Oliver's Labels

Introducing Room-eez™ Wall Decals!!

2012-01-26T16:45:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the New Year bringing new products, fun contests and wonderful website enhancements. Well, today is the culmination of all three of those things!! Why, you ask? Because today we officially launched our brand-new product line of wall decals called Room-eez™.

I had the privilege of trying out Room-eez™ before they launched and all I can say is "Wow"! My son's wall was transformed in a few easy steps!

Here's a little bit about Room-eez™Wall Decals...

Room-eez Name Decals and Letter Decals are the perfect way to add personality and fun to your child’s room. Completely customizable, with your choice of 19 fonts, 12 designs and over 130 colors, Room-eez™ can transform any child’s space into something that is uniquely theirs. Name Decals can also be accessorized with decorative graphics in ten of our most popular themes to add even more personality.

Made of a special material that is strong enough to stick on your wall forever, but gentle enough to not damage your paint when removing or repositioning, Room-eez™ Wall Decals are every parent’s decorating dream! Unlike many other wall graphics on the market, this advanced, high quality material is not vinyl and therefore doesn’t shrink, curl or stretch the way vinyl does, ensuring your Room-eez™ Wall Decals will stay on the wall until you take them off!

To celebrate the launch of Room-eez™, we are having contests on Twitter, Facebook & Google+ where you can enter to win a set of your very own! And, keep your eyes out for some reviews and giveaways by wonderful bloggers from across the U.S. and Canada who were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before everyone else!!

There's a lot going on here at Oliver's Labels and we'd love it if you joined in on the fun!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

Acts of Kindness

2012-01-16T16:06:00.004-05:00

We recently received an email from a wonderful nurse at INTEGRIS Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma. This is what she wrote:

This is going to sound like a strange request... but I thought it was worth a shot. I am a nurse in a pediatric ICU in Oklahoma City, OK. Recently, a local Wal-Mart has agreed to donate all of their damaged children's clothing to our unit so that our patients can have something to wear while they are in the hospital. Sadly, a lot of our patients don't have parents who stay with them or bring them clothing. I was just curious if you would be willing to donate or offer any sort of a discount for your labels so that we could label the clothing that we keep on the unit. We are finding that it is hard to know which patients are wearing the clothes we provide and which are wearing their own clothing. I thought it would be great to label the clothing with a PICU label that can withstand laundering. I use your labels for my children's clothing at home and absolutely love them. I was going to buy some for the unit, but we probably have at least 100 items of clothing to label and that would be pricey for me. :) Or, do you have any labels that you throw away or are damaged? Even if they didn't say PICU, we could identify it as ours by the certain type of label. I understand that this is asking a lot, so if you are not able to that is fine. I will still continue to love your company and products. :)

Thank you!

Mary P.

Needless to say, we were blown away by the resourcefulness of Mary and her department, and their willingness to go above-and-beyond to help their patients. This initiative wasn’t something they were being paid to do – they did it because they saw a need and wanted to fill it. This act of kindness may not be shouted from the rooftops, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. It is stories like this that need to be told, so that the unsung heroes in our communities can inspire and motivate us all.

We are delighted to have provided Mary’s pediatric intensive care unit with enough labels for all of their donated clothing, and we encourage you to do a small act of kindness in your neighbourhood, too. From something as simple as holding the door for a stranger, to donating your time or money to a local charity, every kindness counts!

If you have a great “acts of kindness” story that you’d like to share, please email social@oliverslabels (dot) com. We would be happy to post them on our Facebook page and here on our blog.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T17:29:00.001-05:00

Thanks to one of our fans for sending in this adorable pic of her son with his labelled cup!

New Year = New Features & More Fun!

2012-01-10T06:31:00.002-05:00

Here at Oliver's Labels, we've got big things planned for 2012!

Here's a run-down...

1. New contests and weekly features added to our Facebook page and Twitter

Product Tip Tuesdays

Each Tuesday we'll post a new tip about caring for our products or inventive, fun ways to use them. Got a tip to share? Send it to us at social@oliverslabels (dot) com; if your tip is posted, you'll get a $10 gift card!

Wordless Wednesdays

Send us your best pics of you or your kid(s) using our products and we'll post one on our blog each Wednesday. Don't have any Oliver's Labels yet? Then, send us a pic with something that desperately needs one! Each time you send in a picture, you're automatically entered to win a $20 gift card! Send all entries to social@oliverslabels (dot) com.

Thank You Thursdays

On the last Thursday of each month, you're invited to thank someone on our Facebook wall or on Twitter (be sure to tag us - @oliverslabels). It could be a stranger who did a good deed, or your best friend for pet-sitting your dog! Stories of good deeds make everyone feel great, so let's 'spread the thanks'! As a special thank you to our fans, one comment each month will be chosen at random to win a $10 gift card!

FLASH Giveaways

Everyone loves our FLASH giveaways (what's not to love?) and we'll be surprising you with more of them in 2012, so make sure you "like" us on Facebook and Twitter so you're always in the loop!

In addition to these great new features, we've added the jazzy graphics (shown above and at right) to make it easier to spot our contests when you're browsing our Facebook page. Now you can be sure you won't miss out on any of the fun!

2. Amazing product enhancements

We're taking customization of your labels, tags and wristbands to a whole new level with the addition of new fonts, colours and a whole lot more!

We strive to offer you the easiest, most intuitive, and best customization experience online. Our enhancements will be going live soon, so let us know what you think! Send feedback to info@oliverslabels (dot) com.

3. New product launch

We're launching a fantastic new product line this month that will knock your socks off! Want to find out about it first? Be sure to "like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our blog because that's where it's all happening! We'll also be giving away lots of our new products to celebrate the launch, so stay tuned!

Oh, and in case we didn't mention it before... Happy New Year! It's going to be a great 2012!!

Snowy Fun

2012-01-04T17:19:00.002-05:00

Let me start off by saying winter isn't my favorite season. Dressing in scarves, hats, parkas, mittens, boots, double socks, and ear muffs tires me out! Add to that the prospect of bundling up the little ones...well, let's just say I could use a nap.

That being said, there are so many amazing opportunities for family fun that I've decided to make a list to get myself into a winter frame of mind. If you're also in need of a little snowy inspiration, read on!

Reasons to love winter...

1. Snow painting - fill squirt bottles with colored water and let the kids "paint" in the snow. They'll have a blast bringing out their inner VanGogh and you won't have to worry about any messy clean-up!

2. Making homemade snow cones - before an expected snowfall, place a clean bucket on your back porch to collect snow. Then, scoop snow into individual cups and add your favourite flavoured syrup(s). Yum! (And, if you want to put a wintry twist on a traditional summer activity, kids could set up a snow cone stand - they'll be mini business moguls in no time! ;)

3. Wintry treasure hunt - set up a map with some clues in advance, then place a few well-hidden objects around your yard (or local park). Depending on your kids' ages, give them some guidance to start the treasure hunt, then let them hunt for the hidden items. You could even entice them with a treat at the end, if they recover all the lost "loot"!

4. Snowshoeing, skiing, skating and tobogganing - what kid doesn't love to do at least one of these activities? They're great exercise and fun to boot!

5. Making snow angels, snowmen and snow forts - traditional winter fun that will keep them busy for hours (with hot chocolate breaks in between, of course!)

Hopefully this list offers a few reasons to get outside and have fun. Remember to always bundle up... and, to ensure your kids come home with their hats, mitts and scarves, remember to label them! :) Here's to many wonderful winter adventures!

New Year’s Resolutions

2011-12-30T22:52:00.001-05:00

I have struggled with the idea of New Year’s resolutions for the better part of 10 years. I used to make them, and then decided against it, after many fell by the wayside less than a month into the New Year.

Resolutions are funny things – if you don’t make any at all, you feel guilty; if you try and fail, you feel guilty. This guilt was enough to make me swear off resolutions for a few years. What I had forgotten, though, was the immense pride I felt when I actually followed through; how bettering myself, and achieving my goal, gave me such an amazing sense of accomplishment. What a feeling!

So this year I’ve decided to start fresh and get back to making some much-needed resolutions for 2012. It’s a great opportunity to teach my kids by example, to show my kids that Mama really can stick with it; that if I set my mind to do something, by golly, I will do it!

I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll have my little ones cheering me on. They’re my biggest fans and I don’t want to let them down.

Wishing you joy, health and happiness in the New Year – from all of us at Oliver’s Labels.

The Best Gift

2011-12-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

My daughter asked me for a present this morning. I told her she had to wait.

Kids are impatient by nature – heck, I’m impatient by nature! But, there are always lessons to be learned and this was the perfect time to teach her one. I asked her why she wanted a present now and didn’t feel she could wait until tomorrow. She simply said, “Because I really want one!”. That’s a typical 4-year-old response, and I couldn’t fault her for it. But, I explained to her that many kids don’t even get one present, let alone many, and that she is very fortunate to have everything she does – a healthy family, a wonderful home, great food to eat, and lots of love! It’s simply a bonus to get special things like presents at Christmas. I reminded her of the baskets for the Salvation Army we contributed to at her school; of the toys we gave to kids who are less fortunate than us. She looked at me and I could see a glimpse of understanding in her eyes - that she realized she was luckier than many children – then she gave me a huge hug. That was the end of asking for a present “right now”.

As parents, we are always looking for ways to instill gratitude in our kids, and there’s no better time to do that than at the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or nothing in particular, it’s a festive time of year - ripe with opportunity to reach out to others, show a little kindness and be great examples to our kids.

So, if you see the charitable bell-ringers on the street this holiday season, give your kids a few coins and let them drop them in the kettle. It will make their hearts swell - and teach them that they can experience that amazing feeling, not just at Christmastime but any day of the year, by giving to those less fortunate. Now, that's the best present they could receive!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Oliver’s Labels!

Things I Said I'd Never Do...

2011-12-20T15:14:00.001-05:00

1. Let my kids watch a lot of TV… check.

2. Occasionally resort to bribing… check.

3. Eat sweets before dinner… check.

4. Play with plastic bags (albeit while I’m sitting next to him)… check.

5. Miss bath night - again!… check.

This is a checklist of things I said I’d never do. I promised myself I wouldn’t resort to any of the above to get through the day.

Until. I. Became. A. Mom.

Wow, what an eye-opener!! It is so much easier being the fun Aunt or babysitter than it is being the responsible parent, isn’t it?

While I don’t espouse to be the best mom ever, there are some facts of life I can’t ignore – I work from home and I parent my children full-time (no nanny!), so something’s got to give. That’s where the list above comes in.

1. They say the TV becomes the babysitter and, whoever “they” are, seem to be right. That being said, each day I set aside time to do an activity with the kids (crafts, drawing, etc) or take them out to play. And, every night without fail, we read together for 30 minutes (or more, depending on if they sucker me into another story!).

2. Bribing (or compromising, as I like to call it) happens when my toddler has just been put down for the night and my daughter wants/needs/has to have something… another story, a drink of water, a few more minutes before lights-out. That's when I occasionally give in and let her have what she wants. I'm too tired to fight it.

3. Picture this… it’s right after Halloween and I’ve already promised (see “bribing”, #2) that my daughter could have a Halloween treat after school. Technically that’s before supper, which breaks the “no sweets before dinner” rule. You can’t win!

4. Sometimes a plastic bag is what my toddler wants to play with. It may be the only thing that will keep him quiet and occupied. So what do I do? I sit next to him and let him play with it because it makes him happy.

5. I don’t know when my daughter’s disdain for bath time started. Actually, she doesn’t mind the bath, just the washing part. (Make sense? It doesn’t to me, either.) So, sometimes I let it go… it’s not going to kill her to miss a bath, yet it saves my sanity occasionally. A decent trade-off, no?

I know of a lot of moms who would never admit they do the things on my list because there are a lot of other parents out there who would judge them. I, however, believe in laying it all out there… foibles and all. None of us are perfect; we do the best we can. Yes, there are times when I question my parenting choices, but there are just as many times when I’m amazed by my kids' kindness, wit, compassion and manners. People even comment on those things, which makes me think I’m not doing such a bad job after all.

So the next time you find yourself doing one of the things you said you’d never do... take heart - all those "judgy" parents do the same things, they just don't admit it!

Winter Fun & Frivolity

2011-12-15T18:00:00.001-05:00

Whether your child’s school break starts before the holidays or after, odds are you have a two-week stretch of vacation that will test your creativity and push it to its limits! So, we at Oliver’s Labels are here to help!

1. Bake cookies with the kids - yes, we know, it’s been said before (many times before!). But that’s for a reason – it works! What kid doesn’t wanna get elbow deep in cookie dough and chocolate chips? ‘Nuff said.

2. If you’ve got snow/cold weather, take full advantage of it. Tobogganing, skating, snowball fights, snow angels…whatever floats their boats. If they’re old enough, send ‘em out fully insulated and let them go wild outside with all the neighbours’ kids. Just make sure when the frozen crew decides to come inside, there’s hot chocolate waiting for them! (And maybe some of those cookies they made…) Bonus – your child(ren) will probably sleep like a rock; snowball fights are tiring!

3. Go to the movies. There are so many great family movies out at this time of year so why not enjoy a blustery afternoon inside with a bag of popcorn and your favourite little person? Your local museum would also be a good bet… many have additional children’s programs scheduled during school breaks.

