Blog Posts by Babble.com

Stylish ways to re-do a teeJanuary is National Organization Month - which means that I'm going to be doing some major closet cleaning. Are you right there with me? I know for a fact that I have a huge stack of t-shirts that are going to get removed from one of the shelves, and I'm going to need something to do with them. I've gathered a collection of awesome projects to make with old t-shirts, and I've selected items that are more gifty and toward accessories than simple refashions. One of my favorites was this recycled t-shirt scarf from Joy Beadworks. Are you looking for more great ideas to upcycle a t-shirt? Check out these 7:






Bright Ring
1. Bright Ring
This no-sew project is one of the best budget gift ideas I've seen.
Find out how to make it

Related: 25 clever ways to re-use an old sweater


Pom-Pom Wreath
2. Pom-Pom Wreath
Make a bold statement that visitors will love - all you need is cardboard and scissors.
Find out how to make it


Braided Bracelets
3. Braided Bracelets
Choose complimentary t-shirts to make a stack of bracelets to wear up your

Okay, is anyone really all that surprised by Alec Baldwin's Twitter meltdown about American Airlines kicking him off a flight? This happened, of course, because he refused to stop playing Words With Friends, even going so far as to lock himself in the bathroom so he could keep playing.

Um, Alec? Look, we all know it's an addictive game, but dude. Put down the phone on the plane already.

Given his history of histrionics (we all remember that phone call, yes?), this story isn't a shock. But now Mr. Baldwin has apparently been reigned in by his people and he's shut down his account.

But Alec Baldwin isn't the only one mistepping on Twitter these days. Ashton Kutcher displayed the depth of his disconnect from national news when he ranted on Twitter about Penn State Coach Joe Paterno's firing. Um, Ashton, you might want to click on a news website occasionally. Just sayin'.

Related: Demi Moore is keeping Ashton's name … on Twitter

But even funnier is the fact is Russian President

Looking for a last minute holiday gift idea to put together for your neighbors and friends? How about a simple s'mores kit that comes with everything you need to light up a batch of homemade s'mores? Or a layered s'more-in-a-jar kit. Or a plate full of homemade s'mores bark? From make-your-own s'mores kits to homemade s'mores pops, here are 12 recipes that will bring a little "s'more" fun into your holiday.

Let's start with my favorite way to eat s'mores. The traditional method of graham cracker, toasted marshmallow, chocolate bar is plenty good, but it's a bit flat, especially when you've been eating them for so many years. The obvious answer for me is an à la carte buffet of delicious s'mores toppings.

The concept is simple: Add variety and flare to your traditional s'mores with a few side items. Choose your favorite fruits, nuts, candies and sauces. There's a s'more for everyone in this dessert!

1. S'mores a la Carte

Banana and coconut with a bit of caramel… peanut butter and

I walked into Brooklyn Industries yesterday afternoon with my daughter in tow, hoping to buy her a new winter coat. I wasn't sure they'd have outwear for children, but I was sure that if they did, it would be "Made in the USA," right here in good old Brooklyn, NY. Boy was I wrong.

When my daughter and I got over to the women's section, I saw that there were no coats for kids, and that the adult-sized jackets said "Made in China" on the tag. The Brooklyn Industries tag. So much for "Live Work Create," I thought.

My daughter already knows how I feel about the fact that it's virtually impossible for the average person to buy goods that aren't made in China, so I jokingly leaned over to her and said, "Look! This may have been made by a child your age!" The woman next to me chuckled, and the rest of the shoppers in the store began to take note of all the tags. Made in China, Made in China, Made in China.

I asked the guy working behind the counter if the "handmade" bags Brooklyn

Time to break out of the holiday cookie making mold (or cutter) and make something special, something with pizzazz that will get your loved ones excited. True, gifts and cookies are nice, but why not surprise those near and dear to your heart - and perhaps to your kitchen - with an edible gift that won't feel like a ghost of Christmas meals past? These ideas and recipes are sure to add a little bit more merry to your Christmas morning.

1. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

I crave hot chocolate in the winter. Creamy and warm, it's the perfect drink to chase away the chilly wind of winter, and it makes a fantastic Christmas or holiday gift. The hot chocolate mix comes together quickly, is easy to package as a gift and even easier to prepare.

The most important part of this recipe is the cocoa. A good cocoa is going to make all the difference in the quality of your final product. I used Scharffen Berger's Natural Cocoa Powder. Find one you love and trust before mixing it all up. Then I added

in reading before bed (or anytime during the day) was Goodnight Moon. I had this book when I was little and I consider it one of those "classic books" every household should have. The simple rhymes and engaging illustrations, this book quickly became a hit with my kids. The repetition helped them "read along," and it's a great read before bedtime.

Of course, when one book (or toy) becomes popular, redesigns and parodies will pop up all over the place. I found some hilarious variations of the classic book - some new for kids and some strictly for the parents.


Goodnight iPad
1. Goodnight iPad
Probably closer to what life is like now - our bedrooms are not illuminated with only the moon, but our smart phones, iPads and laptops. This book is a play on the classic one and on our plugged-in lives
Buy "Goodnight iPad"


Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
2. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Unlike the classic book - this one is set at a construction site. Say goodnight to the crane, bulldozer and cement mixer - this would be a huge

Lori, one of the brave moms who sent in photos of herself before and after makeup.Recently, XOJane.com asked readers to share candid photos of their bellies. The result was a collection of glorious images of "real" women's stomachs - not a single airbrushed ab in sight, although there were plenty of stretch marks and scars.

That inspired us to reach out to Babble readers and ask if you would show us your real faces - before and after makeup. Because we know beauty isn't only skin deep, despite the fact that many of us enjoy a little help from the cosmetic counter before putting our best faces forward when facing the world each day.

The response has been overwhelming, and gorgeous - after makeup, but especially before. The faces that your children and partners get to see first thing in the morning are the ones that tickled us with the most happiness. Of course, your "after" faces with a little mascara, blush and lip gloss are entirely lovely, too.

Take a look at the brave moms who bared it all to remind us once again that sometimes the most un-glamorous shots can

Marie AntoinetteEver watch a movie and fall in love with the home decor in it? We have. That's why we scoured the Internet to find unique home decor items inspired by some of our favorite flicks. From the master boudoir in Marie Antoinette to the creepy bathroom in Psycho, you're sure to find a look you love! Check out these awesome home decor ideas and the 6 movies that inspired them all!





Home Alone
1. The Room: Foyer - Home Alone
Say what you will about the McCallister's security systems, but you've got to admit their house was kind of killer. Most notable of all was their entryway: perfectly suited for sledding down stairs, knocking out bad guys, and heartfelt reunions with Mom.


Chicago-Suburb Glamour
The Look: Chicago-Suburb Glamour
You don't have to fight off a bunch of (fairly poor) robbers to get the classy Home Alone look: Go for deep reds and just a touch of Christmas year-round with the classic Flexible Flyer sled.
Find out where to get this look


High Fidelity
2. The Room: Living Room - High Fidelity
Quick: Name your top five