Mabel’s Labels & Back to School Round-Up

Summer is quickly drawing to a close (sniffle…sniffle), which means a new school year is just around the corner for a lot of kids. The world wide web has been abuzz with back to school fever, so I thought I’d round up some of my favorite ideas. But before I get to that, let me tell you about something pretty cool that you’ll want in your back to school arsenal.

I’m an organizing junkie, so I love labels around here. Between daycare and the nursery at church, they’re a must if we want to keep up with all the kids’ bottles, sippy cups and bags. That’s why I was pretty excited about trying out the new “Write Away!” labels by Mabel’s Labels.

What’s so special about them, you ask? Why, you can personalize them yourself. You can write whatever you want on them (name, phone number, allergies, etc.), however you want, without having to wait for the labels to be printed and mailed to you. This is pretty cool because it allows you to use one package of labels for any and everything. Cups, bottles, lunch boxes, books, storage containers, gym bags, medicines, video games…you get my drift.

Each package of “Write Away!” labels comes with 30 labels. So, like in my case, since I have two boys, I could use one package of labels for both boys since they’re not pre-printed (the labels, that is). Even better, the labels are waterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe. After a few runs through the dishwasher, our labels still held up.

If labeling things makes you happy, you’ll want to check out the Mabel’s Label website for their iron-on labels, shoe labels and bag tags. They also offer fundraising programs for all you PTA parents out there.

Now, for the Back to School round-up. Here are just a few of the awesome ideas and tips  I’ve stumbled across. I think you’ll like them…

First Day Pics

You can’t start the school year without pictures to show for it. I love the 1st day photo checklist and tips shared by Rebecca at Simple as That. So many great memories that I never would have thought to capture. Definitely check this one out!

Simple Tips for Capturing Back to School Photos, Simple as That

Breakfast & Lunch Ideas

As y’all may know, my kids are notorious for being picky eaters, so packing lunches is not something I look forward to. Right now, they have a pretty steady diet of lunchables and chicken nuggets; but after reading some of these posts, I think I’ll switch it up a bit.

Three Ideas for the Bagged Lunch (That They Will Love), Simple Mom

How to Pack a School Lunch Your Kids Will Eat, Food Your Way

Easy, Healthy School Lunches, Food Your Way

Back to School Lunch, The 36th Avenue

25 Make Ahead Back to School Breakfast Ideas, Second Chance to Dream

Back to School Parties & Gifts

I’m terrible when it comes to remembering to get teachers gifts (or any gifts for that matter, just ask my family). I’m hoping to do better this year. I really like these cute and inexpensive gift ideas. Oh, and you know I’m always game for any reason to throw a party.

Apple Cupcakes, Positively Splendid

Teacher Gift Printable, Lisa Storms

Crayon Art, Emphasis Added

Back to School Party, Kara’s Party Ideas

Back to School Scavenger Hunt, Design Stash

More Back to School Goodness

Back to School Fun, Thrifty Decor Chick

Over 30 Ideas for Back to School, How Does She?

Is This on Your School Supply List, MOD Squad

Make a White Board Magnetic Calendar, The 36th Avenue

Holler at me…What’s on your back to school to do list? Did you stumble on any other good ideas for kicking off the school year? How do you label school supplies or things around the house?

p.s. It’s not too late to try and score some Summer Reading Fest giveaways. Take a few minutes to check it out.

p.p.s. Mabel’s Labels hooked me up with a couple of packages of “Write Away!” labels to try out, but everything I said about them is based on my own opinions.