4. I Spy Nature Walk – kids love contests, so why not get outside and see who can be the first to spot items on a nature list? Items could include various species of trees (easy-to-identify varieties like Maple, Oak, etc.), birds sitting on a wire, acorns or chestnuts, a red car (or blue, or purple…), random numbers (try to spot them on signs or on buildings). You get the idea! When you’re done, the “winner” gets to choose what treat everyone will enjoy back at home – or the local coffee shop.

5. Visit your local rec or community center. Many community centers have programs for kids during the holiday break, or open up their facilities during non-program times for free play. My local rec center, for example, doesn’t run any regular programs during December, so they open up their gymnasium two mornings a week for families to drop-in and play. It’s a great way to get some exercise and let your kids get out all their energy while having fun.

6. Take your kids to your local home improvement center for craft/building projects, most of which are free (or very inexpensive). You need to register in advance, in most cases, so check out their websites, below, for more information.

U.S.: Home Depot Lowe’s

Canada: Home Depot Lowe’s

7. Have a “Random Acts of Kindness” Day, where you and your kids brainstorm ideas to make a difference in someone’s life. Ideas include: shoveling an elderly neighbour’s walkway, making muffins to welcome someone who just moved onto your street, calling relatives you haven’t spoken to in awhile just to say “hi” (it’ll make their day!). Kids love when their opinions are valued, so give them free reign to come up with a kind gesture that will put a smile on someone’s face – and make them feel great, too!

Whatever you choose to do, have fun! The options are as endless as your imagination so let it run wild!

Have a great winter break. J

Holiday Helpers

2011-12-12T22:37:00.000-05:00

As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!". And, for the most part, I agree. However, there are some days when (no matter how hard I try) the craziness of the season makes me, well, crazy.

If you read this blog regularly, you already know that I haven't yet stepped foot in a bricks-and-mortar store to do my Christmas shopping, so you're probably wondering, "what's she so stressed about?". I mean, really... no crowds and crying/whining kids to contend with; no racing around like a mad woman trying to track down that "must-have" gift of 2011... just web-surfing, mouse-clicking, credit-card-entering and voilá - you're done!

Well, it's not quite that simple. (But, you knew that! ;)

As parents, we know that instilling traditions in our kids and giving them the wonderful experiences we enjoyed as kids (or wish we did) is more important than any of the material things we could ever buy them. We bend over backwards, stay up late, do whatever we need to make the holidays special, because these are memories our children will have forever. We want to do activities with our kids, but sometimes need to get creative in order to get our tasks done but still have fun.

So, here are a few "holiday helpers" that just might take some of the insanity our of your schedule.

1. Baking with the kids
Okay, when I saw this one, I laughed. You see, it's meant to be a joke, but I think it's a great idea. While I'm busy making cookies "with" my kids, they can be playing around with this and we're all happy! No little hands picking their noses then putting them in the cookie dough, yet they're having a blast "decorating" the cookies. (Yes, I know, it's a cupcake decorator, but they don't have to know that... cookies would work too, no?)

2. Crafts, crafts and MORE crafts!
My daughter can't get enough of crafts... and it couldn't make me happier. :) Visit your local dollar store and stock up on seasonal foam cut-outs, stick-on jewels, pom poms, stickers and whatever else your kid(s) will enjoy. Then, give 'em a glue stick, some washable markers and let them go nuts. Trust me, you will have a solid hour or more to yourself. If you haven't already tried this, DO IT! :)

3. Give them chores
This one sounds like it would go over like a lead balloon with the kids, but it's all in how you present it. First off, buy some of our Stick-eez™ clothing labels. Then on the next cold blustery day, make some hot chocolate, put on a holiday show (Frosty the Snowman, anyone?) and drop a huge pile of clothes and the pack of labels in front of the kids. Show them where you want the labels to go (on the clothing tags) and tell them you need stickers on all the clothes. Kids love stickers no matter what kind they are... they'll do it (and save you some time)!

4. Babysitter swap
Let's face it, babysitters are expensive. If you had to pay someone to watch your kids every time you wanted to step out to run errands or go grocery shopping sans kids, you'd be broke! Instead, get a group of neighbourhood moms together and work out a babysitting swap schedule. If there were five moms, each mom could take a day and, say, each afternoon a different mom could rotate watching the whole lot of kids after school. The kids will have a blast hanging out with their friends and, for only 2 hours of craziness, you'd get 8 hours of sanity in return!

5. Make meals in advance
At this time of year, I don't even think about making supper until 5:30 or 6:00... and by that time, I'm stuck! So, take one Saturday afternoon and make a few batches of the family's favourites - lasagna, meatballs, eggplant parmesan - and freeze them. It'll help you to enjoy mealtime with your kids and not get harried when life gets busy. (It comes in handy when unexpected guests pop by, too!)

Here's to a fun, memorable and, most of all, stress-free holiday!

Travel Tricks

2011-12-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

I’ve never been a fan of (the idea of) travelling long distances with my kids. Car trips are one thing, but air travel… well, that’s a whole other ball game!

I think part of my apprehension comes from the fact that hubby isn’t the best traveller. There’s anxiety and stress around deadlines. Have we left early enough? What if there’s traffic on the way to the airport? What if the plane is delayed and we miss our connection? The list goes on… So, the mere thought of travelling by plane with 2 kids under the age of 5 really stresses me out!

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. A good friend of mine flies with her two kids (under 4 years of age!!) all the time. She is my go-to resource for all questions air-travel-related. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips from her for those (rare) occasions when we fly.

Always put a change of clothes and a few small packable activities, like crayons and paper, small travel games, storybook, etc. in your carry-on. 
Since kids get cranky when they are hungry or thirsty, make sure you bring lots of healthy, travel-friendly snacks, like applesauce cups (bring a spoon!), raisins and crackers. Don’t forget to bring a sippy cup… but you’ll probably want to empty it prior to entering security (liquids restrictions) and fill it up with bottled water once you’re settled and awaiting your flight.  
Buy one new toy or activity prior to your trip. Pack it away as a surprise for the plane ride. It’s your secret weapon when you need to keep your child distracted in a pinch.  
Hand-held devices like iPods and other portable movie players are a sanity-saver - I can speak from personal experience on this one!! If your budget allows, buy one! If you don’t want to spend full price, Craigslist, Kijiji or eBay Classifieds have used ones for good prices, so check often. Rebember to grab a set of headphones so your child won’t bother those around him/her with the soundtrack to their favourite movie!  
Car seats: every country (heck, state and province!) has different regulations around car seats. My personal opinion is that you can never be too safe, so I always ensure my kids have the highest level of protection while in the car, even if it’s not required by the jurisdiction we’re visiting. To make life a bit easier, there are companies who rent car seats at your destination. Many car rental agencies even have car seat rental as an option, so you know your child will be safe all stages of your journey.
Label everything. I can't stress this enough!! Your toddler will drop his sippy cup while in transit to your connecting flight, and your kindergartner will somehow manage to leave her iPod on the plane. That's just the way it is! Make sure to get a Found-it™ code on your labels, so you have a better chance of any lost items being returned to you.

All of us at Oliver's Labels wish you safe, fun travels this holiday season! Hopefully, these tips will help you while you brave the holiday rush!!

Giving Back: SickKids Hospital

2011-12-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's amazing that, no matter how harried our lives become, when we take time out to help others, it changes our perspective and lifts our spirits. At some point, we all think about how we can give back in some small way, and with so many deserving charities and causes out there, it often takes a personal experience to help us focus on one.

Here at Oliver's Labels, that epiphany happened to our founder, Debbie, after a close relative ended up at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. She saw young patients going through a wide range of treatments, while the wonderful staff worked hard to keep up their spirits. This was an experience that made a real impact on her. And, as her company grew out of its infancy, so did her need to give back to SickKids.

Susie from the Child Life Dept. at SickKids (at right) with
Lisa from Oliver's Labels

Last week, that dream of giving back was realized. We now provide fun, custom labels to the Child Life Department and to some patients at the hospital.

Being in a hospital is no fun, but we hope that, in some small way, our labels will brighten someone's day. We're honoured to be able to contribute to such a wonderful organization that is not only a world leader in pediatric healthcare, but whose staff is known for their immense caring & compassion... making a real difference in the lives of kids.

If you volunteer, donate or give back in some way, we'd love to hear about it. :) We'll post stories of how our fans are making a difference in their communities on our Facebook page and here, on our blog, so that everyone can be encouraged and inspired to make their mark as well!

SickKids is always appreciative of donations, whether big or small. If you are able to give back in some small way, here’s how you can do it:

Monetary donations can be made through SickKids Foundation
Toy donations can be directed to Caron Irwin, Entertainment and Donations Coordinator

Here is a list of some much-needed items:

· Matchbox cars

· Jewelry

· Travel games

· Dolls

· Figurines

· Decks of cards

· Activity books

· Decorative pens/pencils

· Small craft activities

Holiday Mayhem?

2011-11-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

Usually at this time of year, I’m racing around from store to store trying to cross everything off my list. And, I’m not talking just buying anything. As a bargain hunter, I check flyers, search the web and compare prices in-store to ensure I’m getting the best possible price. While the price comparisons can be time-consuming and tedious, the fact is that I like the rest of it – the hustle and bustle of the stores, hob-nobbing with other shoppers, inspecting all my potential purchases… even getting a hot chocolate to accompany me on my shopping journey. Christmas shopping really is a much-loved tradition of mine.

This year, however, I haven’t stepped into a store once. I have literally purchased every gift thus far online. The delivery people from Canada Post, FedEx and Purolator surely know me by now. J It’s actually kind of surreal… I never thought I would enjoy doing it this way - breaking free of all my personal holiday shopping traditions - but I find it somewhat freeing. While I still miss the personal element of going shopping, I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know this isn’t something I’ll do every year, but at this stage (with two children under the age of 5), it seems to be the only way to go!

With all the time I’m saving, I may even be able to squeeze in a few more holiday craft activities with the kids. Now, that is something I can see becoming a tradition in my house!

We Remember

2011-11-11T13:42:00.004-05:00

As a child, I have vivid memories of Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. They were solemn, thoughtful, touching and heart-felt. We not only learned about the many veterans who gave so much for our freedom, but also why their actions were needed in times when human rights and democracy were threatened. Even at such a young age, I understood these lessons because they were taught with such authenticity. We were visited by veterans, who shared their stories first-hand with us; we created poppies to be placed on our school memorial; we wrote thank-you cards to the men and women who served their country. These were powerful lessons that still resonate with me.

Fast-forward to today… my school-age daughter is being taught about our history and the important role of veterans. At the tender age of four, she is learning gratitude and respect through the experiences of real men and women who fought for us. And she, too, has created a poppy (her first!) to place in our window – a reminder that we should never, ever forget.

On this day every year let us stop, take a few moments out of our busy day, and remember the men and women, both at home and abroad, who have made sacrifices so we can be free.

To them, we say Thank You.

The Countdown Begins...

2011-11-01T06:49:00.006-04:00

So, you survived the candy-fest! Well, there’s no rest for the weary because now the holiday countdown is on! :)

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Eid-al-Adha, it’s a busy time of year. From parties and winter outings to shopping and gift-wrapping, there’s never a dull moment!

And, while this time of year is a lot of fun – buying gifts, dining out, splurging on the kids - it’s so easy to get caught up in all the craziness. It used to be that I was consumed with making sure there was a ton of gifts piled high around the tree… I love to shop and what better time of year to shop than now? But as the years go by, I realize more that it’s not what’s under the tree that makes for a great holiday, but the memories I make with my family. And, I don’t know about you, but I could really use more lazy Sundays (if there really are such things!), and less stress-ridden trips to the mall.

That’s why my goal this holiday season is to reduce the activities that drain my bank account and instead try to focus on those that replenish my soul. I’m committing to spending time with family & friends, not spending money; making Christmas gifts with the kids, not making myself crazy.

Over the next two months, I’ll be sharing holiday tips on our Facebook page, on Twitter, and here on our blog – easy gifts kids can make, home décor that won’t break the bank, and of course, amazing recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

If you’ve got any ideas, please share them with us by commenting below, on Twitter or our Facebook page – we love hearing from you!

Two Against One

2011-10-17T08:39:00.017-04:00

As of late, I've noticed the dynamic in our family slowly changing. There's an insidious element creeping in that I'm not sure I like. It's called independence.

My youngest, at 16 months, is just starting to exert a little independence - walking, screaming when he doesn't get his own way (love that one! ;), wrestling with his sister... you get the drift. Having gone through this stage already with my first child, I didn't fully understand how having baby #2 go through it would affect me - until now.

Last night, at bathtime, my two *angels* ganged up on me! After supper they were both plopped into the bath and, shortly after, my little one started lightly splashing. That's all it took for my 4-year-old to instigate a full-on water war and, before I knew it, I was wet and both kids were laughing hysterically. It was like they were in on their own little plan... against me! It was a moment I'll never forget - not because I was soaked, but because I took a moment to enjoy their camaraderie and laughter instead of getting annoyed at the mess. My only regret is that I didn't get it on video. What an amazing memory to capture and show them when they're older!

