Over the last two years, I've browsed Oprah's Favorite Things List of holiday gifts so thoroughly that I started a tradition here of sharing my favorites from her favorites. And you liked them! So much so, it can even be hard to get your…
I first discovered ABLE on a trip to Ethiopia 11 years ago and was so taken with their mission to help lift women out of poverty with dignity by teaching them a trade crafting beautiful items for fair wages, health care, and educational …
With Hanukkah coming up early on December 8, it's time to share some of the best Hanukkah gifts for kids in 2023 -- that actually are Hanukkah gifts. Because for the past year, and especially right now, a lot of us are really thinking ab…
We all want to raise kind, caring, empathic kids, and there's certainly a lot of discussion about whether technology is helping -- or can do more to help. That's why our team has always worked hard to share those apps that make screen ti…
There are so many wonderful veterans charities that could really use our support right now for all they do. From scholarship funds for families of fallen soldiers, to support just for women veterans, to service dog training or the constr…
I want to share a list of top organizations on the ground supporting the innocent people in Israel and Gaza tragically impacted by the war between Hamas and Israel. This is not a political post, it's a humanitarian one. But first, I want…
Today, the second Monday in October, is the day that's been traditionally celebrated as "Columbus Day" in the U.S., but knowing now what we know about Christopher Columbus, the holiday is fast transforming into Indigenous People's Day. I…
To be honest, a Stevie Nicks Barbie Doll is one of the last of all the new Barbies expected to see this year. I mean, I figured Mattel still had a few more Barbie: The Movie dolls to roll out as we head toward the holidays. So now we get…
When Lisa asked us for cool but appropriately creepy non-candy Halloween gift ideas for her teen and tween nieces and nephews, I was on the case! I checked with my own Halloween-loving but decidedly... particular teens to see what kinds …
I was just poking around for stylish trench coats for my fall wardrobe, when a @coolmompicks Instagram follower (hey Alyson!) DM'd me with a question -- she was looking for trench coats as well. Only she offered a few must-haves in her r…
Each year, we love sharing our favorite nail trends for the season. In 2023, it's all about shades of brown, goth-core matte nails, holograph meets glitter, and a fun tone-on-tone take on the French manicure. As for the best nail brands,…
"Activism is the power to spark the compassion and the empathy of the whole world," says the young narrator of The Artivist. the stunning and important new children's book from architect turned Disney Imagineer turned best-selling author…
So many parents have learned over the past few years that setting up a study space at home is more important than ever. Maybe you homeschool , maybe your kids just need a dedicated space for homework , or maybe they've got virtual tutori…
It's been devastating watching the fires in Maui this week , and I've been looking for some ways to help. Their hospitals are overwhelmed, historic sites have been burnt to the ground, thousands have been evacuated, families are searchin…
When we look for cool backpacks for teens , it's not enough for them to just be, you know, cool . As kids head to middle school or high school— especially after a whole year at home more or less (sigh) — they need bigger, sturdier backpa…
Last year, a colleague with an "in" in the designer shoe world tipped me off that puffy textured sandals, woven textures and braided straps were going to be hot for spring/summer. I blink and whoa -- sure enough, they've been flooding th…
While I'd love to buy a ton of things at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale , I try to be smart about it. That means besides one or two things I've had my eye on, I stick with items that I already love and need refreshing. Especially when th…
Our Seder includes a new tradition, the reading of the Hamilton Haggadah. But to keep the little ones happy, we happily share this: an awesome set of free printable Passover 10 plague finger puppets at Tori Avey's blog. Oh, like you alre…
For more than a decade now, so many of our writers have searched the web to compile the most creative Easter egg decorating ideas , from simple to wow, from traditional to modern, from designs for toddlers to designs for teens -- and eve…
In our three-part Life Skills Series, we've shared tips to help you raise critical thinkers and to raise problem-solvers . Now, I'm excited to share ideas around collaborating and working together. Because what the world needs now (besid…
If you're one of those parents who can answer any question without saying let's go check the internet! like I do, then more power to you. As for me, I was researching the story of the real St. Patrick's Day to help explain it to my kids,…
Looking for cute Easter gifts for a baby's first (or second) Easter is always so fun. So much cuteness! So much pastel! So many rabbits! And the best part is, you can save all the good chocolate for yourself. We skipped the fussy baby bo…
As the overwhelmingly huge rescue and recovery efforts are underway in southern Türkiye and northern Syria after the devastating 7.8 earthquake , so many of us want to find ways to help the 15 million people in need of humanitarian assis…
I have always loved the range of cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women , like me, who aren't quite into the traditional stuff. Nothing wrong with a solid sterling Tiffany heart necklace of course! But if you're shopping for Valentine's …
