Tori & Dean: Cool Mom, Fun Show

Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood

Since CBK is a resource for moms, babies & kids...this one is for moms. You absolutely must check out Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. I've seen an episode here or there of previous seasons, but I'm telling you, every mom will love this one; it's hilarious and so comforting to know all moms (even famous ones) deal with similar issues. I easily related to this mega star mom in an episode where she was pregnant, exhausted and planning a 1st birthday party. Just last summer I was in the same boat and remember the worries when things didn't always go according to plan (rain!) Tori is engaging, funny and surprisingly real...just one warning, you'll be addicted...non-Tivo customers need not apply.

Cool Tip: Tori & Dean are on Oxygen Tuesday night at 10 p.m. EST.

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Find Moms in Your Area

Social Networking with CityMommy

The first thing you notice about CityMommy, a social network site for moms, is the cool and clean site design. It's layout makes it easy to see other members, recent comments and lots of other content from directories to help you connect with other moms to pictures, videos and more. Being invitation only sets this site apart and keeps it more community oriented. The home page even boasts a neighborhood-centered member and activity directory. Interested in helping to launch a citymommy in your area? Contact dayna@citymommy.com. There are too many cool things about CityMommy to tell you about here; you'll have to check it out for yourself! Let me know what you think.

Cool Tip: Use the code "mommy" to join CityMommy.

Wiggles: Top-Notch Toddler Entertainment

The Wiggles

I realize there isn't a parent on the planet who doesn't know about the Wiggles. Though I'm risking being obvious, it seems remiss not to mention the #1 form of TV entertainment in our house. After all, before I became a mom I knew nothing about the Wiggles and mesmerizing appeal they have over toddlers. I also highly recommend seeing them live and in person if you have a chance!

Cool Pick: Record (Tivo etc.) the last five episodes so you always have the most current on demand; you can buy the DVD's for on the go, but you'll want them on your own TV for free.

Saving for Kid's College; Free Money, Seriously!

UPromise College Savings Program

I can't believe I didn't learn about this sooner! Here's the skinny: register with upromise.com and then register your credit cards, debit cards, grocery etc. Every time you shop, a percentage of the money you spend will go into your child's UPromise account if the store or company participates. An even better way to save college bucks is to shop online through the UPromise link at participating merchants (there are a ton like ebay, Overstock, Snapfish, etc.) Granted, some percentages are small, ranging from 1% up, but it's all FREE!! I'm now obsessed with trying to get as many UPromise dollars into my account by shopping at participating stores, like getting gas at Exxon & Mobil (both contribute 1 cent per gallon.)

Cool Pick: Buy online and pick-up in store; you get the contribution but don't pay shipping

Tips for Making Hair Bows

Help with Hair Bows

In the past year I've learned a bit about the world of baby and toddler girls' hair. Here are some tips I've collected so far:

Baby- To make your own headband, buy stretchy lace at Joanne Fabric, measure on baby's head for size and sew together. Sew a small loop around the top where you can clip and change bows.

Toddler- Making your own bows is easier and cheaper; this is from someone who didn't own a needle and thread or a glue gun! I make simple bows at a fraction of the cost but still buy more elaborate ones. You can make bows on barrettes to clip onto headband or buy clips when baby grows hair. The only place I've found clips is at Sally Beauty Supply.

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Cool Tip: Girly Things Website...the only free bow making guide I could find...indispensable!

Mother of All Baby & Toddler Resources

Babycenter Website

Babycenter is the mother of all websites. Whether you're pregnant or have a child, this should be your first stop on the web. Their birth club has become my "go-to" source for questions, support, and information.


Cool Pick: Birth Club Bulletin Boards

Family Planning Chart

What's On Tap This Week

I created a simple chart called "What's On Tap" designed specifically for us to know what's going on for the week...I thought I'd share. It helps hubby and I communicate the plans as well as frustrations and stay a happy family! :) Filling in the blank with "This week I'd like you to take out the garbage more" is so much nicer than "Can you please (sarcastically) take out the garbage if you have a second during a break in the Master's Championship you're riveted to?" Plus, I really had to start writing down my points (Weight Watcher's) if I ever want to loose baby weight. All that in one little sheet for the fridge? You bet!

Cool Tip: Change or alter it however you'd like to fit your family. Oh yeah, don't forget to fill it in otherwise it really doesn't work!

Graphics Designer/Free Blog Templates

Gisele Jacquenod: Designer Extraordinaire

I found the designer of this blog template, Gisele Jacquenod, by chance and absolutely love her work. She was super generous with her time helping me to tweak Cool Baby Kid. Her free blog templates make me want to create more blogs, as if I have time for that. If you use one of Gisele's templates, I'd love to see it. And if you love this blog, feel free to subscribe or drop me a line...I'd love to hear from you.

Cool Pick: "Birdie Says" store for all things birdie including baby and kid stuff.

Cool Website for Babies & Kids

Kids & Keyboards

When little ones want to take over your keyboard, Kneebouncers is the site you must visit. Any button they press will pop bubbles, play a guitar or drive a train. This is a huge hit in our house!

Cool Pick: Piano

Cool Baby Kid Photo Contest: Cutie of the Week

If you have a super cute baby or kid, Cool Baby Kid would love to shine the spotlight on your little one. What better way to decorate our homepage! Here's what to do:

1. Email me one picture of your baby, kid or family. Include a name, age or anything else you'd like to place in the caption. *

2. Check Cool Baby Kid's homepage to see if your super cute kid is the "Cutie of the Week."

3. If chosen, remember to email your friends and family and share the cuteness.


* Picture may be re-sized if chosen.

CBK Top Picks

Top Shopping Picks

	Company: Babybonkie Product: Sleepsacks Website: http://www.babybonkie.com/
	Company: Baby Legs Product: Leg Warmers Website: http://www.babylegs.com/
	Company: Little Show Offs Product: Apparel Website: http://www.littleshowoffs.com/
	Company: The Bowtique Product: Hair Accessories Website: http://www.thebowtique.com/
	Company: Begin Smart Product: Books Website: http://www.beginsmart.com/

Contest Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only unless otherwise noted.

2. Enter the contest by leaving a comment on Cool Baby Kid on the post of the giveaway you'd like to win. Increase your chances by completing any of the following. Do all three and triple your chances of winning!!

• Post an entry on your blog about the contest; mention CBK and the product/company we're giving away. Then leave a comment on CBK with a link to your blog.
• Add the CBK logo to your website/blog. Then leave a comment on CBK with the link to your site.
• Not a blogger? Email five driends to tell them about the contest and cc me on your email. Remember to also leave a comment on CBK.

CBK Logo

3. Winner will be chosen at random using Random.Org.

4. Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on the contest deadline. Winner will be notified by email (so be sure to leave a valid one) sometime the next day or as soon as I can get my act together. Prize is shipped directly from the company, but I'll need to contact you and collect your address.

5. Your information will not be shared in any way!

6. Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize after being notified; otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

I think that's about it. You'd think giving something away would be less complicated.

Good Luck!