Around the Table Games: Fun for the Family {Giveaway}

Around the Table Games is a company that was designed by an occupational therapist. They provide all different games that can encourage kids to talk on many different levels. Family Talk 2 and Buddy Talk are the ones that I reviewed. Each game has 50 cards placed on a convient key ring. This exciting game can be taken anywhere! Family Talk would be a superb game for family parties or reunions! Family Talk asks the following questions: What is your favorite thing to do in the summer? Is it ever okay to lie? Name all of the pets you have ever had? Buddy Talk asks the following: "What sports do you play? What is your favorite song?" This company has won many awards including the 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award and Creative Child Magazine's "Game of the Year." You'll love most the non-stop conversation with family and friends! Around the Table games are definately a Cool Baby Kid recommended activity.

Reviewed by Alicia Kelly, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Enter to win either Camp Talk, Teen Talk or Buddy Talk by either joining them on either Facebook or Twitter. Click here to read the contest rules and find out how to increase your chances of winning with extra entry possibilities. Ends 8/14/09.

Hot Picks from Haute Mamas {July Edition}

For this second edition of Hot Picks (here is the June Edition in case you missed it) from some of our favorite blogs around the web, read everything from tips for companies and PR on how on dealing with mom bloggers to reviews on Britax car seats and Orek vacuum cleaners. Taking a break from cool product picks, we thought it would be fun each month to share cool blogs and articles instead...enjoy!

Britax Advocate CS with Side Impact Protection, Erin @ The Mom Buzz

My New Found Love: Bamboo, Ellen @ Thrifty & Chic Mom

Chicco Liteway Stroller from Lone Star Baby and Kid, Bridgette @ The Not-So-Blog

A Challenge For Walt Disney World, Do Better!, Lee @ MySentimentExactLee

Tips & Tricks for Dealing With Mom Bloggers,Victoria@ Life Starring the Kids & Me

Cutting the Cord, Sarah @ The Ohana Mama

Oreck Halo - The Must Have Vacuum, Susan @ Life In A House Of Blue

DVD Picks: New from Thomas the Train & Barney {Giveaway}

Thomas the Train: Hop on Board Songs and Stories DVD/CD

Thomas the Train DVD and CD set is fabulous. The DVD is a collection of stories with the songs playing throughout the DVD. My son danced, and cheered to each song and enjoyed the stories. He asks for it by name and learns colors and numbers throughout the DVD. The DVD is great but you also get a Thomas the Train CD. This made car rides enjoyable for my 18 month old son as well as my husband and myself. We wouldn't be able to take long car rides without it. I strongly recommend this product which is why we're giving it *Top Pick* status!

Thomas the Train reviewed by Debby, Cool Baby Kid Contributor


Sing & Dance with Barney-- DVD & Music Set

I wanted to review a Barney DVD for one reason...neither my kids nor I have even watched Barney. Shocking as it may seem, I associate Barney with my little sister (now in law school) who was a Barney fanatic when she was little. "I love you, you love me" was stuck in my head for more years than I cared to remember. Fast forward 15 years. We popped in the "Sign & Dance with Barney" DVD and my daughter already knew some of the some from the sitter. She and my son (15 months) couldn't get enough. Grudingly I realized why Barney has been a hit for so long; the songs were fun and catchy and now "You Can Count on Me" is one of our favorite songs to sing. With renditions of classics like "If You're Happy and You Know It" and some originals too, this is actually a perfect DVD and music CD for any kid (and parent too) who likes to sign and dance as we do nearly every day.

Reviewed by Barney Convert, CBK Editor Cecelia

Enter to win Barney Book Fair DVD + storybook and Percy and the Bandstand from Thomas & Friends by visiting Barney.com and leaving a comment here about either DVD, something you learned from the website. Click here to read the contest rules and find out how to increase your chances of winning. Ends 8/12/09.

