Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My Memories & the Eiffel "Cow"er

As we wrapped up our trip to Paris, I found myself longing for some souvenir of my crazy adventure.  I had been fantasizing about finding a quaint little boutique where I could buy some ridiculously expensive French hand lotion made out of rare water lilies that only bloom on the sixth full moon of the year...when it rains.  I figured Paris would be the perfect place to find such a rarity, and I kept my eyes peeled for cute little shops.

Unfortunately, said quaint shops were not to be found.  Instead, we were repeatedly confronted with junky tourist stores that were asking sixty dollars for tacky bedazzled hoodies that were made in China and emblazoned with the words "I heart Paris."  When we wandered out of touristy areas in search of more authentic shops, we were harassed by scary-looking wandering salesman who were hawking plastic keychains featuring miniature, neon-colored replicas of the Eiffel Tower (only four for a dollar)!

I had hoped we'd fare better at the more "official" gift shops, but when we went in we were surprised to see they sold crap like this abomination, which I've dubbed "The Eiffel Cow-er."

Seriously?  WTF is this?!

Sorry, Paris—in the category of "Places with Great Souvenirs," you officially get a "fail" in my book.

Even on the Champs-Elysées, a place supposedly known for its great shopping, we encountered either high-priced brand-name stores like Hermès, or copycat crap stores that were the Parisian equivalent of boardwalk shops.  It was very disappointing. 

But all was not lost.  When I got home and began looking at our beautiful photos, I realized I had the best souvenir ever—gorgeous pictures of our trip that I can cherish forever.

(And to think...this picture of us at the Louvre won't even go rancid after a year like rare hand lotion!)

Now, I'm pretty good at taking lots of pictures; unfortunately, what I'm terrible at is actually remembering to do something with them.  (Pay attention...I'm about to do a Misadventures in Motherhood "first!")   

Drumroll please...

This is why I'm excited to be sharing my experience with the My Memories software with you!  (Yep.  I just endorsed a product. Go figure.)  See, the nice folks over at My Memories contacted me back in...um...December of last year (I'm a procrastinator) to ask if I'd be willing to do a review and giveaway of their software.  I usually turn down things like this because, well, I write a humor blog, and it's difficult to make a product review funny.

But in this case I made an exception.  You see, I am a complete nincompoop when it comes to scrapbooking.  Oh, I got quite excited about the fad when it first became all the rage, and I ran out and purchased all the scrapbooking paraphernalia I could get my hands on.  I started about five different scrapbooks, but I always got distracted and never managed to finish any of them.

At some point I realized that I just don't have the discipline to sit there and cut out frames and embellishments and all that stuff.  Consequently, I am now the proud owner of several cleverly-themed but poorly executed scrapbooks containing two pages each, as well as a giant rubber tote of unused and picked-through scrap crap.

So when My Memories asked me if I'd like to review their digital scrapbooking software, I thought...what the heck?  Perhaps this will solve all my scrapbooking dilemmas!  So I decided to take it for a test-drive and see if it could spruce up my Paris pictures a bit.

Now, if you've been living under a rock and have somehow missed all of the reviews of the My Memories Suite that are floating around on the web already, I'll start by confirming what everyone else is saying: the software is AMAZING.  And it's not just because you can whip out a lovely-looking, suitable-for-framing collage in five minutes flat...it's also because it takes all the guesswork out of the equation.  

For those of us who are a bit obsessive and feel compelled to compare fifty different triangle-patterned background papers to find the one that perfectly coordinates with that sparkly embellishment we paid $7.50 for, we can sit back and relax because they've done all the work for us.  All we need to do is drag and drop our pics into the pre-designed layouts.  (Of course, we are still free to go batshit crazy if we want and scroll through the gazillions of backgrounds and decorations to design our own layouts, too.  The options are virtually endless—it's an OCD wonderland, people!) 

And, you can save $10.00 on this amazing software right now by using the code below!  Feel free to share the code with friends and family, and spread the fun!  (By the way, with the discount code, you can get this amazing software for less than $30!  And you get a coupon code for $10 in free scrap downloads when you purchase, so really, this is an AMAZING deal). 

Copy & Paste code: STMMMS44062

And now for the pièce de résistance.  Here is where I get to show off my mad digital scrapbooking skills (I'm kidding...I don't have mad skills; the program makes it easy.)  Please enjoy my scrapbook from Paris!  Here you'll get to see all the gorgeous pics that I didn't include in my previous entries because I was too busy posting embarrassing pictures of myself in front of a space-age toilet!


So clicky clicky the pic below and enjoy!  Then scroll down and leave me a comment!  (To all the fabulous email subscribers...depending on your email program, you may need to visit the actual blog to view the album).  Enjoy!



Whew!  I'm happy to say that I'm finally done posting about Paris!  Now I can go back to the regularly scheduled fare of making fun of my husband and enumerating the reasons why I suspect my children might actually be small mutant baboons.

Thanks for looking!  Please leave me a comment...I'd love to hear from you!


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54 comments:

  1. Wow-I would love to go to Paris! What an amazing adventure. As for that cow-I don't even know what to say :-) I've heard a lot about My Memories software but I haven't gotten around to trying it out yet.

