Whether you're wearing matching ugly sweaters or experiencing other awkward moments with your kinfolk, 'tis the season for family portraits. New York photographer John Clang put his own spin on the tradition—sans the embarrassment—with his series Being Together, which virtually and visually unites far-flung families, starting with his own. After reaching his parents and brother in… Read More >>

My husband is great at dreaming up, picking out, and sending gifts for our family and friends. So am I, except that genius inspiration often strikes me in July—the July that makes me seven months late. That in mind, I'm quickly stocking up on some presents with seven shopping (and shipping) days left until Christmas. Check out my picks for friends and… Read More >>

Doppelgänger theory suggests that everyone has a double, somewhere in the world. But, is it true? Canadian photographer Francois Brunelle doesn't just think so, he knows so. Brunelle launched "I'm Not a Look-a-Like!" a project to photograph 200 "twins" who aren't actually twins, or blood related at all. So far he's about halfwayto his goal. When he reaches it, he plans to publish… Read More >>

Last week, Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Matchmaker host and author, came to New York City to talk about her sake company, Ty Ku. But this time of year can be especially difficult for singles looking to couple up, so TV's most outspoken yenta also gave us her insider tricks to finding true love online. 1. "Your picture is the most important thing. Period."Stanger suggests you splurge on a professional photo if you can… Read More >>

There's nothing quite like tearing into a beautifully wrapped present, but let's admit the downside: gift wrapping generates over 4 million tons of waste annually. This holiday season, I discovered Gift it Green, an adorable and eco-friendly alternative to paper wrapping. Gift it Green is a line of reusable fabric gift boxes that come in a variety of patterns and sizes (the website has a helpful Read More >>

I recently had the chance to chat with American Idoljudge and bass player-extraordinaire Randy Jackson about living with type 2 diabetes. The TV star has shed over 100 pounds, so the first thing I asked R-Dawg was, "How'd you do it?" Like many, he describes his struggle to lose weight as no easy feat. "I don't have a middle knob. I'm either on or off. I could… Read More >>

The greatest concert I’ve ever seen wasn’t The Stones or Springsteen. It was Willie Nelson, that living, breathing Captain America himself. He played three hours of kick-butt music and left without an encore. It was no slight against the audience. Willie had already given us everything he had. To save a little extra for the sake of an encore was… Read More >>

We've all got gifts on the mind this time of year, but when's the last time you gave (or received) a present just because? Artist Zac Gorman, a pro who's done work for bands like The Decemberists and Animal Collective, plus more "commercial" work, recently posted a one-page comic on his blog Magical Game Timethat perfectly captures such a moment. It's simple: A young boy… Read More >>

Prepare to be the most informed relative/coworker/friend in your circle this holiday season. New York Times Magazine writer Mark Leibovich has provided his witty take on The Economist's "World in 2013," this year's version of the magazine's annual look ahead to the New Year. Read Leibovich's blog here. Before you dismiss it as too much like work to squeeze into your hectic holiday… Read More >>

As the details emerge and the country struggles with the immense horror of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a horror almost beyond comprehension, I've been drawn to the stories of the principal, Dawn Hochsprung, and the school psychologist, Mary Sherlach, who died along with 20 of their students and four other staff members. You can't read this…… Read More >>