Review and Giveaway: CVS Photobook CLOSED

I have a secret I need to confess. I'm not just a SAHM. I've been spending my nights - and days - moonlighting as a mamarazzi. *blush* I stalk my son with a camera just about 12 hours a day. It doesn't matter what he's doing. He could be reading a book, playing with the pots and pans or running around in his diaper and BabyLegs. My obsession has become so great that I've accumulated upwards of 16 GB of pictures in just under 14 months. Yeah, it's that bad.

But, sadly, I have so many that I never seem to have the time to organize them, edit them, and get them printed. Most of my beautiful pictures are just sitting in my hard drive or on an SD card waiting for their fate. And let's not even get started on Nate's empty baby book.

So, when I saw an opportunity on the PR Place to review a photobook from CVS courtesy of Today's Ellen, I jumped at the chance. I could finally redeem myself for my inadequacies in the scrapbooking department.

CVS Photo offers an unlimited number of ways to turn your memories into treasured keepsakes. There are the standard prints, calendars, collages, and greeting cards in addition to the photobooks. But there are also a wide variety of unique, personalized gift ideas you can create. There are mugs for the coffee lovers, handbags for fashionistas, etched crystals for an office or bookcase, blankets for grandma, teddy bears and onesies for the little ones or new parents. You can even customize a pet bowl for the animal lover in your life. I opted for a photobook to commemorate Nate's first year of life, starting with his birth and ending with his first birthday pictures.

The process of creating the photobook was very straightforward. I created an account with CVS Photo, which was simple and painless. Once active, I uploaded about 50 pictures to an album from my computer with their bulk uploader. It was surprisingly fast. While I didn't time it to the minute, it finished uploading my pictures in what felt like no time. I'm used to waiting all day for my pictures to upload with other programs so I was happy that I didn't have to twiddle my thumbs for long.

Once I uploaded my photos, I chose the size of my book and the material and color for the cover. You can choose from a 5x7 soft cover or 8x11 hardbound, both of which include a keyhole cover so your first photo is displayed front and center. Since I want something durable that can be passed down over the years, I picked the hardbound option. The hardbound books can be made with either a linen or leather cover, each with several color options. I decided to go with a linen cover in a cyan color. There were many page designs available, including holiday and baby themes, but I chose the timeless classic white for my memory book.

Once you've customized your cover and chosen a page design, you can begin to organize the content of your book. CVS Photo offers numerous page layouts so you can include photos - in both landscape and portrait formats - as well as title or text pages. It is very easy to change the layout or design of your book at anytime if you should happen to change your mind. You can do so with just a click or two and you don't even have to click the Back button. It's all right there on one screen. Each photobook comes with 20 pages, but you can add more pages with just one click (for an additional charge). Because I had so many pictures, I added another page to include all of my favorites. The only step I thought could be improved was the preview feature. When I previewed my book prior to checkout, I couldn't inspect the text very well, as it was too small to read. I had to go back to the "edit" screen to check my spelling and grammar. It would be nice if the preview was a little larger or allowed you to zoom in to check out your writing. Aside from that issue, creating my book was rather enjoyable.

Below is a video from Today's Ellen, which demonstrates the entire process if you're a visual learner like me:



I opted to have my book shipped to my local CVS for pick up. While I was initially told it would take 5-7 business days, it only took 3. I was pysched when I got a phone call telling me my book was ready. Of course, I love when a company overdelivers on their promise. I was very pleased with the quality of my book. The pages seem thick and the detail and color in my photos were spot on. They weren't blurry or distorted at all. Here are a few sneak peeks of the finished product:







Bottom line: I would certainly recommend using CVS Photo if you are looking to create a photo memory book or personalized gift this holiday season - or anytime for that matter. The customer service was outstanding in my opinion and the book itself will be a beautiful keepsake for my son when he grows older. And with photobooks starting at $19.99, they are budget-friendly too!

BUY IT: Photobooks and other gifts can be purchased on the CVS Photo website. Photobooks start at $19.99 for a linen cover and $24.99 for a leather cover.

DELECTABLE DEAL: Just for creating a CVS Photo account, you get 20 free prints! You still have to pay for shipping but it's still a great deal.

WIN IT: Today's Ellen has graciously offered one lucky reader their very own 8x11 hardcover photobook from CVS Photo (a $25 value)!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me what you would document in your photobook. Summer vacation? Birthday? New baby? Save it for Christmas? Just leave me a comment.

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will be disqualified!

1.) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment telling me you follow. Already following? That counts! (1 entry)

2.) Subscribe to my blog via reader or email. Must be verified to count! (1 entry)

3.) Subscribe to Today's Ellen blog via reader or email. (1 entry)

4.) Follow me and Today's Ellen on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

5.) Join Today's Ellen on Facebook (1 entry)

6.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

7.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on October 3, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I purchased and was refunded the cost of a CVS Photobook, courtesy of Today's Ellen. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.