Even though we've lived in Atlanta for almost five years, we've yet to explore all this area has to offer. And really, the idea of a quick weekend trip without a long car drive is really attractive when funds are low and you're chasing a…
Spring is in the air (hooray!) which means summer can't be all that far behind. And while the word "summer camp" still fills my head with images of gimp and campfires, your kids' options now go way beyond the camps of my youth, with spec…
I just got back from a four days at Disney, all expenses paid...by me. Phew. All I can say is, if you're going to shell out the small fortune to take your children on the vacation of their dreams, you'd best enjoy it ourselves with the h…
When my husband decided that he wanted to take a family ski vacation, I was a little hesitant. With four kids who have never seen more than a few inches of snow, we were less than prepared with cold weather kids' gear. And the thought of…
I have a soft spot for stitch art and it's not just because I live in the embroidery capital of the world (yes, there is such a place). As a gal who can't even sew a button onto a pair of pants, I greatly admire those patient enough to c…
One of the biggest resolutions we're seeing this year is a commitment to spend more quality time with family. The reality is that even for a homeschooling mom like me, our lives are so busy and interests so varied, we have just as much d…
Growing up on the East Coast, our family beach vacations were always limited to the Jersey Shore (no, not that one), where the beaches were crowded and the water was pretty cold, even in the dead of summer. It wasn't until I was living i…
If you're a NYC area parent in need an adult night this week (and who doesn't?) we have a fabulous idea for you --the annual PS8 Author's Night to Celebrate Reading Monday night at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO. Stop by for very fun night…
At a time when every American town is starting to look like every other American town, with the same clothing stores, coffee shops (ahem) and fast food chains, it's nice to know there's one that's still alive with a fierce independent sp…
I still remember so vividly the courageous story of Elizabeth Glaser, her children, and their own public fight with AIDS 20 years ago. She was the first person to reach out to Congress, in fact, on behalf of children afflicted with the d…
If you've seen our posts about our favorite subscription box gifts for moms ,, book subscription boxes for kids of all ages , and cool subscription gifts made for men and dads , you'll recognize that monthly subscriptions are all the rag…
If you're a NYC mom or mom-to-be, you'll want to clear your calendar one day this weekend for the New Parents Expo at Pier 92, hosted by our friends at New York Family Magazine. You'll find more than 100 exhibitors featuring the best bra…
When I first discovered Mommy Poppins I remember thinking, oh finally--a non-pretentious guide to all the best things to do around New York and the NYC area. There is rarely a week in which I fail to check the site to find free activitie…
Okay, show of hands: Who else gets ready for a fabulous trip by overloading a bunch of sandwich baggies with half-full sample bottles and hotel soaps? Um, me. Not exactly glamorous. Know what we be much more fitting? This pouch. "No matt…
On a recent trip to Prague, I fell in love with the town's infamous toy shops. Somehow, I managed to squeeze into my bag a set of 6" marionettes for my kids, along with a small puppet theater. Who would know it would turn out to be the b…
As far as licensed characters go, I am admittedly partial to Julius, the cartoon monkey from Paul Frank. My kids are partial to him too, but they call him Paul. So how could we resist a chance to get up close with him at a traveling part…
The idea of a family beach vacation usually conjures up images of crowded beaches, a muddy ocean, and food I will wish I hadn't eaten. Doesn't really sound like a vacation to me. So when Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo invi…
I'm heading out on our first European family vacation this summer (I know!) and, mom that I am, was already stressing out about the car seat situation. Just in time, I discovered the portable car booster seat Bubble Bum and have been doi…
Do you have any suggestions for fun, quiet and small toys for a looooong flight/travel day for a 2yo and a 4yo, both boys? Would love to hear your suggestions! Thanks! -Brave mama, Melissa. Crayons and blank paper, activity books, and co…
This weekend, I had the pleasure of taking my kids and some friends to one of the greatest circuses I'd ever been to. The one thing that made it different than any other--the performers were all kids. Before you roll your eyes and imagin…
We all know that any time you go on the road with kids , it's not really a vacation, it's a trip -- but that doesn't mean you can't pack in style. In fact, the right suitcase can really get you in the vacay state of mind. Even if you are…
My 4-year-old-any-second-now daughter is at the age where she's learned there's more to the world than just home, store, and school. She's asking about the places she can visit after a plane ride or two, and while most of them involve th…
Remember the Alamo? Not a problem--I can help because I'm still dreaming about it. I was lucky enough to hitch onto a press trip to San Antonio, Texas recently, as Cool Mom Picks aims to cover more fun and interesting travel options and …
When you think of foreign travel, Canada probably doesn't spring to mind. After all, we've got hockey, maple syrup, and a Francophile or two here in the United States, right? Well, yes. But as I discovered on a recent trip to Vancouver a…