Labels That Keep Winter Gear Coming Home

My eyes were barely open when I heard my husband discussing our weekend plans. The fact that it’s the first weekend of December means the Brandriss Bunch will be hitting the slopes. No more Saturday sleep-in for Mom. Skiing is what we do this time of year, every year; it’s something that means so much to my husband.

Even though I’ve been doing the ski family routine for years, it’s always a bit of a culture shock for me. Once I am on the hill I love it, but making it all happen at 6:30 am every Saturday morning is a lot for me. I’ve finally learned a trick or two but most of my prep happens the night before. My husband, on the other hand, amazes me…he usually whips up pancakes, dances a jig or two and loads up the equipment before my son, Cooper, and I clear the morning fog from our minds.

I married a ski fanatic, he grew up racing and lived as a ski bum in Colorado for a couple of years in his twenties. Our vacations and holidays almost always include snow. When I told him that Name Bubbles made the Vacation Issue of Ski Magazine he immediately took me out to dinner to celebrate. In his mind, Name Bubbles hit the “Big Time”! Over the course of dinner I made the mistake of mentioning how I had sent labels via FedEx with his name on them but they had already taken the photo for the issue. He was devastated! “You mean, I could have had My Name in Ski Magazine but you didn’t think of it in time?” He was right, it was a missed opportunity and - even worse - I told him about it. Ugh. What a great Christmas present that would have been for him. Perhaps the opportunity to be in Ski Magazine will come again, but you will begin to notice my husband’s name on many product shots - just to be safe. I’m certainly not going to make that mistake twice.

I’ve included a photo of the three of us and my son’s skis with his Name Bubbles at the end of the 2011 season. Labeling all of our gear is something that I do every year; I like to use the Bi-level Fun Bubbles for our skis, boots and poles. I typically provide my cell phone number in the tagline should someone need to reach me while we are at the mountain and of course to return any equipment that might get left behind. I also use NameBubbles Allergy Alert Labels on Cooper’s helmet and the front of his jacket indicating his peanut and nut allergy and they also have our contact information if the ski school needs to reach us. Of course, his socks, gloves and fleece are also stuck with personalized clothing labels; which ensured that were able to recover a black ski glove last year at the ski school because of his name label. Snow gear is expensive, so remember to bundle up and Bubble Up before you and your family head out the door. Keep your focus on the fun - not the lost and found. 

http://www.namebubbles.com/index.html

Harvest Time At Name Bubbles!

Harvest Time

Our office is all a buzz with team members discussing the various things that will make up their unique Thanksgiving celebrations. From traditions to travel arrangements, all our Thanksgivings will have one thing in common: Family, Food and Friends.

When creating Name Bubbles’ Harvest Theme Giveaway, we wanted our press-and-stick Harvest Labels to double as kid-friendly name labels and a possible family-friendly project. Thanksgiving is, after all, a time to give thanks, come together, laugh and love. The two projects – place cards and napkin rings - were easy and fun. You could certainly dress them up with Calligraphy with italic ink and monogram cloth napkins.

Another great use for our Harvest Labels is to claim Thanksgiving leftovers! Label your take-out and Tupperware containers with your personalized labels and you’ll be ready to whip up late night turkey sandwiches or another creative leftover recipe.

So, how can you get your own set of Harvest Them Labels? It’s easy. They’re our gift to you all month long, so if you haven’t received yours, here’s how it works: For every Value Pack purchase you make during the month of November, you’ll receive a sheet of eight (8) dishwasher safe personalized Harvest Theme Labels.

Don’t forget to share with us how you use them!
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Harvest from Name Bubbles,

Michelle Brandriss, Founder & CEO

Name Bubbles Stick Around For The Long Haul

We rarely remove the “rocket box” during the summer season, partly being lazy, but it’s also very useful for vacations and camping, especially with two dogs in the back. So in addition to the extreme cold of the Northeast, when we drive every weekend to the Adirondacks through sub-zero wind chill, road salt and car washes, our Bubble endures summer heat, rain and bright sun.


Over the past 2 ½+ years, where ever “Bessie” (my 2001 Subaru Outback) goes, our Name Bubbles have stuck around for the ride. As we’ve mentioned on our Web site, our labels are tough and tested, they’ll stick where you need them.

Our waterproof labels can be found at http://www.namebubbles.com/

Cooper Land

While attending my son’s Preschool graduation, which I know sounds over the top, everyone could see that the teachers and the kids worked really hard on their performances and it was a lot of fun. Before the children came out to receive their diplomas, the slide show of their time together was being played to the song “Don’t Blink”. To the teachers’ dismay and my very good fortune, the audio on the slide show presentation was skipping terribly. It was perfect, it kept me laughing; I didn’t want to focus on how quickly the last five years have gone by.

