More coolness from recent weeks…
A new middle-grade book to keep your kids reading all summer | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from KidsBuzz. Want to know how to keep your kids excited about reading all summer long? Give them a book they just can't put down, like the brand new, sure-to-be bestseller, Willa of the Wood, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author...
7 new beach reads from women of color that you won’t be able to put down.
This year, I've rounded up 7 amazing beach reads from women of color that I think make the perfect escape. Because as parents, we know that our lying-by-the-pool time is sorely limited, and it's important to choose something we'll love. We also think it's important to...
The best designer summer handbags on sale at Nordstrom right now. Hurry! We’re talking 60% off.
My grandmother always told me, Get a cheap dress but splurge on your bag and shoes.That's what people notice. Good advice, Mimi. But I've been scanning the sales lately, and you might not even need to splurge on that nice designer handbag. Some of these designer...
Throw pillows that unfold to become awesome play sets for kids: So great!
Plastic behemoths have pretty much overtaken my home since having a toddler, which means I'm always on the hunt for compact toys. Bonus: They're soft. And attractive. My latest find? These awesome new Pillow Playsets from Sago, which are now available from our...
The most stylish summer totes under $50 right now, for the beach and beyond
Along with cool sunnies, a good beach read and sunscreen with a high SPF, the perfect summer tote is an important summer essential. It needs to be big enough to hold everything you (and your kids) will need for a day out, be durable enough to handle some sand and sea,...
The best of the J Crew kids summer sale: Hurry for 30-50% off!
We love a good sale -- especially at a store with clothing as amazing as J Crew, where I know their kids clothes last me through multiple kids. Shop the non-sale items right now, use code ALLSTAR, and BOOM -- 30% off. But what's best is you can save up to 50% on some...
These 9 summer DIY projects for teens could keep them from saying “I’m bored” all summer. Miracles can happen!
I’m sure there’s a drinking game parents play during the summer, where they take a shot every time they hear their teen say, “I’m bored.” (Don’t play this game, though, you’ll end up in the ER.) To help remedy your desperate plight, we’ve rounded up a few DIY projects...
10 alternative ways to celebrate the 4th of July, if you’re not feeling like waving a flag this year.
This year, a lot of readers and Facebook fans and even some of our own team have mentioned that they feel different about July 4th this year. You too? You're not alone. In 2018, Gallup released a poll stating that fewer people feel proud to be an American this year....
The best way to lengthen lashes, without false eyelashes or extensions.
It's so weird -- you get on the other side of 40 (or so) and BAM. Where did my lashes go? So while I haven't yet taken the plunge into eyelash extensions like Kristen has, I have found something with nearly the same lengthening effect: Magnifibres. Its been called...
Let’s hear it for the girls with these new Marvel Vans
One of my favorite stops when I'm out of town is the Vans store, which seems kind of silly since I have one in my own town, but well, we all have our quirks, right! And while I'd seen the Marvel Vans online and thought they were cool (of course), I didn't realize that...
How to find $1 movies for families, and spend the summer in air conditioned comfort
Today, where I am, it's expected hit 103 degrees. That kind of scorching heat makes the idea of taking the kids to a mid-day family-friendly movie in a nice, cold theater extremely appealing...and expensive. Right? Nope. With Regal's Summer Movie Express, you can see...
10 festive (but easy!) 4th of July crafts and activities for kids of all ages
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, because you can easily make it a slow, relaxing, easy day with family and friends. No presents to exchange and no huge meal to cook. Just time together -- and the magic of fireworks through my kids' eyes. That said, that...
Angela Santomero’s tips for raising smart, inspired, and engaged kids in a screen-filled world | Spawned ep 116
Whatever age your kids may be, we know that managing screen time and finding the benefits (and boundaries) is a huge issue with parents. Like, a non-stop concern. So we're thrilled to chat with Angela Santomero, the successful creator of educational programs like...
How to join in the protests against family separation on June 30. Because #familiesbelongtogether
We're far from alone in our outrage and heartache about the thousands of kids torn from their parents at our borders without due process, thanks to the administration's new policy. Far from alone. And despite the Executive Order that the president signed indicating...
Can couples work together without killing each other? Try these tips, tricks, and a lot of humor | Spawned ep 115
Have you ever looked at those always happy husband-wife work teams and think, how the bleep do they do it? Well, now we know! This week on Spawned, we have an absolutely hilarious, engaging, mildly explicit (sorry, little ones) and truly informative conversation with...
9 adorable ideas for making a summer fairy garden for the kids
We hope some of these will inspire a little fairy garden magic for you!
A new middle grade page-turner that’s full of wonder and magic | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from Linden Tree Press Fans of Lemony Snicket are going to love Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant, the witty, zany and thrilling new middle grade novel from author and former middle-school teacher, Tilia Klebenov Jacobs. And who...
Affordable earrings from BaubleBar’s Target collection are the perfect summer retail therapy
I’m usually a silver-hoops-only kind of gal, but I’m starting to reconsider my earring choices because of this gorgeous collection by SUGARFIX by BaubleBar at Target. After all, there has to be more to life than boring, shiny metal circles, right? Something to...
7 parent bloggers share their own immigrant and refugee stories, and they’re wonderful.
We talk a lot about how to create more kindness and empathy in our kids, when it comes to all sorts of people they encounter in their lives. But top of mind right now for so many of us, are immigrants. I feel so grateful that my kids are growing up Brooklyn where we...
I Really DO Care. Do U? Then, great! Here’s a shirt for you.
Well, that was fast! It hasn't been six hours since Melania Trump was photographed wearing a Zara bomber jacket with the questionable message, I Really Don't Care. Do U? on her way (of all things) to meet migrant children who have been detained and separated from...
7 amazing swimwear brands that honor women’s diverse bodies
I am so grateful to find these 7 swimwear brands that respect and honor the diversity of women's bodies. Because for me, the post-baby swimwear hunt felt a bit like jumping off an Olympic-height diving board -- into a pool of g-strings and plunging necklines. For so...