Know Your Mission (and the Bylaws)

Before jumping into PTA meetings with enthusiasm, it’s essential to understand the lay of the land. Start by reviewing the PTA’s bylaws to know how things work, including voting, membership, and decision-making rules.

Familiarize yourself with the association’s goals—what are the key objectives for the school year? Knowing these helps you align your efforts with the group’s larger mission. Also, look at ongoing projects so you can see where your contributions will have the most impact. Being informed makes you an effective participant from day one!

Clear Communication is Key to a Successful PTA Experience

Clear communication can make or break the success of your involvement. Whether you’re sending a quick email, speaking at a meeting, or sharing updates on social media, always aim for concise and clear messages.

It helps to add a little humor to keep the tone light and engaging, especially during long meetings. Don’t underestimate the power of good communication—being articulate ensures your ideas are heard and understood.

Research Trends in Education and Decisions That Impact Students

Stay ahead of the curve by brushing up on common school policies, educational trends, and community issues that impact students. This doesn’t mean becoming an expert but being knowledgeable enough to contribute meaningfully to discussions about what’s important and where student and teacher priorities land. For instance, if the PTA considers changes to recess policies or new classroom tools, understanding the facts helps you advocate effectively.

Got Ideas? Share them to Make an Impact as a Parent Volunteer!

The PTA can thrive with your fresh ideas! Consider what could enhance the school experience—maybe a parent-led after-school tutoring program or starting a student wellness campaign. These kinds of initiatives benefit the students and create a stronger community. Don’t shy away from proposing ideas, even if they seem minor.

Bring Forward Fundraising Ideas for Your PTA

The PTA is essential in supporting school initiatives through practical fundraising efforts. The PTA has excellent opportunities that encourage participation, but it’s vital that you don’t overwhelm volunteers.

Ideas such as bake sales and family fun nights can inadvertently burden busy parents, leading to volunteer fatigue and dwindling participation.  Selling products that require parents to purchase upfront can put a financial burden on families and add pressure to sell, which can overwhelm those already juggling numerous commitments.

It’s crucial for the PTA to consider the impact of these initiatives on families and seek more manageable fundraising approaches that maintain involvement without overtaxing their resources. So when bringing your ideas forward – make extra effort to ensure that your initiatives aren’t going to stretch your community too thin.  We recommend trying a Fundraising program such as this: Kids Name Label’s – almost every parent buys them, so why not earn commission on them for your school!?

Build Relationships (and Make Friends)

One of the best parts of joining the PTA is building relationships. It’s about attending meetings and connecting with parents, teachers, and administrators. Take the time to get to know people outside the formal setting. Strong relationships lead to a more collaborative and enjoyable experience, and you may find new friends along the way!

Volunteer Your Time and Hidden Talents

Everyone has something unique to offer the PTA. Maybe you’re a whiz at organizing, great with numbers, or have a knack for design. Whatever your talent, there’s a role for you. Don’t hesitate to step up in areas where you feel most confident and passionate—it’s a great way to contribute meaningfully and enjoy the process. Volunteering should feel rewarding, so pick projects or tasks that resonate with you.

Foster Inclusivity Like a Pro

Inclusivity is key to building a stronger PTA. Every voice matters, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome, regardless of background or perspective, leads to better outcomes for the group and the students. When bringing ideas to the table, think about how they can include and benefit all students. A genuinely inclusive environment strengthens the school community, making it a place where everyone feels valued and heard.

Stay Positive and Solution-Oriented

It’s easy to get stuck in negativity when challenges arise, but maintaining a positive, solution-focused mindset will make your PTA experience far more rewarding. Instead of dwelling on problems, think about how they can be solved. Encourage others to do the same, and lead by example. A positive attitude makes tackling issues easier, keeps morale high, and inspires others to stay optimistic.

Celebrate PTA Wins—Big and Small

Recognize achievements, no matter the size! Whether it’s successfully organizing a small fundraiser or completing a large-scale project, celebrating victories boosts morale and fosters a sense of accomplishment within the PTA. A little recognition goes a long way in keeping everyone motivated and showing appreciation for the hard work put in by members.