In the reproductive timeline of life, my husband and I met near the end; a day doesn’t go by that I don’t find myself very thankful that I am a mom. My biggest fear as a working parent is that I may miss something, a magical moment, during our time apart. I am sure this is something that so many mothers and fathers go through. Nothing seemed more difficult than the first few weeks we started daycare.

As we begin another chapter of life, I can’t believe how quickly the time has passed and I make sure that between the melt downs and stubborn streaks, we share as many special moments together as possible. I’ve included the Cooper Land (spoof on my son’s favorite game) collage that was made for his Preschool graduation and I am wishing everyone an easy transition into their new school, new class and daycare this fall. Thanks for listening and be well…Michelle

Momredemption - Saved By A Bubble

We recently took a trip to Niagara Falls with the extended Brandriss Family. Our vacation coincided with a very healthy heat wave and we were all very happy to jump on the Maid of the Mist. As the boat approached the falls, and we were absolutely melting in our pretty blue hoody bags, the entire boat moved towards the rails to be drenched in the monster spray of the falls. Just what we needed!


We waddled off the boat, our clothes sticking to us with river water. Don’t get me wrong, I love this stuff. I am the tourist whom souvenir picture takers and trinket store owners long for. I quickly ducked into a gift store; with the entire family waiting outside in the heat, the pressure to find a Maid of the Mist bath toy was on! After a 2 minute hunt for any boat that would float, I became frantic; with my son in hand I quickly talked him into a fun mug for his bedside table. Both of us were content. I had completed my task within a short amount of time, knowing the family would still be drying out.

During lunch, I pulled out the mug for my son. “SARA”, my husband said with a puzzled look. He spotted it immediately…the name SARA was big and bold on the front of the mug! I gasped as we both laughed. How could I have missed that? Oh No! This would be another regrettable mom moment, you know, the small details you miss that may emotionally scar your child for life. My husband finds them amusing but they remind me that I am an impossibly imperfect parent, no matter how hard I try. He quietly whispered, “Put it in your bag and put a Name Bubble on it when we get home.” I smiled and got over my feelings of being a bad mom. I would find my “Momredemption” after all, the crisis would be avoided.

Over the next few days of vacation my son forgot about the mug. When we arrived at home, I carved off the name SARA and quickly stuck on one of his Dishwasher Safe Mini Bubbles. I presented the mug with his name label on the front…which of course, made it extra special. Every night for the last week, my son has asked for his special cup before bedtime. Whooosh… my “Momredemption” was a success, and with his name on it, I know the mug will be with us for many years to come.

Name Bubbles Back To School Promotion

It's that time of year again and we are happy to provide a back-to-school coupon for all of your bubbling needs!

Our 15% off coupon is valid through 7/24/2011, so don't delay. The discount is available for the entire order and is a great time to try labels you were always curious about.

Name Bubbles School Labels and Preschool Labels come in a variety of age appropriate styles and designs with colors your kids will love.

Be sure to include your kids during your label selection, we have found that they love to be involved with the "Bubble Maker" and the order process.

Keep their things coming home and avoid the lost and found - Happy Bubbling!

Name Bubbles Allergy Labels

We were thrilled when American Baby Magazine chose Name Bubbles Allergy Labels for their "Your Baby" section of the May 2011 issue.

Name Bubbles Allergy Labels are specially designed to give peace of mind to the parents of kids with life-threatening allergies. Michelle Brandriss, CEO and founder of Name Bubbles, understands this concern first hand. Knowing what her son needed to stay safe while in the care of others, helped to design the labels to fulfill not only her son's needs, but also the similar needs of millions of families worldwide.

Name Bubbles durable, waterproof Allergy Alert Labels stay firmly affixed to backpacks, lunchboxes, sippy cups, or any food container; plus, they focus extra attention on what to do in case of an allergy attack on field trip forms, permission slips, and other school and camp documents. Each label leaves room for four lines of information, so parents can include the types of allergies, directions about what to do if an allergy attack occurs, and parent- and physician-contact phone numbers in case of emergency.

Name Bubbles Bag-Tag Campaign to Support

With every purchase of a personalized bag tag, Name Bubbles will donate $1.25 to Water For People to help build a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Through a new product line, our bag tags, and customer interest around the world, Name Bubbles is helping support the work of Water For People, a non-profit organization that brings long-lasting water and sanitation solutions to 11 developing countries in Asia, Africa, South and Central America.

In launching the bag-tag campaign, Name Bubbles made an initial $10,000 donation to Water For People and has committed an additional $1.25 to the cause for every bag tag purchased. When parents order their children’s labels on the company Web site, they have the option of selecting a personalized bag tag, either a dog tag ($2) or carabiner-style tag ($2.50), and Name Bubbles will donate $1.25 for each bag tag selected.


