C-Ellabrate Good Times
It's almost hard to imagine, but children's music hasn't always been as wide ranging as it is today. However, there were some early pioneers, like the wonderful Ella Jenkins.
... [More]
Sleep, Beautiful Sleep
I remember browsing the web for infant sleep sacks when I was pregnant and thinking, great concept, lame-o execution.
... [More]
The Magic Kingdom? Down the Hall, Turn Right at the Bathroom
Craftiness is not my forte. Which means no, I'm not going to be painting a mural or stenciling a border in the new baby's nursery any time soon. But there is something to be said for having some wall art over her crib that can't possibly fall on her head.
... [More]
I'm Tiger Woods. A Very, Very Small Tiger Woods.
It's February which means at long last, I can start counting the minutes until I have my family intact on Sundays again. Of course it's only a matter of weeks until I trade my football widow status for my golf widow status. And sadly, that's not limited to one day a week.
Shower Invites That Get The Crazed, Hormonal Nutjob Seal of Approval
While I'm pretty laid back in most areas of my life, as far as party planning I cannot let one detail go overlooked--handpicked favors, handmade invites, the works. When it came time for my baby shower, you can imagine that I was a full-blown nutcase.
... [More]
Shouldn't the Baby Smell Better After the Bath?
I have learned over the past 18 months that fancy packaging is no indication of a great baby lotion. I started with the highest-end, la-di-da, imported line of products, only to find they reeked like a perfume counter saleswoman exploded all over the nursery. Now I'm doubly skeptical of anything until I try it myself.
... [More]
Pants Begone
The only way I can get my daughter to wear a dress is to tell her we're going to a party. Otherwise, she's all about the pants. And honestly, I can't really blame her; it's a bit difficult to get all... ... [More]
Let Me Call You Sweetheart (Or Something Far More Embarrassing)
I'll suspend my cynicism for a moment and assume that Valentine's Day really is all about celebrating love. Even so, why would you save up all of your sentiments and hard-earned cash and blow the entire wad on a single day? I say, spread the love around during the rest of the year too!
... [More]
Gives "Dragging Them Through the Airport" a Whole New Meaning
Anyone who travels with kids certainly knows that anything--anything at all--to make the ordeal a wee bit less ordeal-like is worth its weight in gold. The Trunki seems to fit the bill. It's a lightweight kids' suitcase, just under 4 lbs, that converts to fun little ride-on toy.
... [More]
Say Goodbye to Preggo Brain
With all the hormones rushing through my body and my brain cells being sucked away by the minute, there's no way I could possibly keep up with everything that goes along with having a baby. OB check-up stats? Baby Registry? Daycare interview? Ack!
Big is Always Better (At Least With Jewelry)
During pregnancy, you might be obsessing with all things small. But when it comes to jewelry and a few other things in life, I'm the first one to admit that bigger is definitely better.
... [More]
Rawkin' Before They're Tawkin'
There's no shortage of kids clothing with attitude if you know where to look. As in, get out of the malls and hit the web (with Cool Mom Picks being your first stop, of course).
... [More]
The Maternity Three-Way
I can personally attest to the fact that by the time you pop that baby out, you're ready to burn all your maternity clothes. Not just because most of them aren't up to your prepartum style standards, but because you wear them so much you're just damn tired of looking at them. With that in mind, the 3-in-1 dress from NEST by Swanky Maternity is that perfect addition to the maternity closet
The Wonderful, Terrible Twos
Those of us who have ever dated a musician (ahem) can agree that deep down, they are all children. Which is why it's perfectly logical that the faces of a hip act like, say, The New Amsterdams, also are the minds and mouths behind a fantastic new kids' band.
