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When in Rome (Part 1)…
I just returned from an amazing trip to Italy. There it was all about the food, the sights, the culture, the people — all as rich as the tomato sauce on my pizza at dinner.
Italy was an organized chaos! You can find Fiats and Vespas running wild on the streets, Italian grandmothers yelling from restaurant kitchen windows and a bus system that makes sense to only a selected few.
But at the same time, the country that gave us the Ferrari, pasta and the Sistine Chapel is one of my favorite places in the world. The people were friendly, the landscape was stunning, and the food was phenomenal.
Along the way I leaned five life lessons that I will share with you:
You can do anything in heels. It is not uncommon to find women riding scooters, walking the cobblestone roads or hiking up the Leaning Tower in Pisa in heels. I think they must make better shoes in Italy because there is no way my heels would let me survive that.
Life is short – live it up. While the rest of us worry about gas prices, the health care system and economic times the Italians are living relatively carefree. Leaving work or closing down shops from Noon to4 in the afternoon is called a “siesta” – basically it is nap time. Yes, “nap” time. Residents actually go home, have lunch and take a nice snooze. I am not sure about you but I could definitely benefit from a daily afternoon nap! It seems the biggest worry I heard from people was if they should have red or white wine with their dinner.
Keep it simple. Family and friends are always “dropping by” and homes are always equipped with coffee and sweets for this reason. I think we are too caught up with having a clean house, what to make for that perfect dinner before even thinking about inviting friends over. Italians know how to keep things simple – no fancy place settings or complicated foods – just good conversation and some home-made wine is the main criteria.
Driving is an art. Driving is undoubtedly one of the best – and most adventurous – ways of discovering Italy. However, before you hop into the driver’s seat and head for the mountains you need to be ready for some unusual practices. Italian drivers are comfortable driving much closer to other vehicles than North American drivers. ‘An inch is as good as a mile’ is easily translated into ‘A centimeter is as good as a kilometer,’ and they think nothing of getting that close. If you know to expect this and do not panic, you will be fine. Although driving in Italy may seem like a trial run for the next Grand Prix, there are surprisingly few accidents and what seems haphazard at first soon becomes a highly sophisticated art form.
If you want something, go get it. I have to confess and say that I found the pushing and shoving I encountered while in line, getting something to eat or in the shops a little rude and hard to get used to. Here in Canada and the US we line up for everything – lines don’t exist in Italy – it’s a “see who can get it first” kinda deal. When you step back and realize that perhaps the people of Italy had to fight for everything in the past it is the only way they really know or are accustom to. I think that in life if you truly want something you need to be assertive and go for it.
My experience in Italy was truly amazing! I enjoyed spending time with family that I haven’t seen in a few years and I cannot wait to go back to learn even more about the culture, people and history. Have you been on a trip that was also a great learning experience? Do you have any travel tips that you would like to share?
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The Winner Has Been Chosen!!
Check out Lindsay’s great entry!
Thank you to all that participated. We truly had a hard time picking just one winner. We know you all worked hard on your entries and we laughed, cried and really enjoyed reading all the blogs!
As a thank you, Lovable Labels will be providing the finalists with a $100 gift certificate! We will email you shortly in regards to your information so you can start labelling all your stuff!
The BlogHer’10 finalists are chosen!
Wow this was hard!!! So many good entries!
Nevertheless, we had to narrow it down to four finalists, since the entries were so phenomenal we had to bump it to five finalists! We had a hard time picking the final five and as you probably read many of the entries including the video blogs were well presented, written and very creative.
The Lovable Labels team would like to thank you all for participating in this contest and we wish you lots of luck in your future endeavours as bloggy moms, friends, wives and daughters!
Here are the five finalists and are not in any particular order….good luck to the remaining five and check in tomorrow at 10 am for the lucky winner!!
Lovable Labels BlogHer’10 Contest Entries!
Here are the entries we received for the NYC BlogHer’10 Getaway Contest! The contest is now CLOSED. Good luck to all the ladies that have entered the contest and make sure to stay alert during these couple of days coming up!
