Nice Package

Nice Package

I’m a sucker for great wrapping. Yep, I’m the one at gift exchanges who instead of shaking the box and examining its size and shape picks a present solely on the pretty paper — even as I end up the proud owner of a new electronic nose hair trimmer....
Look Ma, No Sparkles!

Look Ma, No Sparkles!

My older daughter, Mimi, is a princess-kittens-glittery flowers kind of girl. I can’t convince her to don any clothing that doesn’t scream I AM A GIRLY GIRL, most often in some shade of pink. Rosie, however, is more tomboy than princess, which makes...
Take Me To Your Bathroom Sink

Take Me To Your Bathroom Sink

I’ve met kids who will eat raw oysters and kids who clear their plates without being told. But I have yet to meet a kid who likes to wash his hands. Maybe if the bathroom were a more child-friendly place, the odds would tilt in the favor of personal...
Let’s All Do the Bump

Let’s All Do the Bump

If there is a "next time" and I end up with a cute little bump instead of the quadruple roly-poly thing I had with baby number one, I’m getting a cute little BUMP shirt to match. These "Baby Under Manufacturing Process" tees are just subtle...
The Other Layettes Will Be Jealous

The Other Layettes Will Be Jealous

Yes, you can purchase a "layette" as a baby gift–a complete set of boring onesies, bibs, and Victorian-era booties that I’m not sure ever make it out of the box, let alone the house. And then there are those sets that just make your ovaries...
Saddlebags You’ll Actually Want

Saddlebags You’ll Actually Want

For several years now, Skip*Hop has made the practical, durable, men-love-’em-too diaper bags that adorn the strollers of the smartest parents around town. Recently the company went big with their ingenious double stroller bag. But now they’re changing...
Baby in Red

Baby in Red

When you’re fresh out of the maternity ward, you can hardly be counted on to brush your teeth, let alone pick out coordinated accessories for the offspring. It seems a small matter until months later, when you scan through the millions of baby photos, and it...
I’m This Many Years Old

I’m This Many Years Old

It’s birthday time here at Cool Mom Picks–it just so happens that our girls (Liz and mine) will be celebrating their first and second birthdays within a day of each other. But instead of attempting to keep a tiara on the head of our tots, we’re...
I’m With the Band

I’m With the Band

As a tall preggo, I had a pretty long awkward stage – you know, when your regular clothes are too small in the belly, but maternity clothes look like you’re playing dress-up with a parachute. I couldn’t evensport my old shirts because they...
It Beats the Heck Out of Tofu

It Beats the Heck Out of Tofu

When I heard Japanese scientists were researching soy powered vehicles, I wasn’t surprised. Aside from Ben & Jerry’s and boot cut jeans, soy is the most amazing discovery. And apparently it’s not just a dairy subsitute anymore. Check out these...
Love at First Flush

Love at First Flush

Like most of you, I’ve got excellent environmental intentions. And yet, even as I toss my soda cans in the recycling bin, I’m still creating my own personal landfill of disposable diapers. I want another option, but let’s be honest, you need major...
Orca Comes to Your Tub

Orca Comes to Your Tub

There is no such thing in my household as too many bath toys. In fact sometimes I need to make sure I’ve left room for the actual baby in the bathtub. Here’s one more I could justify buying: the whale bath stopper at Pinky & Company. See, it’s...