Blog Posts by Babble.com

Can you believe this came from IKEA?!Just when I think I've found all the IKEA hacks possible, I run into even more amazing customizations almost anyone can afford. How could I not be giddy when a MALM dresser magically floats on the wall or an IVAR is transformed into a 19th-century antique? These 5 new IKEA hacks show that big style doesn't have to mean a big budget.











BESTA Photography Display 1. BESTA Photography Display
Here's a great home office idea: Display your photography or art in BESTA Glass door cabinets. You could make a collage or display wallpaper. Really, the possibilities are endless.
Get the tutorial






Box O' KARLSTAD 2. Box O' KARLSTAD
Inspired by the design of the $7,000 Autobahn sofa, Susannah Koger built a box around her KARLSTAD sofa using birch plywood. Sleek!
Get the tutorial












HESSUM Stair Runner 3. HESSUM Stair Runner
This gorgeous stair runner was created using eight patterned HESSUM rugs and antique decorative nails.
Get the tutorial












Related: 5 amazing IKEA LACK table makeovers


Built-In MALM Dresser 4. Built-In MALM Dresser
Though it looks like an expensive custom addition,

Read More »from Hacking It: 7 New IKEA Hacks that Look High-Class

I have to confess to a crazy love for lawn games. Seriously, who doesn't love a good bocce ball match during a barbecue? With the summer months quickly approaching, I am loving these ideas for great lawn games for families. (Plus many of them include DIY tutorials!) Perfect for entertaining a crowd or a little family fun in the evenings, lawn games are the ultimate summer staple…

Backyard Twister1. Backyard Twister
Everybody loves Twister, and this backyard version is easy to create. Make a circle template, grab a few cans of spray paint in different colors, and you're good to go!
Get the tutorial















Related: 20 classic movies you should watch with your kids








Lawn Jenga2. Lawn Jenga
Oversized Jenga?! Brilliant. You can make it yourself using lumber that's cut to size and sanded to create the requisite 54 blocks used in Jenga.
Get the tutorial



















Patio Scrabble3. Patio Scrabble
Obsession is the only way to explain how I feel about this patio Scrabble board. This set was made by pouring concrete into a

Read More »from Take Me Out to the Lawn Game: 7 Games Your Family Can Play Outside

5 reasons I love breastfeeding my toddlerThree square meals a day, plus a boob here and there, is how we roll in our house. Addie may not be nursing every two hours, but she certainly still enjoys nursing as much as she did a year ago.

If my daughter decided to nurse until she was in college, I probably wouldn't mind. (Well, I probably would but it sounded so much better in my head.)

I've gotten a number of comments about her age and weaning, but if someone isn't the mom… he or she doesn't get a say! Right?

Speaking of comments from people, I am kind of sick of nursing comments, in general. They weren't cute six months ago, and they totally aren't cute now. Can I get an amen? Anyway!

Related: 20 everyday items my toddler finds fascinating

I'm over the moon to make it to my nursing goal of one year. Looking back, I never thought it was possible, and now I'm en route to a new goal, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of nursing a child until age two. I did it for a year… What's one more?

There are a number of

Read More »from 5 Reasons I Love Nursing My Toddler

Flowing maxi skirts in every pattern and price range are popular this seasonMaxi skirts are definitely trendy right now (especially the pleated variety), and we love how easy they are to wear. Paired with a simple top and easy sandals, they can take you anywhere from the park to a dinner date this summer. The patterns range from pretty florals to bold, bright graphics. There's almost certainly one that's perfect for you. Check out a collection of our 7 favorite printed maxis for summer:








Inkjet Maxi Skirt1. Inkjet Maxi Skirt, $148
This has such a summery feel in the colors and patterns. The added length of the maxi skirt really showcases the unexpected collection of colors and patterns, which would never work with a shorter skirt.
Get this skirt


















Related: 37 stylish finds to buy at Forever 21 right now








Dinigan Maxi Skirt2. Dinigan Maxi Skirt, $138
I love the bright, watercolor feel of this pattern, and the thigh high slit adds a little sex appeal to the flawy style!
Get this skirt

















Esker Maxi Skirt3. Esker Maxi Skirt, $118
The subtle, tone on tone pattern in this off-white skirt is gorgeous in an intricate,

Read More »from The Days (and Skirts!) Are Getting Longer: 7 of Summer's Best Maxi Skirts

Buying organic isn't nearly as hard as people thinkOver the last month I've written quite a bit about organic foods: reasons to consider buying organics, ways to save money on organic dairy and budget for other organic foods.

