Get ready for camp this summer with I.D. Me Labels. One lucky winner will receive a giant I.D. Me Labels Summer Camp Combo Pack which includes:

Swim season is just around the corner so I thought it would be a good idea to start labeling my kid’s swim gear. Every year at least one of their goggles, toys, or swimming equipment goes mysteriously missing at our swim school and community pool. At least if the items are labeled the changes of them disappearing from over 2000 students and swim members would be far less. From now until June 3o, 2010 I.D. Me Labels is offering 10% off on all of their waterproof labels. Just enter coupon code summer10 at checkout! Visit www.idmelabels.com.

By: Anne Pham

AAhhhhh, summer has officially begun at the Stieglitz residence. Although it’s great that I get to spend more time with my daughters, I have to admit that I’ll miss my free and liberating Tuesdays and Thursdays, in which, totally unencumbered, I could  run errands, grocery shop,  complete office work, and savor some much needed alone time. As most moms can attest, the luxury to recharge can be priceless.

Entering week two hasn’t been too bad for finding things to do with the kids; such as daily sessions in their much beloved kiddie pool,  their participation in our annual yard sale (including lemonade and cookie stand), and a much anticipated excursion to Great Adventure, which, by the way, has an outstanding section for toddlers. And until our community pool officially opens on June 12th, I’m constantly scheming new activities. Although we live near some nice playgrounds and parks, it could get a little boring. Who would have thought finding things for all of us to do could be so challenging. I suggest talking to friends, family, and researching community events in your local paper or internet for family activities. For those of you who live near the New York or Philadelphia area, the following are some suggestions that I have found fun, exciting, and affordable for the entire family. Some places are admission-free or offer discounts on certain days, so call ahead to check.

Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA)
Please Touch Me Museum (Philadelphia, PA)
The Science Institute (Philadelphia, PA)
Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
Space Museum (New Jersey)
Atlantic Farms Petting Zoo (Manasqauan, NJ)
Paramus Zoo (Bergen County, NJ)
Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
Point Pleasant Boardwalk (Point Pleasant, NJ)
Ocean City Boardwalk (Ocean City, NJ)
Jenkinsen’s Aquarium (Pt. Pleasant, NJ)
Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA)
Land Of Make Believe (Hope, NJ)
Mid-Evil Times (Rutherford, NJ)
Camden Aquarium (Camden, NJ)

By: Anne Pham

Sophia with Lester and Bugs Bunny at Great Adventure.

Olivia at Wiggles World, Great Adventure.

Over the weekend we held our annual pre-summer yard sale in attempt to empty out all the piles of clothes, toys and household items we weren’t using anymore in our house. Since I figure that this would be a family event all weekend I had to think of a clever solution to entertain Sophia and Olivia during the yard sale so they wouldn’t get too bored or distract me from helping potential customers. I decided to set up a lemonade stand in which the kids could sell cold drinks and homemade cookies to anyone attending. It would be a win-win situation right? They would be out of my way and the kids would have fun selling cookies. The lemonade stand turned out to be a major hit. My kids totally enjoyed it, the customers loved the cookies, and best of all they were able to entertain themselves during the entire yard sale so that I could get a little work done. I think the kids made more money at their lemonade stand than mommy had at the yard sale.

By: Anne Pham

Recently my daughter Sophie had her 4th birthday party and we were lucky to have Javier Soto, one of the world’s leading airbrush artist to airbrush kid’s shirts at her party. I can’t begin to tell you what a major hit it was. Everyone, young and old lined up for one of Javier’s custom airbrush t-shirts with their name and a design on them. It was truly magic! If you are looking for ideas for your child’s birthday party, bar-mitzvah, communion, confirmation or graduation this summer look no further than having someone custom airbrush t-shirts. I can’t think of a better party favor than giving something unique and personalized like this. Now here’s a gift that your kids will love to show to their friends. Below are pics of some very happy and excited customers! If you like to find an airbrush artist in your area or more information on Javier Soto please call Airbrush Action Magazine at 732-223-7878.

By: Anne Pham

As camp season and summer is fast approaching, don’t be the last to get I.D. Me waterproof labels. Great for summer camp, public pools, beach, family trips and getaways, I.D. Me Labels will help your kids prevent loss, stolen or misplaced items. Order your labels at www.idmelabels.com.