I like the fact that my little guy is maturing and becoming his own little person, but I guess I didn't expect it to hit me like this. He really IS growing up. He isn't a baby anymore... and that makes me kind of sad. My baby years are over and, despite not loving certain parts of it (sleepless nights, seemingly endless diaper changes), there are other parts I wish I could hold on to forever. He's my littlest baby and his growing up signals the end of an era... but it's also the start of a new one. And, by the looks of it, he and his sister will have a lot more chances to gang up on me.

I guess it's two against one now (at least when hubby's at work). I'd better get used to it... and keep the camera nearby at all times! I don't want to miss another moment.

You Live, You Learn

2011-10-06T17:19:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I’m a bit of a helicopter parent. You know the kind – the parent who hovers near their kid at the jungle gym, just in case they fall; the kind of parent that has a hard time letting go (the exact opposite of a free-range parent) and usually ends up doing too much for their kid(s). Ever since reading up on Positive Parenting, I’ve been trying to delegate more to my four-year-old and instill in her a sense of responsibility. Between daily chores (making her bed, setting the table, clearing her place after a meal) and making her accountable for keeping track of her personal belongings, I think I’m doing a pretty good job.

There comes a time, however, when the only lesson they’ll truly understand is one that’s learned the hard way.

Today happened to be library day at school. As we were getting ready for J-K, I mentioned that her library books were due. When all I got was a blank stare I figured I’d be a bit more direct, so I asked her to please go get her books from her bedroom so she could return them today during library period. My request was met with a firm “no” and some excuse about not wanting to go all the way up to her room to get them. After asking again, I actually started for the stairs to get them myself. Then a funny thing happened… I stopped myself.

The helicopter parent in me said it was the right thing to do (go and get the books), but the Positive Parenting principles running through my head won out in the end. The natural consequence of my daughter not taking responsibility for her library books was that she would probably be gently reprimanded at school. In turn, I’d wager that the chances of this scenario happening again are probably pretty slim. However, if I robbed her of her opportunity to learn, we’d be in the same situation next week.

I’m so glad I didn’t rob myself of a learning opportunity, too. Because, no matter how much I want my kids to succeed, sometimes I’ve got to let them fail in order to truly grow. You live, you learn.

Halloween Tips & Tricks

2011-09-29T06:30:00.008-04:00

Halloween is still a month away and my 4-year-old is already asking to make decorations to scare the neighbours! ("But not really scary ghosties, mama... friendly-looking ones!") Other than Christmas, Halloween has got to be her favourite holiday. I mean, the opportunity for decorating is immense (she decorates everything), so this is just another chance to dive in and have fun!

To put it mildly, decorations and other Halloween-related items (costume, candy to hand out, giveaways for classmates at school, etc) can really add up. And, in this economic climate, who has money to burn? So, I thought I'd share with you some great tips (courtesy of our amazing Facebook and Twitter fans) for having a blow-out Halloween without blowing your budget.

Do a costume exchange
Get a costume that your child(ren) can spend the next year playing dress up in; the cost won't seem so bad then.
Never buy a NEW costume; source them at thrift sales, consignment stores, etc.
Find a theme the whole family can do! The kids love when you get dressed up with them!
We always make a trip to the farm in late September for hay and corn stalks to decorate the front of our house. It gets the kids in the fall mood and they start looking forward to Halloween.
For classmates, make gift bags without candy for once - foam stickers and craft halloween paper from the dollar store did the trick! Parents and kids alike loved the idea.
With leftover pumpkins, my toddler loves hammering golf tees into them - a great way to practice his fine and gross motor skills.
Buy your costume at Old Navy the day before Halloween - all costumes are $2!

And, on that note... happy money-saving to you all! :)

Having It All

2011-09-20T15:49:00.001-04:00

When I hear the phrase “work-life balance”, I kinda chuckle. It seems to be this elusive thing that everyone wants (and some claim to have), but for me it’s a daily work in progress.

Years ago, I worked for a big corporation – and they espoused the merits of the work-life balance. (Despite the references to it in their HR manual, they actually didn’t do much to promote it… but that’s another story!) At the time, I was married with no kids, so it wasn’t much of an issue for me. Years later, I knew we wanted to start a family and made a move to a smaller company where, I thought, I would be able to have some work flexibility. And I did – for about two years – until my department suddenly had a new manager… who didn’t have children.

Yes, that was the death-knell for my coveted work-from-home-two-days-a-week routine. It didn’t make sense to me because I had not missed one deadline, conference call or quarterly goal. In fact, because I worked from home part of the week, I actually worked harder – if only to prove that I could do it and not let my job slide. Yet, because of one person’s closed-mindedness, I lost my work-life balance. Oh, how I enjoyed being home with my little girl… it made me feel like I was raising her, not her daycare. I cherished those two weekdays, even if it was challenging to get work done; I’d gladly work into the night (after her bedtime) to finish my tasks.

Fast-forward two years, and another baby, later. Now, I can say with all honesty that I have it all – time at home with my kids, a wonderfully fulfilling career… and a dirty house and bags under my eyes! LOL

I’m truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with my kids and still do what I love, but there will always be trade-offs. The bags under my eyes can be camouflaged, the crumbs on my floor and dust on my furniture can be (eventually!) vacuumed, but my kids won’t be kids forever. So, yes, I feel like I have it all. And, so can you – if you don’t sweat the small stuff. :)

I Could Do Without The Back-Talk...

2011-09-07T09:32:00.003-04:00

What do you do when your kid talks back to you? Any suggestions?

I’m at the stage where my 4-year-old knows how to push my buttons...with the word "no". If you were to walk by my house on any given day, you may hear raised voices and defiant cries. In an attempt to better deal with these trying times, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about why kids do what they do. And, when it comes to defiance, it’s a completely normal developmental stage – more about kids asserting their independence than wanting to make us miserable. (Good to know!)

The experts admit that when power struggles happen, many parents feel a sense of urgency to gain control over their kids; they feel that this is a sign their child will run amok later in life. In fact, (and I quote Today’s Parent magazine) “obedience isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; after all, we want to raise a child who has the gumption to stand firm in the face of peer pressure down the road.” True... but, isn’t it always easier said than done? I mean, when it’s YOUR kid who's refusing to leave the local pool when all the other kids have willingly done so, it's tough to think “hey, this is normal!”. I have definitely learned that I don't need to control my child, and when I loosen the reigns and give her a bit of slack, she's more open to my requests. I've also tried to make sure I devote a good amount of time each day to her and her alone; time she knows she has me all to herself (when her little brother is napping). This has helped build a more cooperative bond between us.

This parenting gig is definitely challenging… and, one that doesn’t end at 5 o’clock! But, if I treat these moments as opportunities to build up my child's confidence, mould her wonderful, witty, personality, and help her realize her full potential, then it's all worth it. What an exciting and inspiring challenge, indeed.

Out of the mouths of babes…

2011-08-25T22:50:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard the phrase "Kids say the darndest things"? Well, it really takes on new meaning when you have your own kids and they're the ones saying "the darndest things"!

The other day my daughter and I were driving past a…er…I guess we’ll call it a gentlemen’s club, and she spotted pictures of scantily clad women on its exterior. She looked thoughtful for a moment, then came out with a zinger - “Mommy, those girls are not very kind… they’re not following the rules. You’re not allowed to leave the house without your clothes on!”. Well, I laughed so hard that I almost cried!

Kids are so observant - more than we give them credit for. As we all know, it’s usually the stuff we don’t want them to see / hear / remember that they do. And they are honest, almost to a fault. I remember one time we crossed paths with a “biker dude” wearing a bandana over his long hair. My preschooler proceeded to point at him and announce proudly, “Look, Mama, a pirate!”. (Just so you know, she LOVES pirates!) But what’s a mom to do? I kindly pointed out that he probably wasn’t a pirate and, even if he was, it’s not nice to point and stare.

Our kids have a knack for catching us off guard and doing inappropriate things at the most inopportune times. They really do keep us on our toes, don’t they? Sometimes I wish I could be that honest and uncensored. (Well, actually, some adults are and it’s not necessarily a good thing!) My kids teach me to not take everything so seriously, make me smile when they notice something I’d never normally see… and, while it’s not polite to point and stare, that is the only way they’ll learn the rules of civility and courteous behavior.

So, to all those biker types out there, please don’t be offended if you see a cute little 4-year-old pointing and calling you a pirate… to her, that’s the greatest compliment she could pay you! :)

They Grow Up So Fast!

2011-08-17T11:50:00.001-04:00

My daughter, with a "big girl" braid!

As the summer slowly comes to an end, I am reminded that this is the start of a whole new era for my 4 year old... she's going to "big girl" school in the fall and there's nothing I can do to stop it! ;)

It's always bittersweet watching my kids outgrow one phase, while beginning a new one. Just the other day, my baby took his first (unassisted) steps. I actually teared up, saying to my husband that this is the last time I'll ever experience one of my babies walking for the first time (we're stopping at two...).

Don't get me wrong, I'm the proudest mama on the block when my kids master their latest skills, but sometimes I just want to slow things down and have some more time to savour the little things. My kids are growing up before my eyes and time is moving too quickly. (Wait! I haven't even taken hand and foot prints of my now-14-month-old! Arrrggghhh! What happened?? Add that to my to-do list!)

I can take comfort in the fact that my daughter's life will be greatly enriched by all the new experiences she'll have at school - making new friends, learning new things and, most of all, developing independence and self-confidence that will help shape who she is as a person. I look forward to all the wonderful stories about her days at school and will revel in the fact that, while I'd love for her to stay little, it's magical to see her growing up.

Change is Good

2011-08-03T21:53:00.000-04:00

My daughter won’t eat apples. (Or pears, peaches and melon for that matter, but don’t get me started.) What kid doesn’t eat apples? Really… that’s just weird. She’ll eat everything made of apples, but not an actual apple. I’ve tried to explain that you have to try something to know if you like it or not. But she’s afraid of change, I guess. She sticks with what she knows and likes, and I can’t complain because she’ll willingly eat broccoli and asparagus (go figure, eh?). I find it ironic, then, in my quest to instill in my children that "change is good" – give up a bad habit because it’s better for you; make new friends because you’ll have more fun; try a new sport because you’ll like it – that I struggle the most with the idea of change.

Many people would characterize me as being outgoing, opinionated (maybe too much so, at times) and friendly, but I sometimes have a hard time moving outside my comfort zone. I try not to let my kids know, for example, that I’m afraid of heights (ladders = bad; airplanes = okay) and that I really don’t like bananas. But, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you’ve just gotta go with it! A few years ago, I was laid off from my job and had to seriously think about my next steps. I had never before been in that position, and it really scared me… the thought that I didn’t have a job to fall back on and didn’t know what the future would hold.

Fast-forward two years, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. While I’m very busy with work and my family responsibilities, I realize that I am extremely fortunate to have the kind of flexibility that I couldn’t have achieved at my old job.

So, while my kids may not listen to me when I tell them change is good, I hope they can see by my actions that Mommy can roll with the punches, that change really IS good, and that we’re all better off for it. :)

Been Around The Block

2011-07-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

French fries. Television. Large chunks of food. What do these things have in common? These are things I would have NEVER imagined letting baby #1 experience. But, guess what? I'm more relaxed with baby #2 and, at 14 months of age, he enjoys them.

Now, before you pass judgment and give me dirty looks, I want to clarify something – I’m a good mom. Not perfect (by far!), but good. I do not give my kids french fries on a regular basis, only occasionally. And, as far as television is concerned…well, it’s easy (they love Dora & Diego!) and it keeps the kids occupied at the end of the day while I get some work done or make dinner. Giving baby large chunks of food, on the other hand, was a tough decision. I have a real fear of my kids choking, so that was a big one to be able to let go of. I do the best I can and am getting better each day at realizing that it’s okay to be imperfect.

One upside to this whole thing is that baby #2 is so independent, even at such a young age. My goodness, he feeds himself already (and has done so for the past month). The food actually makes it into his mouth! Yeah, I’m shocked, too! ;)

Why, just yesterday I took a few pictures (for posterity) of him playing nicely by himself with his toys. He was occupying himself…didn’t need me…and I couldn’t have been more proud.

With all the talk about Helicopter Parenting and the like, it’s great to know that my “imperfections” as a parent may just be helping my kids. And, hey, did you know that lemurs come from Madagascar? I didn’t either... until my daughter told me. She learned it from watching Go, Diego, Go.

“Sign” Of The Times?

2011-07-21T14:53:00.003-04:00

I was taking my little guy for a stroll one day, when I noticed something in the window of a local pub. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was, basically, a cease-and-desist order for children. Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, but you get what I mean. This is a pub, not a four-star restaurant. (Love the irony – it's called a “Public House”, but half the public isn’t allowed!)

What's the definition of a "well behaved" child, anyway?
Their version of good behaviour may not be the same as mine.

Then, today I came across a blog post entitled, “Hate Kids? Then the brat is you”. Naturally, I was intrigued! The author, Joyce Slaton, goes on to discuss her thoughts on why there is an abundance of (perceived) vitriol for kids these days. I think it’s a well-written, considerate article. But, some don’t agree with the author at all, as is evidenced by the plethora of comments on the article (94 at time of writing this).

