drink or two doesn't always put you in the mood. Alcohol famously makes you feel less inhibited about sex. But it can also numb your sex drive. And even if it doesn't numb your sex drive, inebriation can be a turn-off for your partner. All of this goes for recreational drugs, too.

Sex-Drive Killer: Too Little Sleep
If your sexual get-up-and-go is gone, maybe you're getting up too early or getting to bed too late. Or maybe you have insomnia or sleep apnea. Whatever it is that's interfering with your sleep, it's also interfering with your sex drive. Too little sleep creates fatigue. Fatigue saps sex drive.

Sex-Drive Killer: Parenting
Parenting itself doesn't kill sex drive. But it can be hard to find time to be intimate when the kids are under foot. Hire a baby sitter for some time to nurture your relationship. New baby in the home? Try scheduling sex during the baby's nap time.

Sex-Drive Killer: Medication
Drugs commonly linked to libido loss include:
Antidepressants
Blood pressure medications
Antihistamines
Oral contraceptives (some studies show a link; others don't)
Chemotherapy
Anti-HIV drugs
Finasteride
Synthetic progesterone-medroxyprogesterone
Changing to a different medication or different dosage may solve the problem. Other drugs may affect sex drive, too. If your sex drive shifted into park soon after beginning a new medication, talk with your doctor. Never stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor.
Sex Drive Killer: Poor Body Image
It's hard to feel sexy if your self-esteem suffers from poor body image. For example, feeling ashamed of being too heavy (even if you’re not) will douse your love light. If your partner has these feelings, it can really help to reassure him or her that you still find him/her sexy. And there's a flip side to the equation: Working out not only enhances your self-esteem, but also ups your sex drive.

Sex-Drive Killer: Obesity
Being overweight or obese is linked to a lack of sexual enjoyment, desire, and difficulties with sexual performance. The reason isn't clear, but may be linked to self-esteem, unsatisfactory relationships, social stigma, and other psychological issues.
Sex-Drive Killer: Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a different kind of sexual disorder than loss of libido (a medical term for loss of sex drive). But men with ED worry about how they will be able to perform sexually. And that worry can drain their sex drive.

Sex-Drive Killer: Low T
Testosterone increases sex drive. As men age, their testosterone levels may decline slightly. Not all men lose the desire for sex when their testosterone levels drop -- but many do. Testosterone is linked to sex drive in women, too. But a woman's hormonal balance is more complex than a man's. It's not clear whether testosterone therapy is as safe and effective in boosting sex drive for women as it is for men.

Sex-Drive Killer: Depression
It doesn't seem fair. Many antidepressants can lower your sex drive -- and so does depression. But if your sex drive has drooped, is might be a sign that you're depressed. Clinical depression is a serious, but treatable condition.

Sex-Drive Killer: Menopause
About half of women report reduced sex drive around the time of menopause, even though they believe it important to maintain an active sex life. Menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex, may make sex less comfortable. But the hormonal changes of menopause are only part of the picture. An aging woman concerned about her sex drive should also consider the quality of her relationship, her body image and self esteem, medications she is taking, and her physical health.
Sex-Drive Killer: Too Little Intimacy
Sex without intimacy is a sex-drive killer. Intimacy isn't just a code word for sex. If your sex life is in neutral, try spending more non-sexual intimate time together -- alone. Talk, snuggle, trade massages. Learn to express affection without having to have sex. As intimacy builds, so does sex drive.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

How Yoga Can Improve Your Sex


Sleep on this: You'd have better sex if you were a loose woman. Limbering up with yoga will help you build a strong, supple body — and that leads to a lot more action in the bedroom, says Ellen Barrett, author of Sexy Yoga. "Yoga increases flexibility, which helps you to be free and just go for it in sex," she says. Here are five more reasons you should hit the mat before you hit the sack.