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  2. Beautiful! I make digital scrapbooks and love it. Quick and easy. Your photos look lovely!

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  3. Thanks for sharing, Love the pictures!

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  4. Beautiful, memories for a lifetime! The cow tower was hideous!!!

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  5. Honestly, your review actually made me want to check out the software. Well done! I am great at taking photos and terrible at doing anything else with them, other than saying "Isn't that a great shot?" when looking at my camera and phone over and over again.

    And another thing, all I kept thinking when you were looking for that lotion was, "I'm sure you can find it online." Clearly the souvenir sentiment is lost on me...

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  6. Geez, what was so wrong with the Eiffel Cower. It was sort of charming, and udderly tacky!

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  7. Still giggling over the Eiffel Cower. Too funny! Great work on the digital scrapbook!

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  8. Hmmm.... I hope I am entering the contest!!! We just got back from Paris, too. But I took my baboons... errr... I mean, kids! (Senior trip for the oldest one). I need someplace to put all my lovely photos -- a mere 1500!

    You are absolutely right, Paris doesn't do souvenirs well (We did get a miniature stain glass window at St. Chapelle and a few scarves). My son got his Eiffel Tower, not the cower, from the Arc de Triomphe. And we all brought home baguettes -- sort of, carried around our midsection :)

    SOOOO... pick me! We can compare Paris photos!!!

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  9. Oh my gosh Jenn, what a lovely adventure. My son went years ago and had a blast. You and your hubs are adorable. I love all the photos. And the Eiffel Cower is hilarious. I would have probably bought it and put it in my yard.

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  10. Wow - your memory scrapbook was fantastic. I'm hoping to win this software so I can create a scrapbook for my daughter who is turning 16 this year.

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  11. cute! i am just starting to get into digital scrapbooking -- yours came out beautiful!

    Kristie
    from
    Family, Scrapbooks & Coffee

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  12. Awww I loved your book. Now what was that in the Martini glass? Pictures are wonderful memories. I would have been disappointed too with the lack of a cool souvenir. I sure you can find an I heart Paris shirt in the US! LOL!. Enjoyed taking a brief trip through your lens.

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  13. Ah you know, I miss my little flat in Paris. I always think I am home when I am there. It's been too long!! I am so glad you had such a great time!!!

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  14. The Eiffel Cow Tower is too funny! Looks like you had an amazing trip. I'm a new follower from the linky weekend hop.
    http://whatscookingintheburbs.blogspot.com/

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  15. Love the Eiffel Cow Tower. That is too funny! Looks like you had an amazing trip. I'm a new follower from the linky weekend hop. http://whatscookingintheburbs.blogspot.com/

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  16. I love your Paris pictures Jenn! I seriously can't wait for the toddlers to grow up already so we can go back and visit.
    Hugs,
    Char :)

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  17. THat's funny,I was just in Paris and didn't see the Eiffel Cower but would totally have wanted to buy it because it was so absurd! I envy your view from the tower during the day. We were there on a cold, crappy evening with nothing but drizzle and no one could recognize anything except for me and the other teacher. I definitely advise that you see the Eiffel Tower during daylight for your first time.

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  18. Looks like a great time, great trip. Glad you enjoyed it. I'll look forward to more from your blog. It's great. Following from the linky weekend blog hop. http://www.beforeandafter50.blogspot.com

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  19. I had a hard time finding souvenirs in Paris as well but that was over 10 years ago!! :) The pictures you have are wonderful, I especially like the one of you guys kissing :)

    Thanks for joining the Aloha Friday Blog Hop!!! I have followed you back :)
    www.whatjeanlikes.com

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  20. So jealous of your trip to Paris. That sounds like the vacation of a lifetime.

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  21. Oh, I have always wondered where one might find an "eiffel cow-er" now I know to Paris, I must go. =)

    Aloha,
    Thanks for joining the ALoha Friday HOP!!! I'd love it if you'd share your adventures with us and join the ride at localsugarhawaii.com.

    xoxo,
    Nicole
    localsugarhawaii.com

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  22. Oh wow...those cows are just something... hahaha =-D
    Thanks for the link hop! I followed, of course. =-)

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  23. Hey I found you via the aloha hop and am your newest follower!! Maybe you would be willing to follow each other? Also Today is the last day to enter my modcloth giveaway!! Come check it out!

    THanks so much:)
    Emily

    http://emilymmeyers.blogspot.com/2012/05/giveaway-time-again.html

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  24. Eiffel Cower! Now that's tacky goodness. I had the same experience souvenir shopping in Paris. I'm loving your blog so far. Stop by http://sassyshopperreviews.blogspot.com/ and follow back when you can! :)

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  25. Popping over via Exposure 99% Weekday Blog Hop

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  26. AWESOME! I found you through Voiceboks and a now a new follower. I also grabbed your button and added you to my GREAT Links Page. Have a fantastic week.
    http://fireplacedecorating.blogspot.com/

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  27. a lovely post. I am not entering but enjoyed your post so much xo

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  28. NEW FOLLOWER:
    Ok - seriously!!! You are one lucky girl! A trip to Paris!! Ohhhh - I can't wait to creep more of your paris posts tonight after the lil has gone down..I will live vicariously through you! I may even take it to the next extreme and pour a glass of red while I creep :) Found you through Monday Mom mingle - stop by and say hi http://todolistmom.blogspot.ca/2012/05/everyday-mamarazzi.html

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  29. how sweet to see such lovely and romantic gestures. Eiffel Cow-er is totally cute too.

