Mommies With Style

For a new, super creative  spin on the lunch box, check out the yubo Lunch Box System! Choose from the Standard ($21.95) or Deluxe ($29.95).

The Standard comes in either pink, orange or blue, with the choice of one free set of designable faceplates — either School Rules in either green or yellow, Sharks or Peace (the containers or ice pack are not included). The Deluxe yubo includes a blank name tag, a standard faceplate set, a large container, 2 small round snack containers and the large, flat ice pack. Parents have the option of adding another faceplate set with either personalization (ranges between $6.95 to $9.95) or a photo ($12.95).

yubo is BPA-free, Eco-friendly, and anti-microbial.  It’s also top rack dishwasher safe and totally recyclable (when your child is finished with it).
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If you have any kids in school – preschool or beyond – then you know how important it is to label everything.  (And if you’re a Mom with a baby and you aren’t there yet – keep reading anyway as it will happen sooner than you think!)I’ve played with all sorts of different ways of labeling my kids things, from sharpies to iron-ons to personalized labels.

One product I recently tried that is working well for us is from Oliver’s Labels.  I’ve been using their Original Labels on clothing, their Shoe Labels and I’m especially loving the Mini Labels which I’ve been sticking on just about everything. 

They’ve have plenty of label options in both shapes and design.  Think beyond just traditional school items too:  you can use these to label a toothbrush for camp, your iPod or your kids box of crayons.

Also – Oliver’s Labels has a cool little program they call Found-It. Opt to have your own special tracking code printed on your label and your item will be a part of a free online tracking system.  Imagine that your toddler dropped a favorite sippy cup in a parking lot. 

Presuming someone picks it up and looks at it, they will see the code on the label – which directs the finder to the Oliver’s Friends website and to key in the code.  You’ll receive an email saying the item was found.

Use coupon code “oliversfriends” to receive 10% off your order.

Many of our little ones are heading back to school this week or next (or for some of you, they may have already gone back… I am jealous!). For those that are going to nursery or day care programs, a morning or afternoon nap may be a part of your child’s day. Well, I recently got to try out an awesome product called the Royal NapMat, which is perfect for naps at day care, or also great for sleepovers, babysitters, or for lounging around the house.

This beautiful, functional, all-in-one product is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s made of plush, designer, quilted fabric, and personalized if you choose with your child’s name. I love that it easily rolls up and secures with velcro, and has convenient carrying handles to make transport easy. I also love that it comes with a small fluffy pillow (case is attached, the pillow is removable) and a pocket on the outside, perfect for a small lovey. It also has a built-in blanket, made of a soft fleece!

My kids absolutely love lying in the NapMat (they actually fight over who gets to use it) while watching TV in our living room or basement. It keeps them warm and comfortable and it is the perfect size for both of them (my kids are 2 and almost 5, and my almost 5 year old is very tall and fits in there just fine!)

It’s important to note that the Royal NapMat is machine washable and is made in the USA of very high-quality, heavy-weight, designer fabrics. We have the blue crimson stripe, which is beautiful. Check out the full selection of fabrics and products, and learn more about how the NapMat works. If you plan to make a purchase, please put “MWS” in the personalization field and you will receive a 10% refund through PayPal (after your payment)!

There wasn’t anything cuter earlier this week than the sight of my first time preschooler walking into his new school for his first day with a Skip Hop Monkey Zoo Pack on his back. 

I may be biased but there’s no denying that the line of Zoo Packs from Skip Hop are completely adorable and perfect for any preschooler. At 11.5 inches high, these backpacks are great for the first time student. (As a comparison, I just bought my Kindergartener his backpack and it’s 16 inches high.)

There’s a write-on tag inside so you can mark it with their name, a front pocket for little extras and ample room for any preschool needs like extra pull ups, art work, spare set of clothes.

At $20, these bags are BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC free.  Get it on Amazon, in-store at Target or Toys R Us or direct from Skip Hop.

As my son gets ready to start preschool in a few weeks, I realized it was time to deal with the pile of artwork and mementos he had made during his previous year that had been collecting in a massive pile on top of our fridge.  I had memories of a drab, brown accordian folder that my mom had used when I was young for storing such memories.  I loved that it kept things organized and also limited how much you could save (while all of his finger-paintings are adorable, I don’t want to save 40 of them).  But the drab brown exterior that I remembered left something to be desired.

Semikolon to the rescue.  Semikolon offers a whole coordinated collection of organization supplies including binders, folders, boxes, paper trays AND….accordian folders.  And not just any accordian folders, but sturdy, well-made accordian folders in a variety of blues, greens, pinks and yes, brown (though it’s a delicious chocolate brown).  Fifteen minutes later, I had the first of the twelve pockets labeled and stuffed with a handful of selected mementos from my son’s first year, and the top of my fridge clear.  With twelve pockets I’m hoping this baby will last me all the way to high school.

Check out the entire Semikolon line at See Jane Work.

I’ve been so engrossed in the fact that my oldest son is starting Kindergarten this fall that my preschooler has been sorely neglected.  Because it is also his “first” year at a new school; it’s his first year in preschool.

He’s two and a half and he’ll be going two days a week to the same school his brother just graduated from.  And although his brother never packed a backpack his first year, Cole is already asking where his backpack is. (It’s the little brother syndrome of course – he sees big brother getting one and wants one too!)

Considering that he’s still small, and considering that he’ll only be coming home with a piece of artwork or two now and again, I wanted something tiny that was pretty much for show, and for his own happiness.  When I spotted the Blabla Kids backpack on the Arte Bebe website, I knew it fit the bill.

It arrived today and it’s just want I wanted for him.  It fits his little back perfectly, is light and easy for him to carry, and it has a zipper pocket for him to stick smaller items.  Plus, the thing is just too cute when he has is strapped on.

We got the Panda Bear.  Check out the other Blabla animal backpack available at Arte Bebe:  tiger, giraffe, two types of dogs, a kitty and more.  And use coupon code MWSFALL09 for 15% off all clothing and accessories (including backpacks) through September 30th.