11 Clever Ways to Cover Your Cords

We’ve shown you how to declutter your cords with all sorts of handy gadgets and clever tricks, but what about simply making those weathered old cords a little better looking when they’re out and about? As much as we love the pristine white minimalism of Apple’s cords and chargers, they can look a little tired after not too long. Here are 11 DIY ways to make your cords way cuter.

Wrapped + Braided Extension Cords

We love this chunky sculptural braided trio of extension cords. Such a great way to deal with a TV that hangs on the wall, or a desk that’s far away from an outlet. (via Design*Sponge)

Electrical Tape Stripes

We love turning electrical tape into candy cane style stripes! (via Bambula)

Washi Tape + Leather Snap

Our old friend washi tape shows up yet again – and this time, the results are useful, pretty, and colorful. (via Design Love Fest)

Friendship Cords

Remember these little darlings? A project from the early days of Brit + Co (in fact, we were HelloBrit back then!), this is a fun and summer-campy way to keep cords untangled and stylish. (via Brit + Co.)

Firesafe Rope Wrap

This rustic look is gorgeous for the kitchen or living room. (via The Vow)

Perler Beads

It’s definitely been a while since we played with perler beads, and this gives us all kinds of ideas for DIY tech-cessories. (via Craft and Creativity)

Dyed Wood Beads

Technically, this is a product and not a DIY project… but we’re dying to figure out how to DIY it. (via Les Carnets du Design)

Poppy Nature Accents

These adorable little clip on leaves and birds add a bit of whimsy to even the most unsightly of cords. (via Apartment Therapy)

Neon Nylon

Decorate a utility lamp cord with neon nylon cord to create this modern look. (via Vitamini Handmade)

Beaded Pendant Lamp

More beads! Seriously, we need to figure out how to do this ourselves. (via Riazzoli)

Create Wall Art

Last, instead of covering up your cords, why not turn them into wall art? Add string lights and you’ve got the makings for your own marquee! (via Michael Moeller)

Are you a member of the type-all-day crowd? Whether you’re tapping away highly complex code or churning out clever quips in the way of content, it’s more likely than not that you spend the bulk of your workday sitting at a desk. But did you know that it is way better for your healthand productivity to stand at your desk?

Sure, standing all day can have its downsides as well but, one good thing to remember when trying out a standing desk for the first time is that a cushioned bar stool is often your best friend. Whether you're picking a pre-made one or you'd like to DIY it so that you can customize it to your space, these standing desks will help you get more work down and improve your posture at the same time.

VIVO Desk Converter Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation ($120+, was $140+)

Any desk can be a standing desk when you add this adjustable workstation. There's room for your monitor or laptop on the upper shelf, and keyboard on the lower shelf, plus you can pick from a variety of colors to best fit your office.

Upper Square Albin Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($160, was $411)

Ergonomic and adjustable, this desk has a contemporary and minimalist look that works for any modern office. The shallow shelf below the desktop is great for pens and notebooks to jot down your best ideas.

FEZIBO Brasa Electric Standing Desk with Upper Double Drawer ($300, was $400)

This desk comes with different tabletop space and color options to maximize your workspace. The monitor stand, storage cubicle, and two side drawers offer plenty of room to store your desktop knick knacks, without cluttering up the room.

FlexiSpot E1 Standard Standing Desk ($200, was $300)

Have the best of both worlds with a standing desk that you can lower when you'd rather sit. The bamboo is durable and sustainable (not to mention it looks amazing), and the height adjustment is smooth enough that nothing will fall off.

SIDUCAL Mobile Stand Up Desk, Adjustable Laptop Desk with Wheels ($80, was $100)

If you live somewhere small, or you don't enjoy staying in the same place all day, try a standing desk that you can take with you around your home thank to its wheels.

Sit-Stand Cart Mobile Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($107, was $123)

The cool thing about this desk is that the lower portion sits flat or tilts upward so that you can type at an angle that works best for your wrists. It also comes with cord hooks underneath the desk for helpful organization.

OUTFINE Dual Motor Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($219)

This might look like your basic standing desk, but the cupholder and hook (both of which are detachable, by the way) take it to the next level. 

Intension Design Tripod Standing Desk Pro ($400)

Since this option is a tripod, you can fold it up and store it behind a door or under your bed. This works great for anyone who needs a desk but doesn't have room to keep a permanent one in their space.

Judsen Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($128, was $145)

Not only does this pick let you sit or stand, but it also comes with its own bookshelf so you can keep your favorite books nearby.

Klvied Adjustable Standing Desk ($70)

This sitting and standing desk hybrid works like a TV tray, so when you feel like sitting, you can work from your bed or the couch. Yes, please!

Seville Classics Airlift Mobile Height Adjustable Laptop Stand ($51)

If you have a large sitting desk, opt for a smaller laptop stand that you can use whenever you feel like it. That way you can stand during work hours, without committing to a whole other desk.

Beadien Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($112, was $219)

Don't worry if you've never worked from a rolling desk before — two of the wheels lock so that you don't have to worry about accidentally pushing the desk around.