... [More]
More Mommies To Love
In a world where Heather has two mommies, as do her friends Olivia, Aiden and Sam, we think it's high time the old standby "I love my mommy" onesie took on a 21st century twist. The I love my moms... ... [More]
Mom Created, Dad Approved: BabyHawk Carriers
There is no shortage of moms writing in to Cool Mom Picks to recommend their favorite infant carriers. But when a new dad takes the time to rave about one, let's just say we're anxious to see what the deal... ... [More]
Fighting the Winter Blahs With Baubles
While Spring is still a good several blizzards off, at least its start will happen in this calendar year. Which means that already my head is onto woven bags, lightweight trenches, and updates to the wardrobe that don't include black, brown or grey.So I'm loving the Chalcedony Cleo necklace from mom and talented designer Lisa Van-Horn of LisaJayne jewelry.
... [More]
The Perfect Swaddling Blanket, a.k.a. The Sound of Silence
Swaddling inspired total fear in me as a new mom. I knew it was an essential part of getting the baby to stop crying for two seconds; it's just that it seemed like one more new skill that my postpartum brain wouldn't be able to handle.
... [More]
Hit the Road, Jack. And Emma.
Balancing the everyday logistics of work and home: No problem. Planning a vacation for our family of four: Problem. I become paralyzed with information overload, and all I want is for someone I trust to give me the real scoop on what to pack, where to go, and what to do.
... [More]
Dinner for One, Hold the Microbes
Whoever invented the Tiny Diner Portable Placemat has definitely walked a mile in my shoes. Whenever we go out to eat, I have no choice but to put pieces of food right on the table because my year-old son is known to send his plates sailing without so much as a head's up, suckas!
... [More]
Not Everything In The Bath Has To Be a Duck
I have a definite nostalgic side to me. Don't even get me into a conversation about 80s music or 70s Saturday morning TV unless you've got a few hours to kill. So when I perused the hip mom-run e-boutique Baby Oh My and found these groovy non-slip tiles by Funmade Bath Art, I suddenly knew exactly what the future held in store for the floor of my tub.
... [More]
It's a Boy! A Very Well-Dressed Boy.
Huge congrats to CMP co-founder and editor, Kristen Chase, whose perfect son and future CMP flick'r pool model was born this morning at 5:11 am.Drew is 8 lbs, 10 oz, 21.5" long, and his mama is now happy to weigh... ... [More]
Who's Your Daddy? (No Really...Which One is Daddy?)
My toddler is a visual learner, which is to say it's hard for her to grasp concepts she can't see right in front of her. Unfortunately, this means she knows her animals, but refers to her out-of-town grandparents by the toddler equivalent of "hey, you."
... [More]
My Kind of D.I.Y.
While I'm a fairly crafty person, there are a few things I would never attempt. Like items I might actually wear out of the house. Then again, considering how picky I can be about my accessories, I admit that the thought has crossed my mind.
... [More]
Son-of-a-Kind
Since my kids (as we all feel) are like no others, it's nice to stock their wardrobe with clothes that are the same way - like the one-of-a-kind shirts from Havins Originals. Inspired by good old rock and roll and a love for vintage design, owners/designers Sandi and Vikki have created a truly unique product; no two shirts are alike
Procrastinating Parents: We Have The Baby Books for You
I'm an overachiever in many ways, but a huge slacker in the baby book department. I started the book for my first child just one day before #2 was born. Oops. Don't even ask about how I've documented milestones for the second child. (Okay, it's Post-It notes).
... [More]
How Do You Spell Excellent Gift?
I love hunting for personalized art for children. But I admit an aversion to those painted plaques adorned with the ubiquitous puffy-pen scribbled names. I suppose I like my art to be actual art and not some craft project from the nice old lady down the block.
... [More]
Gettin' Jiggy With It
There seem to be two schools of thought when it comes to decorating for kids: You can go super kid-like, or you can find adult looking stuff in miniature sizes. Basically, Playskool or Eames. Leapfrog or Oeuf.
... [More]
My Kids are My Business
With all the amazing momtrepreneurs we highlight on our site, it's a wonder that we haven't come across the essential businessmom gift: A cool cardholder. Until now.