Set Goals and Measure Progress for a Successful PTA Experience

Setting clear, realistic goals ensures the PTA stays on track throughout the year. Work with your team to define specific objectives and create a plan to reach them. Regularly assess how the group is progressing towards those goals to maintain focus and make adjustments as needed.

• Tip: Use a visual tool like a “Goals Board” to track progress. This keeps everyone motivated and gives a sense of shared accomplishment.

Here are some great tips for setting fundraising goals!

Keep It About the Kids

At the end of the day, the PTA exists to support the students, so their needs should remain at the forefront of every discussion and decision. It’s easy to get distracted by more minor issues or personal preferences, but it always comes back to the primary purpose: enhancing the students’ school experience.

• Tip: Remind yourself that you’re here for the kids, not for the gossip about the store-bought cookies.
• Why: Focusing on the students ensures that your contributions are meaningful and have a lasting, positive impact.

Get in the PTA Game!

Bringing your A-game to the PTA doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can make a real difference in your school community by staying informed, building connections, and keeping things light and fun. Remember that every effort counts whether you’re a seasoned PTA pro or just testing the waters. Now go out there, show up, and make your mark!

The post Tips For a Successful PTA Experience: How to Make a Real Impact as a Parent Volunteer appeared first on The Mabelhood.

How Often Should You Replace Baby Bottle or Sippy Cup Nipples or Spouts?

The lifespan of sippy cup nipples or spouts can vary a lot based on the material, how often you use them, and how well you take care of them. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to swap these parts out every 1-3 months. Checking them regularly and replacing them on time helps keep things hygienic and working well.

• Silicone Nipples and Spouts:
  These are durable and resistant to stains and odors. Even so, they should be replaced every 2-3 months, or sooner if they show signs of wear.
• Plastic Nipples and Spouts:
  Plastic components may wear out faster and could need replacement every 1-2 months.

Signs That Your Nipples or Spouts Need Replacing:

Cracks or Tears:
If you see any small cracks or tears in the nipple, it’s time to switch to a new one to avoid leaks and bacteria buildup.

Discoloration:
Regular use and washing can cause some discoloration, but if the spout or nipple starts looking funky or cloudy, it might be degrading and should be replaced for hygiene and safety.

Soft or Deformed Parts:
The spout and nipple should be firm and keep their shape. If they get soft, squishy, or misshapen, they might not work correctly and could be a choking hazard.

Persistent Odors:
If you keep smelling something off, even after cleaning (eew), it might be mold or bacteria growth. Time for a replacement to keep your kiddo healthy. The American Academy of Pediatrics has great information about maintaining your sippy cups.

Difficulty Drinking:
If your little one’s having trouble getting their drink out, it might be because the spout or nipple is worn out. Swapping it for a new one should do the trick.

Tips for Extending the Life of a Baby Bottle or Sippy Cup Nipples and Spouts:

• Regular Cleaning:
  Make sure to give the sippy cup parts a good wash after every use to avoid any gunk building up and keep those nasty bacteria away. Most parts can go in the dishwasher, which makes sure they’re all nice and clean. For some cleaning hacks,
• Proper Storage:
  Just stash the sippy cups in a clean, dry spot. Try to keep them away from too much heat or sunlight since that can make the material weaker.
• Frequent Inspection:
  Check the nipples and spouts often for any signs of wear and tear. It’s smart to be on top of it and swap out any worn parts before they become a problem.

Where to find replacement parts for sippy cups and bottles?

All major brands of bottle and sippy cups will have replacement parts, if they don’t, that’s a red flag. Munchkin, Nuby, 
Avent and all the big names will have easy to find and replace nipples, spouts and other accessories.

Make sure to keep an eye out and swap out the sippy cup nipples and spouts as needed. This way, you can make sure your little one’s drinking experience stays safe, clean, and fun. Doing regular check-ins and replacing them on time is key to keeping these important tools in great shape.

Here is a great post abut mold prevention in your silicone nipples, straws and bath toys! 

