Look what we found: an online baby journal

I was just telling a friend how I wish there was an easy way to create a digital baby book. I've grown so accustomed to creating digital photo books that I can't quite grasp the notion of printing photos and writing in an old-fashioned baby book. Well, I can grasp the notion and like the idea of being a part of such a cool tradition, but it does seem to me that I could do so much more online, like store videos and share pictures and stories with our relatives. I had contemplated setting up my own secure social network on Ning but this site, Kidmondo, looks like a much better tool. It's an online baby journal. Secure and password-protected, of course, so only those you invite can see all the precious moments of your little one.

As far as marketing trends go, the social networks are a buzz with all things mommy and baby. As we have blogged about before, women love to pass out referrals; in fact, we feel compelled to help businesses grow. As a marketer, if you can tap into that innate desire women have, then you hit the marketing jackpot. Mommy blogs are a great place to start. And I'll bet the mommy bloggers are talking up tools like Kidmondo.

Read more here: Kidmondo: an online baby Journal

Botox for Bridesmaids -- Yuck!

Trends in fashion, home decor, life . . . as marketers we pay attention to what's "in" and work hard to cultivate the Next Big Thing. Some trends are just plain silly or clearly for the young (bubble skirts fit both categories in my opinion), and some trends are just plain cringe-inducing. Like the latest Bridezilla request. It seems that brides across the nation are requesting their bridesmaids get botox, spray-on tans, and all manner of cosmetic enhancements. Gone are the days when you bought your bridesmaids a dainty pair of earrings or politely requested they wear matching shoes.

Look, I'm not a Botoxer myself, but I have no problem with women who choose to go under the needle or the knife, if that's their preference. I do have a problem asking others to do it on my behalf.

Besides, if you're really worried about wrinkles in your photos, there are easier ways to camouflage that. Photoshop works wonders. And in my experience, the joy of marrying the man of my dreams put such a glow on my face that I doubt anyone noticed my wrinkles. Or at least, that's what I'd like to believe! (That's me in the photo, at 41, on my wedding day.)

Read more here: Skin Deep - It’s Botox for You, Dear Bridesmaids - NYTimes.com

41 New Business Innovations

From feeder businesses to solar/hybrid lawn mowers that use as little power as a lightbulb, here is a list of TrendWatching's 41 innovative business ideas. Some of these businesses are not in the U.S. but in this global world, a trend across the pond can quickly become the latest thing here in the blink of an eye.

Read more here: trendwatching.com: INNOVATION AVALANCHE