The thing about this issue is that there will never be a “right” answer… only opinions from people who look at it through the context of very different life experiences. As a mother, I don’t expect a childless person to understand what it’s like to feel unwelcome or shunned from certain places because you’ve got kids. It’s hard to know what that’s like unless you’ve experienced it first-hand. It’s not fun, and it’s not fair – even if the establishment has a right to ban kids...or strike fear into the hearts of parents thinking of bringing them (and certainly not their strollers! LOL).

As parents, all we can ask for is some empathy when our kids act up. Even the best of days can turn into challenging parenting adventures (how’s that for positivity!), when a seemingly happy toddler spontaneously melts down.

I have an idea - let’s all use common sense, put ourselves in each others’ shoes and see how far that gets us. Maybe then there won’t be a need for that crazy sign. :)

Modern Storytelling

2011-07-15T07:48:00.020-04:00

You know those rare occasions when you stumble upon something so cool, so inventive & so fun that you just can’t keep it a secret? And, when it’s also educational and FREE… well, my dear, you’ve got a winner!!

I had one of those moments recently when I came upon an email a good friend sent me some time ago, suggesting I check out a story-crafting website. It’s a wonderful concept, and I wish I had checked it out sooner - but sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day. :)

So, when I finally did check it out, I was completely astonished at how brilliant it was!

The website is Storybird.com, and it is nothing short of awesome! It offers so many different avenues for kids to explore their imaginations – and is beautiful, to boot! Not only can you send a story to someone (great for grandparents), but you and the special kid(s) in your life can craft a story together – even if you’re miles apart! It’s a great way to engage with them in a collaborative, fun way that also builds great memories and reading skills.

With Storybird the possibilities are endless! So, go online and start making a memory with your favorite kid. :)

Also check out Storybird’s blog and follow them on Twitter (@storybird).

Getting Their 5-10 A Day

2011-07-13T14:21:00.001-04:00

Some days it seems like my kids will only eat bread, pasta and crackers. Other days my kids want meat, little carnivores that they are! To be fair, my kids love certain fruits and vegetables... but I keep thinking about the other amazing vitamins and minerals they're missing out on because they refuse to eat (or even try) the rest of the food I offer them.

While I'll admit that I could've been a bit more adventurous with the foods I offered my older child in her early years, one habit I'm glad we got into was making smoothies. On those days when it seems I will never get more than one or two fruits or veggies into my little ones' tummies, I can always count on a smoothie to do the job for me. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it! They are delicious, and despite the fact that there is a large handful of baby spinach in each one, my kids eat 'em up! My daughter even helps make them and thinks it's fun.

Smoothies make a great breakfast on-the-go and are fabulous at snack time. With the hot summer weather, they are very refreshing, too!

Enjoy!

Recipe for kid-approved smoothies:

plain yogurt
frozen blueberries (I like wild ones best... small and sweet!)
frozen raspberries
frozen strawberries
handful of baby spinach (I buy the triple-washed, ready-to-go kind)
orange juice

*We make ours using the Magic Bullet because it's fast and easy, but you can do this in any regular blender, too. If using the Magic Bullet, put the ingredients into the cup in the order stated... for some reason it turns out best this way (we've tested it out a LOT!).

The Right Kind of Beauty

2011-07-08T06:54:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been hearing a lot about kids' self-esteem and what we as parents can do to foster a healthy sense of self in our little ones. This topic is on my radar because I have a 4-year-old who loves princesses and has a great imagination. Whether she's dressing up as her favourite fairytale character or entertaining us with her rendition of Cinderella dancing at the ball, her idea of beauty is being shaped as we speak.

While I have nothing against playing princess (I loved to do that as a kid, too!), I realize how vital my role is in influencing her views on beauty and self-worth while she's still young. So, I've made a real effort to not stress outward beauty when complimenting my daughter. She's strong, smart, brave, helpful, kind, loving and a whole lot of other adjectives! And, when someone else pays her a compliment about her outward appearance, I try to talk with her afterward about how a person’s real beauty comes from inside. I remind her that if you're not a good person on the inside, your true beauty can't show on the outside. We put emphasis more on having a "beautiful heart" than external beauty.

Now, I’m not completely naïve in thinking I can shield her from superficial comments about her looks. But, I can do my best to instill in her the knowledge that, despite her lovely exterior, it's the stuff inside that counts - all of the wonderful traits that make her unique. And, I think it's sinking in because when I read the Mother's Day card she made me at pre-school, one of the fill-in-the-blank comments was "Why I love my Mom". Her answer? "Because she's got a beautiful heart."

My Most Important Job

2011-07-05T21:20:00.001-04:00

Right now, I’m trying to get work done…but I’m just a little distracted. You see, someone decided to wake early from his nap and now I’m being coerced to play by a little crawling munchkin who alternates between climbing my leg and leaning in to plant sweet baby kisses on me. What’s a mom to do? :)

I could tell you this is a situation that is leaving me feeling torn, but that would be a lie. Truth is, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than playing and cuddling with my baby. I want to savour this time with my son, because he won't stay this little forever and I’ll never get these spontaneous moments back again.

It’s times like this when it really hits home just how much our kids rely on us; it’s up to us to ensure their happiness, security and well-being. The weight of that knowledge is tremendous, but the pride I feel in having such an awesome responsibility overrides everything else. This is the most important job I’ll ever do. Period.

So, yes, work is important; I won’t deny that. But sometimes you’ve just got to go with your gut and do what it tells you. And, at this moment, it’s telling me that my little guy needs his mama – and I’m happy to oblige.

Food and Family

2011-06-29T14:59:00.002-04:00

It’s amazing how food brings family together. For as long as I can remember, cooking with my mom has been a tradition. Not only did I cook with my mom, but also my grandmother. It was something we loved to do together when my sister and I were young, and still love to do it to this day.

Now that I’ve got kids, I continue the tradition with them. I must admit, while I love to cook, my real passion lies in baking. Aaahhh, do I have a sweet tooth! :) My kids’ favourite recipe has got to be chocolate chip cookies, but I really love trying new recipes in hopes of finding our next “family favourite”. This past year, I’ve tried to be a little more adventurous with meals, so that we don’t end up eating the same-old, same-old every week. In turn, I’m going to share a few of our new favourites. These are all from Allrecipes.com, which I happen to LOVE because of the rating/review system that helps me pick those recipes that seem to be loved by all. It truly takes the guesswork out of trying a new recipe!

With both the Canada Day and Independence Day long weekends coming up, I hope you will take some time to try something new – you’ll love it! (Especially if it’s a 5-star recipe!!)

Planning for Summer

2011-06-24T16:14:00.001-04:00

June is a busy month! I hear all my friends with school-aged kids say that the summer is a nice break after the craziness of June.

With standardized testing happening in many school districts, school fundraisers, graduation (for some), summer birthdays, end-of-year events for cubs/scouts/brownies/guides… well, it’s a lot of work! Then, we get busy planning excursions, registering for camp & booking play dates in the hopes of ensuring our kids are sufficiently stimulated – mentally & physically – during the summer. It’s practically a full-time job!

It can be quite overwhelming and we, as parents, can tend to over-schedule our kids. It’s a very fine balance between planning too many activities and having bored kids. So, in an attempt to save your sanity (!), here are a few tips to help you plan your family’s summer.

• Plan activities or outings with other families
If you’re a parent who works outside the home, this can be a great way to allow your kids to get out more often, by trading off child-minding duty with other parents. You may choose to lead an activity on the weekend, while your kids enjoy an outing with friends during the work week.

• Let your kids plan one special outing per week
This could be a trip to the water park that your daughter has been talking about or a barbeque at the beach that your son is keen on… whatever it is, make it special by letting each child choose a special outing (alternate weeks between children).

• Plan family movie nights and unstructured play days
Movie nights with popcorn and snuggles are the best – and they’re practically free, to boot!! And what's better than letting kids play in the yard or at a park, maybe bringing a picnic or snack, laying down a blanket and gazing up at a cloudy sky. ☺

• Don’t underestimate the value of rest and free time
It’s okay to let your kids have some time to “veg” out… that’s what summer is for!

Whatever you choose to do with your family this summer, remember the number one rule – have fun!

Sun Safety - what's in YOUR sunscreen?

2011-06-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Summer is in full swing and there’s no better time to take a good look at what we slather on our kids (and, hopefully, ourselves too!) every day – sunscreen. With all the information out there about what types of sunscreen are best, how often you need to re-apply it and the myriad brands to choose from, are you ever dumbfounded? I am!

So, when I stumbled upon a website a few years ago that helped me wade through the sea of information on this topic - and much more - I jumped for joy! Finally, no more trying to decipher labels by spending hours on the internet researching each ingredient.

This amazing website is from the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization whose mission is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. They specialize in providing useful resources like their Skin Deep database, which scientifically analyzes ingredients in many of the products we use every day and, in turn, attributes a safety ranking to each. And, the database keeps growing!

So the next time you want to know how “natural” that sunscreen really is, check out their sunscreen guide!

Some of their other helpful resources are listed below.

Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Chemical Index

Children’s Health (Toxics)

Health Tips

Are You Ready For Father's Day? :)

2011-06-14T12:53:00.001-04:00

It’s that time of year again, when we show our gratitude to Dads everywhere. They BBQ, read bedtime stories, give piggyback rides and let the kids stay up past their bedtimes (well, mine does anyway!). Ah, Dads… what would we do without them? :)

Yes, Father’s Day is just around the corner – this Sunday, to be exact. So if you’re stuck for gift ideas for a special Dad in your life, whether he's a techie guy, bookworm, a kid at heart or coffee-lover, you're sure to find something fabulous!

Wired.com Father's Day Gift Guide 2011

101 Things To Do With Your Toddler

2011-06-10T11:38:00.002-04:00

My last post was all about engaging with my kids in a more meaningful way. Well, today I stumbled upon a great blog - Counting On Me - and one of their posts entitled “101 Things To Do With Your Toddler”. What a fabulous idea! It’s like a bucket list for your summer with the family…

I am going to have fun with this and see if I can check each activity off the list! How about you? ;)

Being Present – A Gift to Our Kids

2011-06-08T16:25:00.000-04:00

If you’re like me, there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done.
With all of life’s responsibilities, it’s almost impossible to carve out a few minutes of “me” time (for sanity!) each day. Throw in a special occasion to plan or a family illness...well, let’s just say that something’s gotta give. It’s at times like these when I stop and re-evaluate my daily priorities.

I’ve heard it said that kids won’t remember a dirty house, but they will remember the time we spend with them. And it’s true – there’s nothing my kids love more than for me to hang out with them - and nothing I love more, either! In a few years they may not want to spend so much time with their dear old mom, so starting this summer, it’s my goal to worry less about the little things and enjoy my family more... to try and really be present with my kids – turning off the computer and iPhone if only for a few hours – so I can engage in a way that lets them know there’s nowhere I’d rather be. I want to take advantage of the beautiful weather and opportunities for family fun this summer!

I know what you’re thinking... sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re out of ideas. Well, that’s where our Summer Guide comes in. We hope it will provide some much-needed inspiration when your creativity doesn’t quite match your enthusiasm!

If you have a great idea, we would love to share it! Send us your suggestions so we can add them to our guide.

Making Memories Stick!

2011-06-03T14:08:00.001-04:00

“We do not remember days; we remember moments.” (Cesare Pavese)

If this saying by Cesare Pavese is correct, then we are well advised to capture and harness the power of those “moments” in our lives. As parents, we are always capturing these moments birth, first birthday, first day of school, first soccer goal, spring concert – the list goes on.

Now, with our Photo Labels, you can make these “moments” or memories stick -- for just $9.99!

“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” (The television show “The Wonder Years”)

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Planning for Summer Fun!

2011-05-27T13:08:00.002-04:00

Before we know it, school is out and summer kicks into high gear. With so many demands on families these days, summer is the perfect time to de-stress with family activities that are all about FUN! Get out those family calendars and book some weekends or days off with an eye to ensuring that your family participates in as many fun summer activities as possible.

- A casual backyard BBQ no matter how simple is a fabulous way for adults to get some much needed social time together while the children play and enjoy unscheduled fun!

- Day trips to Theme Parks – These are always memorable and very popular with little kids, bigger kids and Adult kids! To make the most of your day (and it will be a full day!) requires good planning and smart packing so that you don’t waste valuable time buying things like sunscreen, water etc. Consider stocking up on our Safety Wristbands -an excellent tool for theme parks or water parks.

- Camping – ambitious but SO worth the effort. Quality time in a natural environment without the interruptions of electronics. Campfires, hiking, swimming... a wonderfully simple but memorable experience your kids will love!

- Poolside – perfect for keeping cool on extra hot days. Some days it’s just too hot to move! Make sure to have well fitting life jackets if necessary and don’t forget those fun ‘squirty’ toys too!

- Picnic in the park! On a quiet day, pack a picnic and walk or ride to a local park for an outdoor lunch. Enjoy looking at clouds – what animals can you find?

Check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for more detailed tips and some great links. Have some tips of your own? Leave a comment below or leave your suggestions here! Summer can be fleeting, so get planning and have fun!

The rhythm of the weekend…

2011-05-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! As we approach the weekend and the upcoming long weekends, we pause to reflect on the rhythm of our lives.