Bumbleride Flyer: Now THAT'S a Stroller {Top Pick}

I have to admit something. When I first found out I was pregnant I was obsessed with finding the perfect stroller. There was just so many to choose from and so many choices. They seemed to range from a few dollars to well over a thousand and looked so different with many different options. I didn’t know where to start which led to my husband and me spending our Saturday afternoons in baby stores trying them out, comparing them and even asking strangers on the street what they were using I read books and blogs and FINALLY found one that seemed to have it all. In fact, when I took it out of the box my husband’s first words were “Now that’s a stroller." The Bumbleride Flyer was exactly what we were looking for. It reclined fully, had a reversible handle so I could either have my baby face me or the rest of the world, it has a bumper bar, is easy to fold up and is one of the best looking strollers I’ve seen without the price tag usually associated with a stroller like this.

We decided we wanted something bright but gender neutral and went with the color spice which we weren’t disappointed with. This stroller lived up to every expectation we had and we’re so happy all of our research paid off. Additionally, the company thought of everything when coming up with the accessories. There is a cover for your car seat to match the stroller, a matching diaper bag, a foot muff, and my favorite, the snack pack. This is actually going to be my next purchase. We receive compliments on this stroller every time we use it and I can’t recommend it enough. That’s why the Bumbleride Flyer makes it into one of our top picks for both mom and baby.

Reviewed by Adrienne, Baby Kid Contributor


Editor's Note: Want to see Bumbleride in action? Check out the videos on their site or email me for Adrienne's address and you can visit her to see it in person!

BlogHer 2009 Recap: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

There's really no ugly, though the BlogHer conference was a bit different than I expected. My only frame of reference for conferences are educational ones; BlogHer and a National Council of Teachers of English conferences have about as much in common as Dora the Explorer and Madonna. I was taken aback by the amount of swag, certainly more than the pens and stickie pads I'm used to receiving at conferences. There were also many private parties, from Nokia to a Tide luncheon, and being on the outside of invites was not an entirely pleasant experience. Having a buddy with the same agenda as my own may have helped. I was also surprised and disappointed to discover that some bloggers were rather presumptuous.

On the other hand, BlogHer was everything I hoped it would be and more. Though I couldn't help but wonder why companies were giving bloggers so much STUFF, I will not pretend that acquiring a Kodak videocamera, pair of Croc flip flops or Gap clothing was anything short of fun. And meeting other bloggers I work with regularly such as Victoria, Life Starring the Kids & Me, Bridget from The Not So Blog's Experimental Mommy or Sara, Ohana Mama, as well as new friends such as Renee from What Mommies Need was a wonderful experience. I took from the sessions practical tips such as the answer to, "What is the best social media for part-time bloggers" and was even able to connect with a new genre of bloggers as I begin the venture From Potty Training to Weight Training. And while I may not have been invited to all of the exclusive parties, a few unique opportunities were offered to me thanks to Corky & Co. and ShooShoos who enabled me to attend the conference.

My first BlogHer was an opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones, learn about blogging and promote companies I love. As for next year...if I'm still blogging away, can get sponsors and convince a friend to be my blogging buddy in the Big Apple, I'll be there!

Pumpin Pal: Breastfeeding? Liberate Yourself! {+ Giveaway}

As mom’s we always want to do what is best for our little ones. That is why I decided to breastfeed both of my children. When I went back to work with my daughter, who is now 19 months, I would pump on the floor of a closet. I would sit there for at least 15 minutes holding the shields on with nothing to do but stare at the wall. If I would have known about Pumpin’ Pal hands free pumping line with my daughter it would have made my pumping experience that much nicer and more comfortable. Pumpin’ Pal offers a variety of products for woman who are nursing their children and pumping. They recognizes that every woman’s breast is different and therefore offers the Super Shield in a variety of sizes. They come in medium, large or extra large for those gifted women like myself.

