More coolness from recent weeks…
We scream for New York’s best ice cream
Being named the #1 anything in New York is a major badge of honor. Not to brag, but this city is chock full of the best of pretty much everything our country has to offer. Knowing that, when I found out there was a new #1 Zagat rated ice cream shop but 4 blocks from...
Yes you can, kids.
What happens when an artist from Pixar and a designer for the Gap meet, marry, and combine their talents? Tiny Teru tees. And the results are inspirational and awesome. The designs in this line of babies and kids' shirts are inspired by classic children's...
Adorable kids placemats that put the newt in nutrition
If you love animals, alphabets, good deals, and clean tables, we have the deal for you. But you have to hurry. These adorable silicone ABC Placemats from Brinware are on sale at Fab.com through Wednesday only (or until they run out) and they're 43% off the regular...
7 of the prettiest paper napkins
As it turns out, a stash of pretty paper napkins are always good to have around for unexpected company or impromptu picnics. This is a lesson I learned last week when we had to pull out the polka dot "happy birthday!" napkins over cocktails. Oy. Here are a few...
Subscribing is one of the best tricks in the bag
This coming week, Cool Mom Picks subscribers have a chance to win that gorgeous Mia Bossi Lyndsey Bag, a $330 value. Even if you're past the diaper bag stage, it looks absolutely nothing like a diaper bag. Plus the roomy size and those cool citron straps are great for...
Independence Day, Rock Star Style
With Independence Day coming up, I always feel the urge to put my boys in patriotic shirts. But, finding a shirt that is satisfies both the Americana theme and my kids' rock star style rolled into one? Not an easy feat...until now. [don't miss a huge discount after...
Fourth of July crafts and DIY projects for the family
Earlier this week it was fun finding some of the most beautiful Fourth of July printables and decor, and now for you DIY'ers, I've rounded up fun Fourth of July crafts so you can celebrate America's 236th birthday party in style. Whether you're firing up the grill or...
A monkey of a lovey
Finding the perfect lovey can be a daunting task. Before your baby is born, you buy a bunch of different types and hope that one of them becomes "the one." The issue may be solved with this cool new toy/blanket combo. Drool Monkey Organics knows that babies and...
7 of the best toys for the car (and books and games too!)
We're about to head on one of our annual summer road trips, which means packing plenty of toys for the car. We try to avoid the DVD--and generally succeed if we've planned ahead. Here, some of my favorite toys for the car for toddlers and bigger kids, for when you're...
Fake a tan while protecting yourself from a real one
Just because I want to avoid the sun, doesn't mean I want to spend my summer looking like a ghost. I know I'm not alone, which is why self-tanners have become so popular. And now, I've found the perfect beauty product that gives me a gorgeous fake bake, while...
5 easy Fourth of July recipes to celebrate your independence from the kitchen
The best party recipes for occasions like the Fourth of July, are simple party recipes that allow you enjoy the celebration too. These festive treats are just that easy. You can even have little ones help with the prep work, while older kids can make some of these...
Fourth of July party printables and decor to make your cookout a standout
I love Fourth of July parties, but not all Fourth of July party decor. Beer, hot dogs, fireworks and vintage Americana are good. Red white and blue painted garden gnomes, not so much. I've tracked down these cool, classy options for festive decorating including some...
And now, all the cute kids’ swimsuits go on sale
So of course as soon as we're stocked up on swimsuits for my girls for the summer, we start seeing the very same ones on sale. So if you're still looking for appropriate bikini swimsuits for little girls, we've got one more to add to our growing list, now at a great...
Summer sights from your child’s room, even with the blinds down.
Every summer for the past few years, my entire family makes a pilgrimage to the Jersey shore for a week of pure old fashioned beach and boardwalk fun. I spend the other 51 weeks of the year making solo trips to the beach... in my head. But thanks to Meg Venter and her...
Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure – yes, it’s all that
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I take my Disneyland fix quite seriously and I love Mickey Mouse. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I was invited to check out the grand opening of the new Cars Land area of Disney's California Adventure. I must admit,...
Pixar’s Brave review – A princess movie without a handsome prince
It's kind of hard to believe that Disney produced the wonderful new "princess" movie Brave. After all, there's no handsome prince, no fantasy dance scene in a sweeping gown, and no dead mother. What there is is a strong (super strong) female lead, and a lot of big...
The Medik8 spa skincare system – two reviews, two kinds of skin, all kinds of wonderful
You know that feeling, that smell, those results (!!) of the skincare products from a really high-end spa? That's just what we were hoping for when we tried out the Medik8 skincare line. But we had a few questions--what kind of skin is it good for? Can we get the same...
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...