So You Think You Can Dance?

We're already huge fans of Baby Loves Disco, and for good reason. Any child-friendly event that combines ABBA, hummus, and beer is on the top of my list. But add a contest and prizes to the mix and we're talking serious business. ... [More]

The Sassy Side of Hair Clips

Now that my daughter actually has hair (kind of) my latest obsession is tracking down cool hair clips for her with the hopes that one day she might actually let me put one on her. It's a cheaper hobby than shoe shopping, that's for sure. ... [More]

Florals for Fall

While I love diving into the cozy cashmeres and comfy knits again, I hate saying goodbye to all the bright, promising floral prints of Spring. So when I found the little girl's Blossom Keyhole Tunic at Abe Jones, my finger edged towards that "buy" button without a second thought.

Monkey See, Monkey Doze

I've got quite a few friends who are expecting October or November babies and heck, that's not really too far off. I need to get my gift-giving head out of summer romper land and start considering more appropriate suggestions. ... [More]

A Very Brady Tablesetting

I really dig that the Mod-1970s thing has made a comeback, if only so my son can grow up with groovy items, just like the ones his old mom had when Marsha Brady was trying out for cheerleader. ... [More]

Hit Me With Music

As a musician with way too many closets full of instruments, I've got a soft spot for kids threads that show off our love of all things melodic. ... [More]

Buy a Bracelet, Save the World

We've all been huge admirers (slash patrons) of Lucina ever since we discovered their unbelievably gooooorgeous jewelry that just so happens to help make the word a better place. ... [More]

Gives New Meaning to Throwing a Blanket Over Your Shoulder

I'm always of the mind that you can never be without a blanket when you've got kids. I'd sooner leave the house without a spare diaper than without a spare blanket. I'm not exaggerating. ... [More]

Beans, Beans, They're Good for Your Decor

Children of the seventies: If you've ever crashed out in a bean bag chair in front of the Partridge Family, raise your hand. Yep, me too. ... [More]

Some Bling is Better Unseen

I have learned in a relatively short time that kids love anything with their names on it. It doesn't matter if it's spelled out in English, Greek, or hieroglyphics--in which case you could kind of fake it, come to think of it. There's no better gift. ... [More]

What's Pink and Blue and Green All Over?

Having recently addressed far too many baby announcements, it's a little disconcerting to think of the percentage that will end in the trash soon after delivery. Not just because of the cost to me, but the cost to the environment. I think like 36 trees must have given their lives so my grandmother could show off the baby to her friends. ... [More]

Making Batter-Licking A Bit More Accessible

I am definitely no domestic goddess, so when I'm in the kitchen, I need both eyes on what I'm doing. Now stick my daughter in there with me, standing precariously on a kitchen chair so she can "help" and neither she nor my lasagna are entirely safe. ... [More]

Midnight Rider

Now that my daughter has mastered the fine art of bike riding (at least on the downhills), there's no way she's going to let the progressively earlier sunsets cramp her freewheeling style. ... [More]

Once Upon a Mattress

While I spent way too much time searching for the perfect baby bedding, when it came to the crib mattress, I pretty much just closed my eyes and pointed. ... [More]

You Know You've Made It When Your Picture's On a Lunch Box

So here's a trick: Put a photo of yourself on your child's lunchbox before sending her off to school. She'll be more likely to eat those carrot sticks you packed instead of trying to trade them for Ho-Hos, what with you standing over her like that.
... [More]

As Organic As Every Single Food You Put In Their Bodies (Of Course)

There seems to be two kinds of bibs out there - the cute ones you put on the kids for company but that leaves most of their clothes exposed, and the full body armor you haul out for spaghetti night. We've finally found something perfectly in between. ... [More]

O Yeah

Whenever a salesperson tries to push some peacock-feathered and sequined bag on me that will absolutely complete the outfit, I back off. ... [More]

Now That's a Happy Baby

Here's a hint that I've learned: If you are online shopping for a swaddling blanket and the photos don't show the babies smiling or at least sleeping peacefully, slowly back away from the laptop. ... [More]

Snarking on that Pregnancy Book You Hated Could Land You a Cool Grand

We love Alpha Mom and we're not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Owner/mom Isabel Kallman has created a smart, informative website featuring columns from the best bloggers in town, along with extremely helpful videos, a great baby name guide, and other helpful resources for parents. ... [More]

So Which Color Gets Them to Pick Up Their Toys?

I remember reading somewhere that color has such impact on behavior and mood, that babies in yellow nurseries actually cry more than babies in blue nurseries. So guess who has a yellow nursery? Hello. ... [More]

Free-Range Rubber Duck

If you've always liked the idea of rubber ducks for your kids but don't like the idea of more plastic crap in your bathtub, here's a solution. ... [More]

Legos You Don't Want the Kids Anywhere Near

I've always liked conversation-piece jewelry. My feeling is you can get a lot more mileage out of one really striking piece than decking yourself out with hundreds of dollars worth of average stuff. So I'm already figuring out excuses to buy myself some of the inspired baubles from JacQueline Sanchez. ... [More]

Safety + Style

Remember the good old days of driving cross-country with your parents, sprawled out across the back seat of the station wagon? Seat belts--please. Who used seat belts? ... [More]

Adios, Baby Puke

Moms are well aware that the cute burp cloths we all get for shower gifts are rarely in reach the moment we need them. ... [More]

Aren't Bookends Supposed to Actually Hold the Books Up?