Maybe you're convinced that you'd like to go organic, or you're just organic-curious, but you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Fear not: here are six helpful ways you can work on implementing more organics into your family's diet:


1. Prioritize
Most of us simply don't have the budget for a 100% organic diet, so think about what's most important to you. For example, maybe you'd like to choose organic versions of "the dirty dozen" - the list of fruits and veggies that, when farmed conventionally, have the most pesticide residue. Or maybe you'll choose the foods your family eats the most of, like dairy. Take a few minutes to consider your reasons for going organic, and make a list of foods you'd most like to prioritize.

2. Reframe the issue
If you're struggling with justifying the higher cost of organics

Read More »from 6 Tips for Starting an Organic Eating Plan

Small PuppyLast month, we brought you the 10 best big dog breeds for families for those of you out there that adore the larger, huskier type of pooch. Today, we highlight the best small dogs for families.

Although pint-sized pups might look unassuming, children still need to be taught how to properly interact with any dog, big or small. Small dogs have been known to bite and in some cases, even more than larger dogs. However, small dogs do have a certain advantage.

For starters, they can go with you virtually anywhere. There are so many purse and bags out now in pet stores that you can literally take your dog with you everywhere you go.

Plus, for the many city dwellers who still really want to share their lives with a canine companion, a small dog is the way to go.


Related: The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2012


Oh, and did we mention they are devastatingly cute? (I mean, just look check out the photos below.)


MalteseMaltese
Don't be fooled by the Maltese. Although they are tiny in stature,

Read More »from 7 Best Small Dog Breeds for Families

Short Chic HairLast year I wrote a post called 15 Short Hair Cuts That Scream CHIC (Not MOM), and now I'm back with 12 more haircut ideas that might tempt you to chop off your hair for something that's harder for baby hands to tug and quicker to wash and style.

Or just something to change up your look.

Here are 12 short hairstyles that scream chic:










Short and sassyShort and Sassy
This bob instantly adds sophistication, and it can clearly look more modern than "soccer mom." She may not be short OR sassy, but Katie Holmes looks stunning!

















Cute and playfulCute and Playful
This cut looks adorable, even with a casual head scarf. Add a bow for a more whimsical and girlish look.

















Sleek and chicSleek and Chic
This look is sleek, stylish and sophisticated! The woman in the photograph donated her hair to Locks of Love. We're sure she looked gorgeous with long hair, but we're loving the new look!













Related: 25 award-winning beauty finds under $10





Bang BraidBang Braid
Carey Mulligan proves that braids aren't just for the Rapunzels among us. Who knew Carey Mulligan

Read More »from 12 Short Hair Cuts that Scream Chic, Not Mom

7 Spring Fashions Everyone Can Pull OffI have to say, I'm loving some of the new trends I've been spotting for spring and summer! I mean, 5 years ago, who would have ever thought we'd see the triumphant return of neon? And peplum? I love me some peplum. I'm not crazy about every new style that comes around, but it's easy to look cool this season. Here are 7 trends that everyone can pull off.

Wedge Sandals 1. Wedge Sandals
Some people just can't find a comfortable heel. Wedges give the height without the pain. They pair perfectly with skirts, shorts, and jeans.
Get these wedges







Colored Denim 2. Colored Denim
Colored denim isn't just for the bold. New hues can easily be worked into your wardrobe. This pink pair is a bit more subtle than some of the colors I've seen and works well with flats or wedges. Add an airy blouse to finish off the look.
Get these jeans











Maxi Skirts 3. Maxi Skirts
What I love about maxi skirts is that they're easily dressed up or down. Pair this simple jersey one with a white v-neck, and you're good to go!
Read More »from On-Trend: 7 Spring Fashions Everyone Can Pull Off