It Helps You Flow
Yoga increases your overall blood flow, and some positions, such as the eagle pose, direct it straight toward your pelvis. When all that blood rushes to your privates, it literally makes you hot. That heat, combined with a Viagra-like stimulation (as the blood swells your button), heightens your sensitivity and increases desire.
Yoga moves that blast belly fat!

It Makes You Stronger Down Below
Yoga tones and strengthens your entire core — which includes your pelvic floor. "The more you work these muscles, the greater range of motion you have," says Becky Jeffers, fitness director at the Berman Center for female sexual health and menopause management in Chicago. "This gives you stronger contractions and releases, which can help you experience a more intense orgasm."

It Breeds Confidence
Quieting your mind and focusing on your breath during a pose help you become more aware of yourself — and your own needs. "When you're present, you know what you need to feel fulfilled by your partner," Jeffers says. "You can then translate and communicate this deeper understanding to your partner during sex." Knowing and expressing your desires will make you feel good — psychologically as well as sexually.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Oral Sex: Easier for Men or Women?






What do you think is easier, giving oral to a man or woman?




Leave Comments & let us know what you think!!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Keeping Perfect Sexual Health

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Sex Advice No: 1.
So what is the first and foremost sex commendation for woman? Utilize fantasy with your partner in order to keep the sex drive alive! Indulge in fantasy even if you don't have a sexual partner. Women who stop thinking about sex have trouble starting again.
Sex Advice No: 2.
Pleasure yourself in order to stay in shape sexually. Many women would have a better chance of having an orgasm with her partner if she practices more often by herself. Don't forget woman sexual guidance books and sexual toys.
Sex Advice No: 3.
Make sure your method of birth control fits with your style. If you're having sex frequently, condoms might not be your best choice as they have a higher failure rate. Talk to your doctor about your birth control options for better sex recommendation.
Sex Advice No: 4.
Do Kegel exercises. These strengthen the pelvic floor, which help your bladder stay up and your uterus and vagina to be stronger. It can also help a woman have a better and stronger orgasm.
Sex Advice No: 5.
Use glycerin-free lubricant. Glycerin is too much like sugar and breeds yeast infections in women who are prone to them. You can find them in the drug store. Just read the label.
Sex Advice No: 6.
One of the most essential recommendation for woman is to... watch female hormones. Hormones can be over- or under-used by women, especially around menopause. You should use the lowest dose of hemorrhoids that control the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.
Use it also for the briefest period of time. Hormones may have positive cognitive benefits but if used in large quantity and for too long, you can cause more harm than good.
Sex Advice No: 7.
Remain healthy. There are many chronic illnesses that have sexual side effects, including women with diabetes, who can get nerve damage or vaginal dryness. Such women can have problems getting an orgasm due to the nerve damage. You can also stay sexy longer if you keep exercising and keep your weight down.
Sex Advice No: 8.
Practice experimentation is a vital sex suggestion for women who want greater sex fulfillment experience. Try using an ice cube on your lover or let your lover drink wine directly from your lips. Have sex blindfolded or tie your lover up with crepe paper. Buy a costume on the internet that is sexy and fun.
Sex Advice No: 9.
Don't forget about safe sex. Things like genital herpes or Chlamydia can really put a damper on the passion of a weekend with your lover. Use condoms every time you have sex.
Sex Advice No: 10.
Take care of your genitals. Be wary of anything that could cause harm, such as the G spot shots some doctors' recommend. They are unnecessary and aren't proven. Instead read a woman sexual recommendation book about the g spot and try to stimulate in manually.
Lastly, the critical sex advice for woman is to make sure keeping up your sexual health is as important so long as you want to have a good and active sex life for a long time. Sex is a great gift you'll want to keep for years to come, if you know the ways to take care of yourself.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Introducing Sex Toys into a Relationship


Introducing sex toys into a relationship can take both pleasure and intimacy to the next level and then some. In addition, the element of "fun" is brought into the picture, and being in a fun, playful relationship is something few couples truly achieve due to poor communication. With a sex toy, you can easily build a bridge toward fun sexual intimacy. Here are three important ways to bring sex toys into a relationship.



