My first "Back-to-School"

Since my oldest child started school last year, I've been thinking a lot about what this very first "back-to-school" will mean. Let's face it, the train has left the proverbial station and has embarked on an 18-year journey, making the fact that she's growing up all too real.  I wonder if my Mom felt the same.

As a kid, I remember back to school season fondly. Well, the shopping for school supplies and clothes was fun, but the end of summer... not so much.  I remember the last week of August being bittersweet. I wanted summer to go on forever, but I also really missed seeing my friends every day. I hope my daughter feels the same. There's an amazing sense of renewal at back-to-school season that is exciting. A new grade to conquer; new friends to make; old friends to reconnect with.

And, while it's exciting for kids, it can also be a lot of work for parents. My to-do list is already crammed with tasks to prepare for the first week back. I'm not always the most organized person, but I am off to a good start. I have already started a list of items to purchase - some that need replacing or upgrading from last year (I don't think the weeny backpack will cut it in SK!), a few new outfits for her ever-growing body, and of course, our newest tradition that was started this same time last year... letting her pick out new labels. I thought we would have enough to last two years, but I've just about run out of every type - especially shoe and Stick-eez clothing labels, which are always the first to go in our house.

And so the back-to-school countdown begins. Here are some of my tips for a successful - and stress-free - season.

1. Take a wardrobe inventory
Spend an hour or so going through your child's clothing and have them try on anything that looks like it might not fit, come the fall. Make a list of what's needed and start shopping now to ensure size availability. Don't forget to check your child's shoes to see if they fit! Many a parent has been caught off guard when junior puts on last season's running shoes only to find he's grown out of them over the summer.

2. Buy school supplies sparingly
Call your child's school and ask if they have a suggested list of supplies for their grade/class (some do). If so, this will help keep unneeded purchases to a minimum. If not, stick to purchasing the basics for the first day back; here's a great list to get you started. School supplies aren't cheap, so save your money - anything that's still needed can be bought later.

3. Check coupon / deal websites before you shop
Sites like Retailmenot.com and Couponchief.com are a wealth of coupon codes and promotional offers, so don't forget to check them before heading out to shop. If you're not familiar with how they work, it's simple - type in the store name that you'll be visiting, hit "enter" and the website will list any available coupons (or online promo codes) for it. Better yet, do as much shopping as possible online and save your sanity!  

4. Label everything
When I say everything, I mean everything! ;) There is no end to the number of things kids can lose... from pencil crayons and scissors to hoodies and shoes, it's a wonder anything is left at the end of the year. With over 40 designs and 17 fonts to choose from, there's something for everyone. My daughter, in particular, loves the fact that she can customize each kind of label and tag in her package with a different design and font - no other company has such a wide range of customization options. For kids with allergies, our wide range of Allergy Labels, Tags and Safety Wristbands are an excellent way of alerting your child's teachers to his or her allergy/ies, especially the first few weeks of being in a new class.

When ordering, don't forget our exclusive, optional (and FREE!) Found-it™ system - a must-have to help your kids' lost items get returned.  If you need assistance placing an order or simply have a question that isn't answered on our website FAQ, our wonderful customer service team is available by email (info@oliverslabels.com), phone (1-800-398-2060) or online chat (button is on right side of website), so let us know if we can be of assistance! Or, if you're on Twitter, feel free to tweet us!

Happy back-to-school shopping!

Wordless Wednesday

Spring has finally sprung!!

Wordless Wednesday

Keeping It Even-Steven

A few short years ago, my entire world consisted of my little girl. Hubby and I devoted all our time and attention to this one, perfect, sweet little being. Then, when we decided to expand our family, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

 Immediately, the family dynamic changed and I started feeling guilt over not spending the same amount of time with my son than I had with my daughter. She went to Mommy and Me swimming lessons at 6 months of age; he didn't go until he was almost two! If she got a new toy, why didn't he get one, too? That was only fair and right, wasn't it? The guilt and even-Steven-ness of it all could've made me crazy...and it still almost does sometimes.

