More coolness from recent weeks…
Sponsored Message: An easy way to get your family organized, all with one simple system.
This is a sponsored message from Home Headquarters Kit Parents can use all the organizational help they can get, and now it's even easier thanks to the Home Headquarters Kit, an all-in-one organization system designed to make life easier for busy families. Each kit...
9 black-and-white fall dresses for girls, from twirly to sporty to oh so mod
This summer's hot black-and-white trend (remember the cool swimsuits we found from Nununu and Marimekko?) is still going strong this fall. So we pulled together our favorite black-and-white fall dresses for girls -- from twirly styles to sporty pieces they can wear on...
A pro makeup artist picks her 5 best mascaras right now
Lately, I've been on a mascara mission. For me, not only does the perfect mascara have to look great, and add the perfect amount of volume to my lashes, but it can't run; I have deep set eyes and often end up with black mascara under my eyes as the day progresses. As...
Sponsored Message: Leesa Mattresses are designed to help you sleep better, whatever your body type
This is a sponsored message from Leesa Mattress The key to getting better sleep is often about finding the best mattress for your body, and that's exactly what Leesa Mattress delivers. Designed by a group of smart entrepreneurs who had their own sleep issues, they...
5 smart storage solutions for your kids’ artwork. Goodbye clutter!
Remember that trippy British kid's television show Teletubbies? How can anyone forget?! There was a character named The Noo-noo, which was a vacuum cleaner that went around sucking up anything out of place. Well, sadly, I too hate clutter so much that my family...
8 fun, not over-the-top, pregnancy announcement ideas beyond waving the stick in the air
Yes, we know -- announcing a pregnancy used to mean making a phone call to your parents, or maybe having a dinner if you wanted to go big. But now, so many couples are looking for creative ways to announce a pregnancy and, I get it. Especially as someone who's now...
Savitude lets you shop based on body type, so every woman can feel her most beautiful | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from Savitude If you've ever struggled to find stylish, quality work clothes -- let alone the time to buy them -- the new Savitude app and Savitude website are about to make it easier than ever. Especially if you're switching...
Handcrafted fairy doors that invite magical visitors from Hobbits to House Elves. No lost teeth necessary.
When I discovered the incredibly adorable, beautifully handcrafted fairy doors from Sugar Bush Fairies on Etsy, I instantly fell in love. Because I’m all about bringing a little magic and enchantment into my kids’ lives -- but I’ll be honest, I’m kind of a failure...
My 9/11 birthday
Adapted from a post originally published on Mom-101.com Hello. Today is my birthday. Which means your knee-jerk response is probably something like, oh, happy birthday, Liz! But as I’ve come to learn, a few seconds later, a certain realization will strike and...
Go vintage with embroidered handmade jewelry. Because, dainty can be darling.
Jewelry with embroidery and lace? I know, I know. Very dainty. Very breakable. But still. So pretty! I've gone through all the stages of mom jewelry -- from chewable beads to no (pullable!) stud earrings. Now that my kids are old enough to avoid snatching my favorite...
Let’s talk puberty: 3 books for girls that help you have the talk
I love having a daughter. Her bright, energetic, and (yes) sometimes emotional personality is such a treat to have in our home. We've had a very open relationship so far, which I am very grateful for, and now she's creeping up on the age where we're going to start...
Sponsored Message: Celebrating a brand new Rosemary Wells book with a $250 giveaway
This is a sponsored message from MacMillan In honor of the launch of Hand in Hand, the beautiful new book from popular kids' author Rosemary Wells of Max and Ruby fame, you could win a special $250 literary prize pack, plus everyone who enters wins a special magnet...
A fun interview with Anne Holton, wife of Tim Kaine, about parenting, politics + funny tweets | Spawned ep 50
This week on Spawned with Kristen + Liz, it's our golden anniversary, and we're extraordinarily thrilled to be joined by an incredibly special guest, Anne Holton, wife of Senator Tim Kaine, the Democratic candidate for Vice President. But wow, Anne is a powerhouse...
Pablo and His Chair by Delphine Perret: A story about being the best version of you
I have a soft spot for quirky children's books with captivating illustrations, which is why I keep picking up the brand new Pablo and His Chair by the French artist and author Delphine Perret to read to my kids. The story is simple -- a fidgety boy receives a chair...
11 of our favorite nursery must-haves | Baby Registry Essentials Guide
We're so excited to share our own favorite baby registry nursery must-haves as part of our ongoing Baby Registry Essentials Guide series, which we're bringing to you thanks to our partner, Gugu Guru. Some of our picks we bet you've seen (or maybe...
5 tested tips for handling separation anxiety, from parents who have been there too
I know a little something about dealing with separation anxiety when it comes to young kids and school. Back when my kids were in preschool, this was my routine: drop them off at the classroom, peel around the corner and press my back against the wall, then wait --...
Primal Pit Paste review: A natural deodorant that really works. Really. Stop making that face.
If we're going to talk about natural deodorant, there's no way it's not going to get a little TMI up in here, which I'm okay with if you're okay with. Because if you're like me, you've had to use the strongest deodorant formulas, you know, the ones in the box that are...
Here’s how you can follow Cool Mom Picks, Cool Mom Tech, Cool Mom Eats. We promise we’ll make it worth your while.
Whichever social media site is your guilty pleasure du jour, we’re there, making sure you don’t miss our favorite posts on parenting, fashion, apps, recipes, deals and discounts, and random awesomeness from around the web. Plus our favorite part: we love hearing from...
The Favela Art Project: bettering the lives of kids in Rio through art
During this summer's Olympic coverage, we all enjoyed seeing beautiful images of fun, lively Rio, and its gorgeous beaches, but there was one major aspect of the city that wasn't broadcast -- the favelas, or slums, which populate Rio and rarely sees electricity,...
The worst TV shows for kids with Wendi Aarons | Spawned episode 49
On this week's episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we're chatting with humorist and writer Wendi Aarons about one of the most popular posts she wrote on Cool Mom Picks: The 9 worst television shows for kids. Wow, did people have a lot to say about this post. Is...
9 fantastic beginner chapter book series to help create avid readers
My youngest child started Kindergarten this week -- sniff -- and he's learning to read so quickly. I'm thrilled to find out he loves books, and I've been scouring our bookshelves and grilling our librarian for some great beginner chapter book series. Of course, there...