Thanks to a Disney-fanatic grandmother, we've just returned from our fourth trip to Disney World since my kids were born. And yes, I know we are lucky! However while it is indeed a magical place, there are definitely some challenges if y…
If Spring Break or Easter has you heading out by plane, train, or automobile, you may be wondering how to keep your kids happily occupied beyond the iPad, as you travel from Point A to Point B. And since we all know how hard it is to hea…
While it falls squarely in the category of #firstworldproblems, making bottles with formula when you're on the go can be a pain in the neck. Individual sleeves of formula are easy, but not in my budget. Those little three-way containers …
Ah, the umbrella stroller, one of the most important pieces of parenting gear you will own. Yes, even more than a wipes warmer. (Kidding. Don't get a wipes warmer.) In round one of parenting, our umbrella stroller took a real beating as …
Traveling with kids to fun places is almost always worth the schlep it takes to get there. But trying to rush through a crowded airport with a child or two in tow can put a damper on our enthusiasm quicker than you can say They moved our…
As we get ready to welcome our newest bundle I have been catching up on all the hip and inventive baby gear that has surfaced in the past 5 years. Of course, the stroller is one of the most essential pieces, so I have been taking my time…
If you're looking for a family gift this holiday that blows a lot of ideas out of the water, I've got one to float by you: a cruise. We did it a couple of years ago, and the kids were thrilled when they realized that the box full of suns…
I never would have guessed that a ten-pound baby could bring so much joy--and so much back pain. I've recently been trying out the Orbit Baby car seat, and from my perspective it's a game changer. Plus a real back-saver that I'm thinking…
This year my husband and I loaded everyone up (even the grandparents) for a long weekend over fall break, and flew to Chicago, one of my very favorite cities, in search of some awesome kid-friendly activities. Our focus: checking out all…
Neither of us ever went on a babymoon or even looked at all the gorgeous, luxury babymoon destinations out there. It seemed silly at the time. It seemed indulgent. And yo, we were too busy on message boards asking about lamaze breathing …
I have toted diapers, work stuff and even my computer in Orla Kiely bags and have become an avid fan, so I was shocked to find out I was not the first of her cult followers to learn that the popular designer had partnered with Target for…
A week after our summer vacation rental, I still couldn't get the musty smell of the house out of my clothes. I also couldn't forget the splintery deck, scary spiral stairs, and tangle of electrical wires that stressed me out as much as …
I don't travel light. It's hard to with two kids and an affinity for shoes , which is why a neck pillow is one of those useful travel accessories that never really make it into my carry-on. For the first time I'm reconsidering, now that …
For those of you who have beheld the frustrating hilarity of my daughter's kindergarten back to school shopping experience -- and seen me turned into a cartoon character -- you know I've been working with the Amex Every Day Credit Card .…
With all the United States National Parks for us to explore and enjoy with our families, there are probably certain ones that pop to mind first: Yosemite, Yellowstone, Acadia, Sequoia, the Grand Canyon. But if you haven't heard of Great …
Having lived through hundreds of road trips with dozens of children between us all, we're no strangers to the joys (ahem) of keeping your child's car seat clean. Or at least, attempting to. So on behalf or our newest sponsor, Evenflo , m…
We can't tell you how many questions we get here at Cool Mom Picks asking us for helpful travel tips for traveling with kids, so I was pretty thrilled when Citi asked me to put together my favorite travel tips together in a video series.…
Who knew July was Family Reunion Month? Actually uh, we didn't. But now we do. And with so many families headed out for vacations this summer, it's not really a surprise. But oof, planning a big reunion can be a huge undertaking, which i…
When you think outrageous family vacations you probably think they're just for the Pitt-Jolie clan. French villa? Private island? Butlers? Yes please. But now with our newest partner Homeaway and their "Million Ways to Stay" Contest , yo…
I admit I have been lax in the clothes labeling department, inadvertently donating way too many cardigans and water bottles to mysterious children at our school. But now that my kids are going to summer camp for the first time, it has be…
It's officially the season for travel (whoo!) and whether you're planing it, driving, or taking the subway uptown for a picnic in the park, we're all for getting out with the kids. A top question from our readers is always "but what do I…
Travel journals for kids are such a brilliant idea. I mean, what kid doesn't want to remember every detail of a family vacation in his or her own way? A little drawing of the world's largest yoyo you saw in California, a ticket from the …
Daytona Beach isn't all NASCAR and college kids on spring break, you know. They also have culture, relaxation, and great opportunities for family bonding, provided you know where to look and are up for adventure. If your Florida vacation…
After checking hotel prices for a recent trip to Los Angeles (yikes), I decided to finally figure out how to use Airbnb for a vacation, after hearing so much about this booming community marketplace for accommodations all over the world.…