Cool Mom Picks: Making parenting more fun, more cool, more meaningful.

We've heard the buzz about having a Hot Girl Summer, and we're totally on board for living your best life this summer (and well, all the time). But as moms, we can't just toss a bathing suit on, pack a cooler, and head to the beach on our very own. Because there are...

This non-profit creates absolutely free, Instagram-worthy room makeovers for adopted kids and foster families

Several months ago I stumbled on the work of the non-profit group Bloom Family Designs on a friend and fellow adoptive-mom's Instagram feed. This organization creates beautifully designed rooms for adopted and foster kids — at absolutely no cost to the families. In...

Are Ruggable rugs really washable and stain-resistant? We bought one to see. | “Damn you, Facebook ads” series

by Caroline Siegrist

Those ads for Ruggable have been popping up in my Facebook and Instagram feeds for ages, but it wasn't until their Star Wars line of rugs debuted that I finally gave in and bought one. In my defense, the designs are super cool! And subtle enough that our house doesn't...

Yes, this celebrity-fave face peel is as good as they say it is. For a change.

I've been recommending Aloisia Beauty's Korean-inspired clean beauty products since they first launched. (Like, here for example!) The brand was co-created by a longtime colleague and to be honest, I've been so impressed by every product I've tried so far.Then, a...

We found 8 stylish, athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens who aren’t feeling the teeny bikinis

While some of our daughters are rocking the teeny bikini this summer, others are more interested in athletic two-piece swimsuits that let them be as active in the pool or on the beach as they'd like. It turns out it's a little harder to find stylish but hard-working...

Game on! These 6 fun group board games are perfect for summer camp

When I send care packages to my boys at summer camp, I generally include snacks and silly toys for them to goof around with. And in Liz's recent post packed with the best ideas for summer camp care packages, she talks a lot about sending fun board games the whole bunk...

How to wear a crop top in your 40s? However the heck you want!

by Kristen Chase

After an emotional conversation with my 12-year old daughter about body image, I decided I needed to set the example of "heck yeah, you can wear anything!" by taking on my nemesis: the crop top. I shared it on Instagram, and so many people (including The Today Show),...

These parenting tips from James Breakwell are lifesavers. Literally. | Spawned Ep 244

We found 8 stylish beach coverups for summer. Let’s get out there, already!

After a year of extremely limited social outings, I'm ready to be at the pool all the time. But, last year I also had skin cancer (I'm okay!), so in order to be safe with my very fair skin I'll need to stay covered up. I've been searching around for some stylish pool...

The best summer camp care package ideas for tweens and teens: A helpful list from a mom who’s been sending them for 8 years

We are completely celebrating the return to summer camp around here. And I am celebrating the joy of putting together summer camp care packages for my tweens and teens! After the year they have had, the chance to run around with friends, swim, be silly, stay up too...

50 screen-free activities for kids to do over summer break, indoors and out

So many parents are looking for fresh ideas for screen-free activities for kids now that we finally turned a corner. I know I'm not the only parent with kids whose screen time increased significantly over the quarantine. It was their primary way to connect with...

Parenting teens: Expert answers to some of the toughest questions | Spawned Episode 243

Which lunch boxes and bags hold up the best? After testing dozens, here are our 5 picks. [updated for 2021]

Hi Cool Mom Picks, I know you've tested so many lunch boxes every year and I was hoping you could tell me what you think really are the best lunch boxes. I want something I don't have to get rid of at the end of every year! And it should be sturdy and cute, so not...

10 fashionable beach totes we absolutely love this summer

Summer is officially here, and for those of you who are hoping to spend most of your time around the pool or at the beach...we've found some of the most fashionable beach totes to elevate your summer style. I know, you probably don't immediately think "pool bag" or...

Progressive 4th of July tees that you (and your kids) will love wearing long past Independence Day.

by Caroline Siegrist

Let's talk progressive 4th of July tees. We feature cool flag tees and clothing of all kinds every summer, but each year, there are more and more of us looking to celebrate the best of what this country can be and should be. "Freedom for all" is not an ideal we're...

I switched to reusable bamboo paper towels to help my kids’ climate change anxiety, and here’s how it went

I committed to switching to reusable bamboo paper towels recently, in part at the urging of my teens. The realities of climate change — and the constant important conversations about it in the media — is a very real stressor for my kids. Especially since COVID, when...

7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They’re not just for Pride Month

Happy Pride! It's been such a joy finding so many terrific YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters for this post. I always turn to books when I am looking for resources to help more kids feel seen and understood -- and to help kids see and understand other kids who may...

11 of the best Prime Day 2021 Deals from brands we trust. No “ACKHYDRO” or “PROFORL7” or whatever.

Each year, we try to go through all the clutter and crap, and put together the best Amazon Prime Day deals for you. I mean, with all due respect to the "flash deals" on Amazon Prime Day that look like your Great Aunt Hilda just cleaned out her attic, This year, I'm...

Finally, a genius hybrid baby bottle: The benefits of glass with the convenience of plastic

The number of innovative baby products today that make us say, where was that when I had a baby?! seems to be growing by the second. And now there's a genius new baby bottle that answers every concern we had (and even wrote about here) when our kids were on bottles....

Elected leaders need to do more than just “recognize” Juneteenth. Tell them to act on these 5 issues.

Today marks the very first Juneteenth since the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution to make Juneteenth a national holiday this week and it was quickly signed into law by President Biden on Thursday. It's amazing! So many of us grew up never having heard of...

Parenting your kids towards their passions: A special Father’s Day episode with Christopher and Pepper Persley | Spawned Episode 242