Earlier this summer we threw a Princess and the Frog birthday party for our daughter. Having named her doll Latti and looking forward to an upcoming Disney trip, the birthday girl is almost as tight with Tiana as Sleeping Beauty, her #1 favorite princess.  Luckily, just before the party, I traveled to New Orleans for the first time and fell in love with it. Bringing home Mardi Gras beads and pralines for favors, we decorated with a Princess and the Frog Deluxe Party Kit from Amazon (affiliate link), balloons and beads, and were even able to find a local bakery specializing in beignets.  Her Princess and the Frog birthday party was a success.

Looking for thank you notes to coordinate with the green and purple theme, we found these 3×5 cards from Shutterfly with “Merci” on the front cover, perfect for a New Orleans-themed party. They were also just the right size for a few sentence, personalized thank you note; we were still able to customize them a party picture on the front cover.  The simple yet colorful designs, low price point, and photo customization option make them perfect thank you cards.  Printed on premium, eco-friendly card stock, they come in sets of 12 and 25.  Having ordered from Shutterfly for years, I knew they would arrive quickly and within two weeks post- party, thank you notes were mailed and delivered. Merci Shutterfly!

Cool Giveaway:  Enter to win a 12 pack of Shutterfly’s new 3X5 personalized cards by visiting the site and commenting back here with your favorite design.  Expires October 8, 2010.

Extra Entries: Follow Cool Baby Kid on Twitter and Facebook for extra entries; leave a separate comment for each. Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win and be sure to read the contest rules and prize claim information.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for additional giveaways exclusive discounts and giveaways.

At the Time to Play event last Spring, we were introduced to a unique product that recently our family had the opportunity to try first hand.  Paper Jamz by WowWee turns ordinary kids (and their parents) into an instant rock stars.  Without strings or chords, the lightweight guitar allows users to “strum” their fingers across the board as if they were playing an actual guitar.  For novices, the “Perfect Play” option allows you to strum along perfectly to the music while more adventurous players can actually create the rhythm or actual chords.  ”Karaoke” lets you play along to included songs such as “Hey There Delilah,” our personal favorite.  The kids love to rock out, but try as we might we couldn’t get a video from behind with all their dancing, so check out the commercial…you have to see this in action.

Paper Jamz guitars can entertain just about any age.  And if your family has ever wanted to become its own rock band, check out Paper Jamz Drums, add an amplifier and really rock out while our family hangs out on the Karaoke mode for now.

Cool Giveaway:  Enter to win one a Paper Jamz guitar by visiting their site and choosing your favorite guitar style.  Expires 9/15/10. US Residents Only.

Extra Entries: Follow Cool Baby Kid on Twitter and Facebook for extra entries; leave a separate comment for each. Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win and be sure to read the contest rules and prize claim information.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for additional giveaways exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Though much of the conference talk in the past weeks has centered on BlogHer 2010, in July Cool Baby Kid attended Bloggers on Bourbon which was sponsored by some cool companies and hosted my MomDot.  My favorite product from Bloggers on Bourbon is the Montenegro Method DVD pack.  Touting 21 Minutes, 21 Days I couldn’t resist adding to my regular workout schedule of Zumba and running and couldn’t be happier with the high-intensity, low time commitment workouts. Read more about the Montenegro Method on Potty to Weight Training. Now that I’ve had a chance to check them out, here’s a roundup of my other favorite products:

• I actually won a gift set of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! DVDs and one has become a favorite in our house: Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Pirate Treasure.  With both kids prepared to transform into pirates this Halloween, it has become a popular theme and as usual Wow! Wow! is a favorite at home and on the go.

• Loopz is an electronic memory game that uses lights and sound to engage users in seven different games from “Repeat the Beat” to “Freestyle DJ.”  We’ve enjoyed Loopz competitions among kids and adults alike. Follow on Twitter and Facebook.