Whether you are a busy SAHM (Stay-at-home-Mom – or Dad), working outside the home or something in-between, there is a rhythm to our week. Wikipedia suggests that “The workweek and weekend are those complementary parts of the week devoted to labor and rest respectively.”

As parents, we sometimes wonder when the labor will end and the rest time will begin… we all have shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, yard work and more to do! With so much to “do” it’s easy to lose sight of the need to just “be”.

We hope that our labels and tags can help keep your family organized so that there is more time to just “be”. Such is the rhythm of life (and the weekends).

“The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life… “ (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Let’s Play!

2011-05-19T10:02:00.005-04:00

June is just around the corner... and that means summer is coming fast!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore a few topics related to keeping those busy little bodies in our homes active and engaged in a healthy dose of outdoor activities this summer. Today, we’re exploring the enticing world of kids’ sports.

Introducing kids to sports is an exciting time. For your child, participating in a sport helps build confidence and encourages teamwork and camaraderie. For parents, not only is it really fun to watch your child participate, it also provides a great opportunity for you to be supportive and encouraging. But it’s extremely important to keep these early experiences positive. Just like learning to walk or run or read, children develop in their own way and at their own speed. Celebrate their individual achievements and avoid any comparisons to what other kids can or cannot do. Also avoid the somewhat common pitfall of pushing one particular sport on your child, but rather let them try as many as they are interested in until they find something they are truly excited about. You also don’t need to sign up for anything super-structured or expensive. Invest in a small soccer ball, baseball glove and bat and head to the park. Enlist other families to join you while you’re there.

Not sure where to start? Visit the Summer Sports section of our Summer Guide for a list of suggested sports and our own rating system to help you identify some good choices that would suit your child.

Most importantly, have fun!

Ahhhh… The Great Outdoors!

2011-05-13T14:03:00.003-04:00

Spring is in high gear! For those who live in seasonal climates, this time of year brings a welcome change to our ‘play’ schedules. We are more than happy to get our kids outside for much needed fresh air and exercise, but like any transition, there are challenges as we move our kids from the playroom to the playground.

In addition to taking proper care to limit sun exposure, many of us Mom’s and Dad’s are on high alert for all sorts of potential hazards that the playground holds. What is the condition of the equipment? Is it age appropriate? Are all the adults being responsible for their own children or is there an unsupervised ‘big’ kid running around terrorizing the little ones? Socially, are my kids finding it easy to play with others? Are dog-owners following the park leash rules? Why is my child so comfortable running so far away from me? How do I keep my sanity and enjoy these outings when all I can think about is my child’s safety? We’ve all been there – the endless sea of parental concern.

Though there’s not much we can do to alleviate all worry, many of our products can serve as a ‘second line of defence’ especially for those with very young or non-verbal children. Our Safety Wristbands are a great tool for outings to parks, attractions or other crowded venues where every parent’s greatest fear is losing sight of their child. Outdoor play and excursions are also conducive to less structured meal or snack times, and an increased incidence of ‘shared snacks’ – something which can be problematic for children with serious food allergies. For these kids, vigilant use of Allergy Labels and Tags on all their possessions and clothing gives parents extra assurance that their child won’t accidentally be placed at risk.

Do you have some good suggestions for keeping your child safe outdoors? We’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, get your picnics packed and your water bottles filled (and labelled!). We’ll see you at the park!

Livie– new to the Oliver’s Labels team.

On Mothers and Grandmothers

2011-05-05T10:08:00.002-04:00

We love our customers and the causes they love. Ricki Horowitz raised money and helped the Stephen Lewis Foundation campaign for Aids Grandmothers in Johannesburg and Swaziland. AIDS has left millions of children orphaned. Without hesitation or complaint, Africa’s grandmothers have stepped in to care for them.

We are always proud to contribute to the causes our customers believe in. Check out how Ricki is raising funds for the cause. Then check out how you can raise funds for your favorite cause with Oliver’s Labels.

This week, we honor our mothers and grandmothers at Oliver’s Labels. And, in celebration from now until Mother’s Day, get 15% off our entire site!

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Get 15% off the entire site!

2011-05-03T09:13:00.003-04:00

Now you can make sure your kids’ stuff finds it’s way home for even less!
With 15 % off our entire site and our exclusive Found-it™ Tracking System, you can buy our high quality labels and tags and keep your children’s stuff out of the lost-and-found forever!

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and all of us here at Oliver's Labels

"A Picture is worth a thousand words"

2011-04-28T14:38:00.003-04:00

According to Wikipedia, the adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" is a proverb popularly attributed to Confucius, however it's believed that the modern author of the phrase was Fred R. Barnyard who used it to promote the use of images in advertisements. The phrase refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image. It also aptly characterizes one of the main goals of visualization - making it possible to absorb large amounts of data quickly.

Now, with our Photo Labels, you can capture the attention of friends and family for less. It’s worth a thousand words (or 8 for $9.99)!

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

A little Chocolate doesn’t Hurt!

2011-04-21T14:17:00.001-04:00

As our busy hands prepare for the Easter Long Weekend, we just know you’re preparing for egg painting, Easter egg hunts, bonnets, parades… Easter Dinner… and CHOCOLATE (lot’s of it!). While this may be a holiday of some cultural significance, our children KNOW the Easter Bunny brings EASTER CHOCOLATE!!!

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!" Lucy Van Pelt, "Peanuts"

And, don’t forget to label those leftovers with our new Date Labels, we’ve just added a whole basketfull of designs.

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Reads like a good (face)book!

2011-04-14T14:07:00.003-04:00

Great news as the buds are bursting and the butterflies are coming out of their cocoons, our Facebook Page has a new look for spring! Thanks to our many helping hands, Oliver has donned his spring look. So visit us often and when you visit, don’t forget to “Like Us”!

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Spring has Sprung!

2011-03-24T16:06:00.004-04:00

And, Spring means new and renewal! How about a makeover for your Pantry? Our beautiful new Pantry Labels are just the thing to help you renew!

Apply these to all your spice jars, and baking ingredient containers or anything else you need to organize in your pantry. With your choice of so many colors and fonts, you will love how organized and beautiful your pantry can be!

Yours Warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Introducing… Date Labels!

2011-03-17T16:04:00.003-04:00

Thinking about spring cleaning and organizing your kitchen?

According to Tipnut.com, the first step to cleaning your freezer is to throw out all the old or undated food items! Want to be sure about what’s in your freezer? Try our new Date Labels!

With our new Date Labels, take the guesswork out of what’s in the freezer. Our bright and colorful Date Labels are reusable, can be personalized and are completely safe to use in the fridge/freezer, microwave or dishwasher.

We are right there with you - inching towards Spring,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

The Ides of March!

2011-03-10T15:14:00.004-05:00

According to Wikipedia, “The Ides of March” is the name of 15 March in the Roman calendar. In modern times, many North American families will celebrate “March Break” in the coming weeks.

All of us here at Oliver’s Labels are working hard to make sure your family receives their labels before your children go off to March Break camp.

If you are instead taking time off to be with your children, don’t forget that many local restaurants and attractions offer family and March Break deals.

For those of you who will travel for rest or play or to visit family afar, we wish you Bon Voyage!

Wishing you happy family days and cozy winter’s end nights,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Life with a serious allergy in the family can be a worry...

2011-03-03T16:15:00.004-05:00

We have all the right products to identify your items and help keep your family safe. We have labels and tags with designs for Food Allergies, No Nuts, No Dairy, No Eggs and No Gluten. You can personalize further with specific allergies, emergency directions and any other important life saving details.

Mommy bloggers who live with allergies every day have written reviews of our Safety products and designs. Check out what they had to say:

The Allergic Mom
Reviews from a Crazy Person

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

The verdict is in...

2011-02-24T15:45:00.003-05:00

Mommy bloggers from all over have written reviews of our products and the verdict is in! Our labels and tags were tested by real families, check out what they had to say about how our products held up.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Playtime and Other Wise Practices…

2011-02-18T16:39:00.001-05:00

Check out our new Blog Playground (background)
You know how you get the best tips about family life and your kids get to play the best games at the playground? Well, stay tuned for playground wisdom and great fun at our new (Blog) playground! Check us out, tell your friends (use the handy new buttons on our playground to link to us), let us know what you think!

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

We love our customers… and the causes they stand for!

2011-02-17T16:29:00.004-05:00

DYE-ing 2 Live was created by one of our customers, Carys Cao. At 32 years old, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and wanted to help create more awareness about how Breast Cancer can and does attack younger women. Carys is raising money for the cause by hosting events and promoting products that raise funds and create awareness.

At Oliver’s Labels we are proud to contribute to the causes our customers believe in. Check out the labels on the Doggie Bandanas that Carys is making to raise funds for the cause.
For more information about DYE-ing 2 Live, check out their Facebook page.

Here we grow again!
This week our team grew again! Our happy dancing feet and busy hands are welcoming another Web Developer to our team. Welcome Darren to the Oliver’s Labels Family!

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Popular Peaches!

2011-02-10T15:09:00.002-05:00

Popular Peaches!
Last week we offered a FREE Sample Pack of our beautiful and durable personalized labels to subscribers of Peachy Buy. Well, the promotion sold out in a matter of a day!

We’re Just Peachy!
Even with the promotion exceeding all expectations, we are doing a great job keeping up with printing and sending out the hundreds and hundreds of packages this week! Congratulations to all of you savvy consumers that took advantage of this great deal - we just know you'll love our products!

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

We’re Just Peachy!

2011-02-03T11:26:00.003-05:00

We’re Just Peachy!
Have we got a sweet treat for you! We are so excited about this special FREE offer today on Peachy Buy. We are offering a FREE Sample Pack of our beautiful and durable personalized labels to subscribers of Peachy Buy.

Peachy Buy… a sweet idea!
We're so happy to be working with Peachy Buy. They've made it easy and fun to access incredible, mom-friendly daily deals that are exciting, inspiring and most importantly, relevant to your life and family. Each day, Peachy Buy features an amazing deal on a fun activity, must-have product, or great service for moms in your local area. Offers are different everyday and can range from amazing discounts for family activities, special offers on products, to great ideas for a mom's night out. At Peachy Buy, they're moms too so we always work hard to source deals that are fun and relevant to your life.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

2011-01-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Here we grow again!
This week our team grew again! Our happy dancing feet and busy hands are welcoming another Graphic Designer to our team. Welcome Senje to the Oliver’s Labels Family!

Busy Beavers…
Groundhog Day is Wednesday February 2, 2011. North American folklore tells us that on this day, if it’s cloudy – winter will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow signifying that winter will continue for six more weeks. It’s hard to believe that while most are concerning themselves with the time left for winter, we are preparing for the busy spring and summer seasons.

Stay tuned…
For news of exciting new products and designs, stay tuned, you’ll be the first to hear about it on our Blog and Facebook pages.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

We Love You!

2011-01-18T13:16:00.002-05:00

We love you!
We love our customers so much, our heart is on our sleeve… with our new Sweet Hearts design, you’ll want to label everything – including your sleeve!

Sugar and Spice…
Not long ago, we were letting you know about our new Ninja design. And, now we’ve got a little sugar to go with that spice. At Oliver’s Labels we give you Sugar and Spice and all things nice.

Stay tuned…
For news of exciting new products and designs, stay tuned, you’ll be the first to hear about it on our Blog and Facebook pages.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

2011-01-05T12:40:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

We hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. Whether it’s back to business or back to the business of managing a busy family life, many of us are focusing our thoughts on planning and organizing our year.

Labels for all seasons… for all reasons…

Whatever you are planning, Oliver’s Labels has a package for you…

Our Starter Package contains the essentials to start labeling your child's belongings - it's also a popular gift for birthdays! Whether they’re in daycare or just taking walks in the stroller, make sure everything comes home with our Preschool Package. You can label everything in their wardrobe from sweatshirts to underpants to running shoes with our Clothing Package. You spend lots of money on your child’s clothing and school supplies – make sure it all comes home again with our School Package! And finally, thinking ahead to spring and summer… put away the messy permanent marker - our Camp Package contains plenty of labels for everything your child brings to sleep-over camp.

Whatever your season, whatever your reason, we have a package for you.

A little of this, a little of that…
Want it all? Can’t decide? Not sure? Why not try our new “customize it” feature to put together a package that's just right for you? Just click "more info" on any package to customize it.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us here at Oliver's Labels

Happy Holidays

2010-12-21T14:33:00.000-05:00

These days we are all busy. Shopping, wrapping, trimming, baking – lots of doing. This is our last post before Christmas, and so we pause just a moment, to wish you peace and happiness this Holiday Season.

Winter’s here! Or… “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

2010-12-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

Winter’s here! Or… “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Winter will officially arrive in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21, 2010. According to Wiki Answers “If ‘winter’ is defined as the statistically coldest quarter of the year, then the astronomical definition is too late by almost all local climate standards…” Anyone in any city in North America this past week would have to agree! Just in time for this winter wonderland, we at Oliver’s Labels have made ourselves over in the image of winter. Visit our homepage
and get in the spirit, cuz baby, it’s cold outside!

