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 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 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 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.