09
May

All New Shutterfly Custom Path Photo Book *Giveaway*

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We’ve written previously about Shutterfly, and their new Custom Path for creating Photo Books takes the cake. We had an opportunity to test it out in beta creating an 8X8 “siblings” photo book. Although we can’t feature the book here since our kiddos pics are off limits, there are plenty of photo book samples on the website highlighting some of the new features such as an ability to move and place pictures and text anywhere you want on the page. No longer limited to preset templates, the sky’s the limit when it comes to photo book design with Custom Path. Utilizing Autofill which revolutionized photo book creation by automatically arranging photos by date into your book allow more time to get creative with stickers, borders and so many fun features.

My favorite feature, aside from Autofill, is the ability to use a photo as a page background. I added a picture with our two children standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom as the background to other Disney pics for what amounted to my favorite page in the book. Choose Custom Path, pick a book size and try it out for yourself to see how easy and fun saving memories into a Shutterfly Photo Book can be.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a 8X8 Shutterfly Photo Book by commeting on this post after subscribing to CBK via RSS or email. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the contest rules and prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 5/23/11.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips · Tagged With: ,
10
Mar

Pinhole Press: Top Pick for Photo Gifts *Giveaway*

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Any new parent understands the dilema of too many pictures and videos of their children. Always looking for ways to simplify, streamline and display some of our favorite pics, this new find delivers on every level. Pinhole Press will take your pictures and deliver a read-made display such as 12-inch Large Framed Photo Collage pictured. Other products intended for baby (but that can be modified as shown to include multiple children or other configurations) include calendars, day planners, photo books and more. Each can be personalized for a unique gift for loved ones. Our top pick is the “Love Notes” section which offers a variety of printed gift ideas including an adorable 8-photo Accordion Brag Book. For $39.99 the 1-Photo Annual Framed Calendar also makes our list of great giftideas. Look for Pinhole Press in Cool Baby Kid’s upcoming Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Their recently launched selection of babyproducts and unique offerings which include pre-printed gifts–frame and all–make Pinhole Press our newest Top Pick designee.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to a Pinhole Press framed collage ($39.99 value) after subscribing to CBK via RSS or email by commenting on this post. You must be a subscriber to win. For extra entries (separate comments for each):

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the contest rules and prize claim information. Expires 3/24/10.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Baby Picks, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With:
07
Feb

New All-Time Favorite Superbowl Commercial

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Just in case, like me, you were chasing a child around the house and did not catch the best Superbowl Commercial this year:

Cool Tip: Read the story behind the mask. Max Page, Age 6.

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14
Dec

Managing Photos: Kodak Gallery Photo Books

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If you’re like me once you had children managing photos and videos became somewhat of a challenge due to the sheer volume of both. I’ve devised a way to be sure pictures don’t get lost in my computer (or phone) that works well as long as I stay on top of the system. At the end of each year I put together a photo book of all of my favorite pics from that year. Ideally I try to update a folder with some favorite snapshots throughout the year, but typically after March or so my busy life interferes leaving me in December or January with hundreds to sort through.

This year I tried out a new program for creating a photo book, Kodak Gallery. Normally I choose a book based whoever is running a discount at the time I plan to order and have tried at least three different photo book companies. This was by far the least painful experience I’ve had thus far since Kodak uses SmartFit Technology. Simply put, your photos are automatically arranged by the order in which they are taken. Genius! So rather than having to sift through and choose pictures yourself, you can spend time on the fun stuff…choosing backgrounds, adding borders and captions and adjusting pictures.  The book arrived in a timely manner with excellent photo quality. I choose a medium book which starts at $19.99 but there all all different options, sizes and cover styles available.

Keep up with Kodak Gallery on Facebook and Twitter and order your own book or even grab one as a gift. Be sure to check out the order deadline dates on their main site or shop their gift guide if you’re still looking for holiday gift ideas too.

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 and exclusive discounts.

Cool Giveaway: With the end of the year approaching it’s your chance to create a 2010 Photo Book with Kodak. Enter to win a $75 gift card to do just that by commenting with your thoughts about the video above.  Follow Kodak Gallery on Facebook or Twitter as well as Cool Baby Kid on Facebook or Twitter for extra entries. Be sure to 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 claiminformation. Expires 12/28/10. U.S. Only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips · Tagged With: ,
06
Sep

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! on PBS Kids

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Although I tease my teacher colleagues about my discipline being the most important since Language Arts teaches us how to read, write and speak, I occasionally admit some of the others are important as well.  The science teacher on my team will argue his discipline tops them all and would love this new series on PBS Kids.  The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, which premieres today, September 6, 2010, teaches preschoolers about science and nature with some familiar friends like Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 and the fish. After viewing the first episode, we predict it will be a huge hit.