The post How Often Should You Replace Bottle and Sippy Cup Nipples or Spouts? appeared first on The Mabelhood.

You can easily incorporate some Montessori principles into your summer routine that will make your life much easier, give your children independence, and have a fun and successful summer without overspending!

Embrace the wonders of nature: budget-friendly outdoor adventures. Plan for a mix of structure and free play each day. This balanced approach not only keeps your children engaged but also reassures you that you’re providing a well-rounded summer experience.

Montessori principles in your summer routine:

Morning predictable routine for kids:

Create a routine that starts the day with some structure—wake up, chores, breakfast, for example. This will create some predictability and keep the day stress-free.

Let them choose what they want to wear and get dressed on their own and look after their own needs as much as possible, this will foster their all-round development.

Mid-morning: free play!

Mid-morning, allow your kids to get outside for some free play. Morning is the best time for outdoor time, especially on those days when the afternoon sun can make it too hot. Gather some outdoor toys, or just allow them to play with what they find in the environment or dig in the garden etc. –  make them entertain themselves. It’s okay for kids to get bored!

Lunch: Let your kids help with food preparation

Foster some independence by allowing them to select from a few options for lunch and allow them to help in preparing it.

Encouraging children to participate in food preparation not only helps them develop practical skills, responsibility, and confidence but also allows them to contribute to the household.

Many parents also find that this helps picky eaters enjoy a meal more and become more adventurous with what they try if they’ve already touched the foods.  Empower your child by involving them in tasks that align with their abilities.

Afternoon: Structured activity for kids, like a playdate, craft or outing

Make a calendar with what activities you can do each week. Let your kids help make these decisions.

Encourage your kids to think about who they want to play with or where they want to go. Giving them options helps them learn to make decisions from a young age, so they can handle tough choices later on. Start with simple choices and then add more to help them get better at making decisions.

Structured summer activities for kids that are low-cost:

Something as simple as a play date can sometimes be the most memorable for kids. So, set up some time for kids to play with friends. Encourage them to pick the friends they’d like to play with or let them choose an activity to do; this can be a swim at the local pool, a trip out for ice cream, or a visit to the local library.

You don’t need to fill every afternoon with an activity, but let your kids pick a few things each week to look forward to. On the non-structured day you can go for a bike ride, play in the sprinkler or just allow them to have more unstructured time.

Instead of planning every activity, encourage kids to play and explore on their own. This approach helps them unleash their creativity, become more independent, and find what they’re into. When they really like something, think about ways to make it more challenging and fun for them.

Late Afternoon: quiet time!

After a full day of both free play and structured time, your kids have probably had adequate activity and fresh air. Now is often a good time to give them some quiet time; this can be a book, screens, coloring, or any other quiet activity they like to do that allows parents the chance to gather themselves, start dinner prep, and have some of your own quiet time, too.

It’s a time to sit without guilt – you deserve a break, too!

Montessori principles to think about this summer:

Build their self-belief and confidence by only stepping in to help when they really need it. Give them a chance to try, struggle, and figure it out on their own.

• Encouraging your kids to make choices and offering them options fosters a mindset focused on decision-making.
• Assigning them tasks and daily chores to help with household responsibilities and teach them valuable life skills and independence.
• Whenever possible, allow them to take the lead.

The post A Montessori Summer Break Schedule: Unleash Your Child’s Creativity at Home appeared first on The Mabelhood.

You’ll be wearing many hats, from chauffeur, hair stylist, nutritionist, chef, personal assistant, travel agent, psychologist, and probably even a few more! All of these jobs are equally important. But the most important of all, is the role of supportive parent.

Managing all of these can be very hard. Here are some tips to ensuring you’re a supportive parent and managing the expectations of your cheerleader and the studio they represent.

Tips to be a supportive cheer parent:

Don’t lose perspective:
Wins, losses, scholarship opportunities, status and endorsements can cloud judgment and cause a parent to lose perspective. This can ruin the experience for your child and negatively affect the coaches, other team members, parents and officials.  Remember – we are working with kids here!  The first and primary objective is for them to have FUN

Arrive on time:
This may not seem like a big deal if your child is 5 minutes late, but it is. They need to be there on time or early, ready to go in the proper attire. This is taken very seriously and affects the entire team and, therefore, their role within the team.

