Blog Posts by Babble.com

Living in a small space doesn't have to hinder you from growing a garden of flowers, herbs, and veggies. With these helpful tips you'll learn how to plant the perfect garden and keep it growing all summer long. First, things first, where will you start planting? Your coffee mug or dog house roof perhaps… - By Jacinda Boneau

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If you're anything like me, when you're looking for information on the best beauty products or hair and makeup inspiration, the first place you look is Pinterest. It's like a virtual magazine of tutorials, product reviews and more…right at your fingertips. I can't get enough. BUT, in order to make sure the best beauty inspiration is popping up in your feed, you must first make sure you're following inspiring beauty pinners, which is why I've rounded up some of my favorites. Here are 8 beauty pinners you should totally check out!

- By Lauren Hartmann

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Viva Weddings is back! And this week, I want to jump right into it with a pop of color. When we think of weddings, what colors do you normally think of? White? Ivory? Not me, my brain automatically wants to try and figure out how bright and vibrant hues can work its way into this special day. And there's no easier way than with bridal shoes. I know what you're thinking…"No one will even be able to see them." That's not necessarily true. You'll know you're wearing them, and they do peek out from under your dress. I love that unsuspecting pop of color beneath the traditional white dress when you're walking or sitting down. Don't forget, they make great subjects for your bridal photos too. Photographers love them! Not sure what color to go with? Try a pair in your favorite shade, match your bouquet, get in sync with your wedding colors, or even your bridal party. Just make sure they're comfortable and you can walk in them. Unless you change them out with flats, you're going to be doing a

Spring weather in the West has been iffy at best. One day, it's a sunny sky, the next day, we're sitting under four feet of snow with nothing by grey, heavy clouds in the air. Asparagus sounds fine for the springtime, but on these final chilly afternoons, I want nothing more than to curl up around a comfort food dinner. Something rich and warm and positively delicious. Enter these 7 incredible recipes for stuffed pasta shells! Each version guaranteed to take your day from blah to hurrah! Click through, find a few that suit your fancy, then start stuffing! - By Brooke McLay

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clarity photoIt's that time, y'all! Spring cleaning has settled upon us!

I'm going to tell you a little secret. I don't really spring clean. Not in the generally accepted definition. Oh, sure…I'll have the older boys clean the windows inside and out. I run vinegar through the coffee pot, have my husband change the duct filters, and I might even turn over the mattresses (Not really on that last one. Ain't nobody got time for that!).

But I don't get super intense about cleaning my home from top to bottom. Even as I type I know that there is a little layer of dust on my baseboards and a few light bulbs that need replacing. In fact, even as I type this I realize my keyboard could use a wipe-down with a rubbing-alcohol soaked cotton swab.

Life is all about priorities and choices, right? And as much as I'd love my home to be pristine, I'm just not going to spend the time to make it so.

However, I'm all over decluttering and organizing; it's my personal version of spring cleaning. I go through my

Dates for drinks are easy, sure, but maybe first dates shouldn't always go straight to the comfort zone. Don't be lured into believing you need the warm, slow buzz of booze to get over the first-date jitters. Or that the pub she picks or the cocktail he orders will give you necessary clues about what kind of person is sitting on the bar stool next to you. Getting just creative enough - no need to decorate mugs with puffy paints or take a helicopter to Aspen "Millionaire Matchmaker"-style - could carve a more meaningful opening for conversation and sharing and revelation than a couple hours of clinking glasses. Whether you choose not to imbibe, have said farewell to drinking altogether, or just want to spend some alcohol-free time together, here are some great ways to get to know your date. Click through for 7 great non-drinking date ideas! -By Jessica Ashley

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From composting our veggie scraps and juicer pulp to using reusable bags and eliminating as much plastic from our home as we possibly can, eco-friendly living is something we put into practice on a daily basis. Here in Ontario most of our cities and towns have a recycling program and the our government has issued various initiatives and tax deductions for those looking to switch to solar panels. These little things do add up and yes in the long run they make a big difference, but I have to say we pale in comparison to so many cities in the world. There are many cities around the world that are making a difference in a really big way and when you read on I can guarantee you'll walk away inspired! Click through for 7 of the greenest cities in the world! -By Nadia Carriere

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Recently, my OB/GYN found a rather large cyst on my right ovary. I'm not a stranger to ovarian cysts - I've had a ton of little ones throughout my teenage and adult years, plus one big one that ruptured back in 2008. But this time, the doctor suggested that we remove the cyst through laparascopic surgery. At this point, I'm so uncomfortable with this darn thing that I'm thrilled to have it out, although worried that I might lose one of my ovaries in the process. I'm also worried about recovery time since I have a very active 3 1/2 year old boy that loves to jump around - right now the plan is for him to spend lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa while I recover. I wrote about the whole thing on my personal blog and what struck me was how often this happens. We poor mommas! So I did a little research. Click through for 7 facts every woman should know about ovarian cysts! -By Beth Anne Ballance

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You'll save money on therapy...and 7 more unexpected benefits of