According to a 2008 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, approximately 884 million people lack access to clean water and 2.6 billion people do not have adequate sanitation. The problem is staggering, but we can help Water For People create solutions that will ensure that whole communities including schools and health clinics in the developing world have access to water and sanitation resources that last and that’s what we are hoping for. As a business, we can act, support, and offer a product that Name Bubbles’ customers can really use, and at the same time help Water For People transform communities. Thank you for learning about our Bag Tag Campaign, if you would like to learn more please visit, http://www.namebubbles.com/name-tags/bag-tag-labels.html

Nominate Name Bubbles!

Bubble Us Up!

Please help Name Bubbles by nominating us for a Cribsie Award: http://cribsieawards.com/ If you love us, let Crisbie know before February 4th, then come back to our Facebook page to post that you nominated us. We will pick one of our faithful bubblers to win a pack of our diswasher safe, waterproof fun bubbles labels!

It's Our Party!

Name Bubbles is TWO YEARS OLD!


to celebrate + to thank you for your support

(and for bubbling around the world)

we would like to offer you 20% OFF of your order!

enter code: "2ndYear" at checkout + click "apply"

valid: January 20-25th 2011

http://www.namebubbles.com/

The Hybrid Moms Of The Week Interview

Written By: Allison Rubin, Hybrid Mom

Name: Michelle Brandriss
Company: Name Bubbles
Position: CEO/Founder
Website: http://www.namebubbles.com/
Year company was founded: January 20, 2009

Family: Husband, David Brandriss, 4 year old son, Cooper Brandriss, two lovable shelter dogs, we don’t know how old they are - Jocomo (Australian Sheppard) and Della (A mix of Lab and Chow).

Tell us about your company: Name Bubbles are waterproof name labels that are designed to last through the rough-and-tumble of everyday life. They’re stylized but functional, with a press and stick application that lasts through the dishwasher and laundry. Name Bubbles keep it all coming home and help parents save time and money.

My a-ha moment: Labels and label companies have been around for many years and as a working mom I used labels from several companies. It’s a competitive niche market but as we started to learn the extent of my son’s nut allergies, I wanted to be able to add all of my contact information and instructions right on the label. Nuts and coconut oil are hidden in many processed foods. We have to be very careful and this level of customization was not available before Name Bubbles. I was designing around my own needs, and it turns out they dovetailed with needs other parents were experiencing.

How do you work your schedule to get a little flexibility? I don’t go home for a relaxing weekend much anymore but as a parent and spouse, the flexibility of owning my own business has been amazing. I can be where I need to be for my family, swim class at 4:30...no problem. The downside is that you never stop, not that any mom ever “Stops." I am a night owl so I love easing into the day and spending some extra time at home before going into the office. I often find myself kissing my son goodnight and then I am off again or working from home, it’s a routine that really works for me. Then there are times, where you do your best and call it a day. My son just turned four and it has gone by in a flash. He is outgoing and very independent. I am appreciating every Mommy moment that I have while I am still cool enough to spend time with.

Can you offer any tips to other moms out there regarding growing a business or encouraging words for those with a small business? If you know you are on the right path, then don’t ask anyone for their approval. But always keep an ear out for good advice. Be confident and clearly inform others of your decisions. When you have questions, find the most qualified person to ask for help. Everyone has a specialty. I‘ve learned the hard way, you will usually end up saving yourself time and money if you do not try to do it all yourself.
I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about: I’ve been sleeping very well the last few months because I’ve recognized the two consultants that I cannot function without…a good lawyer and a good accountant. Effective legal representation will protect your innovative ideas or designs, and the Tax Man can be very frightening, tax laws are complicated for small businesses and shouldn’t be handled alone.

Best thing about being a parent: When I think about whom I was before and after the birth of my son, it’s a bit surreal. Something happened when I was pregnant…I became part of something bigger than myself, I see people differently. I’ve become more forgiving, more understanding, and I try to remember that we impact one another, our actions, words and thoughts have meaning. I feel incredibly grateful and happy that I am able to share my life with my family, with my son.

Best thing about owning my own business: Growing up I always felt that I didn’t fit into the “Business World”, I wasn’t competitive enough. In many ways I am a laid back person, I don’t have a routine, a strict diet, or schedule – I would never be pointed out as success driven or “Type A”. Name Bubbles has provided a very nurturing vehicle, I believe it has helped me become more competitive and disciplined but in my own way. I am driven now, but it’s to create a great product. I want moms and dads to know that we care about our bubbles and ensure they receive a superior product that is backed up with great customer service. Even though it’s a very simple concept, I am very proud of our products, I am always happy to get into the office.

Guilty pleasure? As I’ve gotten older I’ve started looking at things differently, I don’t feel guilty about the little things and I really appreciate them. For example, chocolate and I have always had a special relationship, I am laughing as I am writing this, but it’s true! I appreciate it, I enjoy it, but I’ve learned that too much of a good thing can have bad results, balance is everything. Or, if I take the time and money to find a new handbag or go to a movie and dinner, than I am truly grateful that I had the resources to do so. A little pampering and fun can do wonders for any mom.