The Great Escape: Don’t Let Your Pictures Grow Up To Be JPGs

If you’re like most people, you have a large picture folder on your computer. It has pictures from your son’s birthday party, your daughter’s recital, and your anniversary getaway. Instead of leaving those memories in a virtual file, create an impressive photobook that you can enjoy and show others.

Online services such as blurb.com, shutterfly.com and picaboo.com make it very simple to design your photobook with custom specifications, text, and layouts. Best of all, there’s no need to print photos or buy scrapbooking supplies.

Shutterfly (prices from $12.99)  is one of the more accessible services, with frequent sales and the ability to pick a quick design service or a completely custom service. Blurb (prices from $12.95) offers more than just photobooks and has a powerful editing tool that offers more options such as cookbooks. Picaboo (prices from $9.99) offers a lot of traditional album options, such as linen or leather covers.

So if you’re looking for a short break this week, head over to a local coffee shop and design a family album that isn't all virtual.

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Looking for a babysitter? Look for a local church that offers a Mother’s Day Out program for young children. The programs usually last two to three hours and offer moms a needed break during the day. Children can play, make crafts, and learn preschool-level information.