Some Not-So-Spooky Fun this Halloween
How can Build-A-Bear be used for Halloween costumes? Let kids create a spooky Build-A-Bear sidekick to incorporate into their costume, which can help the costume be enjoyed beyond Halloween.
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Trick or treat, mom version
Halloween is one of those times when we like to have a little fun with the house. And Target’s latest Halloween collection makes a pretty convincing argument for embracing the season—without necessarily covering every square inch in fake…
Make Halloween memories with Build-a-Bear buddies
Okay, mama, let’s be honest: Halloween is creeping up, and your kids are already bouncing off the walls with excitement (and probably sugar from your hidden candy stash). But before you drown in costume glitter and candy wrappers, let me…
Halloween decor that doesn't break the budget
Finding ways to make your home festive this Halloween—without any sticker shock—feels like a win. So, have you thought of Dollar Tree ? You might be surprised by their cute, spooky decor, without any budget stress. In fact, their prices …
11 cool teen Halloween craft ideas that don't suck.
Halloween is coming, and while we love sharing Halloween craft ideas for our preschoolers and little ones, our teens and older kids want to get in on the fun too. So with my own Halloween-loving older kids in mind, I searched around for …
100+ easy Halloween costume ideas for kids and parents. Because it's all last-minute these days!
It's not too late to pull together an easy last-minute Halloween costume idea that helps make Halloween awesome.Even if you're doing everything last-minute lately. It's not just about the costumes, by the way; Liz recently shared some in…
Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.
How to hard boil eggs perfectly: The only instructions you need
A perfectly hard-boiled egg can be an elusive thing, even for those of us who cook--and cook with kids underfoot, and into everything, all the time. I'm here to help fix that! Hard-boiled eggs are a super easy, nutritious go-to food that…
The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now
Back-to-school shopping has a way of turning into a marathon, but finding a backpack your child actually wants to carry shouldn't be the hardest part. That's why we're so excited about the brand-new collaboration between STATE and Magnet…
Level Up Your Family Bonding with PlayStation
Let’s get something straight: video games are not just for teenagers hiding in their rooms. PlayStation is one of the best ways to get the whole family together—without anyone needing to climb a mountain or schedule a three-hour craft pr…
An age-by-age guide to teaching kids about money: Things we can do as parents.
With April being Financial Literacy Month, it's a great opportunity to share an age-by-age guide to teaching kids about money. After all, it's one of the most important things we need to teach our kids -- it impacts every one of us for o…
The Definitive Guide to Gen Z Slang: Written by actual teens who think all the other guides to Gen Z slang are mid.
When we asked our readers about your favorite Gen Z slang words , the second most popular answer was low-key. But that's only because the first most popular answer was what the heck are you talking about? So I reached out to my teens and…
The best back-to-school tech for teens
Back-to-school shopping isn't just about notebooks and sneakers anymore. For today's teens, the right tech can make studying easier, staying organized less stressful, and after-school activities a whole lot more enjoyable. The trick is c…
Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels
Back-to-school shopping gets a lot of attention for backpacks, sneakers, and new clothes, but the unsung hero of a successful school year might be something much smaller: a good name label. Mabel's Labels makes it easy to put a name on a…
Give the gift of the coolest experiences with Ticketmaster
Let's be honest: most of us don't need more stuff. Another candle, sweatshirt, or gadget may be appreciated, but the gifts that tend to stick with us are the ones that create a memory. That's what makes Ticketmaster such a smart place to…
Halloween nails, but make them chic
We love Halloween, but there’s a fine line between festive and looking like a craft store exploded on your fingertips. If you want your nails to participate in spooky season without committing to tiny ghosts, glitter bats, and orange-and…
Stream these 15 terrific, kid-friendly educational documentaries that aren't necessarily made for kids.
As a homeschooling mom, I know how educational documentaries for kids can help fill the days, balance entertainment with education, and even give us longer breaks when we need it. I even included it in my tips for parents who are now hom…
Ninja EverSear cookware: the best hybrid stainless-steel for holiday cooking
A new hybrid stainless-steel cookware line. • Home cooks wanting performance without extra gadgets. • Combines stainless steel searing with a nonstick cooking surface.
Avenlur climbing wall: An indoor adventure course for kids
A holiday gift that encourages active, adventurous play for kids • Described as a larger, more substantial Christmas gift • An indoor play space that brings playground energy into the home • Open-ended design encourages imaginative play in different scenarios
Q&A with middle grade author Jamie Sumner
Jamie Sumner is a best-selling middle grade author who often writes about the disability experience. • Wish You Well follows three kids who feign friendship to scam a wish-granting foundation.