The cat  speaks in rhymes which is not only reminiscent of the books but also gives him an immediate appeal to young children. In true Dr. Seus fashion, the show is silly (think Thinga-ma-jigger as a mode of transportation) and fun with catchy tunes that your kids will be singing after one episode.  Main characters Sally and Nick are guided by the Cat in that Hat as they learn, for instance, about how honey is made.  (Hint: The secret ingredient is nectar.)  Teaming with Random House a TV book tie-in series will follow this fun show that is likely to become a favorite in homes of preschoolers nationwide.  With Sprout already added to our favorites list, we’re ready to add The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! to the ranks of Curious George and Sesame Street.  We hope you have as much fun with the show as we did;  you may even learn a thing or two as well.

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.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: ,
25
Jan

Little Lamb Design Mini-Valentine’s Cards for Kids {Giveaway}

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Cool Baby Kid’s *Top Picks* all have one thing in common… everyone and their brother and sister won’t have the exact same one. Unique is the word of the day, and Little Lamb Design doesn’t disappoint in that department. The personalization factor in their mini-Valentine’s Day cards ensure they are one-of-a-kind. We were given the Pirate Valentine’s Cards to check out which are signed by Captain and First Mate with our children’s names.

Printed front and back, Little Lamb Designs, who also have an extensive inventory of invitations, announcements, stationary, photo cards and even novelty items such as luggage tags and waterproof labels Originally created by a mother, the team at Little Lamb Designs has grown to include an array of personalized Valentine’s Day cards for kids with top quality designs.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win one set of Little Lamb Design cards (12) with envelops and shipping included by commenting on this post about your favorite Valentine’s Day theme. Contest ends 2/3/10.

Extra Entries: Find out how to earn an unlimited number of entries and read the contest rules and disclaimer.

Cool Code: Enter coupon code “CoolBabyKid” to receive 20% off any order on the website. Expires 2/28/10.

Filed Under: Discounts, Giveaways Galore, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
22
Dec

Picnick: Photo Editing Site With Tons of Bells & Whistles

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I was first introduced to Picnik at BlogHer this summer, though it was a few months before I had the chance to try it out. Looking for a fun way to spice up the Cool Baby Kid contributor page, I remembered seeing some cool things Picnik offered and decided to use two photo editing features: the Polaroid frame and Premium stickers. While most features are free, a Premium upgrade offers a wider range of possibilities. Letting each contributor choose their own sticker, the result is a snapshot of their personalities in a much better looking page than the plain old photos they replaced. With the ability to create before and after photos, effects and touch ups such as wrinkle remover and instant tan, Picnik is the easiest way I’ve found to edit photos. One warning, however. Set some time aside to play. Using Picnik is as fun as it is easy to use, and you’ll fix and spruce up more photos than you intended…guaranteed. Just while writing this review I couldn’t help using the cute new Christmas stickers and ended up with a Holly border on my Twitter profile pic.


Cool Tip: Check out even more tips for mom bloggers.


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29
Oct

Managing All Those Pictures & Videos: Problem Solved

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What is the biggest challenge for a new mom? Getting used to life without regular sleep? Nope. Figuring out when baby is hungry, whether they are too hot or too cold and countless other new considerations? Not for me. After two babies in two years, the biggest challenge for me continues to be managing all of the pictures and videos. Suddenly after my daughter was born I couldn’t put the camera down! Organizing them alone was a major chore. Do I separate them by week, month, season? After three years I’ve finally found a system that works which includes the following system:
  • After the first year, pictures and videos are organized by season, “Fall” or “Spring” for instance with pictures ion one folder and videos in another.
  • For special occasions, I use How Fast They Grow to scrapbook birthday, holidays and vacations. Each child has their own book.
  • Once a year a I order a picture book rather than attempting to manage hundred of prints.
  • Rather than having videos languish on the computer never to be seen, I create a Smilebox to showcase them along with some favorite pictures.
This way each child will have a scrapbook of major milestones, I have one book to showcase all of our pictures and videos can actually be seen as opposed to sitting on the computer. Smilebox is one of my favorite sites; just choose a theme and plug the videos (and pictures too) right in. Rather than spending time making layout decisions, Smilebox automatically sets it up for you…just pick an occasion and pop in the videos. From there you can play the Smilebox on your computer, share via email, or create a CD. My plan is to create CDs for each child that can be watched and later archived.


Follow Smilebox on Twitter and Facebook for updates and insider information. Also remember to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid for other cool tips and resources.




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