More coolness from recent weeks…
What I did over my summer vacation
With so much talk about summer brain drain, I'm always looking for activities to keep my kids learning without realizing it. That's why I love this DIY that helps kids answer the perennial question: What did you do over your summer vacation? At Dana Made It,...
Corolle’s new doll is ready for bathtime. Even if your kid never is.
Despite all the water play of the season, summertime means extra bathtime for my kids to wash off the grimy residue of the day's sunscreen, sweat, and sand. To keep the kids company, long-time favorite Corolle offers plenty of dolls for the bath, and this...
It’s fun, it’s a wonderful toy.
I am absolutely fascinated with these posters, which bring classic toys to life in new...or old ways really, by use of vintage patent drawings. The Slinky Poster from art collective Oliver Gal might be my favorite, with it's 40's-era textbook style industrial...
aden + anais just made summer a little cooler. Babies everywhere say thank you.
My daughter was born smack in the middle of the summer, so it was a constant battle to find fabrics that kept her comfortably swaddled but not too hot. Luckily, a new line of baby blankets and sleepwear from one of our favorite indie labels, aden+anais, makes it...
Go Dutch with this dashing (and affordable) stroller from Nuna
The thing about high-end strollers is this: sometimes it's hard to imagine spending all that money when what you really want is a fancy vacation. Or an iPad. Or gorgeous new patio furniture. Not every family needs a break-the-bank stroller. Especially now that there's...
Making your walls a little more literary
I love prints that play with typography. Clever, modern design has a way of turning what could be a cheesy inspirational quote into a piece of art I could live with. That's why I love the work by New York graphic artist Evan Roberts on Etsy. These cool literary...
Independence Day indeed: the best indie shopping in celebration of the original 13
Of course today isn't just about barbecues, sparklers, and if you're lucky, a big fireworks display that kicks off a four-day weekend. It's about those awesome forefathers (and foremothers, ahem) of ours who transformed the original 13 colonies into the beginnings of...
The Marimekko summer sale has us clicking “add to cart” way too much
My love for the Scandinavian design of Marimekko goes back to when I slept on their sheets as a kid myself. (My parents had great taste, lucky me!) So when I see the whole shop is on sale up to 50% off, I'm all over it. Visit the Marimekko sale for truly amazing deals...
Forget the baby book: 6 creative ways to document baby’s first year in photos.
Baby books and photo albums are great, though we love how so many people are getting super creative in documenting their baby's first year using photography. Still, "super creative" doesn't have to mean "super hard" as you can tell from these inventive and adorable...
Alphabet lovers young and old will swoon over these gorgeous blocks
We bet you've at least once bought a set of alphabet blocks as a new baby gift. But buying a set of alphabet blocks that a new baby can enjoy all the way into adulthood? Now that's a really cool gift for a baby born into a home full of, say, graphic designers or...
40% off Tea Collection sale items which means…go! Now!
We get super excited when Tea Collection goes on sale. Because it's the kind of stuff we pay full price for anyway...at least until today. When you can get an extra 40% off already low sale prices. Seriously! Tea is a CMP affiliate. I bought a bunch of stuff...
Cool Mom Picks loves Kids Place Live
It's not a secret that we're big Kids Place Live fans here at Cool Mom Picks. In fact, I'm pretty sure there would be a mutiny in my care if I tried to change the channel, especially during the Absolutely Mindy show, our afterschool staple. So when my daughter Quinlan...
7 Independence Day treats the kids can (almost!) whip up without you
No need to get fussy this Fourth of July. We've found seven patriotic snacks that are super cute, festive and easy to make. So easy, your kids can do most of the work, leaving you to celebrate your sweet independence! -Stacie These Star-Spangled Marshmallow...
The best July 4 memories from top parent bloggers–and a great app to help you share your own.
Our kids are easily the most photographed generation ever. While we have to settle for maybe a few old snapshots to help recall our summer holidays--like the ones our favorite parent bloggers are sharing below-- our children will have so many photos to jar those...
Handmade baskets so pretty you might be surprised what went into making them
In a small house like mine, things have a tendency to pile up. Knickknacks and papers find coffee tables and countertops and sneak their way into every nook and cranny that doesn't have a pile of stuff already on it. I suppose I could try to get a bigger house, but...
It’s summertime…and subscribing is easy.
We want to make your life easier and breezier. And all you have to do is become a Cool Mom Picks subscriber. In addition to all the cool picks, helpful reviews, and fantastic discounts on our regular site, our subscribers can look forward to extra special offers...
5 tech picks you won’t want to miss this week
Here are 5 of our favorite picks from this week just in case you missed them. 1. A budget laptop for kids that the whole family can use. Score! 2. One of our favorite kindie rock stars now has an app and we're in love. 3. Facebook charges for messages? You'll...
Shine and the Moonbeams’ debut CD: The one our kids have been waiting for for 2 years. Really.
Ever since Shine and the Moonbeams turned an entire room of kindie-music industry folks into speechless putty at Kindiefest 2011, I've been anxiously waiting the release of their first full-length CD. When you consider that lead singer Shawana Kemp's voice is featured...
The best (and easiest) Fourth of July party ideas and printables
I love me some red, white, and blue around Independence Day, but I'd rather not break too much of a sweat prepping for our Fourth of July festivities. It's hot enough as it is! So here's a few perfectly easy, perfectly patriotic ideas for your July 4th celebration....
The super pure moisturizer that’s great for kids’ eczema…or fickle grownup skin
I always look for facial moisturizers that are oil-free and chemical-free. So that basically leaves...uh, water. Until now. This amazing, natural, one-ingredient spray not only treats eczema and dry skin for babies, kids, and adults, but it also makes my face totally...
Gorgeous Danish kids’ furniture that we can covet, if not afford.
Great design doesn't need to end in the living room. It can continue into the kids' room, much to our surprise. When I designed my kids' bedroom, my whole goal was to mix great design with childlike moments. These chairs would be perfect for their space. Utzon Kids is...