Design your own monster without the scary bill

by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings

At Cool Mom Picks we definitely love all these awesome companies springing up that allow kids to create their own stuffed animals, monsters, or mutant alien hybrid creatures. But if you’re on a tight budget, you must head directly for CurlyQ Cuties.While they...

Forget the $2000 stroller. Register for homemade meals instead.

by Danielle | Helpful Services

About three days after I gave birth to my daughter, my friend Lisa brought over some dinner. I can still remember the exact menu:  Bulgarian Stuffed Peppers, salad and a loaf of crusty bread. In my post-birthing daze, it was the single best gift I...

Flannel receiving blankets get a makeover

by Cool Mom Team | Baby

Once I discovered muslin swaddling blankets, my flannel ones all became changing pad liners. But as the cool weather approaches, there is something wonderfully comforting about wrapping your sweet baby in softness and warmth.With fall here (and a new baby too!),...

Plein de Vie: The remedy for what ails you, and you, and you…

by Danielle | Beauty + Cosmetics

There is nothing quite like the feeling of having everything you need in your purse. Tissues? Check. Crayons? Check. Emergency first aid for all aiments both real and imagined? Check. That’s why I am a huge fan of the Plein de Vie On-the-Go Remedy Stick. Made of...

Now you’re cooking, kiddo

by Mir | Toys + Playthings

It doesn’t seem fair that kids can now have a nicer pretend kitchen than my real one. Then again, mine does run on more than just imagination.Our friends at Natural Pod has just debuted two heirloom quality wooden play kitchens that they designed themselves, and...

Besitos Designs: DIY multicutural kidswear

by Cool Mom Team | Baby, Kid Style

We’re always looking out for multicultural dolls, toys and gifts for kids, but so many of them sort of run out of inspiration after the whole “let’s do a multiculural doll, toy and gift” part. Besitos Designs, however nails it. The concept is...

Halloween bags: Black, orange, and now, green

by Cool Mom Team | Uncategorized

If you’re looking for something more eco than a plastic trick or treat bag this year, of course you could paint a pillow case like we like did in the good old days (my parents were green and didn’t even know it!) or reuse a shopping bag you’ve...

They’re shakin’ in Chicago, we’re dancing over here

by Cool Mom Team | Entertainment + Media

Thaddeus Rex’s latest CD, Shakin’ in Chicago, is for parents and kids who have moved beyond sugar-sweet versions of You Are My Sunshine. (Read: all of us). T. Rex has a unique voice and rocks the acoustic guitar in a way that reminded me of the Violent...

Who are we to say that 9 year-olds can’t vote?

by Julie | Uncategorized

Apparently the upcoming Presidential election is a hot topic at the local elementary school, so I’ve become a little more careful when spouting off, lest my words be repeated at recess: Well, MY mom says…Thank goodness Linda Ellerbee has stepped in to stop...

Halloween hair clips that do all the talking, if not the candy collecting

by Cool Mom Team | Kid Style

I love Halloween, but prefer it when all the decor falls into to the realm of tasteful instead of “ohmigosh, did you see that crazy thing?” That’s one reason I want Details soft felt Halloween hair clips at The Silly Wagon which are full of Halloween...