It’s Me, DIY Mario! Now You Can Draw Your Own Video Game

May 18, 2013

You know you’re having an awesome Sunday afternoon at your parents’ house when you hear that chirpy little plumber exclaim, It’s me, Mario! Well, what if you could design your own Mario-esque video game, with nothing but paper and a smartphone? Thanks to the geniuses behind Pixel Press, this pipe dream might just become a reality.

Pixel Press

Here’s the basic premise: You are designing five floors of a video game level. Your hero will start at the bottom and attempt to overcome challenges you create to reach the elevator at the end of each floor. Then the hero will advance. Like most early video games, the goal is to create levels that are more challenging from top to bottom.

To draw, you can print the Sketch Kit PDF on any white paper. Create terrain, hazard pits, monkey bars, moving platforms, and the link using a shorthand system provided in the PDF. Depending on how complex you want to go, designing one level can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Now that you have your drawing, use the Pixel Press app to snap a photo of your level.

The app transforms your drawing into a playable video game!

Test your level and see if everything works. If not, you can edit your drawing and re-upload. If it does work, onto the design phase.

This is where things get really fun. You can choose skins and music to customize your game, or even upload your own to really take things to the one-of-a-kind level.

Last, share your game with friends! Anyone who has the Pixel Press app can play your game, share their games, and you can play any public games available on the app. It’s a win win win!

This New Gadget Ensures You Never, Ever Run Out of Coffee Pods

Listen up, coffee lovers! If running out of K-cups is enough to derail your morning routine, allow us to introduce you to a solution that’ll ensure you’re stocked with with the stuff 24/7. It’s called the WePlenish Java Smart Container, it’s launching today on Kickstarter, and we’re pretty sure it’s the coolest thing to happen to coffee since the Keurig.

WePlenish may look like any other coffee pod container, but it’s actually a smart vessel that orders K-cups/Nespresso pods and has them mailed to your door before you ever run out. Essentially, it’s like asking your roomie to grab some coffee at the store — without the whole asking part.

Instead, the system relies on sensors, an app, and Amazon: The container senses when supplies are running low, the sensors communicate with the app, and the app re-orders your fave coffee capsules from Amazon Dash Replenishment (a service similar to Amazon Prime). What’s more, the app saves your coffee preferences and uses the info to recommend personalized picks.

The gadget comes in either black or white and can be stored literally anywhere, thanks to it being battery-operated. We love how it looks sitting next to a coffee maker, but it’s ideal for tucking away neatly in the pantry, too.

You can snag the WePlenish Java Smart Container starting today for $40 at weplenish.com — or get the early-bird pricing at Kickstarter. Cheers to a lifetime of unbridled coffee consumption!

What do you think of the new WePlenish system? Let us know @BritandCo!

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

(Images via WePlenish)

Sydney Sweeney & Brandon Sklenar’s Cheeky New Video Is Making Us Blush

Sydney Sweeney broke the internet when she announced she'd postponed her engagement. And when she clapped back at her bikini body haters. And when she went topless on Instagram. But her recent Instagram post from filming The Housemaid just broke our Brit + Co group chat because of just how many times Brandon Sklenar appeared — and one very specific video that had us squealing.

Here's a breakdown of Brandon Sklenar & Sydney Sweeney's new Instagram video.

Brandon Sklenar and Sydney Sweeney get cheeky in a new Instagram video.

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A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)

Throughout Sydney Sweeney's newest Instagram post, which she calls "a very very late jan x feb photo dump," she posts some reunions with Euphoria costars Maude Apatow and Barbie Ferrera and behind the scenes from The Housemaid (where she stars opposite Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar).

I couldn't help but notice that Brandon shows up multiple times in the photo carousel: a selfie while he, Sydney, and a couple other women wear racing helmets, a photo in an arcade, and then a video where they're trying out a TikTok trend.

In the video, Brandon lifts Sydney up to sit on his shoulders while Rihanna's "Breakin' Dishes" plays in the background. They do more than a couple attempts until they get the video just right — and that includes lots of giggles from Syd, and a moment where she almost falls off his back.

"we love costars with chemistry," one X user says, while another adds, "They look so cute together."

Although, my goodness, if a man lifted me onto his shoulder that easily, I'd be in a fit of giggles too! (Although his strength makes sense given his upcoming role in The Olympian).

A third X user wonders whether the video is just a marketing strategy to drum up conversation — especially after Sydney confirmed all that chemistry with Glen Powell during Anyone But You was literally just to get the internet in a tizzy.