Invisibility, Walking on Water and Control over Natural Elements
Just in time for the Holiday shopping season, we are launching our new Ninja design theme.The Ninja is a prevalent figure in popular culture and is loved by young and old alike! According to Wikipedia, some legendary Ninja abilities include invisibility, walking on water and control over natural elements. Who wouldn’t love to have those super-powers…especially the latter on these frigid winter days?

Need stocking stuffers? Or, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
For those of us who are too cold to venture out on these last shopping days of the Holiday Season… remember, there’s still time to buy a gift card on-line.

Yours warmly,
Deborah Miller, Customer Support Manager
and from all of us at Oliver’s Labels

Great Holiday Gift Ideas from Our Family to Yours

2010-11-29T15:13:00.002-05:00

Holiday Shopping? Why not think about Oliver’s Labels to help family and friends get organized into the new year? Here are some great gift ideas from our family at Oliver’s Labels to yours.

Photo Labels for older kids… Consider a gift of personalized photo labels for the older kids in your life. We know of kids beyond preschool, in fact elementary and high school kids that can’t get enough of these. They love to put these labels with their picture on laptops, iphones, ipods, other electronics and books. An added bonus for Mom and Dad – if stuff gets lost, we can help reconnect you while protecting your family’s personal information by adding our unique Found-it^TM code to the labels. Visit our website for more information http://www.oliverslabels.com/Products/product.aspx?ProductID=9

Always a great practical gift… Why not consider a gift card? An easy and practical gift for your friends and family. Visit our website for more information http://www.oliverslabels.com/Products/giftcard.aspx

Consider sending a starter package… Always a popular gift for new parents in your life. Contains Original Labels for cups and toys, Stick-eez™ Clothing Labels for clothes and Small Tags for backpacks and jacket zippers. Visit our website for more information http://www.oliverslabels.com/packages/

And don’t forget about Happy Hanukah… Help make life in a Kosher home easier with a gift of kosher kitchen labels. With the same superior quality as our original labels, they are durable enough for use on items that go in the dishwasher, microwave, fridge or outdoors. Visit our website for more information http://www.oliverslabels.com/Products/kosher.aspx

For all your family organizing and labeling needs, remember, we have great solutions – superior products and service you’ve come to know and trust.

Happy Holidays! On behalf of all of us,

Deborah, Customer Support Manager

Oliver's Labels is our name, Customer Service is our game!

2010-09-13T15:05:00.005-04:00

Hello from everyone here at Oliver's Labels!

Here are some delightful feedback quotes that we received recently from our lovely customers! Feel free to share your own feedback and experiences or comment on these! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

"You have wonderful customer service, your representatives are so nice and do everything they can to help if there is an issue with something. THANKS!"
- Morgan, New Jersey

"Thanks for your prompt and excellent customer service!"
- Beth, Texas

"Your website is extremely user-friendly! I love the simplicity of the font and page design. The checkout process was smooth and friendly for a first time customer. Thanks, I will definitely be coming back!"
- April, New York

"Great website and easy to shop. Easy to find answers to my questions. Always enjoy shopping with you. A great service for parents and their kids! Thank you!"
- Candace, Oregon

Stay tuned for next weeks blog!
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Oliver's Labels, a leader in durability!

2010-09-07T15:49:00.005-04:00

Hello there from everyone here at Oliver's Labels!

We hope you all had a lovely Labour Day weekend. Back-to-School season is in full swing, and we trust that you have organized and labeled all of your kids belongings to keep them out of the lost-and-never-found pile!

As all of our customers already know, our labels are not only beautifully designed, but they are waterproof, dishwasher safe, laundry safe and will never peel, scratch, tear or fade! Here at Oliver's we stand behind our unmatched durability, but it is always nice to hear that from other parents and customers. On that note, this week we were reviewed by the lovely Kati Perrine of "Country Girl, City Life", a popular blogger located in the United States. Kati writes, "We heavily tested our labels putting them through multiple dishwasher loads, washing machine cycles.. frozen on ice packs and microwaved on containers, we even hand scrubbed the labels and they all made it!". Needless to say, we were delighted to hear Kati's feedback, so from all of us here at Oliver's, THANKS KATI! To read the full blog posting please click here.

Stay tuned for next weeks blog!

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

2010-08-31T11:56:00.006-04:00

Hello from everyone here at Oliver's Labels!

If you are half as busy as we are right now with Back-to-School season, you must be one busy bee! Shopping for school supplies is quite stressful whether its their first year or their last, so here are some great tips to help you through the process:

- Get organized! Make as many lists as you need to ensure your shopping trip is efficient and gets done in a reasonable time frame.

- Consult with other parents on what to purchase for your kid if its their first year in school. Or, when it doubt, get back to the basics: Pens, Pencils, Erasers and Paper!

- Look for deals and steals! Just because an item is on sale does not mean it is of lower quality than an item of full price. If you can save a buck or two, do it! You will thank yourself when you're using the money you saved to treat yourself to something special.

- Label everything! Regardless of how old they are, they are still bound to lose a few items or even lend them out to their school mates, and what better way to keep track of their belongings than by putting their name on them!
- Check out Oliver's Labels Back-to-School Guide for more useful hints and tips!

Because its the last week of August, and summer is quickly fading away, if you didn't get a chance to enjoy the outdoors, do it now! This is the last long weekend we will see until Thanksgiving rolls around, so make sure you get out and do something exciting while you still can.

Stay tuned for next weeks Blog,
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Seasons Change but our Shipping Times won't!

2010-08-23T17:16:00.003-04:00

Hello there from everyone here at Oliver's Labels!

We are in our busiest season of the year right now and things are quite hectic! Parents from all around the globe are preparing to send their children back to school, and to say the least, orders are flooding in for everything from Iron-On Labels to Mini Bag Tags. Its good to know that despite the chaos, parents are still keeping their kids organized by labeling everything!

Although we are in our peak season right now, our production and shipping times are still as speedy as ever. If you place your Back-to-School order today, it will ship to you within 24-48 hours! To read more about our shipping procedures, please click here.

When placing your order feel free to use the promotional code OLIVERSFRIENDS to receive 10% off of your order!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Its Back-to-School time at Oliver’s Labels!

2010-08-18T15:16:00.002-04:00

Hello from everyone here at Oliver’s Labels!

Well, its officially that magical time of year, when the air gets cooler, the days get shorter and your little ones realize that summer doesn’t last forever…

Back-to-School time!

Whether they’re preparing for Daycare, or bracing themselves for High School, the fact remains the same – they need to stay organized! We keep it simple, just label everything! From pens to binders, shoes to sippy cups, labeling everything is your one way ticket to avoiding the lost-and-never-found pile! Order your labels as soon as possible to avoid not labeling their items on time! We recommend ordering at least 3 weeks before their schools start date.

Check out our Back-to-School Guide available now on our website for useful tips on how to keep them organized and prepare for the best school year yet!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Oliver's Labels on the Today Show!

2010-08-06T13:04:00.007-04:00

Greetings from all of us here at Oliver's Labels!

This week we have some very exciting news to share with you!

On Thursday August 5th, 2010, our products were featured on the immensely popular television program the Today Show!

This particular episode segment focused on sending your kids back to school, and featured many useful products and tips on how to keep them organized all while having fun. To view the episode online, please click here.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Kristin Chase and Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks for including us in their segment on the Today Show!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Beat the Heat!

2010-07-15T14:01:00.004-04:00

Hello from everyone here at Oliver's Labels!

This week, North America has been hit by a heat wave! We have experienced higher than normal temperatures all across our continent, with the average temperature being over 25°C/77°F! For those of us who enjoy the high heat and high humidity, this is great news. But for the rest, air conditioning is a must!

Here are some tips to stay hydrated and avoid the heat wave!

- If you are heading outdoors, wear a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off of you and your kid's face! Sunburns can be quite dangerous so its best to be prepared.

- Choosing a waterproof, sports friendly sun block is also a must. We recommend one with a minimum SPF of 50 for children and a minimum of 30 for adults.

- Drink plenty of good old H20! Fruit juices and soda are lovely on occasion, but water is the most ideal liquid to consume during a heat wave to hydrate instead of dehydrating like most sugary liquids will.

- Getting out to a theme park is also a must for summer entertainment and if possible, try to take your kids to a water park! There's no better way to cool down than to go for a dip. Be sure to order your Oliver's Labels Safety Wristbands to be sure your kid's are identifiable should they get lost!

- Prolonged stays in the heat will drain anyone, whether it be an adult, a child or even an animal, so whatever you choose to do, don't do it all day!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog!
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Brand New Blog Reviews!

2010-07-09T10:30:00.005-04:00

Hi there from everyone here at Oliver's!

Summer Camp season is among us right now, and we have been keeping extremely busy!

We wanted to share some very positive feedback we have received recently through several different Mommy Blog's. Feel free to check out the following links to read what Mommy's think of Oliver's Labels!

Mama Monkmee's Blog
http://mamamonkmee.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-discount-olivers-labels.html

The Dirty Shirt Blog
http://thedirtytshirt.com/olivers-labels-review

Lee-Ann's Crazy Life Blog
http://lee-ann-crazylife.blogspot.com/2010/06/olivers-labels-review.html

Toronto Teacher Mom Blog
http://www.torontoteachermom.com/2010/07/olivers-labels-review.html

Stay tuned for next weeks blog!
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T14:44:00.003-04:00

Hello again from all of us here at Oliver’s Labels!

If you are in Canada – Happy Canada Day, and if you are in the United States, surely you’re looking forward to Independence Day! There are many reasons to celebrate this weekend, so kick back, light a sparkler and enjoy the celebration of our great Nations!

Photo Labels – How many uses can you find?

We are happy to announce that since introducing our Oliver’s Photo Labels many of our loyal customers have not only given them a test run, but the designs they have created are spectacular! And if we dare say so, the customer photos provided are absolutely adorable! Additionally, we are pleased to say that many businesses have chosen to use our Photo Labels for their companies, and have even used their very own logo! How innovative and useful!

What uses can you find for our Photo Labels? Order a set from our website at www.oliverslabels.com and receive a 10% promotional discount off of your entire order! Simply enter the code: OLIVERSFRIENDS to receive your discount!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Last Minute Camp Tips!

2010-06-24T11:30:00.004-04:00

Chances are by now your kid is almost packed up and ready to go to camp! Here are some last minute camp tips courtesy of Oliver's Labels!

- Make sure every item they are taking has been labeled!

- Always double check every item has been packed, and cross reference with your packing list! Please feel free to consult with Oliver's Labels Packing Guide for tips on what to pack for them!

- A little pep talk never hurt anyone, make sure your kid is comfortable, aware that although they're going away, you are still there for them and most importantly, get them excited!

- Make sure to brief your kid on safety precautions. This is a pretty standard and basic procedure, even simply telling them to always abide by camp rules is a great idea.

- If your kid is going to camp for the first time, and is nervous about not knowing any other kids, make sure they know how wonderful it is to make new friends!

Check out Oliver's Labels Summer Guide for inspirations, tips and ideas to make your kiddies summer the best one yet!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,
Candice
Customer Support Manager

A Photo Sticks Forever!

2010-06-11T11:39:00.003-04:00

June has been a very exciting month so far here at Oliver's Labels. With the warm weather here, and summer camp season coming up, we have been keeping extremely busy!

Introducing Oliver's Labels Photo Labels!

One of the reasons why June has been so exciting for us is that we have just released our brand new Photo Labels! Keeping your little ones belongings out of the lost and found has never been easier, and what better way to identify their stuff than by putting their face on it? Not only are our Photo Labels cute, colourful and innovative all at once, they are also a blast to make! With our easy-to-use photo uploader and design tool, creating your kiddies Photo Labels can be a fun project for the both of you. And while you're at it, feel free to try our custom fonts to make your Photo Labels even more personal!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Oliver's Labels Summer Guide!

2010-06-11T11:28:00.003-04:00

Oliver's Labels Summer Guide!

Even though your little ones are done school for the year (and seem to
have way too much time on their hands at that!), that doesn’t mean you
have more time as well! That’s why we decided to write a Summer Guide
for all of those busy parents out there who cannot find time to schedule
activities for their wee ones, and need a little help! In our Summer Guide
you will find five sections; Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Sports, Outdoors
and Arts & Crafts, all of which offer fun inspirations to keep your little ones
busy this summer!

Please click here to view our Summer Guide!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog,
Candice
Customer Support Manager

Oliver's Labels Featured in Entrepreneur Magazine!

2010-05-27T13:15:00.004-04:00

We have some very exciting news to share with you this week here at Oliver's Labels!

Entrepreneur Magazine has decided to feature us in their Top 100 Brilliant Companies List for 2010! This is quite an honour and we would like to extend a huge thank you from the Oliver's Labels family for this feature!

To view Entrepreneur Magazines website click here!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog!

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Product Review by My Wee View!

2010-05-21T14:33:00.003-04:00

My Wee View is a wonderful website created by a lovely woman named Lynette who is both a wife and a mother. A while back Lynette was kind enough to write this amazing review about Oliver's Labels! Click Here to see our review live (and to check out the rest of Lynette's website!) or simply scroll down to read the full review.

From all of us here at Oliver's, thank you Lynette!