Don’t involve yourself in gossip or rumors:
these are kids, and they shouldn’t be hearing parents gossip about other parents, coaches or kids. Always keep it positive and professional, and stay away from the rumor mill.

Learn the Lingo!

Know the best way to communicate with coaches or parents:
Often, grabbing a coach before class or on competition day to talk about something or ask a question can be very distracting to coaches and is unprofessional. Always know the best way to communicate with the coaches, don’t be afraid to ask other parents. Definitely don’t be afraid to ask questions – just choose your timing well so you’re not disrupting their time with the kids.

Show your Spirit!
Always show your spirit! On competition day, wear team colors! Bring snacks the team can share, and always show your support – whether they do well or lose badly, your job is to always stay positive and supportive. Validate the disappointed feelings but remind them that their worth is greater than the loss.

Start a Fundraiser!
No, this does not mean that you need to bake cupcakes for a bake sale—here is the most simple way of fundraising for your team or studio.

The best way to fundraise for cheer and dance:

Starting a fundraiser with Mabel’s Labels is easy and convenient! Mabel’s Labels has been making kids’ name labels for over 20 years, and they make the BEST Dance/Cheer Label Pack!

Here are the steps to get your fundraising campaign up and running. Check in and ensure you don’t already have a Mabel’s Labels Fundraiser, speak with the other parents and coaches and get them on board!

Sign Up:
Fill out the quick form on the Mabel’s Labels Fundraising Information page to sign up your team or studio. This step ensures you’re officially part of the program. Let the other parents, friends etc. know that you’re fundraising with Mabel’s Labels. Spread the word through newsletters, emails, or social media. Encourage them to participate and support the cause.

Raise Funds:
Once your organization members are aware, they can start ordering personalized labels online. For every purchase made, your organization earns a 20% commission. Mabel’s Labels handles order fulfillment and ships directly to parents with fast, free shipping.

Once the fundraiser is up and running, there is little work for you to do, the entire fundraiser is conducted online. Once you sign up, you’ll continue earning commissions on all future sales.

Not only does this fundraiser help your team financially, but it also reduces lost and found items by providing personalized labels for all squads’ look-a-like items, such as makeup, water bottles, snack containers, shoes, leotards, and bows.

Don’t coach from the sidelines:
This is frustrating for the team, undermines the coaches and is highly unprofessional.

Don’t allow your child or their success to be their identity:
The best athletes are well-rounded people put as much interest in their social life, always encourage friendships outside of the squad! Academics should always come first! Encourage other interests, and always ask and show interest in other areas of their life that are important to them.

The post How to Be a Supportive Cheer Parent appeared first on The Mabelhood.

I’ve been using Mabel’s Labels since my kids were babies, and I’m a huge fan! Their labels are stuck on my kids’ stuff through everything! Plus, we never lose anything! That’s NOT because my kids are organized, but simply that the teachers and coaches can quickly see who’s left their water bottle behind (my kids!) and easily hand it back to them, skipping the lost & found bin process.

Anyway, back to the perfect teacher gift for the Holidays!

I have been gifting name labels for a few years now, and I always get wonderful compliments! I’ve even had past teachers approach me and ask what the labels I gifted them were because they want more! Success!

Here is what I’ve gifted our teachers in the past and will continue to use because they’re such a hit!

Unique & Practical Gift for Teachers:

1) The Teacher Label Gift Pack:

This includes 35+ name labels; the best part is that there are many themes to choose from, so you’re sure to find something perfect for your music teacher, science teacher…, or anyone!
2) Classroom Labels:

Ways to add a little holiday touch to your gift with the ornaments: the added bonus of doing this is that they’ll all be on the same order, and with Mabel’s Labels, you always get FREE shipping so that’s another cost you can eliminate! 