I was always looking for a way to pump and still be able to do something with my hands. My prayers have been answered. With the Pumpin’ Pal Hands-Free Strap I sit and pump while channel surfing, reading a book, eating a snack or reading a book to my daughter which also keeps me from pulling my hair out since she gets into everything when my hands are tied up. I wish I had the Hands-Free Strap when I was pumping with my daughter because I may have nursed her longer. Now with my son I need all of the extra hands I can get and Pumpin’ Pal Hands-Free Strap allows me that availability.

Pumpin’ Pal also offers a Pocket Guide to Breastfeeding and an Air-Dry Accessory Bag. The Pocket Guide to Breastfeeding offers all of the information that a nursing mom would need from choosing a breast pump to tips to returning to work. The Air-Dry Accessory Bag allows your freshly washed pumping parts to dry and it is a great place to store them. As a mother of two beautiful children it was always my goal to give them the best possible start to life outside of the womb that I protected them in for 9 months. I always knew I wanted to nurse but pumping was less then desirable because of how restrictive it was. Pumpin’ Pal has finally given me the freedom I was looking for.

Reviewed by Karen, Baby Kid Contributor

*Editor's note: I also wish I knew about Pumpin Pals while breastfeeding at work; it would have made things much easier! Also, because Karen loved Pumpin Pal so much, we're adding them to Cool Baby Kid's list of *Top Picks*.

Enter to win the All In One Kit which has all three sizes of Super Shields plus all of the accessories you need for more comfortable and effective breast pumping. To enter, visit their site and comment back here with one thing you learned about the company. Click here to read the contest rules and find out how to increase your chances of winning. Ends 8/10/09.

And the *Top Picks* Giveaway Winner Is...

Anne Molino! You've won over $900 in mom, baby and kid products. We compiled the Twitter & email entries using random.org to pick a number. Your Frankie & Daisy swimsuit comment (#31 via email) was a winner! Please contact mecca2425 (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize.

RANDOM.ORG PICKER

Here are your random numbers:

31 

Timestamp: 2009-07-26 14:00:58 UTC

YOUR WINNING COMMENT

I love the FRANKIE & DAISY Fuschia Mums Swimsuit By Corky and Company design the most!! I'm Registered!! -Anne

*Top Picks* Prizes

Corky & Co.: Gift Certificate for kidscoats.com or kidsswimwear.com ($150 Value)

ShooShoos: Four pair of baby or toddler shoes of the winner's choice ($100 Value)

Doodlebug Dezigns: 25 free photo announcements, includes shipping ($50 Value)

Custom Made for Kids: Gift certificate for one personalized book "The First Adventures of Incredible You" ($40 Value) Includes shipping to U.S. or Canada and any applicable taxes

Exergen Corporation: Exergen TemporalScanner Thermometer ($35 Value)

Putumayo Kids: New European Playground CD ($15 Value)

Clouds & Stars: Starter Set & Mattress Pad ($70 Value)

Scholastic: Two Storybook Treasures DVD Set (4 DVDs each) "Fairytales" and "Dinosaurs and "Monsters and More" ($120 Value)

Rock & Rattle: New Pearls 'n' Bow dress for toddlers ($35 Value)

PinkBowtique: Selection of best selling baby headbands and hats ($100 Value)

Playskool: Kota & Pals adorable Hatchlings dinosaurs toy ($17 Value)

Available at major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com and www.Playskool.com.

Bebeclaire: Large Scrollwork Silver Pendant with Turquoise Necklace ($75 Value)

Sarah Chloe Jewelry & Accessories: Gold Plated Layered Initial Necklace with up to 4 charms ($50 Value)

Polliwalks: Winner's choice of shoes ($30 Value )

TutuLegz: Choice of Tutu Legz & Matching Top ($60 Value)

Thanks for entering the *Top Picks* giveaway and for reading Cool Baby Kid!

