Archive for the ‘Stuff about my kids’ Category
Summer is Around the Corner aka Swimsuit Dilemma
You know what that means, right? Swimsuit season… ugh. Now as an adult, I don’t concern myself too much with the whole swimsuit thing. I think they are highly overrated. However, I love swimsuit shopping for the kiddos. They are all so stinking cute! The one problem I run into is with Super Dude and his long legs. When I get a suit that “suits” him in the length (ie no shorty shorts allowed!), they are way too big for him in the waist. This presents a dilemma, he can’t wear a belt with swim trunks… hmm… what could we do… There should be an easy solution… Oh, yea! Dapper Snappers kids belts to the rescue again!
“How”, you ask? “Swim suits don’t have belt loops”, you exclaim. That’s easy, we have our wonderful add on clips!
I don’t know why it didn’t come to me before, but they work great. We just picked a color that closely matched his suit added the clips and cinched away. Tada! His swim suit stays up with no problem and I don’t have to compromise his coolness by sewing in belt loops on all of his swim trunks so he can wear a belt. I’m sure he thanks me for that. The clips are stainless steal so they shouldn’t rust, but you should rinse and dry them after ever use to prevent any kind of build up, especially if you are using them at the beach.
My assistant told me that she’s been using them with her son since last summer (that’s her son in the blue in the pic above and apparently he was wearing one then). Well, gee, thanks for keeping me in the loop! She says her son doesn’t even notice it. “I like getting his suit a little big so he gets lots of wear from it. He can still fit in his from last year, but we bought a second one and it’s big around the waist, so I’ll be using Dapper Snappers and the clips again this year. It just makes it so easy!” – Jen
I know that some swim trunks come with the string to tighten them, but with the little boys, thy are hard to find. I guess they figure that the little ones will just untie them. Anyway, I hope this helped solve a swim suit problem for you, I know it did for me!
Blessings,
What’s New? Summer, that’s what!
*singing* Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, summertiiiiiiiiiiiime!
It’s officially summertime for us. The kids are out of school and we are thinking it’s about time for our annual summer vacation from the wonderful world of kids belts. We are taking the kids to Busch Gardens this year, but instead of driving, we are making the whole vacation an experience including the travel. This year, we are taking a train to our destination. It would have taken almost 3 hours by car, assuming there is no traffic, or 3 hours by train. Well, with gas prices the way they are, the train made the most sense.
The kids are super excited, as am I. The idea of travelling by train instead of car seems so much more relaxing. The kids can get up and move around and we can play games with them. Overall, I think it will be a much more pleasurable time.
I have to say, I am thoroughly excited to see how the kids will like Busch Gardens. They have always loved Disney, but with them both getting a little older, I think they will really enjoy this park. I’m not sure that they will be riding the crazy roller coasters, mama’s heart couldn’t take that, but they will love all of the animals and scenery and all of the other rides.
They hubby and I are so looking forward to getting away, too. Even though it’s only about 3 hours from home, it’s far enough to be away from the office and the dredges of housework… bleh…
What are your summer plans? Anything exciting planned? Do you do keep it low key and plan a “stay-cation” or do you go all out and plan an all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas or are you somewhere in between? Whatever you are planning for this summer, I wish you nothing but the best, safe travels and above all, great quality time with the family.
Blessings,
Little Drummer Boy
I need to take a minute away from writing about kids belts, recipes, tips, tricks, and iPhone apps to brag about my son, Super Dude.
Super Dude is about to turn 7 and like his other video; Amazing 5 year old drummer does Crazy Train!, his talent shines through. We are working on updating his drum set. He recently got a new throne and we are going to get all new heads on his drums and get them tuned up. We are also getting him a metronome for his birthday, in just 2 1/2 short weeks.
Here he is drumming to “Hard to Handle”, while hubby sings and plays guitar in the back ground. See for yourself…
Pretty amazing, huh? I may be a doting mother, but considering Super Dude has only had 4 half hour technique lessons and doesn’t read music, I think he’s a natural. (PS. the video of him at 5 years old, playing crazy train, was with no lessons ever.)
