Name Bubbles Labels - The Durable Waterproof Label

Located in upstate New York, the Name Bubbles team have our share of winter stories. Luckily, I have a husband who loves to ski and made sure I gave it a try when we moved to Saratoga Springs.

Skiing has become our weekly ritual, driving an hour back and forth to the mountain. Because of this, I thought my rocket box (on the top of my car) would be a perfect place to show just how durable our waterproof Name Bubbles labels are.

I will be updating this post once a month with a new picture of the same giant label until springtime, when the rocket box is taken off.

I grew up in a very mild climate, unless you live in cold conditions it is very difficult to explain how cold it gets. I am hoping my pictures of the ice and snow well show just how durable our waterproof (and weatherproof) labels are. http://www.namebubbles.com/labels/dishwasher-safe-waterproof-labels.html

A Cookie Exchange Must - The Oreo Truffle

I have a fabulous sister-in-law who does wonders in the kitchen. She plays down her cooking but I love our visits, I am always being introduced to something tasty and usually pretty simple.

She is a full-time geology professor and calls this creation "Armored Mud Balls" (Oreo Truffles). Though she covers her truffles in white chocolate I tend to like the darker version; they look and taste great either way. One issue, you need a food processor - if you don't have one, this recipe may be the reason to get one.

1) One bag of Oreo Cookies
2) One package of cream cheese
3) One bag of chocolate chips (I use Nestle's Semi-Sweet)

• Put all of the Oreo Cookies in a big Ziploc bag and smash them (this was a fun treat for my 2-yr old - I gave him a ladle and let him smash away)
• Combine the cream cheese and cookie crumbs in the food processor until the mixture is a consistent, well lets say...giant mud ball
• Using a teaspoon, gather a little portion of the mix and roll it in the palm of your hand until it is a round ball - you should have between 75 to 80 balls when you are done
• Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler or heat up water in a sauce pan and place a stainless steal bowl over the water. The chips will melt quickly in the stainless steal bowl even over low heat. Make sure the water isn't too hot, you don't want steam or moisture getting into the bowl of chocolate, it will seize up and you will have to start over.
• Using 2 spoons, cover the Oreo mixture with your melted chocolate of choice and place on wax or parchment paper when you have finished each one. Turn on a little music and know that this may take a little time - it moves faster and can be fun once you get the hang of it.
• Place the truffles in the freezer for 10 mins to set the chocolate

Find a bunch of decorative tins or bags and place a dozen or so treats inside for a tasty holiday bite. Try our durable Fun Stickies on the outside of the tins, I chose the bi-level style, "Happy Holidays" on the top line and "The Brandriss Family" is on the bottom line. A personalized label ensures that the message will be received, even if the card gets lost in the holiday shuffle. http://www.namebubbles.com/labels/fun-stickies.html

Name Bubbles Allergy Alert Labels - Gentle Reminders

My youngest son has a peanut allergy.

The allergy is not life threatening but he does immediately vomit and develop a rash, so we take precautions and keep all things peanut on the top shelves and away from his usual treats.

Because my husband and older step-son love peanut butter (and all things peanut), we've kept it in our home but I often find myself repeating the same information to relatives who are visiting or babysitters.

I've started using Name Bubbles Allergy Alert Label (Fun Stickies version) on the peanut butter jar in the cabinet and trail mix bags on the snack shelf. Though I always inform anyone new of the allergy, it has been a great tool and a gentle reminder for all of the loved ones coming and going. http://www.namebubbles.com/labelpack/medical-alert-labels.html

About Name Bubbles

You guessed it - we're parents too!

After years of using other people's labels, we decided to make our own. In fact, I happen to love labeling - it makes me really happy. Anything that I can do to help keep track of the many things one needs to remember with a little one while adding a little personality is a huge win-win.

Though I was happy with the durability of the waterproof vinyl labels a few businesses were using, I really wanted more design styles and colors. I felt like all the labels in the daycare class looked the same, the boy pack and the girl pack.

So, in addition for getting more for your money, we've expanded the design choices, color palettes, label sizes.

Our waterproof labels (Dishwasher Safe and Laundry Safe) are made to stick through some pretty serious conditions. The Fun Stickies are also made of a superior vinyl label but have a water-resistant backing.

All of our labels are created with a non-toxic, soy based ink that infuses to all of the vinyl labels when they are produced, making them all durable and tough for a family to use.

We know, there is a perfect bubble waiting for you.

Loving the Crock Pot

A big "thank you" is in order for my weekly mom's group - I've dubbed it "Breakfast at Tiffany's". An impromptu mom's group and play date at Tiffany's house that serves coffee and a stress-free environment for a half-a-dozen moms and little ones.

So, I noticed Tiffany would always have a something cooking in the crock pot during our morning get togethers. I actually have one and love it but it usually seems like such a bother digging it out and planning a meal a day or two in advance. Well, I recently started crocking again, thanks to Tiffany, and a few of the other moms have started.

We've been e-mailing our successes to one another. If you have a Crock Pot recipe that's easy and good - please post it. I am sure there are a lot of crocking moms that would love to give a new recipe a try.

The first recipe from the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" gang:

Pulled Pork

1. Pork shoulder (about 3 pounds)
2. Dinosaur BBQ sauce (yes, it has to be this brand OR homemade to your specifications, I've done both)
3. Hot sauce Apple Cider Vinegar Cole slaw (buy shredded cabbage and mix with Marie Callender's cole slaw dressing - as good as homemade)

Put pork shoulder in crock pot with 1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Cook all day on low. After about eight hours, shred pork and reserve 1 cup of the drippings in the crock pot. Mix drippings with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and dashes of hot sauce. Mix the dripping mixture in with the shredded pork. Then mix remaining BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and more hot sauce. Assemble sandwiches with pork, cole slaw, and top with a few dashes of the BBQ sauce/vinegar/hot sauce mixture.

Tastes great - super fast and easy.