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," she told The New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," she added in a conversation with Vanity Fair. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

Are you excited to see Sydney Sweeney & Brandon Sklenar in The Housemaid? And check out the 10 Most-Anticipated Book-To-Film Adaptations We Can't Wait To See In 2025.

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There’s Now a Self-Cleaning Towel for the Lazy Girl in All of Us

Raise your hand if you love doing laundry. Anyone? If you’re like most of us, then anything that cuts down on your loads of wash is huge. That’s where our new favorite towels come in. Brooklyn-based Silvon is crowdfunding a new collection of towels that help eliminate bacteria so they stay fresh — and stink-free — for way longer.

The organic cotton towels (up on Kickstarter now) use silver to work their magic. Thanks to the precious metal’s antibacterial properties, bacteria cells are destroyed, keeping them off your body — and keeping that unmistakable musty smell away from your soft, clean towels.

Silvon’s towels aren’t totally magic. The company recommends washing them once every one to two weeks. That may or may not be more often than you wash them now, but Silvon says their product is proven to stay cleaner and better-smelling in the meantime.

You can choose from hand towels, face towels, bath towels, bath sheets, or a bath mat. Prices range from $29 for two face towels to $229 for a Super Set (two each of the bath towels, bath sheets, and hand and face towels, plus one bath mat). Silvon also has a line of silver-infused bed sheets ($130+) it successfully Kickstarted in June of 2016, if you want to lighten your laundry load even more.

While you can order the towels now, you won’t be able to get your hands (or other body parts) on them until February. Since people are clearly fascinated with the promise of these towels, Silvon has already blown past its $20,000 Kickstarter goal.

Want more scoop on home linens? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Photos via Silvon)

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8 "Lucky" Baby Names That Are Good As Gold For 2025

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, plenty of people are already celebrating Irish culture and trying to bring a little extra fortune into their lives.

One charming way to tap into the spirit is by naming your little one something lucky. Here are eight of the most adorable baby names that have luck-related meanings.

Scroll to see all the lucky baby names we love for 2025!

1. Evangeline

Zura Modebadze

Evangeline is Greek in origin and derived from the words "eu" and "angelma," meaning "good news" or "good tidings."

This name has gained popularity in the U.S. because it carries a sense of hope and prosperity, making it a wonderful choice for parents welcoming a little girl.

2. Felix

Yan Krukau

With Latin roots, Felix is a timeless baby boy name that means "happy" and "fortunate." If you want to bless your child with a life full of joy, this name definitely conveys positivity and good fortune.

Felix also dates back to the 1st century BC and has ties to the New Testament, as well as several popes. It remains a popular pick in North America, South America, and Africa.

3. Gwyneth

Anna Bondarenko

The name Gwyneth is Welsh in origin and derived from the word "gwynaeth," which means "happiness." It embodies cheerfulness, and "Gwynnie" can even be used as a cute nickname.

It's no secret that actress Gwyneth Paltrow has popularized this name, but it also carries a bit of fantasy, thanks to characters like the priestess Gwyneth Berdara in the beloved book series "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

4. Merritt

Карина Суховерхая

When spelled a bit differently as "Merit," this baby name of Latin origin holds multiple meanings, including "valuable," "worthy," and "deserving of praise." Otherwise, "Merritt," which is British, actually means "boundary gate."

Either way, a baby boy with this name will be lucky, as the ability to set healthy boundaries (and stick to them) is a very sought-after trait.

5. Felicity

Travis Grossen

Derived from Latin, Felicity is another charming name that means "happy" and "good fortune." It's perfect for a little one you hope will bring joy to those around her.

The TV show "Felicity" added to this name's popularity, as well as the release of the American Girl doll Felicity Merriman. Some cute nickname options include Flick and Fee.

6. Asher

Holly Landkammer

While Asher, a name with religious ties, has traditionally been given to boys, it's growing in favoritism as a girl's name as well.

In the Hebrew Bible, Asher is the eighth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Jacob blessed Asher before his death, and Moses said, "May Asher be blessed above other sons."

That's why this name is often said to mean "happy" and "blessed." It's a lucky choice that's particularly popular among Jewish families.

7. Destiny

Subin Cherian

Do you feel like your daughter was meant to be? If so, Destiny may be a delightful fit. Derived from the Old French word "destinée" and the Latin "destinare," it translates to "fate" or "one's certain fortune."

In addition to its divine connections, Destiny also has ties to Hollywood. You may not know that Miley Cyrus' given name was actually Destiny when she was born in 1992. Plus, we obviously can't forget about the iconic girl group Destiny's Child.