Your Tailgate Style Playbook for a Sideline Chic Look this Football Season
Our favorite picks from Aviator Nation, J. Crew, Newport Knits, Vans and more for tailgating fashion this football season.
Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer: A Second Oven without the remodel, just in time for Thanksgiving
14-in-1 countertop appliance combining microwave and air-fryer functions. • Helps cook sides and appetizers while the main oven holds the turkey. • Includes a dishwasher-safe glass cooking container for easier cleanup.
What to pack? Be sure to include these girls' weekend beach essentials
What we took as a moms' girls' beach weekend getaway in Destin, Florida. • Author named the Laura Ashley buttery soft robe the #1 robe in their collection. • Sherpani Jetsetter Totes has tons of space and exterior pockets for tickets and passports.
Henderson Beach Resort: Our top pick for a girls’ weekend in Destin, Florida
Relaxing and fun girls' weekend beach destination — active or gloriously lazy with lots of on-site options.
More than cleaning supplies—eco-friendly homecare from Grove Co.
The offering is practical, useful, and subtly elevates daily routines.
Tap water, upgraded.
AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis system review
Go ahead and make your holiday cards now. You’ll thank yourself later.
Where can I create beautiful holiday cards to send to friends and family? VistaPrint is our go-to holiday card solution with thousands of customizable designs to choose from.
Get Your Suit Together: Homecoming shopping, made easy.
Get Your Suit Together: Homecoming shopping, made easy.
Gifts to get in the bag before December, at Barnes & Noble
Should I start my holiday shopping at Barnes & Noble now? Yes Barnes & Noble already has a broad holiday selection (toys, LEGO, puzzles, games, stationery, advent calendars, and books) so shopping early gives you more options and time.
Game Day, Upgraded
How can I show team spirit without wearing full team gear? Wear officially licensed team-color jewelry including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms!
Sweater weather, meet Garage’s favorites for fall
What kinds of fall-friendly jackets does Garage offer? Garage’s fall jackets include faux-leather styles, sherpa jackets, anoraks, worker jackets, puffers and trenches.
When you want clothes that don't just feel good on your body
Fall is coming and we are sooo ready for sweatshirts, jeans, and cozy essentials to be part of our wardrobe again. But as good as those clothes feel on our bodies, we also want clothes that feel good in our souls. You know? Brands that h…
This week's meal plan: 5 light dinners for hot summer nights
I can safely say we’re team "light dinners" for summer. This lasting heat wave has me craving salads, fish, and light summer pasta salads that don’t leave me feeling heavy and bleh — and honestly, who wants to be stuck in a blazing hot k…
Throwing shade on our favorite collegiate teams
Game day is about more than the score. There’s the outfit, the tailgate, the friends, the traditions—and, ideally, sunglasses that make the whole thing a little more fun. Enter goodr’s Collegiate Collection . The officially licensed coll…
This little piggy stayed dry
Fall footwear has a lot to do: look polished, feel comfortable, and survive unpredictable weather. If your commute to work involves puddles and potholes, or you have kids who are known to step right in the pool of water rather than going…
A scent that actually lasts...
We’re always interested in a beauty find that feels a little different, and Riddle definitely falls into that category. We’ve been trying the brand’s perfume oils and scented oils, and there’s one thing we particularly love: how long the…
Q&A with children's book creator LeUyen Pham
If you've been following us lately, you know how excited we are about our new Q&A books series. The chance to chat with authors like Sophie Blackall , LeUyen Pham, and the others coming up soon has been thrilling and delightful. And we'r…
Hate sharpening your knives? OK, don't!
A sharp knife makes cooking easier. But as busy parents, we don't always have time to sit and sharpen our kitchen knives when kids and work and pets and everything else is pulling at us. So when Ninja says its NeverDull knife system is d…
Revolve Your Spring Wardrobe Into Something Better
If your closet is feeling a little “same, but slightly wrinkled,” spring is your cue to shake things up. And yes, Revolve is still that girl when it comes to fashion that feels current, elevated, and just a little bit ahead of the curve.…
Gap: classic, comfortable, and wearable
Gap just gets everyday life. The jeans fit real bodies , the sweaters are cozy without being frumpy, and the basics are actually good enough to wear outside the house — not just for school drop-off (though they shine there too). Their st…
This $45 cashmere tee from Quince is actual luxury
You know that fantasy where you are a stylish mom who gets to wear fabrics like cashmere without panicking every time your kid lunges at you with dirty hands? Well, we've got good news: cashmere isn't just for special occasions anymore, …
You won't believe the holiday fashion under $100 at Lulus
Believe it or not, it's actually not to early to start thinking about what to wear to your BFF's annual holiday party, your child's Christmas concert at school, or your mother-in-law's formal Christmas Eve dinner party. December is alrea…
Don't miss the major markdowns at Gymboree's fall clothing sale
Alright, parents—grab your coffee, because we need to talk about something: Gymboree’s Fall Sale . Yes, the one where your kids’ closets go from “meh” to magic in five seconds flat, with enough money left over to hire that photographer f…
Halloween Build-a-Bears are here!