I could watch and listen to him play for hours. Most moms would probably think I am crazy for letting him have a drum set, but I love it. He loves it and we are making some great memories with them. Super Dude and Hubby like to have little “jam” sessions and I think that is great father son time. It makes me smile to think they are both so talented and actually interested in the same things.
What amazes me is that he can just sit down and play and make it look so easy, like it’s normal and everyone should be able to do it. I can’t wait to see the things he will accomplish and how much better he will get. I’ll be sure to keep all of my faithful readers posted as his talent continues to blossom!
Now… I’m off to buy an old school bus that I can paint with Mondrian inspired patterns and we can travel the land embarking on our music career, I shall call us “The Dapper Snappers Family” (ala The Partrige Family, in case you didn’t catch that reference!). By the way, if you tell me you don’t know who The Partridge Family is, I think I’ll scream.
Blessings,
Parental Control
I came across something while watching TV this weekend that I thought was really cool and since it’s new to me, I thought I would share with you!
At home the hubby and I have DirecTv for cable and I was exploring some of the features that we haven’t used (but pay dearly for, I’m sure). What I found was really useful, especially if you have kids in the house. While you are on the guide screen, if you scroll to a TV show or movie and hit info, there is a tab called “Parental Info”. I had never noticed this tab before. Probably because I am surrounded by two kids screaming to each watch something different, but at this blissful moment I was by myself and could actually take in what I was looking at.
I love this parental info thing! I am so busy with my kids belts business that I don’t always have time to prescreen a movie prior to letting the little ones watch it.
It’s hard to read here, but it tells the parent about the movie and who should be allowed to watch. I can’t tell you how many times Super Dude and/or Bug have come to me and asked to watch a movie. Some of these movies I have never heard of before and I don’t want to just let them watch anything. That’s why this info is great. For example, the one above is for Men in Black and it explains that there is a high gross-out factor and that if your child is easily frightened, then this is not an appropriate movie for them. The parental info section also tells you about the language and any other inappropriate material. If you go to DirecTv’s website, you can pull up a movie and see what ages they suggest.
Ok, so this may not be “new” but it is new to me and I am glad I found it! Hopefully there was someone out there that didn’t know already and now it’s new to them too!
Blessings,
Happy Halloween!!!
A special message from the Bug…
Blessings,
Halloween is just around the corner!
Crinkle… crinkle… rip… crunch, crunch, crunch….
That is me enjoying a piece of tasty Halloween candy that my kids have so graciously procured for my enjoyment uh… testing, yea, that’s right, testing… you know for razor blades and poisons and such. I’m a giver like that I have to make sure every little piece is safe for my precious little bundle of joy. I personally don’t even like candy. Horrid stuff it is, but I will take one for the team when needed.
Back to Halloween… I love this holiday (all Fall holidays, really) because I get a chance switch my creativity from kids belts to costumes! This year, just like every year, I asked Bug and Super Dude what they want to be for Halloween.
Bug wants to be Jessie from Toy Story.
Cool! That seems easy enough. Red cowgirl hat… Check! Cowgirl boots… Check! I can very easily take a white shirt and add the yellow trim as well as add cow print fabric to a pair of her old jeans. Add one braid and a yellow bow and ta da, Jessie from Toy Story. I just have to find a cowgirl belt buckle to add to one of her belts. That may be the trickiest part… ah who am I kidding, I’m in FL, there are big buckles all over the place. Bug will be so excited!
Now, on to my sweet little Super Dude. When I asked him, he said he wants to be a Spooky Buddy (have you seen these movies before? They are ridiculous).
Uh huh… So let me get this straight, he wants to dress up as a dog that’s dressed up like a human wearing a priate’s costume? Great, cause that’s easy to put together. Why oh why was he cursed with my vivid imagination? That’s like 3 costumes in one. Super Dude has the utmost faith that mommy will pull through, though, so I will. The things I do for my kids!
