Artwork you want to touch. And we wouldn’t blame you.
A while back, I was introduced to the beautiful felted wool art from artist Maryanne Quinn, which was mainly made to order. But now there's a sale on her work and if you've got a nursery to furnish or a kid's room with a wall calling for some color, it's worth a look....
A whole new kind of personalized gift from the kids from Hiho Batik
I've been a longtime fan of the fun, spirited kids clothing by Hiho Batik since back when we started Cool Mom Picks. (Yes, even before the Obama girls were photographed wearing their tees.) But I think I might love them even more now that I discovered their...
The best poetry books for kids: make some time for a little rhyme
What can I say? My kids just love poetry. Maybe it's because my singing voice sounds like a goat gargling, and maybe it's because they can always convince me to read just one more poem. There's also the possibility that poetry is a beautiful, rhythmic exploration of...
The best age-appropriate bikini swimsuits for little girls. As in, no, they don’t need to dress like teenagers.
If I fall on my sword for one thing every year, it's that retailers need to provide us with more appropriately modest two-piece swimsuits for our daughters. Last year was a tough year, with triangle bikini tops making the rounds. This year looks more promising!...
Growing up with Manhattan Toy just keeps getting better
When my kids were little, Manhattan Toy's Whoozit and Skwish were among their favorite playthings. And while they are still tried-and-true gifts for all the younger nieces and nephews in our lives, I am thrilled to find a fun and creative line of toys...
In season: tea towels as fresh as just-picked veggies
Cooking with the windows open, wrists slightly dirty from picking fresh veggies, knife making a crisp choppety-choppety sound--not going to lie. I live for spring and summer produce. But, with cooking comes cleanup, which pales in comparison to eating. Until you...
Homemade fudgesicle recipes: It’s that time!
We've officially hit that time of year that every day ice cream requests have replaced the every day hot chocolate requests. Since my kids have come home from school more than a few times with the telltale artificial blue-icee stains under their noses, I like the idea...
Strong. Or, Boston Strong
Living just south of Boston, the recent attacks at the Boston Marathon are still a recent and raw memory. But all the amazing signs of solidarity and strength--who would have thought Yankees fans would ever sing Sweet Caroline willingly--make it clear that the motto...
Parenthood Listography: It’s a baby book, it’s a parenting keepsake journal, and it’s hilarious
Raise your hand if you've ever felt guilt--even a little--over those unfinished baby book pages, incomplete prompts and photo spaces that really, you swear you meant to put a photo in...one day... Yeah, well, me too. Which is why I think I may have found the best book...
The genius idea for packing wine on your picnic
While there's something to be said for sipping wine out of those big red keg cups in the summer, I admit I always feel a little fancy when my Albarino is an actual wine glass. Unfortunately, if you're picnicking, glass isn't going to cut it. So to speak. The Wine...