Kodak

Cake pops  - cake crumbs mixed with frosting, dipped in chocolate and served on a stick.  For a choc-o-holic (like me), they are little bites of heaven!  One short year and half ago, I made my first cake pops as a special treat for my good friend's 30^th birthday party.  It was a very frustrating first experience.  The pops fell into the chocolate and off the sticks more times than I can count… but people's reactions to the finished product (and the taste) made me want to try again. 

I am now known for my cake pops.  Starting out simple – with solid colors and some pretty sprinkles, I was able to graduate to ghosts and pumpkins for Halloween and then turkeys for Thanksgiving.  By winter, I had the cake pop fever and no holiday could pass without my mind thinking up some mini treat… snowmen and penguins for a ski trip, Guinness glasses and pots of gold for the St. Patrick's Day parade, even bunnies and chicks for Spring!  If you happened to mention the theme for your child's birthday party, I would show up with Hello-Kitty, Lightning McQueen, Mr. Potato Head, lady bug, Minnie Mouse and even Batman cake pops!  I have found that there is always a good occasion for cake pops – birthdays, baby showers, holidays, street picnics, graduations, or just because.

I find inspiration everywhere.  Did you know that Christmas tree sprinkles make great Batman ears?  Licorice can be a snowman's scarf, a graduation tassel or a butterfly's antennae!  Heart sprinkles become hair bows, bow-ties or even a bee's wings.  Bakerella is the original cake pop creator but there are tons of ideas and images online.  I usually draw out a few ideas and mark down the colors and candies I'll need.  I generally stock up on supplies (you should see my sprinkle collection!) because I cake pop late at night, after my son has gone to sleep.  I love the chance to bring these ideas to life but my favorite part is when all of the details are complete, I take a few photos, post them on Facebook and wait for the responses.  I can't wait to use the EasyShare Wireless camera to post all of my pictures right from the kitchen!   In the meantime, I have made so many pops that I have enough for a photo book portfolio of the memories. 

In the mist of everything going on in 2011, and the knowledge of what was to come in 2012, getting away for a 6-day vacation was high on our anticipated list of things to do.  Christmas came with a flurry of activity but certainly NOT a flurry of snow!  The family came; they ate; they opened presents; they visited and they left.  The tree and decorations were down and the house back in order in record time. 

Monday morning we loaded up the car and headed to Freeport, Maine - yes, AGAIN.  Larry and I consider the Harraseeket Inn our 'home away from home'.  We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived that there was snow on the ground!  Good for us - GREAT for the dogs!  Penny, having only experienced snow once when she was just a few weeks old, completely lost any training that she received - out the window went Level 1 and Level 2 Obedience – and became almost uncontrollable with her desire to run, run, run!

Freeport and Mr. Cooper were just as excited, but stayed somewhat sane.  Of course, Larry and I enjoyed the crisp whiteness of the newly fallen snow as well.  Knowing the snow would not last long, we took advantage of the 2 snow days, hiking through the local parks and campgrounds, where we met fellow hikers and their dogs.

Mr. Cooper's new Girlfriend!

Doesn't anyone want to chase me?!

The snow went and the rain came -  thank goodness for Doodie Pack!

Larry and I have been going to the Harraseeket Inn since 2001 and consider everyone there our extended family.  In keeping with that thought, and knowing the number of children that stay there between Christmas and New Years, I offered up Freeport & Mr. Cooper's services as R.E.A.D. dogs for the children. The concept was simple:  put a sign-up sheet at the lobby desk and provide a quiet location for us to set up.  With everything happening last minute, we weren't sure what to expect.  Silly me!  Knowing the photos of the dogs were on the signup sheet, and knowing the love the front staff have for our 3 'little ones', it wasn't long before children and parents started showing up.

Oh, the joy it brought to my heart to see my 3 'babies' being consumed by loving arms of children.  Even those that were first fearful, because of the dogs' size, were soon overpowered with the kindness and gentleness Freeport, Mr. Cooper and yes, even Penny showed.  We offered to take photos and developed them at the local CVS store, leaving the finished products at the lobby desk for them to take home.  No one refused!  How could they!  They were Kodak Moments in the making.  The 'Mommy Cards' I made at Kodak Gallery were given to children and parents alike. 

All gave permission to use the photos in this blog, and so I close, leaving you with the joy of children (young and old) reading to our 4-legged family members:

Arrows only go so far. Once your Valentine is love-struck, what does Cupid recommend to keep the love and affection growing strong? Unfortunately, this is Cupid's busiest time of year, so he was unavailable for comment. However, we do know that Cupid likes to keep the element of surprise on his side when he lets those arrows fly.

So I will take my cue from Cupid with unexpected gift ideas that go straight to the heart:

Profess your passion

As a flighty and flirty 'love bug' himself, Cupid would highly approve of expressing your feelings along with a 'cute couple shot' of the two of you on our Sealed with a Kiss card. Fun, sweet, and casual, it exudes charm. Of course, there are many Valentine's Day Cards to choose from to ensure the perfect one.

Love. Match. Set.

Be upfront about your feelings with our matching photo gifts and cards collections, "Modern Love" and "Love Flourish." Both collections feature the word "Love" as an integral part of the designs, which will beautifully embellish meaningful moments. The harmonized designs are available for wall décor, love mugs and cards, bound to hit their mark as romantically personalized photo gifts.

Tell the story of your happily ever after

Cupid loves to know when his matches are everlasting! So share the story of your love in a Photo Book. Gather photos of the memories and milestones you've shared—the trips, anniversaries, family events—you get the idea! Turn them into the book that only you can create.

For more charming ideas approved by the world's most social butterfly (who really gets around), visit our Valentine's Gift Guide. 

Hi Everyone!

Did you know that today is Community Manager Appreciation Day? It couldn't come at a better time, because I've been looking for the perfect opportunity to introduce myself to you. Yes, I have taken on a new job at Kodak to be in charge of our Tips and Projects Exchange and I'm looking forward to meeting all of my community members!!

Kodak TPX is a great little spot. You can learn more about how to take great photos and videos. You can learn all about printables and other goodies. But, best of all, you can upload your own projects, participate in challenges, and be one among a lot of peeps who are just like you.

You can still find me @kodakcameras ( I love all you guys and couldn't imagine leaving you J , and I've now taken on @kodakcommunity and @kodak twitter handles as well. I will also be posting our fun projects and challenges from the community on to Kodak's page on Facebook.

Come on over and join the Kodak Tips and Projects Exchange! I look forward to meeting you!