3) The Name Label Gift Pack:

This is my plan for this year; I haven’t used this label pack yet because it’s NEW! But I know it’s made with the same durable vinyl labels as their other labels, so I feel confident in the quality (plus, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you select these with no icon, they make a much more mature-looking label with many color palettes to choose from!

4) Personalized Book Stamp

This is an adorable stamp that teachers will love; it’s a great way for them to personalize their book library and ensure that the books they’ve purchased are returned to their classroom!

5) Personalized Holiday Ornament

Add a little holiday touch to your gift with the ornaments. These can be customized, and the quality is great!  The added bonus of adding this to your gift is with Mabel’s Labels, you always get FREE shipping, so that’s another cost you can eliminate!

Bulk Order Teacher Gifts!  (this is a great little secret!)

6) The Birthday Party Label Pack

This is THE most cost-effective solution for bulk ordering gifts for teachers. Don’t be confused by the name, The Birthday Party Label Pack is an easy way to give every teacher/ coach etc., a small pack of personalized name labels and 1 bag tag. Perfect to slip inside a Holiday card.

These name-label packs can be personalized for each teacher, so you can select a color palette that’s perfect for them. This pack includes 6 sets- and additional sets are only $5… Plus, free shipping is THE most cost-effective way of gifting customized gifts.

The BEST gifts for coaches:  

1) Team Sports Label Pack

Coaches will Love this! It’s a great way to keep the team’s look-a-like gear organized while keeping equipment looking consistent and professional! Plus, it makes their job so much easier at the end of practice when gear is left behind! Add on a personalized ornament or a water bottle band and they’ll be impressed and grateful!

Don’t forget, Mabel’s Labels offers FREE shipping on all their products – so you can’t go wrong with saving yourself time by placing an order for each teacher and having everything shipped quickly for FREE!

The post Unique & Practical Teacher Gifts appeared first on The Mabelhood.

First, parents may begin to see behavior changes in their anxious or sensitive kids this time of year. Kids may start to ask a lot of questions about the new year (which is particularly difficult when you don’t have the answers for them).   

Some signs they may be struggling with transition to a new class or school:

• They may begin to talk back or seem angry
  Many emotions and thoughts rush through them, which can be daunting, and they often can’t recognize the root of the problem or know how to regulate those emotions, resulting in anger or lashing out. Remember that behind every behavior is a feeling.
• Showing physical signs
  They may have headaches or tummy aches. This is common, and while these are anxiety symptoms, it’s important to remember not just to treat the headaches but to address the anxiety, which could help relive the physical symptoms.   
• Withdrawal
  If your outgoing child suddenly seems to be withdrawing, they may be overthinking and experiencing anxiety. 

Remember that keeping the lines of communication open is one of the best ways to work together with your child to ensure that you can help them. The key to a successful transition is open lines of communication. Don’t do the work for them; teaching them how to work through it is what will provide them with long-term success. Keeping your child accountable for their part in the process will allow them the greatest success.

Don’t allow your own anxieties to get in the way.

For some parents, it’s common to suffer from anxiety too. Watching our children struggle can bring out our insecurities and fears. Remember that What makes you anxious may not affect them the same way. Be mindful not to project your insecurities onto them. Show confidence and excitement about the new year (gently, without shame). Get yourself organized so you feel prepared and therefore less anxious.

Focus on what will remain the same

Find what will be the same. Perhaps they’ll enter the school through the same door each morning or travel on the bus with the same kids. Find the similarities and focus a lot on those. 

Validate their feelings

Allow them to talk openly about how they feel. Validate those emotions. Resist the urge to make your child’s feelings disappear. Instead, help them to identify and express their feelings. Don’t sweep them under the carpet; this will teach them that their feelings are shameful. We want to encourage our kids to recognize, identify and talk about their feelings. Another good way of doing this is to lead by example. If you’re nervous about a new situation, tell your child and let them know how you’re dealing with those fears.  

Allow room for stress, and recovery

Setting our kids up for success (not only with the new school year but by providing life skills for the future) means teaching them self-care. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep. Take breaks when needed and keep expectations low in the beginning.   

