Getting a head start on organization

by Kristen Chase | Cards + Stationery

This is the first of Cool Mom Picks’ four-part series on organization, sponsored by the most delightful momAgenda, makers of smart products like the the myAgenda Desktop planner, which happens to be perfect for busy people–not just moms!We’re finally...

Trusting your teen? There’s an app for that!

by Mir | Cool Tech

It seems impossible to me that I’ll one day have a teen or two whom I’ll allow to roam the world somewhat freely, but the truth is that teenagerhood will be entering my house very, very soon. Hold me.Vanessa Van Petten has been helping parents communicate...

The perfect little gift for the tween who has everything. (And don’t they all?)

by Stephanie Slate | Cool Tech

Got a tween girl on your list this year? I don’t, I confess. But if I did, I totally know what I’d get her. (See, isn’t that always the way? Now if only I could trade this great tween gift idea with someone who knows the perfect thing for a...

Kirtsy Takes a Bow – and it’s well, well earned.

by Liz Gumbinner | Baby, Books for Adults

I can’t stop reading Kirtsy Takes a Bow: A Celebration of Women’s Online Favorites. And rereading it. And going back to make sure there’s nothing I missed. The thing is, it’s not just me. An art director friend shirked work for an hour to...

Oh, mon coeur! Ocechou does adorable right

by Christina Refford | Art + Decor

As much as I like modern design, I still want to see a heavy dose of adorable in a baby’s room. Thankfully, Switzerland’s Nicole of Ocechou does adorable right–not by using the same old licensed characters or doe-eyed puppies, but with sweet,...

A new iPhone App that even the Grinch would love

by Betsy | Cool Tech

I have to admit I’m a bit of an iPhone app addict, but even though the number of smart phone apps are growing into the hundreds of thousands I generally think that there are only a dozen or two that are worthwhile. The Dr. Seuss Camera–Grinch Edition...

Drink This – The perfect gift for wine lovers, wannabe wine lovers, or people who just want to punch pretentious wine lovers

by Cool Mom Team | Books for Adults, Food + Recipes

I’ve let my own wine knowledge atrophy since falling in love with someone who makes a point to say that actually, he prefers Northern Rhone wines. (Seriously.) So I was excited when I first got wind of Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl’s new tome, Drink This: Wine...

Decoylab Clock – Expensive taste at a frugal price

by Cool Mom Team | Art + Decor

Being a fairly frugal decorator, the nurseries in our home have always been a little bleak. My excuse – it’s tough to find cool, modern pieces that won’t break the budget. But that doesn’t mean I’m not envious of...

Placemats that put the eating back into family dinner

by Cool Mom Team | Kitchen + Dining

Regardless of what type of activities we bring with us to the table when we eat out, we still only ever get about 10 minutes of peaceful eating time. And that’s on a good night. If you feel my pain, you’ll want to invest in a few pairs of the Hello Hanna...

You can never thank a teacher enough (really)

by Susan | Cards + Stationery

Looking for a gift that’s Just Right for your child’s teacher? A wee gift that says “We appreciate everything you do!” without getting too personal? Lovely monogrammed notecards are always a good bet – you know, to write thank you notes...

Natura paints, hold the VOC’s

by Christina Refford | Living

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I spent a lot of time thinking about the nursery color, but spent exactly no time actually painting the room since the VOC’s in most room paints are considered a no-no for pregnant women. My asthma didn’t like it much...

Plates to support the hungry and the art-starved

by Cool Mom Team | Art + Decor

While we’re busy here trying to support artists with our holiday picks, we love that the artists are trying to support others too. Case in point: The Ferrin Gallery Paper or Pottery not Plastic exhibition. This Berkshire-area gallery called on dozens of artists...