When & How of Social Media: Favorite BlogHer Session {& Last *Top Picks* Giveaway Entry Option}

My favorite session at BlogHer was lead by a panel of social media experts. The advice was real, to the point, and extremely helpful. Here are some of the highlights:

Key Points:

* Know where your audience is coming from to better your blog.
* Be smart about which content to send so you're not spamming.

StumbleUpon is very random; it learns your habits as you continue to use it. You can use your profile to attract traffic back to you. Don't stumble your own content often. Use tags correctly so others can stumble you.
For newbies to social media, have a conversation first with people and worry about a strategy later. Don't just feed and let your
content hang out there. Converse.

For the most traffic submit to:

Twitter:
Facebook:
Friend Feed
Kirtsy
Digg: Good for more technical articles.

*Keep in mind, the content attracts certain demographics. What are readers interested in and where do they go on your site? Look at the most popular posts and go from there.

Google Alerts

Check your Ego Feed, aka Google Alert, to find out who is talking about you and where they are linking. Alternatively, writing about sites may be a good way to
get noticed by them. You can also use Google Alerts to track competitors.

Google search for social submission tracking: track your name, keywords etc.

My question to the panel was, "If you had 15 minutes a day for social media what would you do?" The answer was concrete and my favorite tip of the conference:

• Twitter, 1 link, talk to 5 people
• Kirtsy, 1 link
• Stumble Upon, 1 link

Giveaways & Social Media

While StumbleUpon frowns on Stumbling giveaways, other social media such as Twitter are OK. Know the terms and conditions of the sites you are submitting your giveaways to.


Visit any *Top Picks* prize sponsor and either tweet your favorite product @coolbabykid using #toppicks and #BlogHer09 OR send an email with "Final Entry" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com.

Remember you must be already registered to win the *Top Picks* Giveaway prize pack. Additional entry options will be posted today and tomorrow on Cool Baby Kid and @coolbabykid so keep following!

Friday Morning Keynote & *Top Picks* GiIveaway Option #7

Topic: Traditional Media Chops Meet a New Media Challenge

There's a shift happening from print to online.

Advertisers are still looking for ways to reach women and are looking to build relationships with readers.

New models are being looked at such as pay per click etc. which is more of a challenge to partner with the right advertisers to readers and advertisers both benefit. (Our note: CBK is looking to partner with the an ad network but hasn't found one that is a perfect fit with the site. I was hoping there would be some here at BlogHer to speak with in person.)

Even the "big guns" accept monetary compensation for advertorials when they are clearly labeled "sponsored" which is very interesting.

"We've moved into an era of citizen journalism." Even smaller blogs have relationships with readers that is appealing to advertisers. The challenge is how to reach the advertisers and put together a package that is compelling for an advertiser.

*Most interesting thing I learned this morning...there is "power in numbers" and a small group a bloggers that can band together can have a larger reach (a.k.a impact). Hmmm.....

Visit Cool Baby Kid BlogHer 09 sponsors Corky & Company and Shooshoos. I'm proud to promote both as two of my favorite kid's companies of all time!


Visit CBK prize sponsor Polliwalks and pick out your favorite pair. Then either tweet your choice to @coolbabykid and @polliwalks using #toppicks and #BlogHer09 OR send an email with "Polliwalks" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com.

Remember you must be already registered to win the *Top Picks* Giveaway prize pack. Additional entry options will be posted today and tomorrow on Cool Baby Kid and @coolbabykid so keep following!

BlogHer 2009: Blogging & Branding {*Top Picks* Giveaway}

Conference Update...

I attended an interesting session this afternoon on blogging and branding. Some tough questions were raised about bloggers, advertising, reviewing and more. Here are some highlights:

Julie, Cool Mom Picks offers some advice on blogging: 1. Know your passions and blog about that. 2. Be specific. Find a niche and write in it. 3. Turn "stuff" down. (PG Paraphrasing)

Panel Question: What do you want to be known for? Cool Baby Kid wants to be known for quick, easy to read tips on products for new moms, the best

Panel Question: Do you review something you don't like? We do not. My mother always said "if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." If we receive something we don't like, our policy is to return it to the company.

