Our Name Bubbles Contest – Where Do You Bubble?

When we sat down to write our mission and core values, we kept coming back to “Your happiness as a customer is our promise to you”. The words best expressed how we felt and from that day on it just stuck.  But, how could we know if our promise was being delivered to you, our customer? Well, you let us know.

Every Tuesday morning in our weekly meeting, our customer service manager shares your comments and suggestions with the rest of the Name Bubbles Team. Everyone looks forward to hearing from you – our customer, and we all get pretty excited when we know we’re doing a good job.

Many of your comments and suggestions are new and inventive places you stick your labels. Because of your enthusiasm for creative Bubbling, we’re happy to announce that we’ve redesigned our weekly contest so that you’re in the driver’s seat!

So what’s new?

Now when you upload an image of how you use your personalized Bubbles, you’ll also have the opportunity to vote for your photo and invite friends and family members to vote, too.  It’s easy, simply ‘Like’ your favorite, share with friends, and watch in real time as the votes are tallied.  The entry with the most votes wins and all other entries stay in the running.   So, if you don’t win this week, you’ll still get your chance to be a winner.  Each winning entry is added to our Winner’s Circle, given a FREE order of our Fun Bubbles (a $18.88 USD value, plus free shipping) and also gets posted on our Facebook page.  

We love seeing the creative places and spaces where you Bubble Up!

Come check it out: visit NameBubbles.com/contests or click the contest button on our Facebook page, facebook.com/NameBubbles. 

A Father’s Day Gift – A Pocket of Time

As Father’s Day approached this year, I found myself struggling with a gift for my husband, David. He is not a tech-head; any device starting with an “i” is a lost cause and may never find its way out of the box. He prefers his old records, because to him, they sound better and he likes the nostalgia. I have faced the fact that my husband would have been happy if all technology stopped advancing in the last millennium and I am just happy that we don’t have a rotary phone for our landline. He hates cologne, doesn’t wear jewelry, not even a wrist watch - he can’t stand the feeling and it’s taken years of ongoing reminders for his wedding band to get slipped on in the morning.

So you can see why stink sticks (cigars) and a good bottle of scotch have been my go-to-gifts for most occasions. This year I wanted to do something special, our five year old son, Cooper, seeks out his Dad much more than he did as a toddler. David has a great way of balancing fun and authority, I’ve often been amazed at how he can discipline Cooper and the two are joking around shortly after the time out or tantrum. The boys, my boys, are much closer now; I wanted to find a special keepsake that they both could share throughout their lives. When David and I were first dating, I asked him the question “What is the one thing you would save if there was a fire?” After a little consideration he said he’d grab the antique pocket watch his dad had given him for his high school graduation.  So, for his Father’s Day gift I wanted to have this special keepsake fixed and cleaned, actually working again.  Unfortunately, the watch is very old and the necessary parts to fix it can no longer be found.

In keeping with my initial intention to make this Father’s Day really special, I was fortunate enough to find out that the antique watch repairman happens to also be a collector.  He brought out a case of antique pocket watches for me to look at. I chose an antique conductor’s watch from 1919, they’ve become collectible because they are so well made and parts can still be found. Between my son’s obsession with trains and my husband’s fondness of history and tradition, it felt like the perfect fit. It is a charming piece, both sides can be opened, one to set the time and the other to view the delicate gears shift and swing. My husband will need to wind it 20 times a day but I know he will find a little satisfaction in this ritual. Cooper, I hope, will enjoy seeing David with his special “Conductor’s Watch” and will think of his Dad when he is able to put it in his own pocket later in life.

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~ Carl Sandburg

http://www.namebubbles.com/

Stylish Must Haves For Camp

Camp Essentials

The time you spend preparing your little ones for camp can be a great opportunity to spend quality time together before they go. We put together this list of a few special items that can go along on the journey.  

Camp List

A great backpack

While Dakine backpacks may be a bit more pricey than the average sack, the quality and construction makes this bag last and last. I bought my Dakine years ago and it still looks brand new. Like the boy’s pack featured below, my pack has two adjustable straps on the front which are designed to hold a skateboard. I actually use them to strap in my towel after a day at the beach, that way no sand gets inside my bag! 

1.      Boy: Dakine Point Wet/Dry: This pack is equipped with a waterproof pocket designed for a wetsuit, but is perfect for a camper’s soggy swimsuit. We like it in the Fremont print.

2.      Girl: Dakine Prom 25L: Comes complete with insulated cooler and deployable water bottle pockets perfect when hunger strikes on the trail. The Lolani print is our favorite. 

