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How to enjoy, not endure, your kids with Casey O’Roarty | Spawned Episode 155
Parenting isn't something that's happening to us. It's something that's happening for us. But we know first hand how difficult it can be to remember that. It's easy to get stressed and overwhelmed, which is why we need someone like Casey O'Roarty of Joyful Courage in...
How to survive the last month of school. You’ve got this, parents | Spawned Ep 154
The countdown to summer has begun, and if your schedules are anything like ours, things get a whole lot crazier this last month (or couple of weeks, depending on where you live). On this episode of Spawned Parenting Podcast, we're sharing our tried and true tips for...
Help for picky eaters from a reformed picky eater | Spawned ep 149
This week's Jacky Lamenzo is a health coach with a focus on picky eating, to help make mealtime less stressful. We like that while we've gotten some great picky eater tips in the past, Jacky has a more kid-centered approach, focusing on how kids feel, and why some of...
Can astrology help you find more direction in life? It can when you look at it this way. | Spawned episode 148
Whether you're a skeptic, an astrology devotee, or just curious about the science behind it, we had the most fascinating chat with Mimi Truong, a life coach, trained lawyer by background...and an astrologer. She combines strategic coaching expertise with her extensive...
Are female friendships actually good for our health? Spawned Episode 147
Have you been missing time with your female friends? (Hi Laura Mayes! We miss you!) Turns out, research says they're actually good for your health and well-being. How's that for an excuse for a girl's night out or weekend away? On this episode of Spawned with Kristen...
So much coolness. Where to start…
The 20 most affordable travel destinations for families right now. Pack your bags!
As you may know, one of our top tips for affordable family travel, especially on an extended trip, is to rent an apartment or home instead of forking out big bucks for a hotel -- let alone renting two hotel rooms, if you've got a bigger family. Linda even shared that...
Presenting the Cool Mom Picks Virtual Book Club: Join us! It’s easy, fun, and there will be wine.
For years, we have wanted to host some kind of parenting book club for our readers -- an opportunity for us to chat about some of the hot topics and best titles out there that interest parents today, without too much pressure or time. (We get it! We're overextended...
The 2019 Tony Awards are announced: Here’s which new Broadway shows to see with your older kids and teens
I often feel the resident New York City local mom whose inbox and DMs are filled with requests for "what Broadway show should I take my kids to?" And I don't mind a bit. With two kids obsessed with musical theater, all of us lucky enough to live a few a few short...
How does Disney’s Disability Access Service card (DAS) work? This mom lays it out for you.
I recently described my 10 tips for a Disney vacation with a special needs child, to help you ensure that the trip is as magical for all of you. But I wanted to give more details about the totally free Disability Access Service (DAS) card for those of you looking into...
10 tips for a Disney World vacation with kids with special needs. It can be magical!
Disney World is supposed to be the happiest place on earth, but as I was preparing for our family's recent trip, I admit I was dreading parts of it. It would be the first trip for our youngest daughter, who has cognitive special needs, and I had no idea how we were...
The cutest kids swimsuits, now on sale if you hurry!
Hi, I'm the mom who's always racing to find swimsuits for my kids in oh...mid-June when they're all sold-out. Don't be like me. Especially because one of our favorite mom-run kids' labels, Primary, is now offering their colorful, durable, mix-and-match kids' swimsuits...
Spring cleaning help: How to deal with digital clutter | Spawned Episode 151
Spring is here, which if you're like us, means spring cleaning. But in the 21st century, that also means dealing with digital clutter. Think those photos on your phone, or those files on your computer. And we won't even talk about our email inboxes. But that's all...
The Phluid Project is for everyone who has ever thought that “men’s” and “women’s” departments are limiting.
Sometimes our favorite picks come from readers like you. Sometimes they come from friends. Sometimes they even come from our own kids, which is the case with The Phluid Project and I am kicking myself for not having shared it sooner. But now that they've hit their...
What mommy really needs. (Hint: Respect, equality, and universal family leave would be a good start.)