How to work with brands (from a PR viewpoint):

• Blog with integrity, tell the truth, have a great relationship with your readers.
• No payment for reviews is a general concensus
• Brans should pick the right bloggers and do their research as well.

*Top Picks* Entry Option #5

Visit CBK prize sponsor Doodlebug Dezigns and pick out your favorite birth announcement design. Then either tweet your favorite suit choice @coolbabykid, @doodlebugdezign using #toppicks and #BlogHer09 OR send an email with "Doodlebug Dezigns" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com.

Remember you must be already registered to win the *Top Picks* Giveaway prize pack. Additional entry options will be posted today and tomorrow on Cool Baby Kid and @coolbabykid so keep following!

Thank you Cool Baby Kid BlogHer 09 sponsors Corky & Company and Shooshoos. I'm sponsored by these companies because they are truly two of my favorite kids' companies; my own children use and love both, and I'm happy to be spreading the word here at BlogHer.

BlogHer 09: Morning Session Update & 3rd *Top Picks* Entry

Keynote, BlogHer 2009

• 85% of women decide on purchases based on blog feedback
• 80% of bloggers are active online either daily or 2-3 times each week
• 85% of women made decisions based on blog feedback, up from 63% last year
• BlogHer 2010 will be held in New York City!!!!!!!

1st Session, Finding Your Flock, Mommyblogging

• Review bloggers vs. non-review bloggers, an unexplored topic. Though it was barely touched on I would have liked the chance to speak on this one. I came into blogging before knowing what blogging was really about, before knowing companies wanted to "partner" with bloggers, and before "review blogging" was coined. My goal was to share my cool picks (always loved to researcha and shop) with friends and the blog grew a life of its own from there. I also love to write (every English teacher does I think) and the two turned into a great hobby for me. So do I apoligize for being a review blogger-- NO!!!!!!!
  

There's over $900 in our *Top Picks* giveaway prize pack up for grabs.

Are you registered? If so, here's a third entry option:

Visit CBK sponsor Sherpani whose Laptop Bag (Flite) I'm sporting at BlogHer and pick out the design you love most. Then either tweet your favorite suit choice @coolbabykid, @sherpani using #toppicks and #BlogHer09 OR send an email with "Sherpani" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com.

Remember you must be already registered to win the *Top Picks* Giveaway prize pack. Additional entry options will be posted today and tomorrow on Cool Baby Kid and @coolbabykid so keep following!

BlogHer Update: First *Top Picks* Entry Option

Just one day in Chicago and already meeting some of the coolest ladies in the blogosphere. Victoria, Life Starring The Kids & Me and Jackie, Blessings Abound Mommy and I got all dressed up for the Social Luxe lounge party last night (pictured). I'm looking forward to getting to the sessions today and really getting my hands dirty. In the meantime, here's your first *Top Picks* giveaway entry option:

Visit CBK sponsor Kidsswimwear.com who has the cutest kids swimsuits ever and pick out the design you love most. Then either tweet your favorite suit choice @coolbabykid, @kidscoats using #toppicks and #BlogHer09 OR send an email with "Kidsswimwear" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com.

Remember you must be already registered to win the *Top Picks* Giveaway prize pack. Additional entry options will be posted today and tomorrow on Cool Baby Kid and @coolbabykid so keep following!

Sherpani Laptop Bag in Tow, Off to BlogHer I Go! {Coupon}

Check out the newest addition to "What We Love Right Now" on the left sidebar. Look familiar? It's my favorite accessory for the big BlogHer conference (pictured), the same conference allowing us to give over $900 in products to one lucky Top Picks Giveaway winner this Sunday.