Alright, I guess I better get started on these costumes. I only have a week to put them together. I’ll have to let you know how it goes.
UPDATE: So, since I wrote this post, both of my kids have changed their minds (of course). Now, Bug is going to be a Jedi and Super is going to be Boba Fett. Talk about obscure. At least these were costumes I could purchase so that makes it easy, but it did lead to a long discussion about whether or not a girl could be a Jedi.
Boba Fett
Jedi
I have to ask, what are you (or your kids) going to be for Halloween?
The Birds and the Bees…and the Lovebugs
We all have that ideal age we think would be a good time to tell our kids about the birds and the bees. For me, it’s some time in the beginning stages of puberty. This seems like the best time to talk to them about their bodies, what’s going on, and what’s going to happen. This opens me up to the question that so far, I have been successfully avoiding; “Mama, where do babies come from?” I think, when they actually get to the point of asking, I’ll pretend to be in the middle of making my kids belts and let daddy handle it!
Here in Florida we are plagued with a twice yearly occurrence of Lovebugs. They sound cute and like they should be ladybug-looking insects with smiles and kisses. They are not. They are ugly. They are everywhere. My kids, upon seeing two lovebugs attached and flying around together, wanted to know what they were doing. “Well, Sweetie,…they are kissing…with their butts…” Now you can imaging the giggles and fits of laughter this statement was met with.
At our most recent lovebug-palooza (at Disney World of all places), Super Dude asked again…no, more like stated, that the lovebugs “aren’t just kissing, right Mama? They are making eggs.” “Yes, son” I answered in shock. “They are making eggs. The eggs will turn into baby lovebugs and they will start all over again.”
Of course the biggest part of me is screaming that it’s way too soon, that I’m not ready. He’s all of 6 1/2 and in 1st grade. He’s very popular with everyone in his school, even the older kids, which I’m sure is how he comes up with some of the smart-mouthed answers he has for us on occasion. And I am also sure this is how he found out about the lovebugs making eggs. The tone in his voice was more of a “Mama, I already know the truth. You wouldn’t tell it to me but the big kids did.” Okay, maybe I’m reading too much into it. Maybe he was just tired.
I guess I’m just stuck in that weird place between not enough and too much information. At what age did you, or do you plan to, tell your kids about the Birds and the Bees (or the Lovebugs, as it were).
Blessings,
Something for the Big Kids
So, not too long ago, Super Dude came up to me and (very politely) told me he was too old to still wear Dapper Snapper kids belts. What? He can’t be my child, my child would be forever in love with my marvelous invention. Sadly, no, he’s growing up, and I hate it. I want him to be my little boy forever. Now, what do you do when your not-so little one comes to you and says “I’m too big for Dapper Snappers” but they very obviously still need help holding up those bottoms?
I got it, a belt! Well, we tried another popular kids belt but found so many flaws with it (Made in China, not adjustable, and started falling apart) that it wasn’t usable after a week. Then, in true Cazella fashion, we went to work solving this new problem. What could we make that is great for bigger kids because they can buckle and unbuckle the belt “all by myself”, is adjustable, and could be made right in our own factory in the USA?
I’d like to ask you to travel back in time with us…way, way back. All the way back to the 70′s (which happens to be very popular in fashion right now). Do you remember those Bottle Opener Belts? Those great little kids belts have a buckle that interlocks like a puzzle, providing easy use for girls. I know you have heard the saying “everything old is new again”, well we took that old idea and made it new & better. I know what you are thinking, though, Super Dude is a boy, what about him? Don’t you worry a bit about those boys. We brought magnetic belts are back and we made them cooler than ever! Durable, reliable, adjustable to give boys a perfect fit. We even added a boys robot print and a girls flower power print.