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  30. Eiffel Cower LMAO!!! Love your scrapbook, honestly I've seen a million reviews for this software, but yours has me sold. If you figure out the giveaway thing, I'll enter! Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm going to your FB page now!

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  31. Following from Drop it like its hot. Thanks for the great laughs. http://mommaof3-littlebits.blogspot.com/

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  32. OK, so as much as I love cows, I think I would pass on that too. Wowzers.

    I have tons of scrapbook supplies too, just waiting until my kids graduate high school (they're 6 and 7 now). I'm thinking of donating it to the school so at least SOMEONE can take advantage of all the cool papers and punches. I'm more of a digital photo gal myself, so I'll have to check out the software you mentioned. Thanks!

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  33. I won this software a month ago, sadly I haven't used it yet. Love your Paris photo.

    That cow thingy is ugly cute.. If possible LOL

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  34. You did a great job on your page....jealous about paris!! :)

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  35. I'm with Debbie. I also won this software, but it seems like it was many moons ago! I've opened it once or twice. I've read a jillion reviews. After reading your review I really want to start using it!

    On a side note (and I hope you read this), reviews CAN be humorous and even sarcastic. Check out my reviews! At least I think I'm funny....

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  36. Ok, that is hysterical. Who would come up with something like that? Looks like you guys had an amazing time!!

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  37. LOL I love your eiffel cower lol. I probably would of bought it just because it was so wierd lol.
    Disappointed to hear that the shopping there isn't that great. Boo to that!
    New follower from blog hop
    http://www.greatfamilyadventures.com

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  38. Laugh-out-loud is right. I love to laugh so I'll be an avid follower. I also joined your hop. What fun! Would love it if you had time to pop over to my place and follow if you'd like.

    Have a great weekend! (still snickering...)

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  39. Your blog is really beautiful! I'll have to check out the software. Happy Mother's Day! :D Visiting from the hop and a new follower. Enjoy your day. Hope you get to visit, http://www.drinkyourgreensandminerals.com.

    You might also be interested in my website: https://sherlinda.velata.us

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  40. Nice to meet you! Emily from bloggymoms http://weakandloved.blogspot.com

    I think I will be laughing about the Cow-er all day long!!!

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  41. Hiya,

    I am your newest follower on GFC. Happy to have found you and your delightful blog. Hope you can come by for a visit sometime as well.

    Thanks
    Tami
    http://www.thethingswefindinside.com/

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  42. I just found your blog and it's very funny and entertaining. I joined the Hop and am following your blog, I hope you get a chance to follow mine too :) http://TodayWiththeTennerys.blogspot.com

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  43. Lovely pictures and awesome photography.

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  44. It's such a shame the souvenir shops weren't very fun. :( What's the point of going if you can't fine a 'rare,' cool thing to bring home?

    BTW, I'm passing the Kreativ Blogger Award to you, if you should choose to accept. ;-)

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  45. That Eifle "Cower" is just horrible. How did they think such a thing would sale? I awarded your blog the Beautiful Blogger Award. You can pick it up here: http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-awards.html#links My Life. One Story at a Time.: The five things you wish you’d known about me before…

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  46. I just viewed your slideshow. It is fantastic. I have a question to ask though. On my first trip (and subsequent - I do not learn) I expected the Statue of Liberty to be this huge looming structure that you could see from anywhere in New York. I know - crazy. I was so disappointed to have to search for it from the Empire State Bldg. And, yes, I am an adult - so go figure. Did you think the same thing of the Eiffel Tower? Just a silly curiosity. :)

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  47. HAHA!!THat is hysterical! Come link up:) Miss seeing you and you rock my laugh hop!

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  48. I have to admit that looking at your photos leaves me envious :).

    I'd like to give digiscrapping a try. I do like to preserve fun memories with my daughter.

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  49. Wishing you the happiest of birthday's!! Oh, and so love the pictures of you and your love. Very sweet! I'll be turning 39 (EEEK!) on Friday. I'm a little bit dreading it... I wonder when getting older stops sucking so much?

    Blessings,
    ~Rosann

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  50. what a great blog! just popped over to say hi, I am from the Winky Link Blog Hop. Thanks for hosting!

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  51. i loved your photo album. so many fabulous memories...
    i busted out laughing at those hideous cow towers and your comment. seriously, wtf IS that? who buys those?

    you and your husband are so sweet together!
    and that sorbet is calling my name again.

    thanks for sharing <3

    xoxoxo
    maria

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  52. the picture of you guys kissing is absolutely adorable!!
    New follower from the Blog Hop
    -Buffi
    My Wonderfully Dysfunctional Blog

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