Shoes

Back in the day, my water shoes were not only a style nightmare but also offered about as much foot protection as a sock. These new shoes are quick drying, with strong rubber soles. So feel free to skip through a stream and run up rocky terrain with no worries.

3.      Boy: Columbia Youth Drainmaker, a quick-dry shoe perfect for running or puddle jumping

4.      Girl: Adidas Kids Boat Lace, Breathable open mesh shoe to eliminate soggy steps

Hydration

Bobble water bottles filter water in every sip with a replaceable carbon filter. “Every filter equates to 300 single-serve bottles. After a year, you’ve removed thousands of bottles from the environment.”

5.      Bobble Water Bottle, Stay hydrated with this BPA, PVC free bottle

Name Bubbles

Of course you want everything you send off to camp actually making its way back home. Label your camp gear, toiletries, and backpack with our waterproof, weatherproof labels. They even stand up to sun block and bug repellent!

6.      Name Bubbles Camp Pack, 108 waterproof press-and-stick labels

Parent Tip!

Mail a letter the day before your camper heads out so it arrives on his/her first full day of camp.

Memorial Day – A Time To Remember

Two weeks ago, my husband and I took our son, Cooper, down to Washington DC. We were visiting family and friends and spent a day walking the mall and seeing as many of our national monuments as our five year old could handle. As we approached the memorials and statues, Cooper would grow quiet and ask very pointed questions, he wanted to understand the meaning and history engraved on the walls.

Outside of the Lincoln Memorial, I explained the Civil War and the reasons why our country fractured and countrymen fought countrymen. I did not discuss the amount of suffering that took place, but explained that both sides lost people whom they loved and many soldiers came home with serious injuries. The room with the Gettysburg Address was just as crowded as the room with the giant statue of Lincoln. I was eight years old when I saw the Lincoln Memorial for the first time, and it still takes my breath away.  I could tell it had the same impact on my family as well, especially Cooper.

This Memorial Day weekend, in addition to hanging our flag and lighting the BBQ, my son and I are planning to do a report about his day in DC. In preparing for this project, I discovered that the history of this national holiday dates back to 1866; the Civil War was over but our country was still recovering. On May 5^th, in Waterloo, New York, the townsfolk and veterans began to honor comrades and those who had died during the war by decorating their graves with flowers, crosses, and flags. This ceremony was called Decoration Day.

In 1882, the name of the holiday was changed to Memorial Day and the day was made to be a remembrance to all soldiers who had died fighting for this country. Later, in 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday and would always take place on the last Monday in the month of May.

I’d like to wish all of our US Bubble Families a wonderful holiday weekend. If you’re not able to spend the weekend with the ones you love, perhaps you’ll find a Memorial Day event in your community or take part in a moment of silence at 3:00 PM Monday in honor of the heroes of the past.

Please share your holiday plans with other Bubble Families on our Facebook wall. http://www.facebook.com/NameBubbles

http://www.namebubbles.com/

A Mother's Day Declaration

A few weeks ago Name Bubbles posted a news link on our Facebook page from Forbes.com Why Stay-At-Home Moms Should Earn A $115,000 Salary. The story explained how much stay at home moms should make if you calculate the various duties and responsibilities they have.  The purpose of the story was to put a number on the modern stay at home mom’s day-to-day deliverables. As you may be aware, the Working Mom vs. Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) debate has been widely publicized recently, but we didn’t anticipate that sharing the link to the Forbes story would start a spirited debate between our working mom and stay at home mom Facebook fans. It was a “Hot Button” and a few dads left comments as well.

I’ve personally lived both sides of the issue and found that being a parent  is never easy; you take the bad with the good and do your best in raising your child/children. I have one five year old son and can say without a doubt,  mothering or being a good parent is the most challenging and rewarding part of my life. So, why am I pushing the “Hot Button” again? Because our special day is coming up, Mother’s Day, and it is the one day I have no guilt or problem asking for help and taking a little time for myself. Of course, I do plan something with my husband and son but I love sneaking away for “Me Time”. I think all Moms everywhere deserve “Me Time” a little more often.

This Sunday, let’s make a promise to each other as mothers: kick the guilt trips and do something special for ourselves (or a fellow mom!) once a week for the entire year. Whether it be, reading on a sunny park bench for an hour, seeing friends for lunch or coffee, or dropping the laundry off to be washed and folded (I really like that one).

Make this Mother’s Day a day to declare, “A happy mommy makes a happy home”. 