While we feel sometimes like every good t-shirt slogan in the world has been done...nope! And here's a new one too good not to share, especially in time for Mother's Day. Inspired by the popularity of a post on her Instagram feed that responded to all the "mommy needs...
25+ special Mother’s Day gifts all $20 or less, which we totally want ourselves | Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2019
We have always been of the mindset that while we do love the splurges, that affordable Mother's Day gifts can still be really special -- and special Mother's Day gifts can still be affordable. With that, I've tracked down more than 2 dozen wonderfully thoughtful,...
TKEES introduces waterproof sandals and here, take my money
I first discovered TKEES 8 years ago, and in that time, I've owned more pairs of them than any other brand of shoe. Ever. I love how much more stylish they are than fat rubber flip-flops, plus they're comfy, go with absolutely everything, and actually last several...
13 wonderful self-care gifts for moms. Because we need it. Oh…how we need it. | Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2019
Right now, more than ever, I just love the idea of a great self-care gifts for a mom or grandma in your life this Mother's Day. If we haven't said it enough, moms remain overworked, under-appreciated, overextended and generally in need of care. And if they won't put...
14 personalized gifts for grandmothers who deserve the best | Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2019
I've been spending so much time seeking out the best personalized gifts for grandmothers this Mother's Day, to make it clear just how much we love them. God knows I couldn't do this parenting thing without my kids' Mimi, Grama, and Nana in their lives. They deserve...
Star Wars x Freshly Picked: The official baby shoe of the Rebel Alliance (and the Imperial Army, for that matter)
Alright, geek parents. We have big news. Our favorite baby moc brand has teamed up with our favorite interstellar film franchise to create the most adorable baby shoes this side of Tatooine. Brace yourselves, because the Star Wars x Freshly Picked collaboration is...
How mothers are shaping the future of the country – and you can too | Spawned ep 150
Mothers are changing the world! Not just for other mothers -- but for everyone. We think you'll be just fascinated by the wisdom of today's guest, Sara Berliner, whose organization Vote Like a Mother literally started with a sign. We instantly fell in love with Sara's...
I tried CBD oil to try to sleep better. Here’s what happened after one month.
It’s 4 AM and I’m awake. For whatever reason, I’m up and so is my mind. I toss back and forth for at least an hour before exhaustion takes over and I finally fall back asleep. Well, only until a small child wakes me up again and starts singing about waffles. Sound...
80+ creative Easter egg decorating ideas: Your ultimate egg decorating resource!
For more than a decade now, so many of our writers have searched the web to compile the most creative Easter egg decorating ideas, from simple to wow, from traditional to modern, from designs for toddlers to designs for teens -- and everything in between. And so, all...
Earth Day Pick: The wonderful new Clarks Kids x National Geographic sneaker collection
Today, Clarks Kids announced the launch of their new National Geographic collaboration. I'm so taken with this collection of gorgeous, eco-friendly sneakers, inspired by so many of the planet's incredible species, all just in time for Earth Day this Monday. I imagine...
Passover roundup: Our favorite Passover recipes, kid crafts, and even a free printable Hamilton Haggadah
Happy first night of Passover, to our observant friends! And to the rest of you -- well, here's hoping you score a seder invite, because this is easily my favorite Jewish holiday. While Hanukkah gets most of the attention, Passover is a beautiful time to lie back, eat...
We’re kind of freaking out over this Game of Thrones Sesame Street video
There have been many brilliant Sesame Street parody videos over the years, many of which we've featured here on Cool Mom Picks, but this new one starring Elmo and the Lannister siblings from Game of Thrones might just take the cake. Or should we say, crown? Related:...
10 super easy, totally free ways to help support your favorite independent publishers + keep that content free for you!
It's hard out there for an independent publisher. But here we are, like we have been for the past 13 (whoa!) years, putting out out stories, offering tips, and uncovering cool finds that we really hope our readers enjoy -- all while making sure it remains free for...