For the most part, I try and take a step back and realize that it's not about making everything "even", but about tending to my children's individual, unique needs as they arise. To make sure they know they're loved, cherished, taken care of and wanted more than anything in this world, is the best gift I can possibly give them. Sure, there will be times when one of my kids feels slighted ("She got an extra cookie!") or neglected ("You took him to the playground twice this week, and I never got to go!"), but I'll cross those bridges when I get to them.

For now, I'll focus on kissing, hugging, cuddling and playing with my kids. Then, hopefully, they'll be too distracted to notice.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to camp we go!

Is your child going to camp this year? Mine are still too young for "away" camp, but I've always thought that summer camp is an amazing experience that I want them to enjoy someday.

I remember going to camp - the freedom and independence, the sheer joy of making my own decisions. It was like heaven on earth for me. While I definitely missed my family, the experience was life-changing. For me, it was the first stepping stone to achieving self-confidence at such a young age.

While the thought of our kids being away from home is scary for parents, the benefits of summer camp are many. Friendships are forged that last a lifetime; self-esteem and confidence flourish. In today's "helicopter parenting" environment, camp can be the defining time when children spread their wings to venture beyond their comfort zones... and sometimes we, as parents, need to venture beyond ours.

Happy trails!
___________________

Don't forget to label!

Our Camp Package is available all year long, and contains everything your child will need to keep his or her stuff out of the lost-and-found, so don't forget to order some for your little campers! New designs are added all the time, so check back often and see what's new!

Right Where I'm Meant To Be

My kids are forever amazing me. From their ability to make me laugh one minute, yet cry and throw up my hands in defeat the next, to the ways in which they are seemingly independent yet, in the same breath, want me - and only me - on a daily basis. There's surely never a dull moment in my house!

Some days it's like an emotional roller-coaster. One morning there's cooperation, hugs and high-fives, then the afternoon rolls around and it's like World War III has started - all because we ran out of chicken noodle soup for lunch! Yes, the toddler and preschool years can be trying, but also so precious.

Yesterday, my toddler grabbed my face and, for a second, I thought he was going to bestow upon me his newest trick - the head butt. (Lovely, isn't it?) Instead, he almost brought me to tears when he gave me the sweetest nose kisses ever... followed by a heartbreaker smile, dimples and all. What a nice surprise!

It's in these unexpected moments that I find the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment as a Mom. I can plan fun activities and outings, but the most meaningful moments happen spontaneously, usually when I'm least expecting them.  And, while I may sometimes doubt my decision to work from home so I can be with my children every day (late nights = tired Mama), these moments are like bright stars in a dark night sky.

They make me look up in wonder and realize that I'm right where I'm meant to be.

Wordless Wednesday - More Easter Room-eez fun!!

 

 

More fun Easter Room-eez Wall Decals! Many thanks to our fabulous Agent, Carol, who sent in this adorable picture of her daughter with their new decorations. :)

If you'd like some, too, hop on over to our site and get your own Easter Room-eez for only $5 (a $10 value) with any order, only until April 8th!

Easter Indulgences... and a few for Passover, too!

One of my favorite traditions at holiday time (any holiday!) is baking together. My five-year-old is already a pro at cracking eggs, measuring out ingredients, and mixing everything up. We started baking together from a pretty young age…it’s one of our special things we do together. Our signature dessert is a batch of chocolate chip cookies, but we’re branching out more as time goes on.

As Easter approaches, I’ve already begun thinking of new recipes we can make together. Anything with apples is always a big hit in our house – why, I’m not sure, as my kids won’t eat an actual apple. Yes, you heard it right. My kids will eat applesauce, apple pie - pretty much anything with apple in it - and, of course, drink apple juice, but will not eat an apple. (I’m assuming it’s just one of those childish quirks that will pass with time…. here’s hoping!) So, I’ve included a link to our favorite apple cake, chocolate cake and cheesecake, as well as a few new recipes that I’ve read rave reviews about but have yet to try. Easter is the perfect time to break out the measuring cups, mixer and wooden spoon and try what could be our new favorites! If you celebrate Passover, I’ve made sure to include a few recipes that are suitable for your holiday meals as well (*denotes desserts appropriate for Passover).