Comment below for your chance to win our Mother’s Day Prize Pack, including an Eight (8) piece Garden Tool Set, Massaging Neck Cozy, and Write On! Labels from Name Bubbles.  One winner will be randomly selected on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Name Bubbles Supports Literacy Across America

Though I live thousands of miles from my hometown, I make a point to visit once or twice a year and to catch up with dear friends and family members. It is during these precious moments that I hear about their lives, children and very often, their work.  For many years, one of the amazing women in my circle of friends, Lisa, has been the Principal of a public elementary school in a pretty rough part of town. She has talked about the challenges that her students face and how she and her team of teachers have worked to overcome budget shortages, foster care placements, and have helped students’ families during difficult financial and emotional times. To her students, she is Principal Hall at Bell Avenue Elementary School; to me she is Lisa from the dorm room down the hall and I am very proud of her.

During my visit home last fall, she mentioned a reading program she and the teachers at her school wanted to implement. She’d lined up volunteers and the city was helping but she needed money to buy the books. My wheels started turning; I had not identified a non-profit or cause for the Name Bubbles Giving Program for 2012 – in my mind, literacy or more specifically, raising awareness and helping to provide books for underserved children would be a wonderful commitment from Name Bubbles. That’s how it started.

I’m pleased to say that my friend Lisa, or Principal Hall, will be launching her school-wide reading program today – just in time for Read Across America Day.  She told me that she is holding an assembly, a kickoff party of sorts, and she will be presenting an over-sized $5,000 dollar check from Name Bubbles for the purchase of the new books. We are both very excited and believe the school's new books and help from the volunteers will have a positive, lasting impact on the students lives.

In addition to the reading program beginning at Bell Avenue Elementary School in Sacramento today, Name Bubbles has launched its Giving Program for 2012. We have committed an initial $10,000 dollar donation to a national organization dedicated to delivering free books and literacy resources to children and families who need them most. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States.

In our own effort to raise awareness about literacy and the fundamentals of reading, the company created a sheet of eight (8) personalized learning-themed labels for young children that are available for purchase with every label order. We know that building awareness makes a difference and are very excited about our Giving Program and RIF’s mission, to motivate young children to read. By working with children, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life, RIF can address the organization’s highest priority; reaching underserved children from birth to age 8.

Be sure to stay tuned and watch for the many wonderful programs Reading Is Fundamental has planned for 2012.   

Sincerely,
Michelle Brandriss

A Close Call With Food Allergies

Cooper has grown up with Name Bubbles Allergy Alert Labels.
His medical information stays with him, from his cubby at daycare
to his backpack and ski gear, keeping caregivers informed.

In the winter of 2008, my husband and I began to understand the extent of our son’s (Cooper) food allergies. We had seen several indicators that he might be allergic to peanuts, but the symptoms were somewhat mild so we decided to keep him away from peanuts and tree nuts as a precaution.  I look back and cringe at how naive we were. 

The severity of his food allergy became crystal clear during a weekend morning play date at a friend’s house. Cooper had found a Reese’s Pieces on the floor and, thinking it was an M & M, he popped it in his mouth. Several of the moms were talking and sipping coffee when he came over to me holding his tongue, scratching it. It all happened so fast, he was gagging and tears were running down his cheeks. I couldn’t quite figure out what he was trying to scrape off his tongue until the hostess said he must have discovered a piece of candy her kids had been eating earlier that day. I had never seen him have an acute reaction like this before, and I didn’t have any medication with me. As I share this, I realize how incredibly lucky we were that day. My mom friend had Benadryl handy and we were able to stop the reaction.  With the incident fresh on my mind and heavy on my heart, I made an appointment with an Allergy Specialist as soon their office opened that following Monday. Life for the Brandriss Family would never be the same again.

The doctor made it painfully clear how lucky we are to have our son alive today. She didn’t pull any punches and the more I learn about allergies, the more I appreciate why she was so tough on us. After the first reaction, we should have immediately had him tested with an allergist. Cooper’s allergies now have the potential to send him into anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, the primary treatment being an injection of epinephrine or the Epi-Pen Jr.

My husband and I do our best to teach our son to be independent, outgoing and try new things. Because we’re unable to have a watchful eye over him at all times, we use the Allergy Alert Labels for his school backpack, weekend ski gear, and Epi-Pen; which is with him at all times. Having his medical information front-and-center reminds his teachers, caregivers, and fellow parents that my little guy might need their help in an emergency. It puts me at ease to know Cooper has a constant reminder not only letting others know of his allergies, but reminding him to always ask an adult to read the ingredient label if he is going to have a snack that was not packed by Mom or Dad.