Let’s be real—Halloween costumes are cute (until your kid changes their mind the night before), candy is fun (until the sugar crash), and trick-or-treating is a blast (until you’re carrying your preschooler four whole blocks home). But y…
Join the dry sock club with Vessi's 100% waterproof shoes and accessories: 10 favorites for women, men, and teens this season
If you're not yet familiar with the style editor-favorite all-weather waterproof shoes from Vessi , are you in for a treat. On behalf of our newest partner, we're sharing our favorites for the coming season , from this Vancouver-based sm…
Fall 2024 shoe trends: 12 hot steals under $75 that update your wardrobe for less
If you're wondering what the fall 2024 shoe trends are, IMHO we're in luck! Chelsea boots are back, chunky heels that won't make you wobble, kitten heels that are feminine but not too tall, edgy moto boots, classic loafers, variations on…
35 Labor Day weekend sales you definitely don't want to miss! Big brands, small shops, high tech, high fashion...it's all here.
While Labor Day of course means a lot more than a three-day weekend, we're certainly not saying no to the big Labor Day sales that are going on right now! To help you out, we've put together 35 of our very favorite Labor Day weekend sale…
Cool, creepy non-candy Halloween gift for a teen or tween? : Reader Q & A
When Lisa asked us for cool but appropriately creepy non-candy Halloween gift ideas for her teen and tween nieces and nephews, I was on the case! I checked with my own Halloween-loving but decidedly... particular teens to see what kinds …
Stylish trench coats for fall into spring: 9 of my favorites for any style, shape or budget
I was just poking around for stylish trench coats for my fall wardrobe, when a @coolmompicks Instagram follower (hey Alyson!) DM'd me with a question -- she was looking for trench coats as well. Only she offered a few must-haves in her r…
From Elle Woods to Fresh Prince: 12 of the best 90s Halloween costumes for kids
For my fellow millennial parents who need a laugh, I present these hilarious 90s throwback Halloween costumes for kids, all inspired by the decade of our misspent youth. We've got Fresh Prince! Wayne's World! Clueless! As if... you could…
7 gorgeous nail trends for fall 2023...that you can actually do yourself.
Each year, we love sharing our favorite nail trends for the season. In 2023, it's all about shades of brown, goth-core matte nails, holograph meets glitter, and a fun tone-on-tone take on the French manicure. As for the best nail brands,…
9 cool ways to transform your plain white sneakers after summer
If you're a traditionalist, Labor Day marks the last day to wear those white canvas sneakers until next Memorial Day. Which is why we've brought back this great post on cool DIY white sneakers makeovers for you, so you can get more wear …
What to do with leftover Halloween candy: 11 creative ideas besides you know, just eating it.
We're always happy to offer up parents ideas for what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy you'll surely end up with. Well, at least after the small gorge-fest that your trick-or-treaters may be entitled to after all their hard w…
12 fantastic no-carve pumpkin ideas for kids of all ages.
Who here is a fan of no-carve pumpkins for Halloween? As someone with a toddler who definitely shouldn't be anywhere near sharp objects, I've become a staunch convert. And as someone who doesn't always get to my Halloween pumpkin until t…
9 fun free printable Halloween coloring pages to help keep little fingers out of the candy stash
I've been looking around the web for some great free printable Halloween coloring pages (did I mention free?) to help keep the kiddos occupied while the adults polish off that first bag of peanut butter cups. If your kids are anything li…
5 fabulous boots and booties for fall 2022, and their affordable Target dupes
Back to school for my kids means back to boots for me. Seems fair, right? Take one peek at any fall 2022 shoe trend post at your favorite style magazine and it's boots, boots, and more boots, which yay! because I have that category cover…
My fave early Black Friday Deals at Nordstrom that let you treat yourself. And yes, they're available now.