Like most companies, they start when Moms notice there is a need for something new. Oliver’s Labels is no exception. Well, there is a bit of an exception – Debbie, the owner of Oliver’s Labels started this business because her nephew was always loosing his stuff. So although Debbie is not Oliver’s Mom, she is one heck of an Auntie to start a business for her nephew.

Oliver was always losing things, since Debbie had years experience in the printing industry, she decided to make some labels for her nephew. But it didn’t end there. The labels actually have a tracking device. On each label there is a unique number and instructions to visit www.OliversLabels.com if the item is found. The finder can then type in the unique code and include their name, email address, and a description of the item they found. Then Oliver’s Labels will send you an email with the finders info. Your email address will never be sent to the finder, unless you contact them to retrieve the lost item. It’s quite a unique and neat system. Great for things for younger kids like jackets, but also good for the older kids who will lose cell phones and ipods!

I tested the system, and 48 hours later, I received an email from Oliver’s Labels letting me know that my lost item had been found!

I dealt with Helen at Oliver’s Labels, the process was very easy to get the labels. I simply had to tell Helen the name on the labels I would like and then pick a design. Oliver’s Labels has many different designs, for boys and girls, or just plain colours if your little one doesn’t want a picture on the label. When you visit the site make sure to check out all the labels, I thought there was only 1 page of designs, but there are 4. I received the fantasy labels with my daughters name on them just a few weeks later – complete with instructions.

Oliver’s Labels sent me their new line of labels, Stick-eez™- so instructions weren’t even really necessary because they are SO easy to use. Just peel and stick! I was sent a few different sizes of labels. I used the mini labels on my daughters sippy cup, it was very easy to peel off the sheet and put on the cup. The cup has been washed, used and well loved and the label remains! I was also sent the clothes Stick-eez™ labels. Once again, I just peel and stick. I put this on the clothing tag as the instructions suggested to make sure I would get the maximum bond. This label can go into the washer and dryer and it still remains on the shirt tag. No ironing, no sewing, just peel and stick. This is great becuasewe all know if somethings means putting extra work, we just wont do it! No extra work here, it’s easy as pie (easier). The hardest part is not sticking your fingers to the sticky part. I was also sent some shoe labels, however since my daughter is yet to be walking, I did not have the opportunity to test out how well these would work with a walking toddler.

I love the idea behind Oliver’s Labels, I could have used these when I was young (and maybe I should put something like this one some of my stuff now – like my purse – I seem to forget it everywhere). I will definitely be using these for my daughter, children’s items are so expensive. It’s great to have names on things, but what if someone finds your items and doesn’t know you? Then what, I guess it means you are out of luck!

Oliver’s Labels also has some great informative stickers for their labels as well, one of my favourites is the No Nuts. I have a co-worker whose son is severely allergic to peanuts. She has to make sure that everywhere shes goes she tells them about his nut allergy. This was especially important when he was too young to talk. How easy would it have been if all his clothing, shoe and backpacks has a label on it with his name and a picture with No Nuts? I think this is a great idea!

Summer is Almost Here!

2010-05-19T14:25:00.005-04:00

June is fast approaching, and for most of us, this means our little ones will be done school for the year!

Naturally, we may feel a little anxious when we picture ourselves scheduling a plethora of activities to keep our kids busy. The trick here is to coordinate activities that will fill the gaps in time between your schedule and theirs (or lack thereof). And of course, make sure they enjoy the activities you have planned for them or else you may hear the ever familiar “But mom, I don’t wanna go!”

Here are our Top Three hints to help you coordinate the best summer your little one has ever had!

For Boys & Girls

Planning group activities that will get them to spend more time outdoors is very important and will also make for healthy peer relationship building. Try signing your little one up for a sport they are interested in, and ideally with schoolmates they are familiar with (but if not, forming new relationships can be just as rewarding for them).

Many of us experience anxiety during the summer months out of sheer paranoia that our wee ones are no longer learning on a daily basis, so how do we combat this? Lessons! Surely your little one has expressed interest in perhaps a musical instrument, an art medium, or even something as simple as crafts! Facilitating the ability for your child to be creative is beneficial and rewarding for both of you!

And finally, let's discuss family camping trips. How often is it that we can spend a few days with our family enjoying mother earth? There is something to be said for entertainment via conversation, and that something is: it doesn't happen often enough! So pack up your bags, prepare some healthy snacks, dig out those hiking boots and prepare for a rugged outdoor adventure!

We hope these friendly tips will help you brace yourself for summer!

Stay tuned for next weeks blog, and thanks for reading.

Custom Fonts Are Here!

2010-05-17T15:50:00.005-04:00

This week at Oliver’s Labels we have some very exciting news…

You asked; we answered! Custom Fonts are now available for use on our labels!

After receiving requests from our loyal customers, we have implemented new and exciting fonts for you to use. With two dozen unique designs and five different fonts to choose from, now you can personalize your little one’s labels even more!

When placing your order, simply click on the ‘change font’ link (located to the immediate right of “Design Theme”) and experiment with fonts including “Script” for a more elegant look, “Fun” to keep your labels looking youthful, “Plain” to keep it simple,“Comic” the original Oliver’s Labels font, and “Type” for a cleaner look.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog, we will have even more news to share with you!

Thanks for reading.

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T09:51:00.001-04:00

Mother’s Day dates as far back as the Greek age, when once per year they would celebrate and honour ‘Rhea’ – mother of the gods. As most holidays and celebratory times do, Mother’s Day morphed into many different religions and cultures and modernized itself into present day with gift giving, breakfasts in bed, and beautiful homemade cards.

On a day to day basis, modern mom masters the art of juggling her family, her career, her household and her social life, all at the same time. She packs lunches, walks the dog, drives her cubs to soccer practice and somehow manages to look fabulous at the same time. One might say that Mother’s are the glue that hold the pieces together.

Most would agree that mom deserves more than one day per year to celebrate motherhood. However, because she excels at making do with what she’s got, mom is always content with her special day – so long as the people she cares for are with her. It takes a special woman to be a mom; a woman who understands the importance of motivation, acceptance, and most importantly, love.

This Mother’s Day, whether you’re a mother, a daughter or a grandmother, take a moment to reflect upon how amazing you really are! You deserve it.

“Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”

Thanks!

Candice
Customer Support Manager

Faster Turnarounds for Labels!

2009-08-24T15:48:00.003-04:00

Oliver's Labels is happy to announce that we now offer quicker turnaround times for production and shipping!

School is just around the corner, and moms and dads alike are scrambling to get their back-to-school shopping done just in time. Let's face it, this is a hefty load on parents' pocketbooks. Help your kids keep their stuff throughout the year and label their belongings!

Keep their stuff out of the lost-and-never-found pile while appealing to their personalized sense of style. Oliver's Labels now features even more eye-catching designs that is sure to appeal to even the pickiest in your brood.

New to Oliver's Labels Designs are Crossbones, Polka Dots, Rococo and Sea Life, as well as the Custom Color/Font option. Come see the full roster of designs at www.oliverslabels.com/designs!

And get 10% off your order by entering the code "oliversfriends"!

Allergic to Dairy, Eggs, Fish, Nuts or Gluten? Oliver's Labels Allergy Labels and Tags is Here to the Rescue!

2009-07-31T11:28:00.004-04:00

With food allergies increasing at an alarming rate, the need for labeling food items and belongings have never been more important. More camps, daycares and schools ask that children’s food items be labeled properly as a preventative measure against allergic reactions.

Oliver’s Labels helps manage children’s food allergies by reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Oliver’s Labels’ Allergy Labels and Tags are bright, colorful and are easily noticeable by teachers, camp counselors and caregivers to help remind them of a child’s special needs or life-threatening allergies. Extremely durable and safe for use in the dishwasher, washer/dryer and microwave, our Allergy Labels and Tags can help ensure that your child has a safe, successful experience whether they are at camp, daycare or school.

Get ready for back-to-school season and save! Use the Promotional Code "oliversfriends" to receive 10% off your purchase on www.oliverslabels.com!

Sticking it!

2009-07-27T16:34:00.002-04:00

Stick-eez™ Clothing Labels Now Even More Durable Than Ever!

Oliver's Labels is proud to announce Stick-eez™ Clothing Labels are now even BETTER THAN EVER! We guarantee that the label will never wear off or diminish in quality, even when in contact with sunscreen.

Try it for yourself! Use the code "oliversfriends" to receive 10% off your purchase on www.oliverslabels.com.

Sticker Science

2009-07-06T16:42:00.004-04:00

Very exciting news indeed! A study of stickers peeling from windows could lead to a new way to precisely control the fabrication of stretchable electronics, according to the latest study published in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Initially an analysis of the wrinkling and delamination of stickers, the study eventually led the researchers to come up with a different approach to designing electronic devices that are stretchable/flexible.

For the complete article, follow this URL: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171614.htm

Now that's Science you can take to the bank!

Get Dad organized just in time for Father's Day!

2009-06-17T15:43:00.001-04:00

Think kids are the only ones who lose their stuff? Guess again! Dear ol' Dad can also misplace items and may need help labeling his things. Good thing Oliver's Labels are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes for use on nearly anything. Help dad label his food containers, electronics, baseball caps, cell phone and sports equipment. With Found-it™, Oliver’s Labels can help dad recover his lost items while still protecting his privacy.

Shop now at www.oliverslabels.com!

Oliver's Labels now offers FedEx Overnight Service to US!

2009-06-10T12:07:00.002-04:00

Oliver's Labels now offers FedEx Overnight Delivery Service to the USA! This option is now available when ordering from the United States.

This is especially helpful to all the moms and dads out there who need labels sooner than later before the kids leave for summer camp. Don't forget to check out our Camp Packages and our new Fashion Inspired Labels!

Please check www.oliverslabels.com for more details.

Update long overdue!

2009-06-04T14:30:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since we've updated the blog and we're glad to be back!

We have been hard at work here at Oliver's Labels with improving some of our best loved products. We will be posting reviews soon by our wonderful mommy bloggers to share with you all so stay tuned!

In the meantime, do check out our June Newsletter just in time for Father's Day.

Introducing Stick-eez™ Clothing Labels!

2009-03-10T20:18:00.004-04:00

Be the first to check out our brand new product!!! Just launched tonight!

No Sewing.
No Ironing.
Just Peel and Stick.

Applies in seconds to your clothing label and stays there. Saving moms time and energy labeling their kids' clothing. Also saves money not having to replace lost items!

As usual, this product is available in a variety of beautiful designs and available with Found-it™.

www.oliverslabels.com

Product Review by My Organized Chaos!

2009-01-21T16:37:00.009-05:00

Our latest product review is on a great blog called My Organized Chaos. We sent Tammi a School Package as well as a set of Laurie's Labels and she thoroughly reviewed each product in her blog entry. We enjoyed reading it and we think you will too... here it is...

Oliver's Labels ~ Must Have For 2009!

There comes a time in every parents' life when they have to start marking their kids' stuff. I have already lost so many articles of clothing and supplies, and Isabelle hasn't even started school yet! So, what do you use? Marker? Tape? Well, marker washes off and ruins clothing. And tape falls off. Oliver's Labels is a company that makes labels in great kid-themed designs suited for all your labelling needs. And I say ALL, because there really is so many!

Want the ordinary sticker type? Look to the Original Labels. These are a great size, perfect for cups, books, toys and lunch boxes to name a few. I think these are ideal for school and daycare items.

Mini Labels are great for tinier objects such as pencils, toothbrushes, spoons and small toys. These would be great for school supplies or marking items sent with the kids to camp.

You can probably guess what the Shoe Labels are for, no explanation needed from me! Isabelle has outdoor shoes and boots, school shoes, dance shoes, party shoes - and when not on her feet, most of these are in pile of dozens of other kids' shoes. How many people have left a party and accidentally put on some other kids' shoes?

Laurie's Labels are made for parents or the older child, and come in more non-kid designs. These would be wonderful for your gym shoes, cell phone and laptop.

Oliver's Labels also have Iron-On Labels for clothes and Bag Tags as well. Gotta mark that backpack!! And, the winter coats, hats, mitts, scarfs, boots....phew. So glad someone is protecting our belongings!

You can buy each type of labels separately or in sets such as the starter and school packages. Seems like Oliver's Labels have thought of everything!

BUT WAIT....THESE ARE NO ORDINARY LABELS!!! (now I know why infomercial people get so very excited, I feel like them right now myself!)

How may times have you backtracked, looking everywhere searching for a lost item? Scouring through lost and found bins?

Oliver's Labels come with the most fantastic feature!!!

A free online lost and found system, each label has the Oliver's Labels website address and your code. 'We then match you to your Found-it™ tracking system code and send you a notification email right away. Oliver’s Labels acts as an intermediary between you and the finder so you never have to share any of your personal information!'
I think this is the most fantastic feature, it takes labelling your items that extra step farther.

Oliver's Labels sent me some Laurie's Labels for myself and a variety of labels for Isabelle. There are some important qualities of the labels that I think you should know. They are 'Waterproof, weather-proof, scuff-proof, tear-resistant, high-performance vinyl with super-strong adhesive and high quality, full-color printing. Made to be long-lasting in a huge range of environments.' These labels are going to stick and stay for as long as you own the item! They won't wear off, wash off or fall off. Isabelle starts kindergarten this fall, and her stuff will be marked and well protected with Oliver's Labels. Great for kids and parents alike, definitely a must-have for 2009!

