Times are changing. Information that we used to look up in encyclopedias is now always within arm's reach. And now respectable course offerings, taught by renowned professors from our most prestigious institutions, aren't just in the classroom. They're online. It gets even better when you realize that most of these offerings are 100% free! If you have the ambition to learn more this year, start with these online courses. More

I cannot believe Season 3 of Downton Abbey has arrived — I still haven't seen Season 2! Of course, since I watched all of Season 1 in less than 48 hours, it shouldn't be too hard to catch up. For now, I'm satisfied just gazing at the splendid gardens, imagining all the storming off, surreptitious conversations, and liaisons-in-follies I could have with such amazing grounds… More

My First Farm Friends
• $18.95
• Powells

Not just a set of great board books, but they're housed in a barn to play with and includes stand-up cardboard animals. The books focus on a day in the life of a chicken, goat, cow, and pig.

What's a great cure for the winter blues? A deep belly laugh with friends always works for me. Enter Amazon Prime. If you're a Prime member, there's a whole library of movies you can stream for free, but these comedies are definitely on the top of my list (alongside various other perks that may or may not be worth it). More

Just because you're not about to embark on an adventure with a wizard and a gaggle of dwarves doesn't mean you don't appreciate a good meal and warm fire. Peter Jackson's The Hobbit takes detail to the next level. He did turn 300 pages and some articles into nearly 9 hours of movie, after all. So if you've been wishing you were a Baggins of Bag End, this may be your chance. More

A new year brings with it a feeling of a fresh start — a chance to recommit and resolve to do something we've been meaning to. If you're hoping to make this year the one where you finally tackle a home project on your own — whether it be redecorating a room, or remodeling a new kitchen — perhaps these e-books can provide some motivation to make this year the year you make things happen. More

Okay, so there's a lot to discuss here, but first I need to know: what television home would you move into tomorrow, if rent and geography were no concern? Jess' rollerskating-ready New Girl loft? Tom Haverford's House O'Swag? The entire Downton Abbey? All of your friends could move in, too! More

How do you learn about great new books for children? Maybe from your librarian or from a blurb in a magazine? Perhaps you follow a book blog? Books are such a central part of our kids' daily lives and we want to make sure we share some of the great ones with you. Here are ten of our favorite picture books from the past year; the ones that captivated our imaginations and we think will do the same in your home:

• Little Bird by Germano Zullo, illustrated by Albertine
• The Onion's Great Escape by Sara Fanelli
• This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
• Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman
• The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins
• A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse by Frank Viva
• Benny's Brigade by Arthur Bradford, illustrated by Lisa Hanawalt
• My Dad is Big and Strong, But... by Coralie Saudo, illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo
• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
• The Frank Show by David Mackintosh
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Now that most TV shows are on holiday hiatus and many of us have a bit of time off before getting back to work, you may be facing some extra leisure time and wondering how you should spend it. Here's a look back at some of our favorite posts on books, games, movies, and music for some ideas on how you could pass the time.
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The magic of a good book is its ability to come alive and become a part of the reader's world, and this is especially true for children. Check out our picks for little book lovers who are looking for more than just books this year. Help them spark that magic and cultivate a love for literature, even beyond the pages. More