• Apple Cake – AllRecipes.com
• Died-And-Gone-To-Heaven Chocolate Layer Cake - via Go@home; from Eat, Shrink & Be Merry by Janet & Greta Podleski (note: hands-down the best chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten… my kids and hubby ask for it for their birthdays every year!)
• Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake – EagleBrand.ca
• Flourless Chocolate Cake* – Kveller.com
• Lemon-Blueberry Yogurt Loaf – SweetPeasKitchen.com
• Toffee-Topped Cheesecake Bars – EagleBrand.ca
• Chocolate-Covered Caramelized Matzoh Crunch* – DavidLebovitz.com 

Have a wonderful Easter and Passover, everyone! And, enjoy dessert… J

Wordless Wednesday - Easter Room-eez Wall Decals Have Arrived!

 

Thanks to one of our wonderful Agents, Kristen, for sending in this pic of her adorable daughter with her new Room-eez limited edition Easter wall decals. So cute! 

Hop on over to our site and get your own Easter Room-eez for only $5 (a $10 value) with any order, only until April 8th!

Wordless Wednesday

 

How cute are these? It's our latest Room-eez product - Easter wall decals!
Get 'em while you can for only $5 with any order ($10 value).

Happy Easter!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Many thanks to our fan, Evelyn, who sent in this adorable pic of her little one using a sippy cup with one of our labels on it!

School Break Boredom Busters

Kids these days have so much – from toys and technology to art supplies and sports equipment – that there is no shortage of activities to do. So why is it that during school breaks, before the week has barely begun, most children will announce to their parents “I’m bored”?

We all love our kids and enjoy spending time with them – that goes without saying. But, at some point, we have to cut the apron strings and let them learn to occupy themselves, if only for an hour. J

The irony about spring break though (for many of us), is that it’s not really spring – the weather certainly isn’t spring-like! So, what’s a parent to do when junior says he’s bored? I scoured the web for some of the best crafts and came up with the following list. I’m sure there are lots more amazingly creative ideas out there, so if you have one, share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. You’ll be helping out fellow parents and maybe, just maybe, preventing at least one of them from hearing those two dreaded words (“I’m bored”)!

Have a wonderful school break!

1. Paint Prints – thanks to Amanda, an Oliver’s Labels Agent, for submitting this fun activity. Please check out her blog, Multi-Testing Mommy, for more amazing craft ideas!

Photo credit: Multitestingmommy.com

2. "Owly" Bowling Pins – this craft does double-duty…as a painting project and then as a game!

Photo credit: canadianfamily.ca

3. Popsicle Stick Bracelets – for the budding fashionista in your family!

Photo credit: ctv.ca

4. Homemade Sidewalk Chalk – make it now and look forward to using it when the weather is *actually* nice! ;)

Photo credit: familyeducation.com

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to our fan who sent in this picture of her daughter with our Large Bag Tag on her backpack!  When everyone else has the same pack, our tags are a great way of standing out from the crowd!

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to our fan who sent in this pic of her little one using a Large Bag Tag!

The Perfect Host

My daughter celebrated her 5th birthday on the weekend and, I must say, I think I've raised the perfect little hostess. I'm quite amazed, really, at how comfortable she is in social settings. She barely hesitates when putting on performances for an entire room (her creations, of course!), and has no issues with standing up and thanking her guests, stating with great aplomb, "Thank you all for coming... this has been the best party ever!"

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, as I'm a pretty social person, myself. But she's five! She's got more self-confidence and gumption in her pinky finger than I had at that age...heck, probably more than I have now! It makes me wonder if this will remain - if the wonderful, carefree, self-assuredness that I see in her now will stay with her throughout the tumultuous teen years and beyond. In this age of negative female body images, bullying and "mean girls", I sure hope so. It is exactly those traits that I want my daughter to possess so she can weather the teenage storm, so to speak.

