As the proverbial May flowers make their appearance, the CMP staff is in an uncharacteristically girlie, flouncy, floral mood. So we combed the web for fantastic baubles that allow you to deck yourself in the spoils of Spring without once attracting bees.
With Mother's Day just around the corner, we say, go ahead and treat yourself. After all, we're all thoroughly modern moms here; we're not ones for wishin' and hopin' (and thinkin' and prayin') that we get what we want.
Drop a strong hint around the house, or simply click over and snag one of these dazzling bits of frippery for your very own.
You don't have to be a mom to find great picks every day at Cool Mom Picks!
CMP Momtrepreneur of the Month: Tania Condon
Name: Tania Condon, founder, creative visionary and metalworker behind Little Jules.
Why you're reading about her: Her handcrafted keepsake jewelry generated some of the best feedback from readers that we've ever seen on Cool Mom Picks.
Why we agree with our readers: As CMP writer Laura put it, "Keepsakes make me cringe…I've found most baby mementos to be anywhere from meaningless to downright goofy. That is, until I discovered Little Jules."
Inspiration: Tania's son, born at just 29 weeks. Ink impressions of his tiny feet at birth inspired her to turn them into a hip mommy necklace…which begat her entire line of beautiful and understated sterling charms.
Where does she find the time?: Every piece is handcrafted and personalized, one piece at a time.
Most memorable customer feedback: "From a mom who got a necklace to commemorate the brief life of her baby: My heart is numb but that amazing necklace just filled it with comfort having worn it since the day it came. I keep it with me as I would him - close to my heart..."
If she's not wearing her own creations: "I'm a diamonds and pearl girl!"
Whether you're a new mom or a veteran, check out Tania's entire line of keepsake jewelry at Little Jules and let her make something special for you.
*Use code coolmom for a "buy three pair get one pair free" discount at Ribbies Clippies, plus free shipping until May 31st
My oldest daughter loves to dress in vibrant colors and patterns that make her stand out from the crowd. The reversible pinafores from Bella Sera Baby are the perfect accessory -- she can throw one on over a plain (read: "boring") shirt to add some brightness and flair to an ordinary outfit. -Nancy
I can't stop dreaming about the custom photo painting service at trunk't, which creates real handpainted art out of those pictures that are stuck in iPhoto purgatory. Consider ordering one for Grandma this Mother's Day to make up for years of mugs and picture frames. -Liz
*Use code coolmom for 10% off plus free shipping
My son is already flying around the house to save stuffed animals from trucks and balls, and a handmade superhero cape from Little Capers is so much cooler than a towel with safety pins. -Laura
The Aerosmith of kids music will be sure to rock many a house, apartment, and backyard playgroup gathering with their new release, Rock the House. Ernie and Neal make kids music the way it should be -- with emphasis on music. -Staff
As I anxiously await the birth of my firstborn, I am NOT anxiously awaiting the difficulties of learning to breastfeed her. Lucky for me there is the SimplyMilk gift basket from Present By Design, chock full of helpful items for the new-to-nursing mom. - Tina
*Use code coolmompicks for 15% off your SimplyMilk order until May 31.
I can't fight the Princess craze, but I can help expand my girls' horizons beyond wands and crowns - starting with what I hang on their bedroom walls, like the science-themed prints - featuring girls, by the way - from One Good Bumblebee. -Julie
May Calendar: Any Reason To Shop
Asparagus Month
Correct Posture Month
National TV-Turnoff Week (April 22-28)
May 1 - Mother Goose Day
May 2 - Sibling Appreciation Day, Dr. Spock's Birthday
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
May 8 - Educator Appreciation Day, Toni Tennille's Birthday
May 11 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 14 - Mother's Day
May 19 - National Be A Millionaire Day
May 20 - Bronson Pinchot's Birthday
May 22 - Anniversary of the Toothpaste Tube
May 23 - National Pickle Day
May 24 - Tiara Day, Bob Dylan's Birthday
May 28 - Slugs Return To Capistrano Day
Welcome
Hooray for May, possibly the best month of the year. The flowers are out (and in - if you check our fabulous floral picks at left), the fashions are wearable, the weather is divine, and it still seems somewhat possible to get in shape before bathing suit season.
Plus? Mother's Day! One holiday on the calendar you never need dread.
Fear not procrastinators, there's still time to find the perfect gift you're looking for, simply by visiting our Mothers' Day Gift Guide. Click over now and avoid having to hand out a World's Greatest Mom mug from the card store with an i.o.u. tucked inside.
- The Cool Mom Picks Staff
Just For Subscribers
A special contest just for our newsletter subscribers!
You can win the four piece New Stylin' layette from New for Baby - a $76 value if sold separately - in pink, blue, or even green. Hey, if it's good enough for Tori what's-her-name-the-actress, we're sure you'll love it too.
Just email liz@coolmompicks.com by midnight Sunday, May 6 with NFB in the subject line and the correct answer to the question: Where is the super cute new NFB pacifier manufactured?
If you're getting this newsletter from a friend, we won't hold it against you. Sign up and feel free to enter the contest too. (And yes, we'll check.) You'll also be entered in our drawing to win your own teepee for me play tent, plus accessories valued at more than $450! Good luck!
Name: Tania Condon, founder, creative visionary and metalworker behind 
Inspiration: Tania's son, born at just 29 weeks. Ink impressions of his tiny feet at birth inspired her to turn them into a hip mommy necklace…which begat her entire line of beautiful and understated sterling charms. 
I'd give my left arm for a pair of clips that would actually stay in my daughter's wispy hair. Thanks to 
My oldest daughter loves to dress in vibrant colors and patterns that make her stand out from the crowd. The 
I can't stop dreaming about the 
My son is already flying around the house to save stuffed animals from trucks and balls, and a 
The Aerosmith of kids music will be sure to rock many a house, apartment, and backyard playgroup gathering with 
As I anxiously await the birth of my firstborn, I am NOT anxiously awaiting the difficulties of learning to breastfeed her. Lucky for me there is the 
I can't fight the Princess craze, but I can help expand my girls' horizons beyond wands and crowns - starting with what I hang on their bedroom walls, like the 
