Teach Your Child To Swim

23 February 2012 By Leave a Comment

Australians are a nation of swimmers so it makes sense that we ensure that our children are able to swim from a young age.  But sometimes it is hard to know exactly where to start when it comes to instructing our children.

This is where a website like uSwim can come in handy.  This site shows you how to start teaching your child from as young as 4 months of age and is broken down into three levels for ease of learning.

The first level is for children from 4 months to 3 years and shows you how to safely introduce your child to the water.  The second level teaches vital skills such as breath-control making your child safer in the water, more confident and ready to learn formal swimming strokes.  The third level introduces stroke development, teaching techniques to learn both freestyle (front crawl) and backstroke.

You may feel you are not competent enough to teach your child to swim however with the simplicity of the site, this will definitely not be the case.  All you have to do is watch the instructional video, print out the lesson plan and start teaching your child.  USwim also provides certificates to give to your child once they have completed a level.

And if you are still unsure whether this program is for you – even Duncan Armstrong (Olympic gold medal swimmer) and Stephen Widmer (Head Olympic Swim Coach) are advocates of the program.

Keeping your child safe in the water should be of high priority to any parent; add to that a positive and fun environment in which to learn and your child will be begging you to teach them more.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , ,

Saint Valentine

14 February 2012 By Leave a Comment

It seems that as soon as the Christmas decorations leave the store, they are quickly replaced by gifts adorned by hearts and other such symbols of love which can only mean one thing – Valentine’s Day is not far away.  Have you stopped to consider why this day of all days is celebrated and for whom?

Like many of the early traditions which have survived to our modern day times, much about the historical significance of Valentine’s Day still remains a mystery.  Stemming from both Ancient Roman times and Early Christianity, Valentine was thought to be one of numerous Saint Valentines who achieved martyrdom.

The connection to how this day become associated with love and romance is even more mysterious although there are many stories and theories circulating.

Of all the stories I read, this was definitely my favourite theory.

“…Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.” – History.com

Regardless of the history, it seems that the day is more popular than ever.  There hardly seems a store that does not lend itself to a “Valentine-based” promotion and kids of all ages are making and sending valentines to their friends and families.

While it is not something we promote as a matter of course, we thought it would be fun to share our Valentine gift of choice.  Any thoughts?  To me it would have to be our personalised Teddy Bear.  Cute, cuddly and available in a choice of three colours – pink, blue and red – our teddy would have to reign as number one in the Valentine gift giving stakes.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , ,

About Louisa Emery

7 February 2012 By Leave a Comment

Louisa Emery works as an Administrative Assistant in the Party Plan Department of Yayme!

How long have you been working at Yayme!?

I started working at Yayme! in September 2011.

What particularly drew you to Yayme! in the first instance?

A position became available at Yayme! and I happened to be looking for work, the timing was perfect.  My two children have also received quite a few Yayme! products, which they love, so I jumped at the chance to become part of the Yayme! team.

What do you like about working in the retail division?

I love being able to provide customers with a great product that can be personalised with any name they want.

Describe a typical day in the Yayme! office?

BUSY!!  For me it starts with downloading orders, printing job sheets and labels so orders can go into manufacturing.  I also deal with our Party Plan consultants, helping them with any issues they may have, ensuring their orders are packed and booking couriers to deliver their goodies.

Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise others to know?

Thanks to attending quite a few pole dancing classes, I can do an aerial invert and a cross ankle release.

What is your favourite Yayme! product?

I love the sports bags!  My sons have one each; they are perfect for footy training and also come in very handy when they have a sleepover.  

Filed Under: Our Team Tagged With: , , , ,

Decorating Tips For Children’s Rooms

1 February 2012 By Leave a Comment

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to have a great looking bedroom or play area for the kids.  And before you ask – no, everything does not have to match.  Mismatching furniture can actually aid in the look of the space giving it a fun and playful feel in an instant.

Picture boards or pinboards work well to create clutter in a small area to keep the rest of the room clutter-free.  Create framed pictures of their artwork and update regularly.  Again this ensures that their treasures are given enough airtime without them taking over every area in the house.

Decorative wall hooks can add an instant theme while at the same time being a practical space for their items.

If they are particularly artistic and love to continuously draw on walls – try blackboard paint on one wall space allowing them to unleash their creativity.

If you are unsure of a theme or colour, select a nice print or fabric and then decorate to match.  If you have a bookshelf that needs an upgrade, try covering with wallpaper to coincide with the other items in the room.

Try and resist the urge to over-decorate.  Children have a tendency to give a room that “lived in” feel in a matter of moments so often less is more when it comes to their bedrooms or playrooms.

If you are still uncertain about what to do with your child’s room all things considered – the best thing to do is to ask them.  After all it is their room and they may be able to give you some suggestions which you may not have necessarily thought of.  However note that their ideas may be slightly at odds with yours – so it may be worth incorporating both your ideas to get the look that everyone is happy with.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , ,

Freshen Up School Lunches

24 January 2012 By Leave a Comment

Sending kids to school with healthy lunches they will actually eat can sometimes be a chore.  Even if you relent and make something which is not as healthy as you’d like – often it too comes back uneaten.

With the return to school on the horizon, it is a good idea to do some lunch meal planning with your child and get them inspired about food.

If you are short a drop of inspiration or two, then have a look at these neat ideas.