While I often shake my fist at the frustration of dealing with a stubborn 5-year-old, I must remember that this willfulness is really just my little girl's independent spirit learning to fly. She's testing her boundaries because that's what kids do. So I need to realize, in those moments, that I wouldn't want her to blindly follow my instructions, but instead question, reason and rationalize what I've told her and make her own decision about how she'll respond.

After all, I'm raising a leader, not a follower.

Springtime Silliness

When my daughter started Junior Kindergarten, the curriculum was “learning through play”. I’ve since read studies showing that kids learn mathematical skills, gain spatial intelligence and increase their creative thinking and problem-solving skills by playing. While TV has a place in our house (I’m a work-at-home Mom that really needs a few minutes to get supper made in the evening!), I try to encourage as much play as possible.

Not only does play help children’s brains develop, but it has other amazing benefits, too – it’s a great reason for us, as parents, to get down to their level and partake in some silly, fun, memory-making play time with our kids. I don’t know about you, but with all the craziness of life, I sometimes forget to do that! I need to remind myself daily to forget about my phone, email and paperwork, and simply enjoy playtime with my kids. It’s amazing to realize just how happy that makes them… that I have the power to make my kids’ day! That, in turn, makes my day! See how it works? ☺

So, do something good for your kids – and you! – by taking time each day for some silliness. There’s no better time to do that than in the grey, dark days leading up to spring. With all the snow/rain and dullness, a little silliness and fun is sure to brighten up any day.

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to our fan Bonnie who sent in this cute pic of her son with his labelled cup!

If you'd like to see your child featured on our blog, send us a pic to social (at) oliverslabels (dot) com. We'll send you a $10 gift card toward our products as our way of saying 'thanks'!

(One submission per household, please!)

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to one of our fans who sent us a pic of her daughter with her favourite "fantasy" themed mini bag tag... too cute!

Have a pic you'd like featured on our blog? Send it to social (at) oliverlabels (dot) com! If we use your photo, we'll send you a $10 Oliver's Labels gift card!

Beating the February Blahs

It’s officially February, and although the weather is getting a bit nicer here, I’ve officially got a case of the February 'Blahs'. You know, the time of year when you just want to banish the cold weather and usher in spring; when you’re eager to shed the winter coat, boots, hat, scarf and mittens in favor of a t-shirt and shorts. And, most of all, when you don’t have to worry about bringing every possible cold-weather item with you when going out with your kids. I mean, really, the amount of stuff that you need in the winter is atrocious!!

So, what’s a mom (or dad / grandparent / caregiver) to do? Well, you can either stay inside and get really creative with fun kids’ activities, or you can bite the bullet and brave the great outdoors. If you choose the latter, you need a plan!

Here are some helpful tips to help get you out of the house in the winter…

1. Create a “travel bag” and leave it by the door
Have your bag ready with all of the items you normally take with you, such as sippy cups/water bottles for the kids, snacks, diaper bag/change of clothes & travel activities (colouring books & crayons, games, etc.). Ensure this bag is always ready to go, so that you’re not scrambling around at last minute.
2. Assign each child his/her own cubby or box 
Mittens, scarves and hats are a lot easier to find when they have their own “home”. Teaching children to put these items back in the same spot each time they enter the house helps ensure they’re easy to find each time you want to leave. In my house, we have the “mat” rule… boots stay on the mat, not only to keep the house clean, but so that we know where to find them when we’re ready to leave again.
3. Keep extra wipes and a few snacks (like granola bars) in the car
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve looked in my diaper bag and found an empty container of wipes, I’d be rich. That’s why I always have a small emergency stash in the car; same goes for snacks. Nobody wants a whiny child because Mama forgot to bring the goldfish crackers! ☺

I hope these tips help you get out of the house a bit more this winter - even if it is just to visit your local rec centre! Staying in the house can be fun, but we all need a change of scenery and it feels good to get out and have an adventure now and then.  Stay well!

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to one of our fans who sent in this *adorable* pic of her son with his beloved train - labelled, of course, with Oliver's Labels!!