Word on the street is that carrying a laptop around gets old quick at this (or any other) conference; finding a cool, stylish wheeled laptop case was no easy task. Ready to give up I asked for suggestions on Twitter and was introduced to Sherpani. Lucky me! I not only found exactly what I was looking for in the Flite wheeled travel briefcase, but I also found a new favorite company too. Sherpani is a young, Colorado based company which caters to women with their feminine styles evidenced by the whimsical floral pattern which lines the Flite briefcase. Other cool features include plenty of store space for items large and small, a padded laptop pouch and a removable should strap all made with 67% recycyled materials.

Their company philosophy, use of recycled material, beautifully designed website and superbbaby carriers and messanger style diaper bag. Need to focus on a few pieces? Check out my "wish list" below.

• Hemisphere in Palm (Luggage Collection)
• Flora Major in Palm (Sports Collection)
  
• Laurel in Pebble (Natural Collection)

Hubby, I'm forwarding you this post for a reason. Colors are included. Use the coupon.

Not heading to BlogHer? No worries. Use the exclusive conference code "coolbabykid" for 15% off your Sherpani purchase. If you are attending, find me for some cool Sherpani materials too!

Find gifts for under $35 and follow Sherpani on Twitter and Facebook.

*Top Picks* Prize Pack Giveaway: Gearing Up for BlogHer

This is the big one. Over $900 in baby & kid prizes all for one winner! To get ready for the big BlogHer conference July 22-24 in Chicago, we wanted to offer our biggest giveaway to date. And what could be better than a collection of our top picks all for one lucky person. Keep the prizes...give them to friends and family...it's up to you. Learn more about each of these great items by checking out the reviews below.

Remember to visit the sites of the prize sponsors we love who each received our *Top Picks* Seal of Approval. Many arr also included in our Ultimate Baby Gift Guide and Ultimate Personalized Gift Guide so be sure to check those out if you have a chance. Cool Baby Kid is always giving away something cool, though this one takes the cake!

*Top Picks* Prizes

Corky & Co.: Gift Certificate for kidscoats.com or kidsswimwear.com ($150 Value)

ShooShoos: Four pair of baby or toddler shoes of the winner's choice ($100 Value)

Doodlebug Dezigns: 25 free photo announcements, includes shipping ($50 Value)

Custom Made for Kids: Gift certificate for one personalized book "The First Adventures of Incredible You" ($40 Value) Includes shipping to U.S. or Canada and any applicable taxes

Exergen Corporation: Exergen TemporalScanner Thermometer ($35 Value)

Putumayo Kids: New European Playground CD ($15 Value)

Clouds & Stars: Starter Set & Mattress Pad ($70 Value)

Scholastic: Two Storybook Treasures DVD Set (4 DVDs each) "Fairytales" and "Dinosaurs and "Monsters and More" ($120 Value)

Rock & Rattle: New Pearls 'n' Bow dress for toddlers ($35 Value)

PinkBowtique: Selection of best selling baby headbands and hats ($100 Value)

Playskool: Kota & Pals adorable Hatchlings dinosaurs toy ($17 Value)

Available at major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com and www.Playskool.com.

Bebeclaire: Large Scrollwork Silver Pendant with Turquoise Necklace ($75 Value)

Sarah Chloe Jewelry & Accessories: Gold Plated Layered Initial Necklace with up to 4 charms ($50 Value)

Polliwalks: Winner's choice of shoes ($30 Value )

TutuLegz: Choice of Tutu Legz & Matching Top ($60 Value)

How to Enter the *Top Picks* Giveaway:

1. Register as a entrant by tweeting this contest (copy below) prior to the start of BlogHer, July 22nd. Then comment on this post saying "I tweeted."

Tweet: Over $900 in prizes, 1 winner @coolbabykid in a #TopPicks Prize Pack Giveaway. @kidscoats, @ShooShoos & more! http://bit.ly/BPcn2 #BlogHer

Not a blogger? Send a message with "Register Me" in the subject line to toppicksgiveaway (at) gmail (dot) com and comment on this post saying "I emailed."

Registration expires 12:00 a.m. EST on 7/22/09. To enter you must register AND complete entry options.

