Blog Posts by Babble.com

Inspirational weight loss stories...It's a fresh, new year, a time when almost everyone takes stock of the year behind them and plans for the year ahead. Some want to get organized, others want to kick a bad habit, and many want to improve their health and ramp up their fitness routine (or start one!).

But while it's easy to want to lose weight, the hard part is actually doing it. Shedding those extra pounds takes time, patience, discipline, and dedication.

A little inspiration helps, too. That's where we come in. We've collected 7 stories and before-and-after photos from bloggers and Babble readers who've lost between 40 to 140 (!!) pounds. Find out how they changed that number on the scale - and their lives - for the better.


Anna Bransom
1. Anna Bransom
"After I had my second child, I knew I had to make a change if I was going to keep up with two kids under the age of three. So two weeks after giving birth, I started counting calories with MyFitnessPal and completed the Couch to 5K program. I went from 206 lbs. to 148 lbs. in 6

Baby GagaWhatever your feelings might be about her, it's impressive to see Lady Gaga's influence has now stretched to Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving specials and yes, even baby spoofs of her infamous outfits. Love her or loathe her, she's become one epic culture influencer and all-around game changer of modern art.

So, is there anything more cute than dressing babies up in hilarious Lady Gaga outfits and sharing them with the world? Never! These little fame monsters have no idea what they're doing, which makes it even funnier. Or traumatizing. You be the judge!


Baby Red Queen Gaga
1. Baby Red Queen Gaga
Nothing to be afraid of kids, the red lace won't hurt you ... oh wait ...

Related: What were they thinking?! The most age-inappropriate toddler wear


Baby Bubble Gaga
2. Baby Bubble Gaga
When this baby hits 15, she will either be super impressed with her parents or she will need therapy. You guess which option will be the outcome.


Precious Gem Gaga
3. Precious Gem Gaga
I can't tell if this baby is doing the precious gem Lady Gaga look or if

Baby names inspired by American American civil rights leadersThis Sunday marks the 83rd anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. In honor of this legendary leader who tirelessly fought for the civil rights of Americans, we decided to take a look at other inspirational African Americans throughout history. In our research, we found these 10 legendary African American leaders who not only fought for freedom and liberty for all, but were also given unique names as well! Bequeath your little one with any of these monikers and don't be surprised if they grow up determined to change the world!








Sojourner
1. Sojourner
Origin: French; Meaning: traveler
Sojourner Truth, an African-American women's rights activist, was originally born a slave named Isabelle Baumfree. At the young age of 9 years old, Sojourner was sold to a new owner (along with a herd of sheep) for just $100. She took on her new name - and her mission - while traveling and fighting for abolition in the middle of the 19th century.


Coretta
2. Coretta
Origin: Greek; Meaning: maiden
Married to the

Why the long face?We like to think of our furniture as pristine and spotless as the day we bought it (or took it from our neighbor's trash, or snagged it from the "free" section of Craigslist, or wrangled it from our parents …) - but what happens to our old beloved couches after we set them out on the curb? Some, of course, meet that big furniture warehouse in the sky, but others are left to haunt the earth, tearing open their stuffing, being sat on by feral cats, and wondering what could have been with a nice upholstery job and a good delousing. Join us on an existential journey of 8 unloved couches …


Frowny Face
1. Frowny Face
Such a sad visage for such a bright piece of furniture …


I Only Have Eyes for You
2. I Only Have Eyes for You
And boy, are they sad.

Related: Hollywood Boulevard ... Home decor inspired by our favorite movies


Daydreaming
3. Daydreaming
Sometimes he would just lay on his back, thinking of the days when he deserved the name "Loveseat."


Don't Tread on Me
4. Don't Tread on Me
Seriously … don't. These watermelon eyes don't lie.

Related: 25

Hang Your Ironing BoardGetting organized is easier when you take it room-by-room! You've already organized your office and garage ... now what's next? Why not the laundry room?! With loads and loads of dirty laundry piling up weekly, an ironing board that always seem to be in the way, and cleaning supplies tucked in the strangest places, a day set aside to organize your laundry room is a must! And while we could probably spend hours discussing great organizational solutions for this room … we'll start with the highlights. See below for 10 brilliant ways to get your laundry room organized in the new year!

1. Hang Your Ironing Board
Get that ironing board out of the closet, where it keeps falling out on you -- or out of its permanently set up spot in the guest room. Instead, hang it like the hotels do (only better)!


DIY Laundry Basket Shelves Under Washer
2. DIY Laundry Basket Shelves Under Washer
When you buy your side-load washer and dryer ... they'll try to get you to buy the pedestals too. While the pedestals make access easier, they're

Be on the lookout for these hair trends come Spring!If your hair is looking a little blah, then maybe you are in need of a new spring hairstyle! This season hair inspiration is coming straight from the runways. From wet hair looks to twisted updos, these looks will definitely make a huge statement! Check out these 8 Spring 2012 hair trends for some killer beauty inspirations!











Head Scarf
1. Head Scarf
Add a special touch to your updo by wrapping a head scarf around it.


Twisted Updo
2. Twisted Updo
This hairstyle is perfect for a black-tie wedding or to show off a pretty neckline.

Related: Girls' night out! 10 gorgeous hairstyles to rock


Embellished Updo
3. Embellished Updo
Secure hair teased chignons with cage barrettes, hair pins, and errant strands.


'80s Crimp
4. '80s Crimp
Go crimp crazy and be the envy of your friends at any party!

Related: The most bizarre beauty trends of 2011


Dusty Matted Braid
5. Dusty Matted Braid
How fun is this matted braid?! Your hair will take on a safari vibe with this look!


Ponytail Hairstyle
6. Ponytail Hairstyle
This ponytail idea will work magic with your tresses. It's a ponytail, told

single mom sexThat how we got our babies in the first place, am I right, ladies??? A poll over at YourTango suggests that single moms are gettin' it on, which is very reassuring news if you ask me. 25% of the women who responded are single or divorced moms who have had non-love/non-relationship sex and feel it's positive to explore their sexuality. However, 13% of respondents said they don't want sex without love and/or serious commitment, so they abstain.

Oh boy. 13% of you could be waiting a long time…

Related: How I Learned About Sex: A lesson in what not to do

I'm a divorced, single mother. After I split with my ex, I was so broken down emotionally, sex was the last thing on my mind. I know some people (especially men) are able to jump out of their marriages into multiple beds, but I didn't. Because I couldn't. But eventually I did want to start having sex again, and so I waited until the right moment came along and had a perfectly bland textbook one-night stand. And I'm so happy it happened

pop tartsWhile I think cake pops are really, really cool, there are a whole lot of other tasty options to enjoy on sticks, both sweet and savory. Who doesn't love eating food on sticks? It's just plain FUN. Not to mention you're not dirtying up dishes (have I mentioned my dislike of dirty dishes?). Foods on sticks are perfect for both kids and adults alike. They can be anything from fruit to the classic corn dog, or even a more elegant chicken satay. Foods on sticks also make fantastic appetizers. Here are 7 tasty foods on sticks you can make at home:

1. Pop-Tart Pops

A beloved breakfast item on a stick? Yes, please.

Related: 10 tasty mug cakes you can make in just minutes

Ingredients:

FOR THE TWO-BITE POPTARTS
1 c. fresh cherries, pitted and diced
3 T. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
2 T. water
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 pkg. prepared pie crusts

FOR THE POPS
wooden popscicle sticks

FOR THE GLAZE
1 c. powdered sugar
1-2 T. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
food coloring and sprinkles (optional)