energy saving Archives | Cool Mom Tech

5 smart ways to live greener without making major changes to your life. (As in, no turning your bathtub into a hydroponic garden.)

We are always looking for ways that we can live a greener lifestyle with our families, but trust us, we know how overwhelming it can be. As we’ve discovered over the years, it’s the small things that can really add up — in effort and attention...

Buh-bye ugly outlets, hello LivingPlug Inlets.

by Kate Etue | Art + Decor

Anyone who’s been through childproofing knows that outlet covers leave much to be desired. In fact, outlets in general leave a much to be desired. And so the makers of the LivingPlug’s INLET came up with a clever way to change that, as you might have...

9 of our favorite must-have tech innovations for redecorating projects

by Cool Mom Staff | Smart Appliances

If you’re redecorating, considering redecorating, or have even once had a vague dream about redecorating that you kind of remembered in the morning, it’s a pretty exciting time to roll up your sleeves get it done. Especially considering all the tech...

Buh-bye compact fluorescents: 3 remarkable light bulb innovations to save you money and energy

by Kate Etue | Smart Appliances

Wow, now here are three new light bulb innovations for the home that Thomas Edison never dreamed would exist. Mainly because he didn’t have a smart phone. Which he probably didn’t dream about either. Lumen TL800 First check out the Lumen TL800 (above)...

The safer, smarter future of light bulbs is here: The NanoLeaf LED light

by Liz Gumbinner | Green Tech

Everyone know knows the benefits of compact fluorescent light bulbs–longer burn time, less energy costs, more effeciency. But now with increasing concern about UV radiation and mercury emissions–especially when they break–and so I’m beyond...

Piquing Our Geek: Revolv Home Automation

by Julie | Smart Appliances

Our home needs some major upgrades, and with a brand new, super smart home automation system coming out this fall, I think I’m even more excited to get started. Because this? Very cool. Revolv is a Colorado-based tech company that’s developed an absolutely...

The Belkin WeMo Switch and Motion – Money saving, power saving, sanity saving

by Cool Mom Staff | Smart Appliances

There’s been so much buzz about the Belkin WeMo since its launch last year, and it’s not surprising: this genius eco-friendly device saves you money, electricity, and even a little sanity if, like me, you’re the type who panics that you left the...

Piquing Our Geek: An energy-generating soccer ball. Whoa.

by Jeana | Tech Toys and Random Fun

I’m always telling my kids that I wish I could harness their energy and put it to use around the house. While that kind of tech innovation may be years away, I just came across the unlikeliest of objects that is taking that very idea and using it to power...

Piquing Our Geek: Cool off with your smartphone

by Delilah S. Dawson | Smart Appliances

Just when we’re getting used to the idea that your smartphones can control your sound system, Friedrich has now invented a space-age air conditioner that you can control remotely with your smartphone, computer, or tablet. Pretty cool, right? From Belkin’s...

Rock out with your Plug Out

by Cool Mom Staff | Home Office

I do my best to remember to unplug my appliances, but boy does those cords wreak havoc on my counters. That’s why I’m tempted to snatch up one of these handy little gadgets for every outlet in my house. The Plug Out outlet organizer is simple, brilliant...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.