2. Come back to www.coolbabykid.com each day of the conference, July 23-25 to receive an entry option. These options will be deleted by the end of each day. For example, one entry option might say, "To gain a *Top Picks* entry check out www.kidsswimwear.com and Twitter or email us your favorite design."

3. Follow @coolbabykid and earn extra entry options each day of the conference on Twitter.

Essentially if you follow the Cool Baby Kid blog and/or Twitter during BlogHer you can gather as many as 10 separate entries per person. One winner will receive all products listed above. Please read contest rules. Standard additional entries do not apply.

Attending BlogHer? Check out another cool contest from Lee at My Sentiment ExactLee who is giving away a MacBook in conjunction with her sponsor, SafetyTat.

Register now for the
Cool Baby Kid *Top Picks* Prize Pack Giveaway
& get ready to blog with us during BlogHer for over $900 in prizes!

Neptune Sprouts: Reversible Pinafore, Our Newest Gift Idea

First of all, let's explain. A pinafore is a sleeveless dress which is open in the back without buttons or other closures. Otherwise translated, a pinafore by Neptune Sprouts is simply the cutest outfit you'll ever find. The back overlaps which keeps it essentially closed and is also reversible and extremely versatile. We're using it in the summer as a dress, but can later be worn over a shirt in as temperatures cool or even as a tunic as your toddler grows into a little girl. My daughter understandably received many compliments on her Zoe pinafore; it's so different than other outfits she owns which is why we think a Neptune Sprouts pinafore makes a perfect gift for sizes 3 months to 4T with a variety of reversible patterns to choose from. This is one find we're thrilled to make a Cool Baby Kid *Top Pick* for it's uniqueness and versatility; even if you're not 100% sure what a pinafore is, trust us, you'll love it!


Check out other Neptune Sprout's handmade items such as their shorts, hats or leg warmers for other unique gift ideas.

Picture Keeper: Picture Backup Made Easy {Giveaway}

Great things are made to look easy. For example, have you ever watched Olympic figure skaters, proceeded to put on your skates and give it a go only to realize after exactly 3 seconds you wouldn't be doing pirouettes anytime soon? OK, so that was just me. Hopefully you get the picture (no pun intended) and will be similarly amazed at how easy Picture Keeper finds and stores all of the pictures on your your computer. We all know backing up our pictures is essential just like we know eating ice cream will not take off extra baby weight. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Picture Keeper makes it so easy there's really no excuse. Just run a little diagnostic to see what size you'll need based on how many pictures are stored on your computer, order the correct size Picture Keeper, pop it in a USB port, click "Start Backup" and you're done. Picture Keeper finds all of your pictures, and since it's software runs right from the USB drive, you can save pictures from multiple computers. Most moms I know make taking pictures of their kids a part-time hobby; keeping all of those precious memories safe is a snap with Picture Keeper. Much easier than figure skating or staying away from Edy's Slow Churned ice cream!

Enter to win an 8GB Picture Keeper (store 8,00 photos!) by taking to tutorial to determine which size you need and commenting back here with your answer. Click here to read the contest rules and find out how to increase your chances of winning with extra entry possibilities. Ends 8/4/09.

BlogHer Agenda: Here's Hoping We Can Connect!

The first of many BlogHer 09 posts, I've finally determined (roughly) my schedule for the weekend. Find me at any of these parties and sessions to say hello...can't wait to meet everyone! Also a big thank you to Cool Baby Kid sponsors Corky & Co. and Shooshoos, the best conference sponsors ever because my kids wear them both on a regular basis. It's easy to promote what you love...


Thursday, July 23rd

Arrive via Philly @ noonish

Wishing I was attending SocialLuxe, but since I'm not on the list...networking...

MomDot Dinner

People's Party

Room 704 Party


Friday, July 24th

A.M. Workout

BlogHer Reception

Type A MOMfluence Party

Mommy Needs a Cocktail

Brand About Town Suite


Sessions

DAY ONE

Session 1:

MommyBlogging: Have You Found Your MommyBlogging Tribe?

