More coolness from recent weeks…
Future Jeff Gordons, Have a Seat
For some reason I’m always paralyzed when it comes to picking out kids’ furniture. Every time I see something I’m sure I want, I find something else and thus never end up with anything at all.
Taming Flyaways with Flies
My friend’s daughter has a thing for bugs. Each year, her mom throws a birthday bash with insect-themed decorations and goody bags. The problem is finding unique gifts for this bug-crazy gal that she doesn’t already have.
Here Kid, Darn My Socks
I’ve learned not to invest too much in craft supplies for every new project that strikes my girls’ fancy. One moment you’re bringing home fabric paints and the next they’re like, "No mom, we want the Bedazzler!" Both of which, by the way, will end up in the back of a closet before you know it.
Straight From Project Runway (And It Will Actually Fit You)
My co-editor Kristen is the biggest Project Runway fan ever. And I think she will just fall down and convulse in fits of ecstasy when she learns that Season One winner Jay McCarroll now has a fab bowling bag on sale at Fred Flare for just 60 bucks.
Blankets By Martha. The Other Martha.
I have a friend whose son sleeps with a plastic fish every night. To each toddler his own and all, but if I were a babe picking a bedmate, I’d look at something a bit more un-plastic fishlike. Like, say, the blankets from Martha’s Baby Bundles.
Love, The Thoughtful Gift Giver With the Great Cards
Am I tired of paying $5 for a card to go with every gift for every kid’s birthday party on the block? More like I’m tired of running around the house looking for a sticky note to slap on that puppy. Well, no more.
Oh, Those Pesky UV Rays
I have never understood why sunblock is scented like pina coladas, particularly for kids. Do you really want your child smelling like a drunken cruise ship tourist stumbling around Key West?
Fleeced!
While I’m grateful for all the lightweight summer blankets I’ve received for my new baby, I still wanted something warm and cuddly for those overly frigid stores, restaurants, and my grandmother’s condo in Florida, a.k.a. The Air Conditioning Capital of the World.
Ooooooooh La La!
Wee see a whoooole lotta onesies trying to track down cool products to review here. You have no idea how many onesies. Easily a million. So when we tell you we’ve come across ones that are fabulously unique and that you must click over immediately, heed our words.
Bathing Suits That Don’t Advertise Your Momness
There’s nothing more painful for me than trying to find a bathing suit that fits my new post-childbearing body along with my style sense. But I recently discovered Poppi Swim and Sport, and now I’m actually excited about getting into the pool this year. And no, I never thought I’d say that.
Knitting 101 That Looks Like Knitting 504
It’s easy to appreciate beautifully hand-knitted garments, but creating them isn’t necessarily a piece of cake. The mere presence of two X chromosomes does not endow a woman with a talent for needlework (as much of the CMP staff will assure you).
Monkeybar Buddies: Clothes For Hanging Around
Year after year, my mother outfitted me in dresses that were fine for the classroom, but completely inappropriate for the playground. While all the other girls wore slacks and hung upside down from the monkey bars, I stood off to the side and silently cursed my mother’s sewing machine.
One Bag That’s Pure Poetry
When your child finally leaves the 35-pound diaper bag stage, you’re left with a couple of options: Continue carrying the same gigantic bag even though you could basically fit your kid in there, or dare to toss a sippy cup in your purse.
Candy For Your Ears
Remember when you were little and someone introduced you to the local candy store for the first time–and they gave out samples? Free! That’s how I felt when I discovered Hip Young Parent: The Children’s Music Alternative.
Take. Back. The Tie.
I’m not sure what it is about the tie that makes us grab them in desperation for Father’s Day gifts. Me included. But this year, I urge you to return it–it’s not too late!–and instead check out the plethora of appropriate hipster dad gifts at McSweeney’s Store, the online shop of Dave Egger’s hilarious literary journal.
Get Packing
An expectant mother walks into a baby superstore…No, it’s not the beginning of a joke. Just the beginning of an overwhelming experience, especially when you hit the gear aisle. Which gadgets can you live without? Most of them.
Congrats, Fatso. Boy or Girl?
Sometimes the traditional greeting card just doesn’t cut it. Sorry, but I can’t bring myself to buy some foil-embossed doily covered in melodramatic sentiments without throwing up a little bit in my mouth.
Taking Style Cues From Your Daughter
Confession: I admitto wearingone of my daughter’s hair clips out of utter desperation.
Granted I didn’t wear it out of the house (I swear) but still, there’s something to be said for sharing accessories, provided they don’t have Elmo on them.
Stuck On You
With all the bells and whistles – literally – that are the hallmark of modern toys, I’m always happy to find those that put a new spin on an old classic without the use of batteries–or the need for a bottle of ibuprofen for mommy.
Say Goodbye to the Beanie
I’m all for hats on the wee ones. Warm heads are terribly important in cool weather and in the summer, no one wants a baby with a sunburned face. But why, oh why do baby hats have to be so terribly…well, babyish?
Luxury Blankets That Don’t Require a Platinum Card
One of the things we love about Cool Mom Picks is being able to track down Barney’s (or fill in your favorite high-end store here) quality items that you don’t have to hock your jewelry to afford.