Editors Best of 2010: The coolest services, sanity savers, and helpful websites for parents

While some people think of us as shopping blog, we're not only about shopping. We love tracking down the helpful websites and resources that make our lives easier. Yeah, okay, and things that make our shopping easier too.




Consider me a new Shopafrolic-aholic. I adore this website which is like having designer Liz Lange and her equally chic sister, Jane Wagman, as your very own personal shopping consultants. -Liz

I anxiously await the daily deals from Plum District, a handy new site aimed at moms like me that makes saving money super easy. So far the deals have been relevant and appealing, including plenty of the small businesses you've seen on Cool Mom Picks. -Kristen

I love love love the new designer resale site I-ELLA, which lets you buy, swap, or borrow designer duds for less. It's like Ideeli meets eBay, with a little social good thrown in too. -Liz

[see more of our favorite websites and helpful services after the jump]

 

It's hard to find the time and the money to take a photography class, but not when you've got the super affordable online photography workshops by author, mom and Shutter Sisters founder Tracey Clark just a click away. Sign me up. -Kristen

Clothing swap website ThredUP makes it as easy to swap, reuse, and recycle kids clothing as we've ever seen. It's a wonderful idea and it's working. -Christina




When Paperless Post added thank you notes this year to their roster of gorgeous e-invitations, I rejoiced. They're as close to a real card as you can send online, without having to lick a stamp. I know; I've sent a lot this year. -Liz

Forget Googling for recipes from random sites. Yummly lets me search for exactly what I need based on all sorts of ingredients and specifications, and does everything at mealtime except actually cook the food. -Kristen

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