Kristen Chase | Cool Mom Picks

Vans shoes, even customizable for your budding fashion designer

I just so happened to be in a Vans store without children last weekend (dreamy, right?) and whoa, just when I thought some of my favorite shoes couldn’t get any cooler, they did. If you’re like me and are shopping for spring and summer shoes for your kids,...

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The Gift of Failure: 3 tips from Jessica Lahey to help you raise more self-reliant kids

by Kristen Chase | Spawned Podcast

With the prevalence of helicopter parenting these days, it’s no surprise we’re seeing kids becoming much more dependent than independent — and let’s face it, we’re seeing more really tired parents. But it can be challenging for parents...

The Clek Mat-thingy. Because kids + cars = gross.

by Kristen Chase | Baby, Family Travel

As a suburban mom of four, I live in my car. And as much as I try to tell my kids that this time we will not be eating in the car (don’t laugh too hard), I can never stick to that rule because, well, we’re all in it so much. That’s why the Clek...

Babyation: A smart, stylish breast pump. Nope, pigs aren’t flying.

by Kristen Chase | Baby

My breast pump definitely got the job done, but it was certainly not stylish. Or smart. Try awkward and uncomfortable. But the husband and wife team behind Babyation are aiming to change that. Their new breast pump might be exactly what nursing moms have been hoping...

Happy Year of the Monkey, baby. You’re intelligent, creative, and darnit, people like you!

by Kristen Chase | Art + Decor

Today starts the Lunar New Year, and lots of little Year of the Monkey babies are soon to be born. If not already. I’ve always loved Tree by Kerri Lee’s beautiful wooden birth year blocks, which a make sweet gift for a special little someone. Handcrafted...

New and cool: Personalized Moleskines. Notebooks, journals, you name it. (Get it?)

by Kristen Chase | Cards + Stationery

I never leave home without my Moleskine notebook, as I’ve recently shared — or really, I should say “notebooks” considering how many I have for lists, ideas, and… more lists. Now I’m so excited that you can finally order...

7 little indulgences under $10 that make big changes to your mood.

by Kristen Chase | Health, Fitness + Wellbeing

I’m a huge fan of grabbing little indulgences or surprises for my kids here and there to help make them feel better after a bad day or, you know, just make them feel special. But when it comes to me, I have gotten pretty good at rationalizing myself right out of...

Friendships after kids: Smart tips and resources for making new mom (and dad) friends | Spawned Episode 30

by Kristen Chase | Spawned Podcast

Making new friends as adults is hard enough as it is, but it can be especially challenging when you have kids. And it’s not just making new friends, but also maintaining those old ones too. I know first-hand that when you’ve already gone all those life...

8 great cars for big families that fit 3 car seats safely in the second row

by Kristen Chase | Baby

I still remember car shopping when I was pregnant with my third child, trying to figure out which cars for big families would be right for me. As in, I didn’t want a minivan, and I wanted my car to safely fit three car seats, for my three kids under four. To be...