Life is defined by distinct moments pieced together to create a collage of memories. With my son’s first birthday rapidly approaching, my husband and I have reflected on how we want to commemorate the joy he has brought to us over the last year. Even before those closest to us arrive at the historic railroad car where we’ll celebrate, they’ll get a glimpse of how our little boy has developed over the last year thanks to Myra at Moon and Back Studios. She custom designed our son’s birthday invitations, and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. Her flair for the elegant and modern is prominent in her stylish designs.

From trendy to classic, hip to retro, you’ll find a motif to match your every mood at Moon and Back Studios. Myra’s attention to detail and style is evident every step of the way. We chose the “silly animals riding a birthday train” design for our son’s birthday invitations. They were printed on UV gloss card stock (which I highly suggest!). With this option your design is continued on the back and you have the freedom to include additional pictures. What made our son’s invitations so special was a personal note we included on the back highlighting our son’s first year. The finished product is truly a high-quality, artistic, professional piece that we will archive in our son’s scrapbook.

front

back

Of note, Myra’s custom photo enhancement process sets her apart from other design companies. She will digitally enhance, crop, and even change the color schematic on your photograph. The best part is that it is included in your package. Check out what she did with our son’s photo.

Prices vary and depend on your choice of paper for printing. You’ll receive a gift-boxed set of 25 announcements, invitations, or holiday cards for $45 - $57. Ordering is easy and usually takes about 2-3 days for a proof and 4-6 days to print and arrive in hand. How do you share your most memorable moments? Check out Moon and Back Studios for distinct, inspired creations! -Caryn

Win it! Myra is giving one lucky TOP reader a set of UV coated (premium) photo cards valued at $57. To enter, visit Moon and Back Studios to choose your favourite(s) and let us know what you’d order if you win. Closes June 23/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED - WINNER EMAILED

My baby is now three months and I am just getting around to sending out thank you cards. We received so many fabulous gifts, I just haven’t gotten around to the thank you cards yet. It’ tough to find time with four little ones. Besides the lack of time, I have a hard time with thank you cards, my hand usually goes numb before I’m finished writing all of them. That is one of the many reasons I was thrilled to order my cards online this time.

Announcements Galore offers a huge selection of themes and designs for you to create your own personalized photo card. They are beautiful ~ like a little 4×6 scrapbook page. I would have loved to do a birth announcement, but thought I may have missed the boat on that one, and opted for a Thank You card instead. The process was so simple. I sent in a picture of my darling Aisha, chose the wording for the card, approved the proof, and voila! It’s that easy. A short while later, the small package of 20 cards arrived in my mailbox and I am sending them out as soon as I finish typing this. I’ll be sure to keep one for Aisha’s baby box though, it will make a great keepsake.

The online shop for Announcements Galore is very user-friendly. I really enjoyed looking at all the different designs, fonts, and colors to choose from. The customer service I received was great, and the prices are fantastic too! The price is definitely right for such a professional looking photo card. - Andrea

Win it! We’re giving away a $30 gift certificate to Announcements Galore. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us what specific item(s) you’d spend it on! Contest closes on May 10/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to winner Jean!

As a momma of prime breeding age (heh), my friends are popping out kids like there’s no tomorrow and I love buying baby gifts. I refuse to buy gifts at the local big box store so am always looking for new & unique parent-made items to have on hand in case of a new baby emergency.

My newest find? Reader recommended Tiny Tales. Developed by par.entrepreneur Lara Frankovitch, Tiny Tales are a set of specialized cards on which to record both the large and not so large milestones and the every day occurrences that we think we’ll always remember but soon realize that, sadly, that’s not the case.

It comes with two 4X6 notepads (more are available for a small cost) and themed dividers to keep the memories organized. It’s a baby book alternative for the mom who wants to record everything in style but doesn’t have the time or perhaps the inclination to scrapbook for hours on end. The sets come in a sturdy transparent box beautifully packaged and ready for gift giving.

Tiny Tales come in baby, toddler, personalized and expecting themes and start at $32.

Use the code OPINION for 20% off until April 15, 2008.

I love baby showers. I love everything about them, whether the baby has made it’s appearance yet or not.

And let me tell you - if I received a shower invitation on a Couture Keepsake from Keepsake Concepts, there’s no way I’d be missing it. When you receive an invitation as gorgeous as these, you can be assured of a beautiful experience.

Each handmade Couture Keepsake comes on a petite wooden hanger and is stuffed with pre-packaged (delicious!) kosher candy covered Jordan almonds. Your personalized message is attached with an adorable little wooden clothespin. Designer Donna Benavides-Diaz has left no detail untouched. Everything about these keepsakes is absolutely precious!

Most styles are $5.50 each. Admittedly, this is an investment and you might not want to send one to the masses, but for a new mother and her nearest and dearest Couture Keepsakes are a beautiful addition to the beautiful memories that babies create just by being.

Get free shipping until September 10, 2007 with the code OP07.