Build a new routine slowly

Start by making a list of what school supplies will be needed, then allow them to sit with that for a day or so. Then go shopping. Talk through the morning routine together, let them sit with that, then a few days later, walk through it together. Slowly add tasks and changes when you notice a decrease in their anxiety.

Do a walkthrough

If your child is nervous, try doing a run-through so the first day of school, your child is already familiar with the routine. First, discuss what the new routine will look like, then walk it through. This also helps parents plan for timing. Nothing exasperates anxiety by rushing your child on the first day of school. So, a dry run will allow your child to become familiar with this part of the transition and help parents with time management to eliminate some of the chaos and rush.

Here are more ways to help with back-to-school nerves. Always to reach out for support if you feel unable to help your child, or they show signs of being in crisis.

The post Anxious Kids; Transition Tips for Starting a New School Year appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Firstly, it’s important to understand why you’re going. So many people have fought for the right to be at the Pride Parade. It’s not just a day for glitter and rainbows. So make sure that your reason for taking your child is genuine and not to play dress-up. Make sure your kids understand why the Parade takes place. For example, if you’re unfamiliar with the history, make sure you read this if you’re Canadian. And if you’ve been living under a rock, please make yourself aware of the Stonewall Riots in New York. The birthplace of Gay Pride and why so many people have more opportunities to celebrate freely today. 

Here is why we love attending Pride. and think it’s important for kids. Pride; why I bring my kid and you should too!

1) She is being raised in a heterosexual family: 

Two straight parents are raising her, and although we have gay friends, they’re all single so she doesn’t have a lot of exposure to different families. So she must learn that not all families look like ours, but they’re just as special and loving. 

2) She will see public displays of affection. 

My daughter doesn’t see gay couples expressing affection daily (and we even have gay friends), but they rarely show affection in public. The Pride Parade is a chance for her to see loving couples holding hands, kissing, and showing love and affection. I want her to see this; what better way of learning that love is love than seeing people passionately loving one another. 

3) She’ll see nudity

Will there be nudity? Yep, probably. My 5-year-old is a-okay with nudity (what young kid isn’t??) or “nakies,” as we call it. She will have an opportunity to see bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Dancing, jiggling, and being proud. What better place to teach her body positivity than a group of happy people dancing in their beautiful skin.

4) It’s a Celebration AND a time to recognize 

It’s a time to celebrate and support those great strides and many sacrifices that have taken place in the LGBTQIA+ community. Having said this, I make sure that my daughter understands that this is a celebration, that the gay community is dressing up and celebrating a movement. The LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t always wander around daily wearing feather boas; they’re executives, doctors, teachers, parents, and respected members of our community who celebrate and have fun today.   

Things to consider about whether it’s right for you: 

1) You feel uncomfortable 

There is one thing to be said about getting out of your comfort zone. However, if you feel really uncomfortable, it’s not right to bring your child. If your un-comfort means you’re going to gawk, stare and be utterly shocked, please don’t go. It’s better for your child and the LGBTQIA+ community not to have that negativity. It’s a place to show support and respect, all while having fun and if you can’t do that, then don’t attend. Stay home this time, educate yourself, and hopefully, you can come and support with open eyes and an open mind next year. 

 2) Respect Boundaries

Like the straight community, sex is only one part of daily life. It doesn’t define the community. For example, at the Pride Parade, it’s not uncommon to see various kinks and sexually explicit outfits. If you have a child who is new to the community or just discovering or questioning, be mindful of their comfort level. Like those in the straight community, there are varying comfort levels with sex. 

If your child is at the beginning of their journey, it’s a lot to be confronted with sex far beyond their comfort level. Especially as their place in the LGBTQIA+ community may have nothing to do with sex. The Parade is a lot, and you don’t want to intimidate young people from opening up; we need young people to feel the community is approachable. It may be best to avoid the Parade and instead join some of the other fun, supportive events happening all month long. There are plenty of pride events that require less sexual exuberance and could be a great fit. 

We wish everyone a happy & safe pride month! We hope you have a fun, informative and loving month! To keep your kids safe in a big crowd, pick up some Silicone ID Bracelets! 

