At Cool Mom Picks, we're suckers for hip, contemporary children's artwork, particularly when there's a mom behind the canvas. That's why we couldn't help but fall in love with artist Lisa Masterson and her modern takes on classic themes.

Lisa's commercial endeavors started simply enough, when she decided to divert her attention from first trimester morning sickness onto designing her daughter's nursery. With the accolades flying from impressed friends and family, she decided to give the art biz a whirl—a good decision indeed.

"My passion was ignited," Lisa says, "and from that point on, I went full force and made a business for myself."

The company name, Avalisa, was inspired by her Finnish grandmother, Eeva-Llisa, but the artwork itself is very much of this century. The artist's process begins on the computer—often late at night, which isn't too much of a problem thanks to the practice of motherhood.

Avalisa's seven collections are drawn from several inspirations, but united by a common goal: To uplift people and environments through the use of colors and shapes. Her popular animals and "things that go" collection of transportation-themed graphics are guaranteed parent/kid-pleasers. But we're particularly intrigued by her "names" designs, which feature strong graphic motifs inspired by the juxtaposition and distortion of letters in a particular name. The result is a striking abstract that feels equally at home in any room of your house.

Lisa feels running a business and being a mom go hand in hand. "I receive a certain type of satisfaction from being a mother, and another type of satisfaction from having a business. I need both to sustain me and keep me passionate."

Another way she stays passionate:Lisa is a strong supporter of international CURE hospitals in developing countries. Her art adorns the children's wards of hospitals in three continents, and her website makes it simple for visitors to buy a piece for donation themselves.

We're awed by her talent and commitment, which she sums up beautifully in her description of finally finding in herself the person she was meant to be: "I am an artist. I am a wife. I am a mother.  I am a dreamer.  I am a doer...and I live each role every day.  This is rewarding to me in the fullest."

To learn more about Avalisa and place an order, click here.

I was such a huge fan of these one-size-fits-even-me maternity shirts from Bumpstyle that I bought one myself. They're incredibly soft and comfy, and will take me well (and stylishly) into my fourth trimester. -Kristen

With two kids that have been in daycare since they were small, I am drowning in artwork. So I'm crazy about Love Plus One's custom embroidery which I can use to immortalize my girls' masterpieces without having to save the piles of paper.  -Nancy

My fave of the month has to be the SIGG Sippies. They're super-safe (no leaking of toxic chemicals), and they resist that gnarly mystery smell plastic sippy cups get no matter how many times you wash them. -Izzy

The colorful clothes and accessories from Spanish artist Dulce Quesada Magro of Dolca could make a sworn childless couple reconsider. The line is brand-new to the US -- meaning jump on them now before every mom in the playgroup catches on.  -Liz

Homemade Baby brings home the goods on the days you don't have time to hand grind pears. Because no matter how we dress our little babes, it's what's on the inside that counts.  -Rebecca

Ginger Hendrix has been rockin' my mini-van all month long. Macaroni Boy is the perfect album for moms and young kids to enjoy together.  -Amy

I'm still in love with the step stools from Tots Only. More attractive than the plain white numbers, as well as much sturdier than plastic, they come in a variety of animals - now I only have to figure out which ones to grab. -Julie

Adoption Awareness Month

Drum Month

November 7 - National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

November 8 - Beginning of World Kindness Week

November 11 - Veteran's Day

November 12 - National Pizza with The Works except Anchovies Day

Novebmer 15 - America Recycles Day

November 17 - World Peace Day

November 23 - Thanksgiving

Now get shopping...