  • Bento boxes seem to be all the rage and admittedly very appealing.  While traditionally a Japanese idea, bento can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.  Check out this fun idea from Another Lunch.  While the ingredients are easy enough – grapes, carrots, muesli bar, turkey, cheese and bread – the overall idea seems much more inviting than if it was put into a regular lunchbox.  The accompanying recipe for Rosemary Bread looks delicious as well.
  • If your kids are sick of sandwiches then wrap it.  Sandwich and pita rolls are perfect for school lunches.  Have a look at this delicious Creamy Avocado and White Bean Wrap or this Haloumi, Carrot and Pesto Wrap courtesy of Coles.  Is your mouth watering yet?
  • Does your fruit come home untouched?  Sometimes just the simple act of skewering it can often make it more interesting.  Your combinations can be dependent upon the fruit in season or just your mood at the time.  How about pineapple and grape kebabs or these Fruity Fun Skewers.

If you have any great ideas, please share them with us.  After all, the fussiness of children seems to be a universal trait!

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , ,

About Kelsay Dusterwald

19 January 2012 By Leave a Comment

Kelsay Dusterwald is employed as the Office Manager of Yayme!

How long have you been working at Yayme!?

I have been working at Yayme! since June 2010.

What is your favourite part of working as an Office Manager?

I like the variety of tasks that I have to undertake every day.

How does this job differ from other positions you have held?

There are definitely more responsibilities in this job than other positions I have held, and there is never a dull moment, or “nothing to do”.

Do you have a particular hobby or interest outside of work?

I love sport, both playing and watching.  There are very few sports that I do not like.

Can you tell us something about yourself that may surprise others to know?

I own a 135 acre farm with cattle and sheep.

What is your favourite Yayme! product?

I love the teddy bears, they are so soft.  They remind me of the ones that my children had when they were babies.

Filed Under: Our Team Tagged With: , , , , ,

New Year…New Arrivals

16 January 2012 By Leave a Comment

Today is a big day for us – not only does it mark the return to work for the new year but we also have many exciting products to share with you.

In our earlier post, Back To School Before You Know It, we mentioned how fast the holidays fly when everyone is having fun and that was definitely the case for us.

To mark the arrival of the new school year, we have a new year exclusive to share with you – namely our Backpack Bundle.  The bundle includes a personalised backpack, personalised insulated lunch bag, pencil case, drink bottle as well as a transport passcard holder.  The set is available in four colours:  lime, pink, purple and blue and is great value at$39.95.

New products will be continuously added to our website as they arrive in store, so don’t forget to keep checking for updates.  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you have subscribed to our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any updates, news or specials.

And don’t forget to stop by our Facebook page and say hi to us from time to time.

Are you ready for the return of the school year?

Filed Under: Articles

Seasons Greeting

22 December 2011 By Leave a Comment

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our valued

customers a fun festive season and a very Merry Christmas.

We look forward to continue helping you with your personalised

gift requirements in the New Year and beyond.

Filed Under: General News Tagged With: , ,

About Chris Dewar

15 December 2011 By Leave a Comment

Chris Dewar is the Systems Manager at Yayme!.

How long have you been working at Yayme!?

I have been here for two and a bit years.  I started here in the Production Area making our heat pressed items and have worked my way into this position.

As Systems Manager at Yayme!, what kinds of things do you find yourself working on?

My day can be quite varied and can range from sitting in front of a computer working out sales statistics, to visiting suppliers to investigate new technologies for production, or working with other departments to improve their systems and processes.

Describe a typical day in the office?

Each morning starts with the admin staff going through any unresolved issues from the previous day or two, but mostly I deal with issues as they arise.  I get called “Mr Fix-it”.

There is no real typical day, the only guarantee is that there will always be plenty to do.

How do you manage the work/life balance?

At the end of a hectic week/day/season, I like to spend time with my girlfriend.  We both love riding motorbikes and we get out on the twisty roads near our house as often as we can manage.  Riding is a fantastic way to relax and unwind.  With the road in front of you, and no phones, emails or distractions, you can really clear your head.

Can you tell us something about yourself that may surprise others to know?

I have size 15 feet and at one time was ranked 3rd in Victoria in a  Semi-contact MMA competition.

What is your favourite Yayme! product?

I really like our range of Vinyl Stickers; there is some really cool and cute designs in there.

Filed Under: Our Team Tagged With: , , , , ,

Back To School Before You Know It

10 December 2011 By Leave a Comment

Almost mid-December, the decorations are up and the majority of presents are purchased.  You can sit back and enjoy all the festivities that Christmas brings – well at least for a little while!

You may ultimately find that you are busier having to entertain the kids while they are off – not to mention preparing for the new school ahead.  And this is where we can come in.

We have a fun range of back to school gear for kids of all ages – and the best part – it is personalised so you know that even if your child loses something, it will ultimately find its way back to the rightful owner.

Our personalised library bags are very practical – as well as versatile.  Great for library days but also perfect for sport and swimming days as well.

Younger children love seeing their name emblazoned on their school items – particularly when it comes to their pencil cases and lunchbags.  And for older kids, the personalised jumbo calculators make math fun.  Available in pink spot and blue stripe, we have found these to be extremely popular.

So while your Christmas shopping may be winding down, you can start planning your back to school list.  The more organised you are about it, the more relaxed you can be over the holiday period.

If you think this year has flown by – then it definitely won’t be long until the start of school is approaching.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts