Fave Friday: Shutterfly

I’m posting my favorite products and programs because they’re just that – my favorites. I'm not being compensated by anyone. Shame though.

I love scrapbooks. Well, actually, I love the idea of scrapbooks. If I had the time and talent, I can definitely picture myself pouring over pages and creating masterpieces for my family. I have friends who are true scrapbook artists and I admire their work. It's really one of the most thoughtful presents you can create for your family and friends - artistic, loved-filled documentaries of your time together.

Unfortunately, it's just not my thing. I tried it once. I ordered up a bunch of Creative Memories supplies and sat down at the table. I poured over a title page for hours and ended up with a junkie page I didn't even like. In true Amanda style, I pushed myself toward perfection and got cranky when it didn't work out. I packed it all up.

And then I signed up for Shutterfly. This online photo service can do just about everything for you. I've uploaded my photos for years. I can then ship prints to my house - or, even better - send them to the Target photo center and pick them up when I'm shopping for diapers and shampoo. But, better yet, I can use those digital photos to create nearly everything imaginable. Calendars, jewelry boxes, mouse pads, note pads, photo cards, you name it.

I can also make hardcover photo books. Digital scrapbooks, really. I just gather up a group of photos I'd like to use in the book. Start a new project and one-by-one drop photos onto template pages. I can change the fonts, backgrounds, colors, layouts. Or, I can just use what they set up for me. I can create a 20-page book in 15 minutes or 15 hours, just depending on how much time I want to spend on it.

I'm crazy picky about the quality of my photos and photo projects. I tried Winkflash first, after Natalie was born, and was greatly disappointed with the prints. I had been using Monarch in town and was happy with their color and cropping, but couldn't find another business that did as well. I'm not sure how I ended up trying Shutterfly, but once I saw their prints, I was hooked. They come out perfect through mail order and Target. And the photo books are even more impressive.

Thanks to tons of specials, coupons and sales, the price is just right too. I can make really nice presents - for friends, family and ourselves - that fit our budget and our busy lifestyle, without looking like I cut corners. I've created baby books for both kids, as well as books about a trip to Florida, a week at the lakes, and more.

Sign up and receive 50 free prints.