Check my daughter's wall shelves and you will find her books stacked in impractically haphazard piles. Why? If they tilt even 5 degrees in their upright positions, they knock the bookends over. Um, can you say design flaw? ... [More]

Keeping Your Glasses Where You Can Find Them. Even If You're Not Wearing Your Glasses.

I am guilty of committing gross cruelty to sunglasses. I stick them on my head when they're not in use, I dump them in my bag without a case, I leave them on the coffee table where my daughter can paw at them with sticky hands. ... [More]

No Trees Were Harmed in the Making of This Trite Screenplay Idea

I'm a journal whore. I cannot have enough blank books in every room of my house, just waiting for me to jot down inspired nuggets of brilliance, poetic stanzas, novel starters, effervescent bon mots. Or a shopping list that identifies that that I'm out of Pledge. ... [More]

Ode to Joya

I'm not quite sure how having a baby translates into the desire to babify everything you own. Just because I might dress my baby in cute baby-ish patterns doesn't mean I want them all over my own accessories. ... [More]

Pregnant Women Say: Move Over, Saltines.

Yes, I do plan to eat that. And that. And THAT. I'm pregnant and hungry, and I'm also grumpy enough to sit on you if you get between me and my food. Only problem is, I can't always figure out beforehand what foods are going to taste good--and are good for me and that hungry baby in my tummy. ... [More]

The Pampered Pampers-Wearer

When I think of portable changing mats, "plush" isn't exactly the first word that pops to mind. Perhaps "practical." Or "free with diaper bag." But not so much "plush." ... [More]

All Together Now (All Together Now!)

My two year-old daughter's favorite word this week is together. I can't complain considering it's put recent words o' the week like Dora and fart out of favor. So I imagine she'd love the limited edition "All Together Now" print. ... [More]

Nononono...I'M Tiger Woods

Everyone's favorite Tiger reportedly shot a 48 on a nine-hole course by the ripe old age of two. That seems unbelievably early to me as far as getting the kids swinging, but hey, if you have a budding golf enthusiast (with kabillions in endorsement potential), then we've got your gear ... [More]

"Who Effed Up The Toys???"

I can't take credit for the headline - it's was written by my friend Karen as the subject of an email she sent yesterday, alerting us all to yet another toy recall. I'm ready to just dump anything in the toy chest that wasn't made by hand out from virgin pine by monks. ... [More]

Keepsakes for the Keeping

The point of a keepsake, from what I understand, is that you actually want to keep it. I might be crazy here, but I think that's the gist of it. ... [More]

Get In Mah Belly!

Like many dutiful first time mothers, I took pictures of my growing belly (and unfortunately, thighs and butt) every month until I had my daughter. But what exactly are you supposed to do with those photos? And don't say "screen saver." ... [More]

Penny Savers

I love that my daughter is getting into the idea of saving the loose change she finds. ... [More]

Recommended by Doctor Mom. And Us.

When I met the delightful MD Moms behind the innovative MD Moms line of baby products, I instantly wanted to take them home with me so they could dispense calming pediatric advice even at wee hours of the morning. Okay, and free baby products too. ... [More]

Announcements Worthy of the Postage Hike

Baby announcements aren't really intended to announce the baby, nor are they a solicitation of gifts. Let's be honest, baby announcements are meant solely to knock the socks off your friends and family. ... [More]

Baby Art That the Baby Can Actually Appreciate

The trouble with baby art is that it's generally not for the baby. Sorry kiddos, we love you, but you have hopelessly pathetic eyesight. Those sweet pastels? More for us than for you.

There's More to Spanish Than "Vamanos, Dora!"

I'm proud to say I speak Spanish. I'm not fluent or anything, but I can handle basic conversations. OK, OK, I'll admit it: All the Spanish I know I learned from episodes of Sesame Street. But I can count to veinte quite convincingly and order a Corona. ... [More]

Looking Smart

I admit to being a bit skeptical when it comes to all these baby products that promote early learning. Is it really necessary to label a baby spoon and bowl with words and pictures? ... [More]

Nursery Rhyme Art, Hold the Sheep

I admit, when I hear "nursery rhyme art" my mind automatically goes to images far too cutesie for any kid over about 6 months. Like old whats-her-name with the codependent lamb. ... [More]

Pregnant and Polished

Like there aren't enough things you have to give up when you're pregnant (sushi, Pinot Noir, catcalls from construction workers) now people are getting all waffle-y on nailpolish. Excuse me, but give up my weekend pedicures? Not happening. ... [More]

Felt Up

We've done our best here at Cool Mom Picks to highlight fantastic alternatives to typical baby hair clips. But what we've discovered is that when your kid actually gets enough hair for real accessories, it's as though the designers just take all the creepy infant hair bows and just make them bigger. ... [More]