8. Chance

Sergey Makashin

Last but not least is Chance, a strong name with British roots and a meaning of "good fortune." Originally a diminutive of Chauncey, it's also tied to the title Chancellor, which is given to high-ranking government officials.

So, to set your little one up for a life full of opportunities and luck, you can't go wrong with choosing Chance as a baby name.

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The Best Podcasts That Everyone Will Be Talking About In 2025

Want to know what the best podcasts have in common? They're witty, captivating, and make you feel like you're listening to your best friend pontificate about everything from pop culture to first date horror stories. They may even teach you how to relax your mind or get a grip on reality because we know you tend to imagine worst-case scenarios (we do too!).

Since we love sharing our favorite TV series and books with you, we're getting even more vulnerable to share the podcasts we've been listening to so far in 2025. We just know everyone will be talking about them non-stop which is our goal!

Get to know the best podcasts you should be listening to right now!

Spotify

Yap City — Brit + Co's Podcast

Brit + Co has our very own podcast that features hot takes from hosts Chloe Williams and Kayla Walden! Want to relive hilarious moments from the Oscars or obsess about book-to-film adaptations? Or, maybe you just need to know if someone's as obsessed with Severance as you are. No matter where you fall on the entertainment spectrum, Yap City's got you covered!

We're Your Girls

We're Your Girls

Best friends Tiffani Singleton and Taryn Delanie Smith know that life's messy, so they're talking about it. We're Your Girls listens like a inside conversation that's been made public because, well, they're girls girls! Even when they have different opinions, there's no catty behavior that's reminiscent of something from the Real Housewives franchise. It's just good, unadulterated fun that'll make you hit favorite before you're done listening to the first episode!

Spotify

Call Her Daddy

Alex Cooper isn't here to give listeners more fluff that leaves them confused. Instead, she pushes the envelope and gently slides it back in a way that creates intrigue. For example, did you know you recently interviewed THE Monica Lewinsky to give her a platform to tell her unfiltered story? You may want to tap in if you haven't listened already because Ms. Cooper knows how to put on a show.

Wonderey

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Tell the truth — you can't stop thinking about Keke Palmer. From her hilarious one-liners to having several creative jobs, there's a reason she won Entertainer of the Year at the NAACP Image Awards. But you know what's on our radar? Her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.

She brings her same energetic and engaging energy to her interviews, creating an environment where guests and listeners alike want to soak up her thoughts.

iHeart

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Crystal Renee Hayslett isn't afraid to venture outside of acting to have healing conversations on her couch. With her rich and silky voice, she encourages guests to tell their stories without using rage-bait to pull listeners in. Sure, she doesn't mind saying the quiet parts out loud about being single or trusting one's career journey, but it always comes across as level-headed.

Podtail

Magical Overthinkers

We love Amanda Montell at Brit + Co so it makes sense her podcast Magical Overthinkers is on our list! Based on the title of her bestselling novel The Age of Magical Overthinking, you'll find topics about social media habits, doomsday topics, and more!

P.S. Revisit our interview with Amanda Montell for a taste of what to expect from Magical Overthinkers.

iHeart

Giggly Squad

Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo's Giggly Squad podcast is a welcome reprieve from all the chaos going on in the world. Whether they're dissecting their horoscopes or talking about relationship woes 👀, these besties are the girls you listen to when you want an escape from burnout.

P.S. Their book How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously hits shelves next month!

Spotify

Naked Beauty

The first time we heard Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli's words fill our ears, we immediately subscribed to Naked Beauty before knowing everything she'd talk about. Although she dives into all things beauty, she also includes pivotal conversations about love, motherhood, and career.

Whether she's interviewing Issa Rae or Dita Von Teese, Brooke's got something to say and we think you should be all ears!

I Hate It Here

I Hate It Here

Hebba Youssef created I Hate It Here because she knows work culture can be soul-crushing at time. As the Chief People Officer at Workweek, she's seen more than her fair share of HR horror stories so she knows what you're going through. Also, she knows you've probably been unfairly blamed for things that are actually above your pay grade. So, think of I Hate It Here as an inside look into the world of HR and the people who are just trying to navigate as best as they can.

iHeart

Well...Adjusting

What can't Iady Robin Hopkins do? As an author, actress, and lowkey comedian, she's bringing her familiar energy to Well...Adjusting because she knows some of us are surrounded by proverbial fire. When you're ready to stop pretending "everything's fine," she'll be here to help you lower your cortisol levels so you can get serious about setting much-needed boundaries.

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

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