For more posts about Families attending Pride, check this one out!

The post Kids at the Pride Parade; Why I Bring My Kid and You Should Too! appeared first on The Mabelhood.

FOOD:

Make a list
This year with the price of groceries so high, I did some calculations and the amount of ingredients needed will cost far more than the cost of buying pre-made trays and platters.

If you are planning on making the food, here are a few easy and delicious recipes to try!

Order in Advance
Don’t leave this to the last minute or your order may not happen on such a busy day.  Some good Superbowl options are Pizza, wings, subs

Ask for help!
Ask each guest to bring a specific appetizer/dish to share with the party.
For your sanity at the end of the night, request that their dishes are property labeled with their name

Set up a buffet table in advance with napkins, plates, silverware, condiments, etc.

HOUSE LOGISTICS:

Make Space
Clean out the refrigerator ahead of the time to make room for what guests may bring. And because cheese trays, meats, cut fruit etc. should not be left out for longer than 2 hours- so to keep your guests safe – make sure you’ve got space to refrigerate those items.

Ice, ice Baby
Keep a large tub of ice for available with a variety of drinks. Allow guests to grab what they want. Don’t play bar tender, or you won’t enjoy your day. If you live in a colder climate – place the bucket outside the door to save on fridge space. When guests arrive let them know where drinks are being chilled, so if they’ve BYOB’d they know where to put their stash.

Prepare for the dishes.
Empty your dishwasher so cutlery and dishes can go straight in. Admittedly, I usually use paper plates and have a garbage bag available for people to use. I understand this isn’t the most environmentally friendly, and yes, I have guilt about it. I’ll aim to do better next time.

KIDS PREP:

Keeping the kids happy, helps the parents enjoy the party. So, the effort you out in ahead of time for the kids will help on Sunday and you’ll thank yourself.

Make an activity table for kids
Set up coloring books, stickers, and crafts. The internet has loads of simple printable with a football themes. Parents will very much appreciate the effort to keep the kids busy!

Have separate Kid food:
I also like to set up separate snack table for kids, it sounds like more work, but it’s simple: Hotdogs or pizza for dinner. Then for snacks, a small bowl of candy, a bowl of chips, cut fruit and some water bottles or juice boxes. This allows the kids to be a little more independent and is more kid friendly and easier to navigate for kids than the adult table.

DÉCOR:  

Full-disclosure, I don’t really bother. By the time the house is full of people decorations either get in the way or get lost in the crowd. Truly, your guests won’t mind (or even notice) they’re not there for the decorations.

What I do attempt, balloon in the team colors. Truthfully, I don’t do this totally for the element of décor but more so because the kids at the party LOVE a game of keepy-uppy and it occupies them for a long time. Two birds, one stone!

Let us know how your Superbowl Party went, and best of luck if your team is playing!

The post How to Host Superbowl Sunday Like a Champ appeared first on The Mabelhood.

We love the look of a neatly labeled pantry. And perfectly cute pantry canisters labels. Not only can you be a feel organized, but in doing so you your pantry into something Pinterest worthy, and that’s so satisfying. However, here in lies the problem – cannister commitment issues.  It’s so hard to commit to a canister with a beautiful label if we’re worried it might change. We’re here to tell you show you 5 ways you can move beyond cannister commitment issues.

1) Take Counter Inventory.

Look at what sit our on your counter all the time. In my house, it was our favourite cereal, oats, the coffee pods and sugar. These items were always just in their boxes floating around the counter tops in and out of the cabinets, looking messy.

2) Take interior cabinet inventory.

Next, I noted what was most used inside the cabinet. In my home it was brown rice, walnuts, quinoa, and pasta. As well as protein powder, almonds, flour, and cookies. Everything else was in cans or fresh items not suitable for canisters. From this inventory I was able to create my list:  

Cereal
Oats
Coffee
Sugar
Brown Rice
Quiona
Pasta – Spaghetti
Pasta- Rotini
Flour
Protein Powder
Almonds
Walnuts
Cookies

3) Note the sizes you need.  

