Highlights of the April 2008 Issue of O The Oprah Magazine

April 2008 - The "What Friends Are For" Issue

"This month my mother-sister [Maya Angelou] turns 80, and I can't think of a better time to focus on the gift of friendship. Our friends make us feel understood. And strengthened. And loved. Most of all, they make us feel connected - a feeling you can never get enough of."

Here are a few of the best items from this months "O" list:

• Comfortable canvas shoes that also help children around the world when an additional pair is donated from tomshoes.com
  
  
• Candles designed for each room in your home from shop.barbara.barry.com
  
  
• Steel "soap" will clear hands of unwanted food smells from Orka at amazon.com

This month's O Magazine features the first ever makeup awards - "2008 Spring Makeup O-wards" - here are the award categories:

1. Best in Show
2. Best Foundation
3. Smartest Mascara
4. Most Practical Player
5. Best New Eye Accessory
6. Chicest Shimmer
7. Sheerest, Creamiest Lipstick
8. Most Interesting Texture
9. Best Problem Solver
10. Do-Gooder Award
11. Most Shocking Color
12. Easiest to Apply
13. Most Comprehensive Mineral Makeup Line

In this issue, one of the features, titled "The Children of Donor X" follows the story of 8 women who conceived 11 children from the same donor father. Through the internet, these women were able to meet and find comfort and support in each other.

This month's special titled "What Friend Are For" shares stories of friendship to help you strengthen your own friendships. Columns in this issue's special include:

• "The Music of the Night" about Bring-a-Poem parties.
  
  
• "Tastes Great, Needs More Vodka!" for entertaining with a 4 ingredient meal.
  
  
• "The Witches" shares the story of 4 friends.
  
  
• "Acts of Friendship" shows the best gifts in life are free.
  
  
• "The Friendship Test" and "Good Friend, Bad Friend?" both from Martha Beck help shed a light on giving and taking in friendship.
  
  
• "You've Been Poked" about social networking sites.
  
  
• "A Little Empathy Please" for how to be emotionally there for your friends.

Dr. Phil's Reader Questions:

"Helping your mother to support herself" - "Choosing love over location" - "Breaking ties with a cruel father"

Suze Orman's Reader Questions:

"Are your investments ethical?" - "Should you borrow against your home to cover tuition?" - "Who do you pay first when you owe everybody?"

Ask Adam - Style Questions:

"What is the key to dressing for rain while still looking stylish?" - "How can I hide my large tummy? When I wear those floaty empire waist tops, I look pregnant." - "I love cowboy boots, but when I see photos of Britney Spears wearing them, it scares me off."

Oprah - What I Know For Sure:

"They surprised themselves with how big they could give [Big Give Contestants] - and how great it could feel...Giving always makes an impact and leaves a big imprint. I knew for sure that would happen."