Plenty Of Workspace, Without The Floor Space

When you get a tabletop that attaches the wall, and stools that fit right underneath, you don't have to worry about taking up tons of floor space. Making it a wrap-around desk that sits in the corner also maximizes space in your room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Ikea Galant Stand Up Desk

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This basically looks like a desk on top of another desk on stilts. And it kind of is. This is great because it doubles your table space. The craziest thing about this setup? The monitor risers are just upside down plate holders! (via Ikea Hackers)

Standing Desk Accessory

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Transform any desk into a standing desk

If you already have a regular desk in your workspace, DIY a desk accessory instead of a whole new workspace. That way, you can alternate between standing and sitting when you need to. We love that this one prevents you from leaning over and has a lower keypad area, which will help if you have circulation issues in your hands.

TV Cabinet + Galant Legs Desk

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Another Ikea hack, this take pairs the base of a desk with a super low TV cabinet. The results? Fashion and function. If your desk is in the middle of a room like this one is, just don't forget that the desk is wide open — you don't want to push your stuff out the back! (via Spacekat on Github)

Cabinet Door Counter

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Need a really shallow desk for a small space? This hacker took a cabinet door and attached it to the wall. It's wide enough that you can fit your planner, laptop, and desk supplies, but it doesn't stick out too far into your room. Small space win! (via Ikea Hackers)

Elevated Workspace

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Why not elevate your entire workspace? We love the vibe of this craft room, work room, get-everything-done room. Just look at all that under-the-desk storage! If you organize the space into different sections for your different activities, it won't be as confusing as you might think. (via Paper and Ink)

Tabletop Bolted to the Wall

Of course you can also turn a tabletop into an extra large shelf right on your wall. If you have the space for it, why not! We love the lower level shelving, most likely made from a TV stand or small dresser, which will give you extra drawer space too. (via Jason Garber on Flickr)

Standing Desk + Drafting Table

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And last, a slightly more advanced take on the standing desk, created by an architect. The desk unfolds into an angled drafting table, doubles as a pretty portable bar, and looks darn good. If you're pretty handy with woodwork and want something that's a bit of a challenge, this is a great project for you. (via Barrett Morgan Design)

Loving these standing desks? Follow us on Pinterest, and check out our Work and DIY pages, for the latest inspirational content.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

No matter how badly you want to hop on your New Year's resolutions, make new recipes, and get your DIY on, having a messy desk can slow you down or derail your productivity completely. If you're struggling with a mess that just won't seem to go away, you're definitely not alone. Keep reading for some DIY hacks that will clear off your workspace and give you room to breathe.

You Have Too Many Papers

Figure Out A Filing System

If you've got way too many paper piles, consider a DIY filing system that will keep things organized and clear up the space where the papers were taking up. Plus, if you go through the papers, you can probably throw more of them away than you realize.

DIY Ottoman Filing System

This filing system is cute and colorful, and it's multi-purpose. Use the ottoman as extra seating or a footstool when you need it.

Colorful File Organizer

Add some painted caps to a pot lid organizer and you've got one of the easiest DIY file organizers ever!

Go Digital Where You Can

Maybe your bank offers virtual credit card statements, or you don't need a subscription to that magazine because you only check their site anyway. Switching what you can to digital will save you space and help the planet at the same time. And if you're already feeling like your digital space is filling up, you can declutter your digital life too!

You've Got Stuff From All Over The House

Marie Kondo It Up

If you constantly find yourself dealing with mugs, books, or laundry on your desk, trust us, we've been there. Take some advice from the KonMari method and make sure that every single thing you own has a specific place.

Clip On Desk Organizers

When you don't have much space left at your workstation, move your storage off-desk. Grip clips are the secret to making your pencils and tape look like they're floating.

Zip Lock Container Organizers

This DIY is great because Ziploc containers (or other Tupperware) are something that a lot of us already have.

Label Everything

It can be difficult to keep things organized if you don't remember where things go. Consider making labels or color coding your organization so you never forget what's supposed to go in a particular spot.

Washi Tape Cord Labels

Whether you're organizing cords or just trying to keep track of which notebook is which, Washi tape is a great way to create a cute label for less.

You're Also Using Your Desk As A Vanity

Divide By Category

It can be tricky to separate all your necessities when you're using your desk for multiple purposes. That's where dividing your supplies can come in handy. If your desk has drawers, use half for makeup and keep folders and office supplies in the other half. Or if you only have a desktop, keep your beauty and office supplies on different ends.

DIY Vanity Kit

This finished product is so cute, you won't believe it's a DIY! This is great because it has room for tall objects and short, wide ones, both containing and grouping your items.

Marbled Jewelry Trays

You know those tiny rings you're always worried you'll lose? Yeah, this is the place for those.

You're Feeling Cluttered

Find Them A New Home

Sometimes if there's just too much stuff surrounding you when you're trying to work, that's all you can focus on. If your space is feeling claustrophobic, try moving some of the clutter off your desk to another area.

Ladder Shelf

Keep your knickknacks nearby with a shelf that you can put right beside your desk. We love that you can paint it to match your space.

Gold Dipped Baskets

Great for blankets, magazines, craft supplies, and more, these baskets are cute and easy to make.

Hang Things On The Wall

If your office doesn't have room for more furniture, find a way to display your photos and trinkets on your wall above your desk or in another part of the room that won't take up floorspace.

Accessory Organzier

This multi-purpose shelf is great for organizing and keeping things off your desk. You'll never lose your keys again!

Stylish DIY Shelf

Organizing never looked this cute, and it's totally customizable based on what kind of storage you need.

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our newsletter for more desk cleaning inspo.

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.