Session 2:

Business of You: Brands and Bloggers

Room of Your Own 1: Your Blog is Great, Get People to Know About It

Session 3:

Not dying for any...maybe Room of Your Own 2: Gadgets for Blogging

DAY TWO

Session 1:

Business of You: Advanced Social Media, Syndication and Stats

Session 2:

Business of You: Advanced SEO

Room of Your Own 2: Sponsored v. Unsponsored - Blogging for $$ Where Do You Stand?

Since I'm heaidng out of town Saturday, nothing much happening in the way of parties, but overall I know it will be a great experience, and I'm looking forward to meeting the bloggers I work with in real life! Heading to BlgHer and still need help? Try the Kirtsy Party Guide.

Baby Shower Extravaganza Coming Soon...

Everyone likes a party and it is time to P.A.R.T.Y with Life Starring the Kids & Me, The Poshprenur, Blessings Abound Mommy, Cool Baby Kid, The Divine Miss Mommy and Father of the Blog. What are we partying for? BABIES! That's right, Victoria, Clarissa, Jacqueline, and Aaron's (from Father of the Blog) wife are all preggo. Wait...so why are Stacie and Cecelia in it? Cause they love babies too.

So what can you expect from this Baby Shower Extravaganza? Well some great reviews from companies like CSN (check out their selection of cribs and toddler beds!) and you can expect to see great review and giveaways from companies like Cloud b, Ergobaby, Hotslings, Bravado, and MORE! That's right, we are compiling everything and anything a new baby or new mom needs!

When: Oct 2009 (exact dates TBA)

Where: Life Starring the Kids & Me, The Poshprenur, Blessings Abound Mommy, Cool Baby Kid, The Divine Miss Mommy and Father of the Blog (that's right, drool at all those chances to win!!!)

Stay tuned for more info and updates on what you could win!

Green to Grow: Finally, A Safe (and Green) Bottle

Green to Grow bottles came about as many good ideas do...parents saw the need for a safer product and created it themselves. These days most plastic baby bottles are BPA free but Green to Grow took it a step further. They use only recycled paper, soy ink and donate 1% of all sales to environmental causes. This is the perfect option for any environmentally conscious parent looking to be as green as possible. Don’t think that being green means you compromise on function or style. Each bottle is decorated with an adorable picture on it, can be used with certain breast pumps and, of course, can be used with different nipples to change flow speeds. If you’re looking for a safe bottle alternative for yourself or as a gift look no further than the Green to Grow bottles.

Learn more about being safe and green in the "learn" section of Green to Grow's well-designed web site and explore other ways they are giving back such as their Babies to Bottles program.

Photofiddle: Turn Kid's Photos Into Artwork {Giveaway}

Lately, as I rave about my latest and greatest find from as a product reviewer Photofiddle is at the top of my brag list. Things I've actually said to family and friends about the site that creates artwork from your pictures: "Isn't it the coolest thing you ever saw?" and "Thank you. (In response to 'That painting is unbelievable.') Photofiddle that takes your pictures and turns them into artwork."

I've received so many compliments on our "oil painting" that I almost hate giving up it's not oil paint after all. Bragging about the site so often I feel like I should earn commission. Just send them your favorite pic and choose from art styles like oil painting, charchol sketch or watercolor and even choose a frame or canvas and quicker than you'd think an original piece of artwork will show up at your door. Featured in in Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today and HGTV, I was surprised not to have heard about Photofiddle before and am happy to introduce them to the most discriminating shoppers of cool products for mom, baby and kid!

Enter to win a $50 Photofiddle gift certificate by visiting their site and commenting back here with your favorite style. Click here to read the contest rules and find out how to increase your chances of winning. In addition to regular extra entries, earn two more: become a Photofiddle fan on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Ends 8/3/09.