1. Start slow! Remember you're building a bridge and before you can put up the foundation you need to prep the work area. Introducing any outside element into sexual relations can be challenging. The easiest prep tool to use in order to ease into sex toys, are lotions or oils. What you are doing here is simply introducing a third element into your intimate relations, and you're starting with something simple. Once erotic oils and lotions are used, you've opened the door for other intimacy tools to be added in the future.
2. The foundation! You're foundation will set the stage for further sex toy adventures, so it's important to choose the right foundation. What you're looking to do here is to introduce an actual sex toy into the relationship. But it has to be a sex toy which is simple, gentle, and easy. In other words your foundation sex toy shouldn't be some elaborate contraption. You'll easily scare off your partner. Your foundation should be basic and something easy which you can further build upon in the near future. Various ticklers and the like would be an example of a simple foundations to begin building your sex toy adventures around.
3. Avoid the Crutch! You want to avoid becoming sex toy addicted and every intimate encounter having to rely on a sex toy. That is, don't turn a sex toy into a crutch. Use it only to enhance the relationship, not serve as the centerpiece where every intimate encounter is going to require a sex toy in order for pleasure to be achieved.
Sex toys, or intimacy tools, can be used as an automatic bridge to bring one another closer while achieving intimacy on a level never previously experienced.
Okay, So now that you are over the fear of adding a sex toy into your relationship, you might want to know which sex toys are the BEST to start out with! You may want to know where to get them? Well, there is NO BETTER place then Cosmopolitan's favorite Adam & Eve.
Here are a few suggestions we have for starter toys ....

1.) Adam & Eve Water Proof Mini Massager  only $11.95







All of these toys and hundreds more are available at Adam & Eve. You are sure to find the right toys for you & your partner, or just for yourself ;)

exclusive toys, vibrators and more

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Ballerina Body Workout




Remember how you saw Black Swan last year and totally coveted Natalie Portman’s svelte bod? And remember how you meant to learn some ballet moves to tone up…but never got around to it? (It’s okay, we’re guilty too.)






For Your Hips and Butt
This is a surefire way to slim the sides of your butt and your outer hips.
(1) Hold onto the back of a chair or a windowsill with your right hand, and wrap your left arm across your waist so you are holding onto the support with both hands.
(2) Place your heels together and toes apart to form a V.
(3) Slide your left leg back on a diagonal to reach 7 o’clock, while softening your right leg and tucking your hips underneath you.
(4) Squeezing from your outer seat, lift your left foot a few inches off the ground, and flex.
(5) Pulse upward from your outer seat for 30 seconds.
(6) Still squeezing from your outer seat, pulse your left leg upward at a faster pace for 30 seconds.
(7) Point your toes, and repeat steps 5 and 6.
(8) Hold your left leg a few inches off the floor, and draw tiny circles in the air—keeping your seat engaged—for 15 seconds. Then reverse directions.
(9) Switch legs, and repeat.
For Your Buns and Thighs
By working the backs of your legs and the base of your derriere, you’ll firm up that “ledge” where they meet.
(1) Place your forearms on the chair or windowsill, and rest your head on your arms.
(2) Walk back so you are folded at a 90-degree angle—your back should be flat. Feet are hip-width apart and parallel.
(3) Bend your left knee, bringing your heel toward your seat and flexing your foot. Soften your right leg, and tuck your hips underneath you.
(4) Slowly press your heel up an inch then down an inch by squeezing the base of your left seat for 30 seconds.
(5) Repeat with smaller and faster movements for 30 seconds.
(6) Now extend your left leg straight back, and slowly lift it up and down an inch for 30 seconds.
(7) Repeat with smaller and faster lifts for 30 seconds.
(8) Switch legs, and repeat.
For Your Thighs and Core
This move targets your inner, outer, and upper thighs as well as your seat and core muscles. The payoff? Long, lean leg muscles and better posture.
(1) Hold onto the chair or windowsill with one hand, and place the other on your hip.
(2) Stand so your feet are wider than your hips, and turn your toes out slightly.
(3) Bend your knees, and lower your body, bringing your seat toward knee level.
(4) Slowly move down an inch, then up an inch, for 15 seconds.
(5) Repeat step 4 with smaller and faster tiny pulses for 30 seconds.
(6) Keeping your knees bent, rise onto the balls of your feet, and repeat step 4.
(7) Finally, stay on the balls of your feet (pretend you’re wearing your highest pair of heels), lower your butt as far as you can, and raise your free arm above your ear. Press your knees back for 30 seconds, firing from your inner thighs while engaging your seat.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Cosmopolitan Magazine's History