Mommy’s Minute: Mom Position Blog Link
Stylish Saving: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Wee Share: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Just My Blog: A day in the life… Blog Link
Crunchy Green Mom: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Laughing Lindsay: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Boss Sanders: Mom Position Blog Link
Crazed Mind: A day in the life… Blog Link
Tic Tac Dough: Mom Position Blog Link
Messy Mommy: Mom Position Blog Link
Monkey Mayhem: Mommybilities Blog Link
Beth: A Work in Progress: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
JamericanSpice: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Cincinnati Coupons: A day in the life… Blog Link
Mama Divas: Mom Position Blog Link
Mommie Daze: Mom Position Blog Link
Rants n’ Rascals: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
My Organized Chaos: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Real Life With Kids: Mom Position Blog Link
Love to Shop Mom: A day in the life… Blog Link
Sneak Peek: Mommybilities Blog Link
Silly Mom Thoughts: Mom Position Blog Link
Jendi’s Journal: A day in the life… Blog Link
Ladybug Mama of 2: Mommybilities Blog Link
Making Time for Mommy: A day in the life… Blog Link
That Shaker of Salt: Mommybilities Blog Link
Hall of Fame Moms: A day in the life… Blog Link
Greenery in Mommyhood: A day in the life… Blog Link
Real Mom in the Media: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Two Little Cavaliers: Mom Position Blog Link
Flying Giggles and Lollipops: A day in the life… Blog Link
Whatever Julie: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Midwestern Gone Idahoan: Mom Position Blog Link
J.leigh Designz: A day in the life… Blog Link
Carolina Mama: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Kid To Grown Up: Girls City Getaway Blog Link
Icefairy’s Treasure Chest: A day in the life… Blog Link
Seeryus Mama: Mom Position Blog Link
Top 20 mom – isms–Things your mom always said that you now find yourself saying:
Remember when you were young and your mom would say things you promised yourself never to repeat to your own kids? Well, there was a reason why she would say those things and now that you are in the same position you find yourself repeating those same words!
Here are a few examples I have heard throughout the years and now sometimes repeat:
- Why? Because I SAID so, that’s why!
- Do you think I’m made of money?
- So what if Bob’s mom let him do it? If Bob’s mom let him jump off the Empire State Building, would you want me to let you do it too?
- You WILL eat it, and you WILL like it!
- A little “birdie” told me!
- You can’t find it? Well, where did you leave it last?
- Who taught you THAT? You didn’t learn that in this house!
- When I was your age, I had to walk ten miles through the snow, uphill, by myself, to go to school.
- You don’t always get what you want. It’s a hard lesson, but you might as well learn it now.
- You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached to your shoulders.
- Your father is going to hear about this when HE gets home!
- You’re the eldest. You should know better.
- All I do is follow you around, picking up after you like some maid.
- So it’s raining? You’re not sugar — you won’t melt.
- I brought you into this world, and I can take you right back out!
- What part of NO don’t you understand?
- Who do you think you’re talking to?
- You’ll understand when you’re older.
- A little soap & water never killed anybody.
- I will always love you – no matter what.
What expressions do you catch yourself saying?
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8 Things to Organize With Your Kids This Summer
I love the idea of summer. I really love the thought of lazy days, the freedom from schedule and the fact there seems to be something fun to do everyday! I have summer lovin’ for about 3 weeks and then I want to send the kids back to school!
I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I have lots of conversations with moms who, about 3 weeks into summer vacation, are so sick of hearing their kids fighting, whining and saying, “I’m bored”!
We want our kids to get a break from the stress of school, but to what extent? Lazy summer days can quite possibly bring out the worst in a family! Giving our kids a relaxed schedule is ok, avoid a non-existant one.
Summer is a great time to work with your kids on some organizing projects that will help get the home and family more efficient come back to school time. Use some scheduled time with your kids to get these projects accomplished with ease.
A few rules in working with kids on any organizing project:
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Remeber to eat the elephant one bite at a time. Don’t expect kids to last longer than an hour (for older children) or a half hour (for younger children).
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Be positive. For every negative comment you give your chance of finishing the project with the help of your children will diminish. Use encouraging words and give praise. I need to remind myself of this rule on a constant basis!