... [More]
We Don't Need No Stinkin' Barbies
Thanks to my mother-in-law, that 36-22-36 blonde doll made an unwelcome entrance into my toddler's toy gallery this holiday season. But that doesn't mean I'm giving in to all future Barbie requests so fast. It just means I'm going to have to find something ten times cooler than her royal plastic majesty.
... [More]
Sometimes a Mama Wants to Feel Like a Princess Too
We tend to shy away from the "designer" diaper bags on Cool Mom Picks. When it comes down to it, the thing is going to tote around leaky bottles, ripped bags of crushed Cheerios, and good old poop. But let's be honest, beautiful accessories make you feel good, especially during those postpartum days when you need all the feeling good you can get.
Oh Lord, Won't You Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz. Or Maybe a Jag.
Why do car manufacturers leap to the conclusion that moms and minivans are synonymous? Do they think that we all just turned in our sense of style and adventure along with our placentas?
... [More]
Go Ahead and Get Fresh
I considered making my own baby food for a total of five minutes. I had a challenging infant and I desperately cut down on chores; however as a conscientious (albeit tired) new mom, I didn't want to give up on good, nutritious food either.
... [More]
B.Y.O.G.
I'm not sure which I'm dreading more -- the pain of labor and delivery, or the pain of labor and delivery in one of those hospital gowns that would clearly be too big for a 450lb linebacker.
... [More]
Food is For Playing, Right?
I am convinced that the only way to get kids to stop throwing their forks and spoons on the floor isn't to improve the food, but to improve the forks and spoons.
... [More]
A Poncho for North of the Border
One of the few trends I'm happy is sticking around is the poncho. It's just easier to wrangle my squirmy little girl into her mild-weather outerwear when there are no sleeves to deal with. And frankly, she looks cute it it. (Not that she wouldn't look cute wearing a garbage bag.)
... [More]
Princesses Climb Monkeybars Too
Unless it's time for soccer practice, my daughter won't get near a pair of sneakers. With her active day at preschool in mind, I try to persuade her to try on funky hi-tops or sporty slip-ons, but she always gravitates toward the sparkly, princessy shoes. Finding something we both like is a minor miracle.
... [More]
Music For Your Eyes
When we we reviewed the Little Bird CD from singer Elizabeth Mitchell last Fall, it was hard to decide which we loved more--her amazing tunes or the stunning album cover from talented New York City artist Ida Pearle. Now lucky parents (and their immensely lucky kids) can own both.
... [More]
A Star is Born
When I first heard about Hello Beautiful Films, I swooned. Who wouldn't want a professionally written, edited and produced video of your children that blends your own photos and home video footage with new footage shot by a pro cinematographer?
... [More]
The Rockin' Ballerina
After spending part of the holidays with my girlie-girl nieces, I was trying to come to terms with the inevitable fact that very soon, my own toddler daughter will be asking for princess this and ballerina that.
... [More]
One Outfit You Won't Return To Sender
I like to dress my son in clothes that are stylish and contemporary, but I have a soft spot for anything kind of campy or retro. And what says campy and retro better than early seventies Elvis of the rhinestone-studded jumpsuits and white platform boots?
... [More]
Take That, Shiloh You Poser
It's difficult enough that I get mobbed every time I walk down the street these days--Oh my God, you're Liz from Cool Mom Picks! Oh my God!--but when my daughter's with me, it really presents a challenge.
I Dream of Genie
Let's admit, there's been quite a bit of dvd-watching over the last few months. How else are you supposed to get the gifts wrapped, the holiday cards sent, and the cookies baked--or at least ordered through a handy toll-free number?
... [More]
All the Stuff You Convince Yourself You Need
I think I can safely say that I was not alone in my amazement that something so small and helpless as a new baby could possibly need so much stuff. I didn't know what gear was necessary and what was merely clever marketing, and after factoring in all the unsolicited advice from well-meaning veteran moms about bouncy seat A versus bouncy seat B, I was overwhelmed to say the least.