Most of them were self-explanatory (tall for pasta) tiny for sugar. Big for flour. I found a set that had what I needed. Although I purchased a cookie jar separately. And needed to purchase a separate canister for my flour, as the set I bought didn’t include that. So make sure your set has something for everything on your list.

4) Know what needs to be airtight.

I bought all my jars airtight just to be safe. But it’s important that you get a good seal on stuff like your flour/ protein powder/ and cookies (although, in our house they don’t last long enough to even go stale)

By the time I reached step 4, my commitment issues were getting better. I had everything in my canisters for a week. On my countertop I had coffee pods, sugar, cereal and oats. Everything else was in the pantry, cupboards or refrigerator (we refrigerate our almonds and walnuts). I have found that the kids seemed to reach for a handful of nuts more often than they did when the nuts were in a bag, so that’s a win I didn’t expect!

5) Time to Label!

I had not yet labeled- I planned on living with our unlabeled canisters for only a week or so. I wanted to know for sure that I’d made the right decision. However, after only a few days I decided to go for the pantry container labels, everything felt right, and I was so excited to get to the final step! I labeled – they look amazing, and I have no regrets!

So, follow these four steps and you too can overcome your canister commitment issues! You’ll thank yourself when your countertops look organized, your pantry looks Pinterest worthy, and your kids are actually eating almonds!

Now that you’ve mastered the kitchen, give the rest of the house a try! 

Here are the pantry labels I chose:

The post Pantry Labels: Five steps to a Pretty Pantry appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Eventually, our kids will reach a point when they wander out without adults or perhaps attend a party. The rules are different. While we want them to be independent and have fun with their friends, it’s also essential to send them into the world armed with all the tools to stay safe.

Your must talk to them before going out. As painful as they may find it – it’s super important. Read safety tips to make yourself aware of and open the discussion up with your tweens and teens.

Tips:

• Pick a route ahead of time.
  Make all the parents aware of this route and stick to it. Remind them only to visit houses with lights on and never enter inside someone’s home. Make sure you know who they are with, and have the numbers of those kids and parents.
• Car safety.
  Remind them never to get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Remind them never to text and drive. They’ll likely roll their eyes and say that they already know – say it anyway.
• Share their location.
  If they change the plan, or go to a friend’s house, ask that they share their location with you.
• Costumes aren’t invitations.
  Halloween is about escapism, Your kiddo, or their friends may choose to dress in a costume that is revealing. A sexy costume is not an invitation. Remind both your daughters and sons of this.
• Don’t fall prey to tricks.
  Halloween night is known for tricks (toilet papering a house, we’ve all been there!). But times are different now. With the prevalence of smartphones, these innocent shenanigans will likely be recorded. What once was perceived as mischief can get you in trouble with charges of vandalism, trespassing, or worse. Make sure your kids know that these tricks can lead to charges and big consequences can affect their college applications and entire future.
• Walk away.
  Provide your kid with an “out” if something feels off or they want to leave. Make sure you have a code word or plan to help them pick them up. Remember, doing this means they were responsible, so don’t get angry that they allowed themselves to get into a situation. Just be pleased they were responsible enough to get out.
• Don’t eat candy.
  Yes, this one may seem strange, it’s Halloween after all!  But for this one night, it’s probably best that you ask them not to consume any candy given to them by acquaintances  at a party. With cannabis edibles  looking  similar to regular candy, your kiddo may not be able to spot something is different. THC edibles can be hard to recognize and very dangerous. Give them a few packs of ‘decoy’ candy they can keep with them to open and enjoy. Better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t be fearful, but be aware

This isn’t meant to scare you, it’s meant to make you aware, and help keep you kids aware too. The more you talk openly with them, the more you’ll find that they know a lot more than you think, and you may even learn a thing or too! Keeping the conversation open and light will also make sure that they share info with you, trust you and know that you’re always there to help when they may need it.

Also, maybe your teens just want to trick-or-treat but you’re not sure if they’re too old? Read this!

Happy Halloween! (Oh, and check these out!)

The post Halloween Safety for Tweens & Teens; Because Times Have Changed! appeared first on The Mabelhood.