Yes there are Black Friday deals at Nordstrom today , and no you did not time travel to the future. When you combine the ubiquitous conversation around supply chain issues with the excitement for a lot of us to get into the holiday spiri…
My fave chunky boots for fall 2021 that take you right into winter. Bring on the lug soles!
I started browsing all the cool chunky boots for fall 2021 during a rare free moment of downtime this weekend, and wow -- leave it to fashionable footwear to get me excited for fall. (And yes, I know we're a month in but considering I've…
12 awesome kids and baby Halloween costumes made with pajamas. Comfy, easy and cool.
For years, I've had tons of fun using plain pajama sets -- like the ones you can find at Primary or Hanna Andersson -- as the base for my kids' Halloween costumes. With some head-to-toe monochromatic pajamas, all I've had to do is add so…
Cool sneaker makeovers that leave the white shoes behind after Labor Day
If you stand by the old "no white after Labor Day" fashion imperative, we want to point you to this fantastic post with 9 cool DIY sneaker makeover ideas to help you -- or your kids -- turn those plain white shoes into something that loo…
25+ amazing deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because we're SO ready to refresh our wardrobes!
Get ready, everybody, because the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us. Liz and I have scoured their early announcements to find the very best, most amazing, super fashionable Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals that we'll be snagging when…
Roald Dahl's The Witches is great campy fun, and don't believe anyone who says differently.
As a movie buff, I tend to be skeptical of reboots. Especially reboots of movies like Roald Dahl's The Witches which became an instant Halloween classic in the 90s. But the 2020 version, now on HBO Max, is more of a reimagining than a re…
Tim Burton and diaper bag: Two phrases we never thought we'd hear together.
For some of us fans, the Tim Burton cult favorite The Nightmare Before Christmas is not just a movie you watch around Halloween. And then some of those people grow up to become moms. And when they do, now at last they will have access to…
9 creepy, spooky, and scary board games for Halloween. IF YOU DARE.
The truth is, I don't need an excuse to play scary board games for Halloween with my. kids. We're full-fledged board game geeks at my house , and all games are an option for us, any time at all. But with so many families looking for safe…
Safe trick-or-treat alternatives for a very 2020 Halloween. It can still be fun, promise!
It's official: I'm writing about safe trick-or-treat alternatives after weeks of putting it off. The CDC has even officially recommended against trick-or-treating during COVID-19 , at least in the traditional way, and oof. I need some sa…
How to trick or treat for UNICEF virtually this year
Raising money for UNICEF at Halloween has become a tradition for many of our readers and their kids, and it's a cause we've supported since the very beginning of our site. That's a long time! So we're thrilled to announce that this year,…
We found 5 great trick-or-treat signs for candy, for a safe and socially distant Halloween
We've had quite a few readers ask for some trick-or-treat-signs for candy to help keep a socially distanced Halloween. This is a time that we may want to hand out candy but uh, maybe in a less-contact way. And hey, we found some great on…
Clever ideas for Halloween costumes using face masks. I mean, as long as we're all wearing them. (Right? Right?)
I imagine that searching for Halloween costumes using face masks is going to be a thing this year -- and I don't mean your typical Halloween masks that cover your whole face. You know how no kid wants their long-planned costume ruined by…
8 fun Halloween face masks for kids...that aren't too scary. (Because we're all wearing face masks, right? Right?)
Getting my kid to keep his face mask on is a pretty tall order, but I'm hoping that introducing some new Halloween masks designed for kids will make it a little easier. I can just pass his off as a costume accessory that way, right? I fo…
Stylish leggings you can wear as pants: 10 of my favorites to keep you feeling comfy and cool.
Welp, we've officially hit that point in the pandemic when we differentiate between our leggings and our nice, stylish leggings . Or is that just me? Answer: No way that's just me. You all went kind of wild for our team's recos for of ou…
Our favorite Patagonia fall jackets for the family let you shop your values. At least if your values include standing up for the planet.
You may have seen the news this week about the new labels in Patagonia shorts. Just four words appear on the underside of the labels: Vote the a**holes out. This isn't just cheeky resistance; Patagonia is a company that's always stood up…
Tons of beloved Hammitt handbags go on sale, big time. Why wait until Black Friday?
When our own Lisa told me about a massive sale on "my favorite handbags" from Hammitt Los Angeles , I clicked over immediately. Lisa has great taste, first off. And, well, I love bags. If you're in the market, don't wait until Black Frid…
The most creative handmade kids' Halloween costumes on Instagram this year
I've seen so many clever Halloween costumes this year, it's hard to keep up! There are always the year's super popular costumes -- the astronauts, the princesses, the superheroes and a lot of VSCO girls. (Including me, ha. Hey, it was wh…
Last-minute Halloween crafts, printables, pumpkin decorating, and party activities to keep the whole week fun.