... [More]
A Sling for the Coordinationally Challenged
I've always appreciated the benefits of a baby sling. Although as someone with fluctuating weight combined with a lack of manual dexterity that keeps me from adjusting my own belt properly, let alone a ring on a sling, I have yet to find my perfect match.
Future Alex P. Keatons: We've Found Your Gift
I've never been a fan of giving money to children as a gift. It just seems so...well, you know. It's money. But for the kid who truly has everything--or at least expresses a bizarre interest in the Nasdaq pages of the paper--we've discovered the perfect alternative with GiveAshare.
Announcements Not Only a Mother Could Love
As much as I love written correspondence of any kind, I've never sent a single announcement - not for graduations, my engagement, marriage, or the births of either of my children. Mostly because, to be blunt, the pickings are pretty slim. Or to clarify, the decent pickings.
... [More]
We are the Knights Who Say "Maaa-aaaa."
My dear friend's son loves playing dress-up. Unfortunately, while his sister has a trunkful of beautiful princess outfits with handmade flower garlands and gauzy accessories, he's stuck with cheesy plastic costumes leftover from Halloween after-sales. What's a budding knight to do?
... [More]
Peace, Love, and Shhhhhhh....
With baby #1, I was all about dressing her in bright happy lively colors. And she was lively alright, all hours of the day and night. For #2, I'm going to try a different tact and see if it has any impact. And no, that doesn't mean pastels.
... [More]
Ooh-La-L'Alphabet
Although I'm a straight-up English speaker (with a little French thrown in on those really bad days -- ahem), I've always thought it would be wonderful for my daughter to learn another language. Most folks say that starting early is the best way to go but the idea of toddler language classes has always seemed just a bit...much for me.
... [More]
From the Land of Great Beer, Great Hockey, and Now, Nursing Pillows
I can always trust my neighbors from the North when it comes to comedy, a cold brew or some "throw your gloves down" hockey. But who knew the Canadians were cornering the market on must-have nursing pillows to boot?
... [More]
Thanks For the Um...the Thoughtful Uh...
The holidays are over, and if the commercials and billboards and return lines at the mall are any indication, a lot of us received a whole lot of stuff. But whether we loved the gifts we received - or we just pretended to - handwritten thank you notes are always a good idea.
... [More]
It's NOT a Man Purse
Trying to get my husband to carry a diaper bag is like... well, just put in your favorite analogy that involves something really sucky that you hate doing, and you get my drift. It wouldn't be so bad if our daughter didn't end up in a crumpled diaper that had been in his back pocket all day.
... [More]
Win It!
Subscribe to CMP and win
a $250 Room Seven shopping spree from The Silly Wagon
Click for Details
Congrats to April winner Amy L
Sponsors
Emporium
Featured Partner: Wild Dill
Looking for fair, natural, and organic products for your kiddos? Then put Wild Dill at the top of your list.
Use code CMP10 FOR 10% off
For more discounts from our hand-selected partner shops, visit the brand new CMP Emporium.
Ask Cool Mom Picks
I have been searching for a photo album or scrapbook that is NOT in the classic style you see everywhere that's either pink and fluffy or traditional leather. Any ideas? -Sarah
Googling "photo albums" can definitely lead to very bad things. We always find cool stuff at Zanisa and we like the Molly West books at Chittypulga.
But lately we really dig the handmade wooden albums from Tree by Kerri Lee [pictured] with metal hinges and the funky wooden ring and strap. And the prices are terrific.
Got a gift dilemma? A shopping conundrum? Write to CMP at info@coolmompicks.com.
CMP Flickr Group
CMP reader Sarah's daughter Alli looks cozy and snug in her Baby Bisou Carrier.
Have a picture of your little one (or yourself) in a Cool Mom Picks find or prize you've won? Join our Flickr group so we can show off your good taste to the world.
We like them like them:
Contact - Disclaimer+Contests - Search+Archives - Badges+ Buttons
Site Management by Heideldesign Logo by LEAP Design