Cosmopolitan magazine is one of the oldest magazines in the United States. It was first published in 1886 by Schicht & Field as a family magazine called The Cosmopolitan; this version of the magazine proved to be popular and reached a circulation of 25,000 by 1888.
In 1889, John Brisbane and E.D. Walker took over the magazine after Schlicht & Field went out of business. The pair then transformed The Cosmopolitan magazine into a literary magazine, which became a success. By 1892 the magazine had a circulation of about 75,000.
In 1905 William Randolph Hearst bought the magazine for $400,000 and brought in journalist Charles Edward Russell, who contributed a series of investigative articles. Other contributors included now renowned authors Sinclair Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair.
With a circulation of 1,700,000 in the 1930s, Cosmopolitan magazine had an advertising income of $5,000,000. In the 1940s it emphasized fiction and was subtitled "The Four-Book Magazine;" the first section had one novelette, six or eight short stories, two serials, six to eight articles and eight or nine special features, while the other three sections featured two novels and a digest of current non-fiction books. During World War II, sales peaked at $2,000,000.
In the 1950s the magazine cut back on fiction and circulation dropped to slightly more than a million in 1955. At this time magazines had to compete with and thus were overshadowed by the rise of paperbacks and television.
Cosmopolitan magazine's circulation continued to decline for another decade until Helen Gurley Brown became chief editor in 1965 and remodeled the magazine as New Cosmopolitan magazine, which was renamed Cosmopolitan magazine in 1967. At this time, Cosmopolitan became a women's magazine, focusing on young women and published articles that openly talked about relationships and sexual issues-a groundbreaking move.
Soon after Helen Gurley Brown's arrival Cosmopolitan became the must-read for young single woman. According to Cosmo's company history on the magazine's website, Cosmo also began to serve as "an agent for social change, encouraging women everywhere to go after what they want whether it be in the boardroom or the bedroom."
In 1999, Laurie Ouellette, PhD, wrote an article called "Inventing the Cosmo Girl," which examined the cultural impact of the magazine in the '60s and '70s. "What made it so desirable is that it outlined an American dream for single, working women," Laurie Ouellette said. "It provided them with a vision and detailed advice on how to live a better life - on their own terms."
In more recent years, with the mass production of niche magazines like Lucky, InStyle and Marie Claire, to name a few more recently published magazines, Cosmopolitan's cultural impact is less profound. Still, the magazine remains extremely popular; its content usually consists of articles like: "Cosmo's Guide to Red Hot Sex," "Cosmo Confessions: Hundreds of Absolutely Shameful, Scandalous and Sexy Real-Life Tales!" and "Turn on Your Man."
Cosmopolitan has had some missteps. In a 1988 issue, Cosmopolitan ran a feature maintaining women had a low-risk of contracting the HIV virus, after research indicated otherwise. More recently, because its cover stories and headlines have become sexually explicit, Kroger, one of the U.S.'s largest grocery chains, currently covers up Cosmopolitan at checkout stands because of customer complaints.
Still, Cosmopolitan magazine has a place in modern popular culture, including being referenced in many movies like "Legally Blonde" and television shows like "The O.C," "Will and Grace" and "Third Watch."
Today, Cosmopolitan is published in 58 international editions in 34 languages and is distributed in more than 100 countries.