• We all know portion sizes are ket to weight management so the EatSmart™ Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale has come in handy more than once.  Purchase through our Amazon affiliate link above for just $25 on sale.

• The Countrytime Lemonade was a yummy change from the usual fruit juice, and we love their partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

• Are we the only family who did not know about Kidz Bop?  We received a Kidz Bop 18 and the little ones have been dancing to a kids version of “Single Ladies” for weeks now. LOVE it.

• Personally the Breyer’s Smooth & Dreamy Bars coupon was one of my favorites since these work well with my own weight loss goals.  Read more about our fitness quest on From Potty Training to Weight Training.

Disclosure: We received sample products for review purpose and attended events sponsored by companies; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for more reviews and giveaways.

“Back to school” is the phrase of the moment and indeed once again the air is turning brisk, a few leaves have even fallen from the trees and school buses are revving their engines.  My own daughter is heading to school for the first time as I find my role evolving from teacher to parent.  Back to school shopping commenced weeks ago with Smart Girls Rule from Gymboree the outfit of choice for day one and Pottery Barn’s Mackenzie Backpack in Chocolate Butterfly winning the great backpack search.  Playmobil’s Furnished School Building is our Back to School product pick. (Follow on Facebook & Twitter.)

As a teacher, back to school means a new group of students and an exciting beginning. Waking up in the middle of the night before the big day, even most veteran teachers admit to butterflies in those first moments when a new class enters the room. Putting ourselves in the shoes of those who enter to learn (and to socialize, doodle, daydream), we are able to understand that the first day and even weeks of a new school year are filled with anticipation, trepidation and excitement.  It is the time to put aside pre-conceived notions of teacher or student reputations, a tabula rasa as the class and teacher learn new procedures and personalities together.

As a parent and teacher the new school year is an exciting time, my favorite in many respects, with the promise of learning filling the air.  Good luck to all new students, from preschool to college, as the 2010-2011 school year commences.

Speaking of Back to School, we would like to extend a big thank you to Avery, the only school and office supply manufacturer that participates in Box Tops for Education, who recognizes teachers everywhere with a campaign called Avery Celebrates Teachers. They are giving away one (1) grand prize package, which includes a goodie bag of Avery products valued at $500: a SpaFinder gift card valued at $350; and a Starbucks gift card valued at $150.  I’ve entered myself and invite all teachers, aides and administrators to do the same.  View the complete rules; contest closed September 15, 2010.

Cool Giveaway: Not a teacher?  No worries! Cool Baby Kid partnered with Avery to offer a chance to win a gift basket full of Avery Dennison school and office supplies such as Avery NoteTabs™, Label Pads, HI-LITERS®, Glue Stics, Labels, Binders, Dividers, Markers and more (pictured above, $50 retail value).  To enter visit http://www.avery.com and comment back here with one school supply you spot.  Expires 9/10/10.

Extra Entries: Follow Cool Baby Kid on Twitter and Facebook for extra entries; leave a separate comment for each. Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win and be sure to read the contest rules and prize claim information.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided by Avery at the Social Luxe Lounge, BlogHer 2010 conference; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for additional giveaways exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Swag? What swag? I hardly noticed.  But I’m happy to share the few things that did stand over the course of four days and seemingly endless parties, though you won’t catch me complaining.  One of our favorite events, Getting Gorgeous (@getgorgeous) hosted by the lovely Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeny,  introduced their guests to Miraclebody Jeans which really do make you look 10 lbs. thinner.  Bridgette and I went for the Denim Leggings, and I personally could not have been happier with the results.

Speaking of Getting Gorgeous, not only did we get our hair styled, but Remington sent all guests home with their Wet2Straight flat iron which I’ve used twice in the last week.  It’s every mom’s dream styler since it heats up so quickly with an extremely affordable price ($34.99).

