More coolness from recent weeks…
Puzzles lovely enough to frame.
Puzzles are the new family time favorite of our preschooler who is outgrowing her wooden pegged farm animals for more complex designs. I am happy to indulge her, but I refuse to throw down any more money on unimaginative cartoon character puzzles. I think puzzles can...
Birthday gifts for 5-year-old girl? Reader Q&A
I need a birthday gift idea for my soon-to-be 5-year-old daughter. She has tons of Barbies, tons of clothes - she is a girly girl and loves all things to do with painting nails, wearing girly stuff. I feel like we have way too many toys and clothes. What else is new...
5 tech picks you won’t want to miss this week
Here are some of our favorite tech picks from the last week on Cool Mom Tech, just in case you missed them.1. This lovely linen bag is almost too pretty to be taking such good care of your laptop. Almost.2. Ever wonder how to make collages with your Instagram photos?...
Shoes of Prey – Shoegasm, defined
Four words: design your own shoes.No, really. Choose the shape, the toe, the leather, the cloth, the bow. Everything. Just don't blame us if you get addicted. Shoes of Prey is possibly the most magical shopping site I've visited in a while-- because I design the...
The cutest beach robes for your little beach bums
Now that our neighborhood pool is open, my kids and I practically live there, Which that means I'm willing to spend more on good quality towels and swimsuits--a lesson I learned after going through far too many per kid last summer. So when I discovered these gorgeous...
Animal art prints that don’t feel babyish – no pastels, no hair bows.
One of my favorite pieces to the puzzle of decorating a child's space is art. It not only brings in personality and color, but great art can also can be used to stimulate your child's imagination. That is why I love these illustrations that perfectly balance...
A clever alternative to the round kids art table
When my kids have their friends over, they end up taking rule over my entire house. Every room becomes their room and every chair becomes their chair. Not that I mind but I can see why decorating experts recommend having a designated area for the kids, with their own...
Toys that make beautiful music
Once kids are past the age of banging on an overturned pot and wooden spoon,they can now move onto something more melodious than a simple percussion instrument. And while their fingers may not yet be big enough to tickle the ivories, they can make some beautiful music...
More bathing suits for little girls that are big on style, not skin
I'm so happy to know that our recent post on appropriate swimsuits for little girls was so well-received! Also glad to know it's not just us that's thinking our girls can still be girls for a good while longer--there's plenty of time later for those teeny bikinis...
Wondering how to get your baby to sleep? Dr. Harvey Karp has a few things to say about that.
Raise your hand if you've ever struggled with a baby and sleep. Okay, so 99% of you. (The rest of you...don't rub it in.) Then, just when we think we have mastered techniques to help our babies sleep longer and more peacefully, new issues arise. In fact, it's hard to...
How to get your kid ready for kindergarten. And it’s fun.
Though I know some eager young children who are excited to begin their kindergarten adventure, not one of them wants to be doing flashcard drills and workbooks on a summer's day. Which is why I love the adorable and smart monthly subscription box o' treats from CMP...
(Seed) Body Oils: It’s like PAM, but for your skin. (That’s a good thing, trust us.)
If you haven't discovered the joys of body oil, let me tell you why it's the bomb. 1. It's all-natural with no fillers.2. It has tons of uses.3. It comes in spray form!And now I may have found a new favorite, should you be interested in taking the body oil plunge...
Minimalist posters from our favorite children’s stories
Love fairy tales and classic family movies but not interested in the commercial studio posters for your kids' rooms? We've found just the answer. These gorgeously atmospheric and evocative posters from artist Christian Jackson are a beautiful way to decorate with the...
Indian Summer
With summer here, we are seeing a lot of bright colors, fun patterns and soft textures in baby and children's clothes. Perfect--because even kids dressed like little fashion models want to be comfortable. One awesome shop that has stylish options for your children is...
4 awesome kids’ books about food, with recipes that make them even better
Pairing food and wine is an art. Pairing food and music is a new trend. Pairing food with a good food book: It's one of the best ways to get kids excited about eating--even foods that they're not normally excited about eating. In honor of the bounty of summer, I've...
Vintage paper dolls that feel right at home on your couch
When I was a young girl, my favorite pastime was playing with paper dolls. I loved dressing them up and creating stories with each of them. I think it's great that they have made such a comeback into toys and decor because my own daughter loves them as much as I did....
Finally, the comfiest, most easy to clean, most stylish booster seat. (Can you tell we’re excited?)
If there is a stage called "Booster Seat Battles," none of the parenting books have mentioned it--but that's exactly what my family is currently dealing with. The 2-year-old has refused to sit in a booster, preferring instead to reach up over his head with his spoon...
What’s the best sippy cup? We may have just found it.
The sippy cup. Ah, how I wish we were past this stage of life. For now I accept my fate that is the avalanche of cups and lids falling on my head every time I open the cabinet. My disdain however only makes me more appreciative of those times I find a sippy cup that...
New baby girl clothes from Oh Joy and Winter Water Factory–we’re in love!
If you're a design blog fan, you are surely familiar with the fabulous Joy Deangdeelert Cho of Oh Joy. This graphic designer, mega blogger, and food enthusiast has done it all from designing her own wallpaper to co-writing a book. And now she can cross children's...
Goody bag gift ideas for kids: ready-made crafty party packs
I haven't thrown that many birthday parties for my kids and it's like I'm already out of goody bag gift ideas. It might be easier if you have a theme in mind--DIY capes for a a superhero party (we've recommended 6 different themes!), a toy boat for a sailboat themed...
Board shorts for boys go Japanese pop
I'm a sucker for Harajuku-inspired goodness. The colors are so fun, the designs are loud and perfect for kids who are confident and love standing out. Which is all of them in my house. And now there's a new line of awesome clothes that do all of the above. [we've got...