Chalk This One Up To Good Thinking

In a perfect world, every restaurant would offer crayons and a paper placemat to keep toddlers' attention away from the shiny, pretty knives. Or alternately, I'd remember to bring some myself to keep from having to let my daughter scribble on my checkbook. ... [More]

Match.com Meets Flea Market

Perhaps you bought a few items (before discovering Cool Mom Picks of course) and realize now that you don't want them. Here are a few solutions to minimizes your carbon footprint, as the kids say today. ... [More]

The Art of Ka-Ching

Back when I was in middle school, I would put scotch tape around my lunch money change and cram it in my front pocket. Today, pre-teens, tweens and teens sport more cash than some island nations do. I say that kind of cold hard cabbage deserves to be wrapped up in some cool art. ... [More]

For The Tea Party of the Season

You can hardly sit down with my two year-old daughter any more without being asked to join her for a tea party. As long as you don't mind that Puppy gets all the food and Llama bogarts the dessert tray, I guarantee you an enjoyable time. ... [More]

We Interrupt Your Shopping For A Random Act of Do-Gooding

We post a lot about lotion/potion alternatives for the kiddos that are organic, natural, and hopefully bad-stuff-free. If you care about what goes into you children's shampoos, diaper creams and bubble baths, consider helping out the non-profit Environmental Working Group. ... [More]

Clutter-Free and Fab

I remember really hating to pick up my toys as a child, and I can tell you it doesn't get any better with age. I'm not a lover of the nightly toy excavation, inventory and restocking of blocks, trucks and primary-colored plastic items. ... [More]

A Totally Organic Experience

We love organic kids clothes' for any number of reasons, but sometimes I get the feeling that the companies who make them are just jumping on a trend to make a buck. Then there's Little Green Stars. ... [More]

We Came, We Saw, We Scavenged

Over the last weekend in July, the entire Cool Mom Picks staff were privileged to part of the amazing gathering of bloggers that was the BlogHer 2007 Conference in Chicago. While there, we figured what better way to get people meet new bloggers than with a photo scavenger hunt? ... [More]

Charm Bracelets that Actually Have Charm

If you want to commemorate your child with jewelry that doesn't look "soooo 2007" in the years to come, allow us to point you towards the photo keepsake jewelry from LA-area designer Patricia Hoppes of Patricia Carolyn Designs.

70's Flashback! 70's Flashback!

Hear that squeal? That's me having just rediscovered only my favorite ever (ever!) toy from my childhood - the bouncy thing. ... [More]

Zebras and Hippos and Horses, Oh My

I'm in Luv With a Sunscreen

There's nothing like a beach day with two kids: The sun. The sand. The 30-minute suncreen battle. It's almost enough to make me forego the beach and just skip to the ice cream. But since discovering KINeSYS I have a newfound love. ... [More]

You're Never Too Young to Accessorize

Who knew that a three-year-old could require accessories? My daughter has her own jewelry box, a slew of hats, and now she's asking for belts. ... [More]

Born With a Silver Rattle in His Hand

I never really got the expensive silver rattle thing until I had kids (like everything else, right?) and my dear friend gave me the kind that come in the pretty blue box. Either my kid has extremely expensive taste or he just knows a good thing when he hears it, but that rattle is all but glued to his hand.
... [More]

Tiny Bubbles, A.K.A. Drool

With my son's tooth making an appearance just a week ago, we have moved passed the cute little drooly bib stage and into the full-on "sop-it-up" type bib. But I want one that makes me drool too. ... [More]

Making Inevitable Head Bonks a Little Less Inevitable

When my daughter hit the coffee table contact stage, we invested in that adhesive padding that not only collected dirt and crumbs but became a toy for my daughter, who would pull it on and off as if to say "Try and keep me away!" ... [More]

We're Gonna Zoom, Zoom, Zooma Zoom

In theory, I appreciate the heroic intentions of the diaper clutch -- saving moms everywhere from gigantic diaper bags. But let's face it, they're not made for quick access, nor do they provide you for much space for your own personal items. ... [More]

Inexpensive Art. Come Again?

If you accidentally spent all your money on that fantastic-gotta-have-it bedding, your poor little baby might be left to stare at boring blank walls. And as we all know, that's just not good for brain development and preverbal aptitude tests, now is it. ... [More]

Monster Repellent

I've tried all sorts of tricks to convince my girls that monsters do not inhabit their rooms. I even resorted to logic at one point, to no avail. Silly me for even trying such a longshot. ... [More]

When Owen Wilson Talks, I Listen

The idea of "going green" sounds fantastic in theory, but trading up to a Prius and installing solar panels on my house is not in my near future. But thanks to The Green Book, I've learned that saving the planet is easier than I thought. ... [More]

Impressionism for the Impressionable

While your kids are young and impressionable, this is the time to expose them to how much fun art can be. It's also the time you can teach them that farts are funny, but that's another story for another time. ... [More]