To read this review on My Organized Chaos, click here.

That time of year...

2008-12-23T15:58:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
All the best to you and your family
from the Oliver's Labels family.

Oliver's Labels Winter Newsletter

2008-12-17T20:07:00.004-05:00

Our winter newsletter went out and just in case you're not a subscriber, we wanted to let you know all the news! (by the way, you should really subscribe to our fantastic newsletter by clicking here!)

HOLIDAY PACKAGE with FREE GIFT!
Shop for the holidays with your pajamas on! Oliver’s Labels is the perfect gift loved by both child and parent. Our holiday package comes festively wrapped and includes a FREE LARGE BAG TAG in a beautiful winter design!

This package is only available until January 15th... so order yours now!
Click here to order now...

GIFT CARD
Can’t decide? Let them choose!
Oliver's Labels make a great gift and are now even easier to give. Our labels are colorful, durable, practical and can be used on nearly anything a kid can forget or loose. Give them something they can really use from OliversLabels.com – the only label with Found-it™.
Click here to order now...

LAURIE'S LABELS
Personalized labels for cool adults!
Hi! I’m Laurie, Oliver’s OTHER aunt! I love Oliver's Labels for their durability and practicality, so I designed some to fit my active lifestyle. Why should kids have all the fun?!

Introducing Laurie’s Labels; Oliver’s Labels all grown up!

My designs are hip and fashionable and the Found-it™ code gives you the peace of mind you need. I live in NYC and I use them on everything. If I leave my jacket at a restaurant, my running shoes at the gym or my cell phone in a taxi, I know they will find their way back to me.

I hope you enjoy and use these as much as I do!
Click here to order now...

IMPROVED BAG TAGS
Our Large and Mini Bag Tags are now better than ever! Using cutting edge technology, we are now able to print directly on our Bag Tags with the full vibrant color that you've come to expect from Oliver's Labels. They come in all our great designs and are still the same great price as before. Try them now!
Click here to order now...

Personalized Labels with Free Shipping!

2008-11-04T15:39:00.007-05:00

With the state of today's economy, OliversLabels.com wants to give our customers a break!

Shipping is now FREE!*

Our customers have been taking advantage of this great offer since we launched it in early October. It's a good idea to take advantage too since Canada Post will be raising their prices on January 1st and there are rumors that some of the services we use will DOUBLE in price! Who knows how much longer we will be able to afford free shipping!

Click here to start shopping... the shipping is on us. ;)

*Free shipping applies to our Regular delivery service to anywhere in Canada and the USA on orders over $30.

Updated Brochure for Oliver's Labels Agents

2008-10-01T14:34:00.003-04:00

To all of our wonderful Agents...

We have updated our downloadable brochure with our new mailing address and replaced the Camp package with the School package.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with your feedback on how we can make our brochures and order forms easier for customers to fill out. We value any comments you have.

Thank you!

School Package Special Extended for October!

2008-10-01T14:26:00.006-04:00

We are very excited to announce that we are extending our amazing School special to the end of October!!
So, order now until October 31 to get a bonus sheet of Mini Labels!

That's 50 free Mini Labels!

Don't let this incredible special pass you by. Order now...

We've moved!

2008-09-29T16:36:00.005-04:00

Hello readers!
We have officially moved into a new location. We will keep our P.O. Box for a little while for customers who have our brochures and are mailing in their orders. We expect that the brochures currently available online for our Agents will be updated with our new address by the end of the week. So... here it is:

Oliver's Labels
1834 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M4C 1H8
Canada

It's great news not to have to use a P.O. box anymore because it means that we will get your mail right away instead of having to travel to the P.O. box every few days. Also, by letting you know the physical address associated with our online store gives you confidence that we are a reputable and reliable company and we're not going anywhere!

Please let us know if you have any questions about OliversLabels.com and our recent move. We look forward to continuing to supply you with your back-to-school labels!

Oliver, CEO of Oliver's Labels pays us a visit

2008-09-25T16:16:00.006-04:00

Today we had the pleasure of having Oliver, our inspiration for OliversLabels.com visit our offices and "work" today. Little Oliver is only 5 and a half years old but he sure is a smart cookie. He sat at my desk and stuck sheets of labels inside of envelopes (don't worry, they were scrap labels) and then licked the envelopes closed. He spent most of his time coloring the outside of the envelopes with my highlighters (the closest things to markers I had) and being sure to put his name as the return address and his cousin's name, Emma, as the shipping address. He also drew lots of stamps all over the envelope so it would be sure to get to her. Then, we stuck "air mail" stickers on them for good measure. At one point we took a break for chips, soda and Fuzzy Peaches (a gummy candy that is apparently only available in Canada - yummy!) but just when I thought we were having a great time he asked, "can we please go back to work?"

Just like his Aunty Debbie, Oliver enjoyed listening to podcasts while he worked. But, instead of listening to the latest in tech news, Oliver downloaded the Super Why podcast and scoffed at me when I tried making him listen to Sesame Street. He informed me that if his younger brother Charlie was here (2yrs old), that would be acceptable. He is FAR too sophisticated for such childish entertainment. Here's the best part... in his tiny little voice he said, "Super Why is on PBS," and then he looked at my computer screen and said, "You know, PBS has a dot-com. It's pbs.org." His other favorite shows are Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! and good old Sponge Bob Squarepants.

Oliver is going back to Los Angeles next week so we hope he'll have another chance to visit his Toronto-based company again to make sure things are running smoothly.

Below is a photo of Oliver taken on Sunday.

Kids Label Reviews

2008-09-10T18:06:00.005-04:00

Oliver's Labels had a couple reviews we want to tell you about because reviews are a great way to learn about products. I know that whenever we buy anything here we research it thoroughly using online reviews and forums... kids labels shouldn't be any different!

Heather at Swanky Moms has provided us with great reviews in the past and here is her latest to help you get back to school:

Back to School With Oliver's Labels

Well, we survived Kindergarten, and now it's on to the big league. First grade is just around the corner and this weekend we hit Target for all of the necessary school supplies from the coveted "first grade" list. With a new pencil box, colored pencils, 4 sharpened pencils, an eraser, white glue, glue sticks, scissors, crayons, and a new backpack in tow, we set of to make the new supplies officially his. How you ask did we do this? Well, with our favorite labels on the planet of course, Oliver's Labels! Oliver's Labels can withstand anything, they stick well, stay neat, don't fade, and more importantly, they come in all the right sizes & adorable designs! We put the "original" labels on the bigger stuff, "mini labels" on EACH pencil, glue stick and scissors, & a "mini bag tag" on the zipper of his backpack.

As a former teacher, I truly appreciate Oliver's Labels. In my classroom, I used to find "unmarked" supplies all over the place and it drove me crazy. Who's missing glue? Are these your scissors? Where is your pencil? If everyone used Oliver's Labels, it would save parents money and teachers sanity.

Visit the Oliver's Labels site today and start marking your little scholar's precious property! Check out the "packages" for a great variety of labels.

Posted by swankymomheather
direct link: http://swankymoms.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-to-school-with-olivers-labels.html

Here's another review done by Hip Hooligans, a wonderful blog that reviews the coolest products for moms. Be careful - once you start reading this blog, it's impossible to stop!

Lost and Found

While looking for iron-on name labels for school clothes, I came across a web site called Oliver's Labels (http://www.oliverslabels.com/) where they have labels for shoes, mini labels, iron-on labels and bag tags. The coolest feature is that each label contains a special tracking code system in case your item is ever lost. The labels contain a web site that the person who found the item can log onto and it connects to you via your email account. Brilliant and private all at once! Imagine having a mechanism in place to reunite you with your childs lost shoe. I bought 60 labels for $23.00 including tax and shipping. Check it out.

Posted by AM/KT
direct link: http://hiphooligans.blogspot.com/2008/08/lost-and-found.html

We hope you enjoyed the reviews and we'll keep telling you about more as they come in.
If you're convinced to try our labels out now, go to www.OliversLabels.com to start shopping!

P.S. We recently purchased shipping labels from OnlineLabels.com because we use so many and they're prices are so much cheaper than buying them from Staples. The reason I'm writing about this is because by mentioning them, we will get a coupon for our next order. Sorry but we couldn't resist... we love saving money as much as you do!

New features and packages on Oliver's Labels .com!

2008-08-15T23:30:00.006-04:00

It's been a little while since we last blogged about what's been happening at OliversLabels.com. Mostly because there has been so much going on that we've had no time to write about it! Since the launch of our newly designed website, we've just kept adding new features and functions for customers and the response has been fantastic. Our improved page ranking on Google in combination with word-of-mouth has made us very busy and now that School is near, we're working non-stop to get labels out.

So, to catch you up with our news...

New School Package!
We launched a new School Package this week. We designed it to have exactly what you need for the occasion. The special thing about this package is that it has a ton of Mini labels (80 to be exact) because we know how many pens, pencils, pencil crayons, crayons and markers are involved with back-to-school! Label them all with a slim Mini label and your child will never be missing a color. Another thing that makes this package special is that it's the first package to have 3 Mini Bag Tags. They are such a popular item and there's no limit to the number of places you can attach these. Jacket zippers, lunch boxes, keys and pencil cases are just to name a few. We didn't forget our Large Bag Tag which is a must-have for backpacks. Also included in the School Package are 20 Originals labels - a staple when you need a big, bright, clear label for things like binders, bottles, food containers and any toy your child brings to school. Last but not least there are 30 Iron-on Clothing labels. These are essential for anything that might not stay on your child all day like hoodies, winter clothes, gym clothes and the extra outfit you send with in case of "accidents".

Order now so they arrive on time for the first day of school!

New Baby Package!
My mother was going to a baby shower for a new born and needed some Oliver's Labels to give to the new mom. After visiting OliversLabels.com she had an idea and called me up... "You need a Baby Package!" Done. We designed the ideal package containing exactly what a new mommy needs. The Baby Package includes 20 Original Labels, 50 Mini Labels and 14 Shoe Labels (7 pairs). Not only is this a great package for any new mom, it's also a WONDERFUL gift - you know she'll love it.

Now accepting US Dollars!
We have many customers in our "neighbor to the south" and due to popular request, we are now accepting American dollars. You can see at the top of our website we have two little flags - one American and one Canadian. You can choose your preferred currency and shop away!

Improved Agent Section!
Our Agents are so important to us and we worked hours-on-end to make a log-in area that will be easy to use and completely informative. New features include a place to download marketing material and banner ads and more importantly, a place to view all the sales you've made and the commission you've earned! Another exciting feature for Agents is that you can now request to have your own custom URL. For example, you can have www.OliversLabels.com/JaneDoe and when someone uses this to visit our site, your name is automatically filled out as the referral. It makes earning money with OliversLabels.com even easier! Join today and if you're already part of our team, don't hesitate to contact us to let us know how we can help.

There are plenty of more things to talk about but we'll save it for another blog post. :)

We are always very interested in your feedback and comments so please comment on this blog or email us at info@oliverslabels.com if you have anything at all to say.

Talk to you again soon!

New website launched for OliversLabels.com!

2008-05-23T14:43:00.005-04:00

This morning at 1am we launched our new website. It is even easier to browse through all our great products and packages. One of our favorite additions are all the great new product photos. We hope you find them very useful while reading the product descriptions. Best of all, in our effort to make things as easy as possible for our online customers, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards directly on our website! You can also choose to pay with PayPal.

Don't wait till the last minute... get your kids camp labels now!

Also, become an Oliver's Labels agent and make money while selling something people need!

See you on the new OliversLabels.com soon!

www.oliverslabels.com

Camp Labels are here!

2008-05-01T19:14:00.004-04:00

Hello readers!
It's official... camp season is upon us! Today we replaced our School Package with a new Camp Package that's even better than last year.

If you're sending your child to camp, you need Oliver's Labels Camp Package. Put away the black permanent marker! These labels go neatly on clothes and all the things your child brings to camp. You'll be amazed when you see everything come back home again!

Here is what we put together in this must-have package:
½ pack of Original Labels (20 labels)
½ pack of Mini Labels (50 labels)
½ pack of Shoe Labels (14 labels)
1 full pack of Iron-on Clothing Labels (60 labels)
and 2 Large Bag Tags (2 tags)

Get EVERYTHING you need in our Camp package from OliversLabels.com for $58.99.
www.oliverslabels.com

Kids Labels in Toronto

2008-04-08T10:00:00.003-04:00

Oliver's Labels has been listed on a very popular site used all over the GTA called Toronto4Kids!
This is a great, helpful site for any parent looking for information and resources. We are in their kid's directory in the shopping section under "labels" and "personalized".
Contact us today to get your very own kid labels... it's how kids' stuff finds its way home!
www.oliverslabels.com

Happy Family Day in Canada

2008-02-18T11:50:00.004-05:00

Oliver's Labels would like to take a moment to say "Happy Family Day" on Ontario's first Family Day!

This statutory holiday was created by the Liberal government of Canada last year and it increases the number of public holidays to 9. We hope you are all enjoying the day off with your loved ones.

www.oliverslabels.com