If it's not clear by now, we loooove Halloween around here! And if you need some ideas for party activities on Halloween night, or fun printables and craft ideas to keep the kids out of the candy stash for a few more days, take a look at…
Long belted shirtdresses: 5 favorites you'll want to live in this fall and winter.
This past week, I made a rare impulse clothing purchase: a gorgeous, long belted shirt dress from Uli Herzner that I spotted at a Chelsea Market pop-up. I've admired her work ever since she made it to the S3 fashion show on Project Runwa…
These hand-knit animal scarves require no food, no water, but lots of love.
While a real pet requires food, water, and responsibility, the phenomenal hand-knitted animals scarves from Dutch Etsy artist Nina Fuehrer require...well, just enough responsibility that they come home with your kids at the end of the da…
8 cute pumpkin decorating ideas for kids that are not scary at all
[et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.17.6"] It's time to decorate those pumpkins, parents! And it's always fun to look around for some of the cute, creative pumpkin decorating id…
23 wildly cute baby Halloween costumes on Etsy that will make you want many babies to dress up this year.
When you're a new parent, it's not like you have a ton of time, energy or brain cells to carefully DIY an Insta-perfect baby costume. So to make it easier, I've put together the guaranteed cutest handmade baby Halloween costumes on Etsy …
These new PLAE x Jasper Wong glow-in-the-dark sneakers are lit (ha)
Fall nights means it gets dark before our kids are done playing, but I may have found the most fashionable possible way to keep them going—and glowing—all night long. PLAE is already one of our favorite shoe brands for kids and adults . …
Fur-trimmed booties for fall and winter: 5 of my favorite ways to get your tootsies up to trend
Fur trimmed booties are so hot right now (faux fur too, whatever works for you) and I'm so in love. It's the kind of look that comes back every few years are so, so you may already have something fab in the back of your closet Or if you'…
Hot trend alert: 9 platform sneakers we love for fall!
While some trends we leave all to the kids, platform sneakers is one that I love and okay, so do my girls. It's a way to get a little style into your comfortable footwear (or vice versa) and, if you're not Kristen (ha), to get a little m…
Back-to-school trend alert! 7 tie-dye sneakers we love for kids.
I feel like I've seen a lot of the same-old sneaker trends recently -- floral sneakers and metallic sneakers are still going strong. And we love them! But this year, when we all started to see lots of tie-dye sneakers for our older kids,…
10 hot wardrobe staples to grab now from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I feel like the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has come around at just the right time. While it may be still be sweltering out, there's something about browsing fall's hot trends that gets us pumped for sweater weather. (And uh, lower…
We're cheering for Target's new adaptive Halloween costume collection!
Target has been pretty ahead of the mass retailer curve in terms of sensory-friendly and adaptive clothing for kids. And I'm so happy to see they're adding new adaptive Halloween costumes this year, made for to help ensure that all kinds…
The new Spanx maternity line: totally unnecessary or total godsend?
I admit, when I heard that about the new Spanx maternity line , I was skeptical. After all, isn't pregnancy the one time we don't have to worry about sucking in our guts? Or "smoothing?" CMP is an rstyle affiliate But after getting a clo…
I found the absolute perfect cashmere scarf and it's now on sale too
This past Christmas, I wanted a perfect cashmere scarf -- long enough to wrap a couple of times, short enough that it doesn't poke out the bottom of a knee-length coat. Soft enough that I can wear it indoors, tightly knit enough that I d…
Polished Prints tees are empowering, positive, and giving us all the good vibes.
"Mom tees" are everywhere lately. But the trend seems to have capitalized on complaining about motherhood, and I'm starting to push back a little on what that says to our kids. They range from variations of need wine/need sleep/need a hu…
How a 13-year-old Broadway fan created the coolest Halloween door decorations
So that 13-year-old Broadway-obsessed kid? That would be my daughter. And after last year's attempt to mashup Halloween with Broadway musicals, she improved on her artwork this year and taped it straight on our apartment door. So, proud …
3 smoking black maternity dresses for fall and winter, even if you're not on Meghan Markle's budget
If you've been following the newly minted royal couple on their post-nuptial adventures (waving hands, here), you might have caught mom-to-be Meghan Markle in this little black dress and-trench maternity outfit . I'll admit that I've bee…
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