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Give them fair warning. Do not expect your child to jump when you call them to work on a project. Let them know what time you plan on working together. Think about their typical day. If all the kids are playing outside and you call your child in to do work, the chances of a positive attitude from your child will be slim to none!
So you may be thinking what exactly can I work with my kids on? Here is my top ten list of child friendly organizing projects:
- Art/school work organizing. You probably have a stack of school work and art work that came home from school throughout the year. Now is a great time to weed it down to what is really keepsake worthy. Having your kids help pick their favorites is actually a huge help. If you set a limit on how many they can keep, they will be sure to find the best of their best work!
- Organizing toys. Toys can seem to muliply overnight like fleas. Now is a great time to get their toys cleared and organized. I know this may scare you, but once the kids get going, they will be more apt to keep the good and let go of the unused. I have found that kids have toys so burried that they forget about toys. Having the time to uncover these will most likely keep them occupied for hours. It will be like Christmas morning all over again!
- Kids Clothing Organizing. Now that they will be most likely to live in a bathing suit and t-shirts, get rid of the clothes that are so stained, too small, and unloved. I must say, it is essential to have your child present when weeding out their clothes. Donate, pass down or create rags from the clothes you purge.
- Organize the video games. My husband and I tried as hard as we could to avoid the whole video game thing. We cave a few years ago and it is amazing how fast the “stuff” can get out of control. Controllers, disks, little cartridges, stylus’, and cords seem to get intermixed and lost as fast as you buy them. Unless you have no problem paying $60 everytime a video game is lost, getting this area of the home under control is vital!
- Organize Your Pantry. This is not a joke. This is a good project to get the kids involved in. This is where my kids and half the neighborhood live in the summer. Have the kids help you clear out the food that is no longer loved, that is stale, or empty. I love an organized pantry and so does everyone who comes to my home! It is my pride and joy to let those who enter my home feed themselves as they please.
- Organize the sports equipment. Summer usually means a lull in sports. There are camps and all-stars and other sporting commitments, but for the most part sports takes a back seat during the summer. Now is a great time to weed out the old, unused, and broken equipment and make a list for any items that need to be replaced.
- Organize your summer gear. Whether you have been out of school and in summer mode for a month now or just getting out of school, it is never to late to get your summer gear in order. Designate a goto place for your beach and pool gear. Have an easy to access place for pool towels and beach blankets. Have sidewalk chalk and bubbles ready to keep your kids occupied! Check your stock of sunscreen. Remember sunscreen usually lasts about a year.
- Organize their homework zone. I have noticed my son is slowly emptying out his backpack where he does his homework. There are broken pencils, useless erasers and loose papers have taken over! Take some time to clear their space and take inventory of what is left. School supplies will start invading the stores sooner than you think! To make sure you can take advantage of school supply sales and inventory (have you ever tried to find spirals in your child’s favorite color when the store has been picked over?!?)
Some days it feels like we make each day a Disneyland day. Our kids wind up feeling like they need to be entertained at all times. For a well balanced family, you need downtime, work time and time for fun. Break these organizing activities down with your kids. Take your time and the organizing changes you make will be long lasting. Remember our job as a parent is to make sure to raise high functioning adults. These summer projects will help teach your children how to make and keep an organized home!
Have an organized day!
BlogHer’10 Contest
If you know about BlogHer you know how much you’d be missing out if you don’t get to go. The BlogHer’10 tickets are sold out and everyone is gearing up to go but you couldn’t get a ticket! Now what? Do not worrry because Lovable Labels has it covered! We are giving away a great giveaway! We are giving away flight tickets, hotel, conference tickets and so much more for you and a friend!!! This is such a big giveaway you cannot miss out on!!
You get to be very creative and choose one of our four possible categories! Yes you can pick one of four! We picked topics that we thought moms would love to write about and others read!
So get your blogging on because you will not want to miss out of BlogHer’10!
For rules and regulations check out our Contest Page.
For more information and to find out about great deals make sure to like our Facebook page.
Family Beach Time!