As the CEO and Founder of Name Bubbles, I hear from moms all over the world who order NameBubbles Allergy Labels, and know that so many families are coping with food allergies; many with multiple allergies and reaction variables beyond what our family has to deal with. Some kids can’t come into contact with their allergens; while our son can be in the same room with his and will only have a reaction if he ingests them.

To our allergy families: we would love to hear any ideas that you might have in modifying our Allergy Alert Bubbles to better suite your needs. We understand how important it is to inform our children, their friends, and caregivers. If you feel there are changes or improvements that could be made, we encourage you to send an e-mail to info@namebubbles.com or call 866-797-Name (6263).

Sincerely,

Michelle Brandriss

Name Bubbles Turns Three!

Wow, what a year! We wanted to share the celebration with you and give you a quick run-down on the changes that have taken place for the Name Bubbles Team. Our biggest change; we moved! Name Bubbles now has room to grow and grow we did. This year we doubled in size. Just months ago, desks and people were lined up in a hallway and team members would have to squeeze to get by.

Because we were growing so quickly, we considered and began shaping the culture of the company. It is our belief that happy employees will care about their work, which ensures a quality product and happy customers. We’ve also hired a full-time customer service representative to help you with questions or place an order over the phone. We are creating our Bubbles from the “Words We Work By”, which are our Mission Statement and the Core Values of our company. Both can be found in our About Us page.

One of the initiatives we are most proud of is our Giving Program. In 2010, the company donated $10,000 dollars to Water For People. In 2011, we created a Bag Tag Campaign that enabled our customers to take part. With every bag tag purchased, Name Bubbles donated $1.25 to the organization, by the end of the year the donations totaled an additional $14,000.

We have a lot of exciting plans for 2012. Please stay tuned and as always, THANK YOU for choosing Name Bubbles for your family members. We appreciate your business and love making your customized bubbles.

Michelle Brandriss

Name Bubbles Top Ten For 2011

The Name Bubbles Team wishes you and your family a wonderful 2012!

As we begin a new year together, we thought you might get a kick out of the top ten serious and silly things that Bubbled Up for us in 2011: 

1 - Toms - We love these shoes, but more importantly we love how the company's One for One program helps kids of all ages throughout the world. Stay tuned for their super cute ballet flats coming out this spring, we can't wait!

http://www.toms.com/ 

2 - Water for People - Is an amazing organization that provides safe water for communities all over the world. They were our partnered non-profit for Name Bubbles' 2011 Bag Tag Campaign and we were able to donate over $14,000 dollars to the organization through your participation!

http://www.waterforpeople.org/ 

3 - Pinterest - A new and addicting social media tool, this site encourages you to 'pin' images of things you like to your own boards and share our finds with others. It's quick, easy and will pull you in from day one! http://pinterest.com/ 

4 - Fitbit - Lauren Rose, our Director of New Business Development, received her Fitbit for Christmas and has become such an advocate for the device that she has started a Fitbit community for Working Moms. http://www.fitbit.com/group/229CJP or to learn more about this great health tool visit, http://www.fitbit.com/ 

5 - Teal/Turquoise - Have you ever noticed that everyone looks great in the color turquoise? Well, we did and it quickly become our favorite color of the year. We found it in earrings, rain boots, tees, handbags, wallets, and accessories in 2011. 

6 - Infinity Scarf - If you live in mild or cold conditions, an infinity scarf is a great accessory that adds style to any outfit. With the different textures and colors, we hope these scarves will be with us for years to come.

http://etsy.me/infinity_scarf 

7 - Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds - Yum! These little nuts help tame those afternoon sweet treat cravings. They made the list because they're our healthy go to snack and someone always has a box of them handy.

http://emeraldnuts.com/ 

8 - Sophie The Giraffe - We find this classic chew toy hard to resist.  Both cute and a little bit creepy, Sophie is sold just about everywhere.  Who can argue with a baby's need to chomp on the foot or head of this quasi-cute giraffe? http://sophiegiraffeusa.com/ or http://www.giggle.com/Sophie-The-Giraffe/616324,default,pd.html 

9 - Royal Wedding - How could you not get swept up in the Royal Wedding? The weeks of media build up gave us endless opportunities to discuss marriage, dresses, and more. When the big day finally came, oh the hats! Those whimsical and wonderful choices kept us giggling for days. We loved it all, and of course we wish a long and happy marriage for the royal couple!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11767495 

10 - Tasteology - So, the reason why the Fitbit is making such a hit at Name Bubbles is because we are also food lovers! We often find ourselves perusing this site and using the tasty recipes at home . Thank you to everyone who posts those family recipes and what tricks you've discovered in the kitchen that we can all enjoy!

http://tasteologie.notcot.org/

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.