Also at Getting Gorgeous (are we seeing a pattern?) we received another fav product which I installed almost immediately upon arriving home–the PowerMat. The mat eliminates unsightly cords since you can place multiple items on it to charge at once.  It supports all kinds of power systems, though we currently have iPhones charging.  With a received you can simply place the phone on the mat to start charging, though we use a powercube and dock rather than a receiver. Sounds confusing? Here is a description of how PowerMat works. Neat technology, but I just like less cords.

Please don’t gasp, but aside from the Zip-Around wallet I use every day after receiving as a Christmas gift, I don’t own a Vera Bradley bag.  While I’m at it, I don’t eat seafood or drink coffee all of which make me feel apart from some cool gang.  But while others go ga ga over each new design, I watched the Vera trend from the sidelines until now.  Thanks to Product Review Place I am the proud owner of a Signature Vera bag. Finally.

Another neat product we received was a Measure Up Solutions bowl that includes measurements printed on the side of the bowl for portion control, perfect for Weight Watchers too.  Follow on Twitter and Facebook.

The Organization of Moms by Avery is helping moms get organized, and we loved the Pocket Tabs given at the Social Luxe Lounge party.  Always a BlogHer favorite, the SocialLuxe ladies outdo themselves each year, and NYC was certainly no exception!

What about the kids?  Have no fear…we didn’t forget about the little ones.  One of our first stops was to American Girl in NYC where I purchased a Back to School Corduroy Set for the Bitty Twins for my daughter’s first day of preschool.  This was my first visit to the store, and I didn’t want to leave.  Impressive.

As I knew it would be as soon as Mr. Potato Head popped his head up from the BlogHer bag on Day 1, Hasbro‘s classic toy is currently sitting on our kitchen table with his tongue in his ear.  Though I’m not sure why we never purchased him before now, I have a feeling his lovely wife will be joining our family in the near future.

Finally, at Sweets in the City, we received a very stylish Moxi Teenz doll that my daughter  thinks is pretty neat.  You can follow the girls on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their latest fashion trends.

Cool Coupon: Enter Code “TakeTen” at checkout for 10% off all Miracel Body Jeans as well as FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURNS for a limited time.  (Offer valid on purchase from 8/15 to 9/15 only.)

Disclosure: I attended events sponsored by each company where a sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer andfrequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for more reviews and giveaways.

Cool Baby Kid editor by day, Double Duty Diva moderator by night. You may have heard about the network Bridgette (Experimental Mommy) and I run with help from Renee (What Mommies Need).  There are so many fantastic blogs in our network, and Twitter is a great place to connect with other Divas. I’m happy to introduce some of my fellow Diva bloggers in this Twitter-only giveaway.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card just by following some of the Double Duty Divas on twitter.  Follow participating Divas with just one click, then comment back here with “I’m following the Divas!”  Also list the name of one blog that is included in that TweepML link. Deadline 9/3/10.  There are no additional entry possibilities for this contest.

Thank you to all of Cool Baby Kid’s Charitable Sponsors who donated directly to a children’s charity in order to advertise on our site.  You can find each of these companies under “Charitable Sponsors” on the right sidebar.  100% of proceeds are donated.

Storkie Express: Our newest charitable sponsor who kindly donated to St. Jude’s Research Center, one of our all time favorite children charities.  Storkie is a fantastic resource for your upcoming photo Christmas cards.

Sum-Bo-Shine:  A longtime charitable sponsor partner, Sum-Bo-Shine knows how to take care of kids and babies with a line of organic products for both…and mom too.

Baby Gifts and Gift Baskets: Need a baby gift? Look no further for baby gift baskets, diaper cakes and clothing for new additions. Personalize your gift and search by type, occasion and more. Thanks for your children’s charity donation!

BeauCoup: Baby shower and birthday party favors are the speciality of this charitable sponsor who offers unique favors we haven’t seen anywhere else.

Learn more about Cool Baby Kid Charitable Sponsorships, why we began this unique program and how you can give back too.