iPhone trick: How to mute text threads (but still get notifications for your other texts)
Lately I discovered how to mute text threads on my iPhone, and let me tell you, it's been a productivity game changer. Because as much as I love a raucous group chat once in a while, I don't accomplish much when I have notifications popping up on my phone and computer...
Relay: The screen-free smartphone alternative for kids who aren’t ready for the real thing | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from Relay So many parents want their kids to have the safety and security of a phone, and yet those kids aren't necessarily ready for all the responsibility and liability that comes with owning one. It's a major issue among parents, and...
Tonal is a home fitness system that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
This mama still has it going on in many ways, but let's face it: the 40s are here to stay. A brisk walk with the toddler in the stroller isn't cutting it as my daily workout anymore. So, when I heard about Tonal, a sleek, super-convenient, high-tech home fitness...
A Facebook feature you can use instead of adding “Following!” in the comments
You've probably seen the letter "F" in the comments of a Facebook post. Or perhaps you've typed the word "Following" yourself, because when you comment, you'll get notifications of other comments and get to follow along. However, there's a Facebook feature that makes...
The breast pump gets a thoroughly modern makeover in the discreet new Elvie pump
As a mom who's recently breastfed a child, I was pumped (heh) to hear about some new innovations arriving in the form of the Elvie breast pump. It comes from the makers of the revolutionary Kegel trainer (from all of us who've had babies, thank you for that!) and is...
Ears warm, music on. Take that, winter!
I realize it's not quite earmuff weather, but there's nothing wrong with being prepared, especially when it comes to winter. That's why I'm sharing these adorable earmuff headphones from UGG now, so you can be ready when that first cold snap hits. Related: Listen to...
What you need to know about the new YouTube Kids parental controls
We've been fans of the YouTube Kids app, but admittedly when so many questionable videos were making it onto their little eyeballs, we were waiting for them to make some updates to give parents more control over what their kids were seeing. And well, they did....
A new study says teens feel social media has an positive impact on their lives
Our friends over at Common Sense Media recently conducted a survey study of teens 13-17 years old, and we have to admit that the results are fascinating, and well, reassuring. If you have a tween or teen, it's worth taking the few minutes to read their summary, but if...
Beautiful hand-embroidered iPhone cases, just in time for fall
If you're looking to upgrade your iPhone's look for fall (yes, that's a thing I hear), may I suggest these beautiful Maria Maria hand-embroidered iPhone cases I spotted at Nordstrom? Related: These gorgeous iPhone cases are rock solid. Each case is made by a Mexican...
3 Apple accessories I can’t live without.
As an Apple family, we've seen various iterations of devices in our home over the years. And that means, different chargers, different ports, you get the idea. But that doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy a bunch of other cables and gadgets to accommodate the...
The Flo period app: Because yes, you really need one.
After experiencing all sorts of fun post-40 period symptoms, our friend Sarah James, from the Selfie Podcast, recommended the Flo app. Ironically, I'm a slow adopter to new apps; while I'm happy to try them and recommend them here, it takes a lot for me to continue...
Xbox launches their Adaptive Controller. Hooray for more inclusive gaming!
We were so pleased to hear that the Xbox Adaptive Controller that has been making the news over the last few months has finally launched. That means kids and adults with disabilities who aren't able to use current Xbox controller now have one that will hopefully work...
Tips & Tricks to Make Life (Way!) Easier
iPhone trick: How to mute text threads (but still get notifications for your other texts)
Lately I discovered how to mute text threads on my iPhone, and let me tell you, it's been a productivity game changer. Because as much as I love a raucous group chat once in a while, I don't accomplish much when I have notifications popping up on my phone and computer...
What you need to know about the new YouTube Kids parental controls
We've been fans of the YouTube Kids app, but admittedly when so many questionable videos were making it onto their little eyeballs, we were waiting for them to make some updates to give parents more control over what their kids were seeing. And well, they did....
Kids and digital footprints: 6 things kids should know to keep them safer online
Keeping our kids safe and healthy is our number one job as parents. And with so many of them using smartphones and other electronic devices, their online safety has become a huge part of that. At Cool Mom Tech, we have always provided parents with helpful advice and...
This fun supermarket app gives kids tons of delicious, imaginative play | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from Kinsane Entertainment Inc. If you've ever told your kids not to play with their food, well, now there's one way they totally can: Fruits vs Veggies Supermarket App for iOS and Android. This fun, safe, and simple interactive app...
The Gixo fitness app gives you live workouts, right on your phone.
A few days ago, our good friend Whitney Moss of 510 families mentioned she was trying out the Gixo app, so of course I had to take a peek, which led to me signing up myself. Turns out, it's a pretty cool app for someone like me who doesn't have the time, or the...
Why the notOK app is crucial for teens (and adults) struggling with depression
Have you ever typed up a message to a friend, asking them to send some good vibes your way because you're really struggling at the moment, only to delete it before sending? (Hand raised!) I don't know if it's the fear of vulnerability that holds me back, or the...
Kids and digital footprints: 6 things kids should know to keep them safer online
Keeping our kids safe and healthy is our number one job as parents. And with so many of them using smartphones and other electronic devices, their online safety has become a huge part of that. At Cool Mom Tech, we have always provided parents with helpful advice and...
Labor Day sales: 9 of our best tips for saving money when you shop online
If you plan on hitting up the Labor Day sales this weekend, our best advice: Do it online! While there are always some great deals in store, if you'd rather chill with the family, get in your last barbecue or beach day of August, I don't blame you at all. In fact,...
How installing USB charging outlets in your home makes charging so much faster | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from Leviton With so many gadgets filling up our households these days, families are always looking for quicker, more efficient ways to charge their devices. That's why so many parents are swapping out standard electrical outlets for USB...
5 free online parental controls you can put to use right now to keep kids safer.
As parents, we try to keep an eye on what our kids are doing online to help keep them safe, but we can't be over their shoulders all the time. Nor should we be! That's why we're always grateful for online parental controls of all kinds, and why we're so happy to share...
A clever Google Maps trick you’ll be very glad to know about if you travel
As I was prepping for our family vacation to Iceland, I found myself searching for information about cellular signals -- not so I can check my email while I'm gone, but so I can use Google Maps. While I found several posts that assured me my service provider's signal...
Back to the future: Turn your videos into 80s treasures with the VHS Camcorder app
Since my brother introduced me to the VHS Camcorder app (by Rarevision) I haven't been able to stop shooting videos. It makes everything look like it was taken with one of those gigunda 80s camcorders, complete with the date and time stamp, and static. Of course....
iPhone trick: How to lock and password-protect notes in your Notes app.
Raise your hand if you know how to lock your notes on the Notes app on your iPhone. And now...here's me not raising my hands.Honestly, I never even realized you could do it at all! So leave it to my 11-year-old daughter to show me a cool iPhone tip I hadn't ever...
Back to School Tech: Stylish laptop backpacks your teens will actually want to carry.
With my daughter starting high school this year (hold me!), carrying a laptop is one of her requirements, which means she needs a laptop backpack. But, um, have you looked at laptop backpacks? They're not necessarily the most stylish, and I get it. They're meant to...
Back to School Tech: The best apps to help you get organized, parents!
Every year, we put together a list of the best organizational apps for parents. Well this year, we've rounded up all our posts into one handy guide so you can access all of them at once. Bookmark this page, or start downloading these handy apps right now, before the...