Today I heard in the radio that the UV index is reaching a high 10 in Toronto and area! We haven’t had this high of an UV index in years! The sun is shining and the weather is finally starting to warm up! On that note I wanted to express how much I love summer and summer activities. One of my favourite summer activities is going to the beach!
The beach is a fun environment but it also can be dangerous if there are no safety precautions taken place. Here are a few safety tips to remember when you go to the beach with your little ones.
- All children should wear life jackets on docks, in boats, and in open water.
- Dress your child in bright clothing so that you can keep an eye on them.
- Know where the lifeguards are located in case of an emergency.
- Never let your toddler out of arm’s length.
- Do not overestimate your kid’s abilities, you should always make sure to supervise them.
- Make sure to take breaks for snacks and sun block reapplication (Specially today!).
- Review with your children your family’s basic safety rules e.g., no running, pushing, or hurting other children, respect for other children and people using the beach or pool and never push anyone in the water!
- Good water shoes make playing games on the beach more fun. Children have sensitive feet and the sand may hurt them so make sure their little feet are protected!
- Do not use floating suits or toys to replace close adult supervision.
- Teach your children to ask for help in case of emergency.
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Be Camp Ready!
You picked a camp you want your little one to participate in but now what? What happens when you actually have to get them ready to go to camp?
Here are a few tips in how to be prepared so you never have to think of what you “should have done!”
- If your child(ren) stay at a residential camp make sure to pack together. Double-check the camp’s packing list and be sure to label everything.
- If you want to hear from your child during the summer, create a kit for them: pack them a bag with paper, pens and a stack of pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelopes and postcards. You can also pick our Sweetnotes!
- Always express confidence to your children because camp can be a little nerve-racking . “You’ll do great at camp” is something every parent should say to their children, whether they are headed to day or residential camp.
- Have an itemized list for the camp to check off as you pack. You can also use our What to Pack for Camp checklist!
- You want to be respectful to the camp policies. It is important for you to find out what the camp policies are regarding packing items like cell phones, electronic devices, medication, footwear and of course, food.
- Be sure to ask about laundry service and how often is done. This will help you know how much clothes you should pack.
- Remember to take good rainwear, solid closed-toed footwear for hiking activities, running shoes for active games, sunscreen, bug repellent, a camera, bathing suit, a couple of photos from home, a couple of books, a game or small craft that your child can do with the cabin group.
- And finally, make sure to Label Everything!
Our Ultimate Camp Packs are a great and very useful tool for labelling all your child(ren)’s belongings!
Check our Camp Packs Now and Save! Click HERE
Ultimate Splash Line Camp Packs
It’s been a while since I was here but only because our awesome Ultimate SPLASH line Camp Packs were being released. We wanted to give our lovely clients the best of the best! And as you know, good things come to those who wait! Yes our camp packs are great but I wanted to express why. We never talk about our products on our blog but for these I had to share some of my love.
We have so many labels in our camp packs and for such a great price!
You get 15 Sticker Labels, 40 Slimline Labels, 12 Shoe Labels, 12 Square Labels (these are new and just great for large spaces!), 18 Large Clothing Labels, 18 Medium Clothing Labels, 36 Small Clothing Labels, and two Mini Metal Tags!
You can get all of these labels for ONLY $44.95!
They also come in a cute packaging like a sticker book with tabs for each of the products!
We have different kinds of Camp Packs which allow your children to choose the one that fits them!
For boys we have the Movin’ & Groovin’ pack which is great for those boys that love fast vehicles. The Sporty pack is great for sport lovers. The third option is the Be Bright pack which allows your boys to choose whichever icon they want!
For girls we have the Polka Dot Me pack which has cute polka dots. The Diva pack is for the perfect princess. The Nature Lover is for the girl that enjoys the outdoors. The last option is the Be Girly pack which allows your little girl decide the icon that she prefers!
All of the labels are waterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe, sun safe, bleach safe, sunscreen safe, temperature safe and the clothing labels are laundry and dryer safe! Could you ask for any more safety?
Make sure to get our Ultimate SPLASH Line Camp Pack now! CLICK HERE
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