More coolness from recent weeks…
Fastenswim: a smarter one-piece swimsuit for potty training kids
Since sunscreen applications, checking swim diapers, and dragging a bag full of snacks, toys, and towels to the pool all falls on the grown-up in charge, we're up for anything to make it easier. We've found that the new swimsuits from Fastenswim are a big help for...
Breastfeeding at work: 7 tips to help nursing moms make the transition
When I returned to work while breastfeeding my first daughter, I found myself sorely unprepared for everything it entailed. I can't even begin to convey the frustration I experienced -- though I'm sure a lot of you know just what I'd been through. Add that to sleep...
They All Saw a Cat: A charming new children’s book by illustrator Brendan Wenzel
One of my preschooler's very favorite books of last year was Beastly Babies by Ellen Jackson and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. An animal lover at heart, he couldn't get enough of its playful illustrations. So when we saw that Brendan Wenzel has a new book out, we...
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...
Cool backpack and lunch box sets that are perfect for tweens or teens
You've probably heard of Lululemon, but did you know that they have a special line for girls? Yep, the company (formerly ivivia, now under the Lululemon brand name) offers cool activewear for girls, including a new Lululemon backpacks and lunch bags my girls are...
An honest review of Kylie Lip Kits and Glosses from the rare person who did not get them for free.
So, yeah, I went there: I bought me some Kylie Lip Kits. As in Kylie Jenner. (Heard of her?) And even better, I bought them after being alerted about a restock of the sold-out Lip Kits via an email that I willingly signed up for. Because that's how badly I wanted to...
7 fun handwriting practice printables for kids, from pre-k to teen. It’s not just worksheets!
We've always made it our mission to encourage kids to keep the art of handwriting alive, and to help parents looking to do the same. So we've put together some really terrific handwriting practice printables for kids of all ages. Yes, even teens. (We can tear them...
The magic art of tidying twice a year: Spawned Episode 46
If you've already watched all the Rio Olympics replays and you need a little entertainment, here's our newest Spawned episode. On this episode on Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we tackle the topic of life with mess. How do you deal with your kids' messy rooms? What do...
Frogglez are the kids’ swim goggles you’ve been looking for forever
Leave it to my own cool mom to provide us with a most excellent Cool Grandmom Pick as we make the most of the final sweltering weeks of summer -- Frogglez Goggles. My kids refuse to go in the pool without goggles, and these are the first ones I've ever tried that they...
7 must-haves for breastfeeding moms | Baby Registry Essentials Guide
Next up in our Baby Registry Essentials Guide series, we're excited to share 7 of our own must-haves for breastfeeding moms. And hey, just in time for National Breastfeeding Month -- although of course, these are all fantastically useful gifts any month at all. We're...
5 cool no-tie sneakers for boys. Because, anything to make the mornings easier.
I am definitely a fan of no-tie sneakers. I mean, even though my 9-year old son knows how to lace up his sneakers perfectly fine, he much prefers being able to slip his shoes on in the morning right before he runs out the door. And I'm all for anything to make our...
7 tricks to help kids pack their own school lunches. As in, them, not you!
We're all for making those crazy school mornings as un-crazy as possible, which is why we're big fans of having our kids pack their own lunches the night before. Yes, even our little ones! It can be done, promise. Not only does having kids pack their own lunches give...
Cleary Bikes: Like having a mountain, road, and BMX bike, all in one
With four kids who can ride their bikes to school on pavement and sidewalks, but also love to do a little off-roading as well, it's been a little challenging trying to figure out what kind of bike to get them. Until I discovered Cleary Bikes, which are the perfect mix...
Cool, colorful school supplies to make September a little more fun | Back to School Guide 2016
So once you've gotten the hand sanitizer, the tissue boxes, and everything else on that classroom shopping list, it's time to have a little fun with some colorful school supplies! We always recommend getting a little goodie or two for the kids that gets them more...
Sonnet James: Stylish dresses made just for busy moms. Like us!
Hooo boy, is it easy to get in a style rut as a busy mom. I can speak to this from experience, even as someone who prides myself on staying fairly on trend. While getting out of jeans and into a dress is one way to feel more put together, as much as I love wearing...
Custom portraits of your kid with their imaginary friend. How cool is that?
We've seen tons of amazing portrait artists we've absolutely loved (and hired) over the years, but the collaboration between photographer Anna Angenend and illustrator Amy Snyder may just be my favorite yet. These artists create custom portraits of your child with...
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...
19 random acts of kindness you can have fun doing with your kids
There have been a lot of hard things in the news this year, and I think we can all agree we need a little more happy in our lives. So when a friend told me that her kids found $5 and a note to buy some candy "on us" tucked into her movie rental (yes, some people still...
Real Kids Sunglasses: Blending style with UVA/UVB protection
I'm like a lot of parents, in that I know my kids should be wearing sun protection for their eyes, but I'm not inclined to drop a lot on kids' sunglasses. Then I started thinking, if I'm spending $15–20 on safe kids' sunscreen that gives you maybe a week's worth of...
We’re cheering for these free, female Olympian coloring pages: Let the games (and coloring) begin!
So I'm so happy to share that Julie Kerwin, founder of the female superhero action figure line, I Am Elemental, has put together some fun free printable female Olympians coloring pages. The set of 15 printables features incredible women athletes across all different...
Swaddle sacks that help you give the perfect gift: A better sleep.
After I discovered the magic of swaddling to help my babies sleep for longer than, oh, 15 minutes at a time, I was hooked. And in the way newborns spit up, poop, and find other creative ways to get their clothes and bedding messy again and again, you really can't have...