Summer Camp Countdown

It's *that* time of year again... camp season is right around the corner!

Before you know it, the cold weather will be replaced by warm temps, and thoughts of hiking trails and campfires will fill our children's heads.

You may have already read my post on why I think camp is so important (and if you haven't, feel free to click on the link :), so I thought I'd list some resources to help you find the perfect camp for your child, if you haven't done so already.

Family Time & 101 Things to Do With Your Toddler

Yesterday was a glorious day – one filled with family fun and adventure.

Here in Ontario (and in some other provinces), it was Family Day; in the U.S., it was President’s Day. And let me tell you, we made the most of it!

The sun was shining, there was a chill in the air and we enjoyed a wonderful day in the outdoors, exploring our neighborhood. When we got home our cheeks were rosy, we were completely tired out and we all agreed we had a great time.

There’s nothing like a day off, spent with the kids, to remind me of how precious family time is. As my children get older, there will be fewer opportunities to enjoy an uninterrupted day together, so I’m enjoying each and every chance I get when they are little to connect with them and enjoy their company.

Wordless Wednesday - Valentine Edition

Homemade valentine magnets... made with love!

Quick & Healthy Comfort Food

If you’re anything like me, when the weather is cold and all I can see out my window is snow, my favorite thing to do is nestle inside and get cozy. This is the season for “comfort food” (which I love), and I’m definitely drawn to meals that are quick and healthy, yet satisfy this craving.

We all know how important it is for families to eat meals together, and with our increasingly busy lives, it can be tough sometimes. So, in the spirit of quick, healthy meals, I’ve found some amazing recipes and timesaving tips that are sure to help in your meal planning.

Valentine’s Day Fun

There are only 10 more sleeps until Valentine’s Day and what better way to enjoy this fun holiday than with great activities to do with your kids?

While there are a lot of do-it-yourself projects out there that are cute, many are also very complex and time-consuming. As a parent, I aim to make Valentine’s Day fun for my kids, and free of chaos for myself! So, in the spirit of simplicity, I’ve found some very do-able ideas for every parent.

Here are a few of my favorites… I hope you enjoy them!

1. Make a Gratitude Tree  
2. Crayon Hearts
3. Valentine Bubbles
4. Color Me Happy Valentines
5. Salt Dough Necklaces and Magnets 

Photo credit: Amazing Mae

Whether you have some big DIY fun on Valentine’s Day, or keep it simple with sweet handwritten cards to friends, be sure to let your kids know they’re YOUR favorite Valentines! :)

We’d love to see your Valentine creations, so feel free to post them on our Facebook wall, share them on Twitter (be sure to tag us @oliverslabels) or add them to our Holiday board on Pinterest leading up to the big day. We’ll be continuing to post fun ideas, and are sure to share yours with our fans!

Little Miss (or Mr.) Manners

Growing up, my Mom was a stickler for good manners. My sister and I were often reminded to use our manners, and at a young age, I remember distinctly thinking that I wouldn't do that to my kids when I was a parent. It was so annoying!

Fast forward twenty years or so, and guess what I do on a regular basis? (Cue the laugh track...)

We know that, even before children are verbal, there is a lot of learning going on. And it's not just about children absorbing the alphabet or learning their colours. There's a saying - "Children learn what they live" - and I fully believe that.  Even as a baby, I'd say "bless you" when my child sneezed, or I'd hold the door open for strangers at the mall, while my little one slumbered in her stroller. Children notice everything, not just the big, grand gestures. I've been told that my kids are extremely well-mannered (well, most of the time!) and I attribute that to the fact that I have continued my Mom's tradition of teaching manners from a young age. 

Here are some great resources for teaching children manners. I've found them extremely useful and I hope you will, too!

• 10 Basic Manners for Kids
• Good Manners - at Home, at School and When You Are Out (practical situation-based scenarios)
• Teaching Manners to Kids (practical ways to model good behaviour)
• How to Teach Manners to Toddlers, Kids and Tweens (great tips for all stages)

As parents, our actions - despite how insignificant they seem at the time - lay a foundation for our children that can last a lifetime. While reading, writing and math are important to learn, I think manners are just as imperative for future success. Whether rich or poor (or somewhere in between), good etiquette and respect for others are the great equalizers. Manners are invaluable, yet cost us nothing.

What ways do you teach your kids good manners? Please share your ideas... it helps make us all better parents!

Thanks for reading! Until next week...

Party Planning Made Easy

Because my children have birthdays in the first half of the year, I find that I need to get organized right out of the gate, so that I don’t go crazy planning last minute parties for them.

I usually start by asking them about their preferences. We make a wish list, then whittle down what their “must-haves” really are. My kids know that they don’t get everything they ask for, and this is just another way they learn moderation.

Once we have a theme established, I go online and search Pinterest for great party ideas. Pinterest has, increasingly, become one of my go-to sites, as it seems to distill all of the wonderful ideas out there into one easy search. Then, once I have an idea of what I need to purchase, make, and do, I continue with a Google keyword search to find out where I can get all of the items on my list.

Here are a few of my favorite party ideas right now:

1. Superhero Party – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-kids-parties-superheroes-my-party-169414

I love this party theme because not only is it cool, it works for either gender. Boys and girls, alike, love to pretend they’re superheroes, dressed up in capes and masks. And, note the number of awesome DIY projects for this theme… you can really cut down on costs by making many of the accessories yourself. Depending on the ages of the children attending the party, you could even incorporate some items, like felt masks and cool wristbands, into the party as fun activities. 

2. Construction Party - http://projectnursery.com/tag/construction-themed-birthday-party/

This website offers lots of great ideas for using your child’s toys as part of the décor, and the DIY construction sign cookies and marshmallow pops are fun and easy.

3. Barnyard Fun – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-kids-parties-the-farm-my-party-182187

This farm-themed party is super-easy and offers lots of opportunities to showcase veggies as part of the décor and on the menu, as well. We love the mini chicken fingers and fries in pint containers and the creative use of tiny clay pots.

4. Lollipop Sweet Shoppe - http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/new-in-the-shop-lollipop-collection-photo-shoot/

This is a great theme that allows you lots of freedom to think outside the box. From lollipop swirl-frosted cookies on sticks, to take-out boxes decorated with multicolored dot stickers and filled with sweet treats, any little girl would swoon over this party!

5. Girly-Girl Party – Inspired by this treat: http://pinterest.com/pin/170222060887686764/

If you’ve got an older girl who loves makeup and anything girly, get creative and throw her the party of her dreams! Make spa masks, have manicure stations where her guests can do their nails (or each others’), and offer cute treats to eat, like nail polish marshmallows! Make it a sleepover, with popcorn and the movie Legally Blonde, and you’ve got a winner!

There are so many amazing party ideas on the web… if you want more, take a look at these for Girls and Boys. And, be sure to check out our Kids’ Party Ideas board on Pinterest, where we are always pinning new ideas!

One last suggestion…

Instead of loot bags filled with toys that will eventually end up in the landfill, try our new Loot Bag Packages – they come in 7 designs, including Superheroes, Cupcakes and more – and they’re only $4.99 each! They’re inexpensive, fun and practical too - each child gets their own customized labels and one tag to identify their favorite water bottle or backpack.

Happy party planning!