Features of our new “Big Kid” Belts:
- Made from quality Suspender Elastic (for that snug, but not too tight fit)
- Interlocking Buckle for Girls (easy to get in and out)
- Magnetic Buckle for Boys (clasp with ease)
- Fully Adjustable Length (will grow with your child)
- Numerous Colors available to Match Any Outfit
- Made in the USA
- CPSIA tested and approved!
Why should you choose our Big Kids Belts? Because you have known and trusted the Dapper Snapper brand and the quality that we have provided for toddlers. We are bringing that same caliber of products to the table with our “Big Kid” Belts.
Problem solved, Super Dude loves his “Big Kids Belt” and I didn’t have enough going on so why not add a few new products??
Blessings,
New Routine = New Found Free Time
Super Dude has been back at school for a week now, but Bug just started today. Pre-K better watch out, they may have met their match!
Now that they are both back in school, a new routine has emerged. They both have new bed times, new times to wake up, and new times to get out the door. We wake up and have breakfast, get lunches ready and backpacks packed. After that, we all load up in the car and head out to school. Ok, maybe it’s not quite that smooth, yet, but we are working on it.
There were a few tears this morning as I dropped off Bug, just from me though. She is glad to be back in school. I will miss her. I won’t miss her telling me every 5 minutes that she’s hungry though.
The one thing I am noticing so far today is that once I dropped them both off, an amazing thing happened… SILENCE! Yes, that blessed sound (or lack there of) that comes from being alone and do you know what that means? Less distractions which in turn means a more productive day! Hallelujah! Let the new found free time prevail!
Free time? Yeah right! The kids belts world is a busy one and yes, this new routine of dropping the kids off is a huge time freer upper, but that new free time is quickly filled with projects and deadlines. I wouldn’t change it for the world though. Having a business that I have built from the ground up and one that is growing by leaps and bounds daily is an amazing accomplishment that is worth every minute I have invested into it.
So I guess I should have changed the title of this post to New Routine = New Found Sanity… Hmmm… that’s probably not right either. Stupid deadlines…
Hope your Monday is being awesome to you!
Blessings,
New Digs
That’s right, I am happy to report that we are moving to a home that I LOVE! Why?? Because I didn’t quite feel as though I had enough on my plate what with the whole new fall catalog, the ABC expo, new product release, new patterns, school starting, and so on.
The house is in a great neighborhood and just minutes from the elementary school. This home is definitely an upgrade from where we are now, the place I refer to as the “slum”. I refuse to invite anyone over because this place is horrible. The cupboards are all warped from water damage. The tile is chipped in several places from previous tenants. A couple doors won’t open/shut properly because the pot-smoking maintenance guy stripped the screws when changing out the locks. Speaking of the moron…He cleaned out the drier vent with 6 coat hangers connected together. He installed carpet and didn’t pound down the carpet tacs so they kept stabbing us in the feet. The carpet in the kids room has a ripple in it that’s just getting worse and there is nothing we can do about it. Nests of carpenter ants live in the walls and it’s a constant battle to keep them out of the house. If we leave the master bedroom door closed, the room starts to reek of stale cigarette smoke. I could go on, the list is very long, but I would rather think about how much I’m going to love the new house.
This is probably the best thing to happen to me since inventing my super adorable Dapper Snapper kids belts… oh, wait… I meant the birth of my children and the day I got married!
This is a place that we can not only call home, but will actually BE a home! It’s been a while (since just after we moved here) that we have felt at home and I am so thrilled to be able to feel that again.
It’s going to be amazing to have no carpets to worry about, have a (meager) screened lanai, a little fenced in yard for Sammy to play in (previous renters put plexiglass windows in the fence for their dog), kids have their own rooms (important now that Super Dude is starting to be very aware of private parts and doesn’t want Bug to see him), and most importantly; I won’t be embarrassed to invite people over for dinner. I am already planning out the housewarming in my head…. (not that I am having a housewarming in my head, but a housewarming for the house. 
It will be grand and fabulous and all of you will want to be there (but, the house isn’t quite that big, so I will include you in spirit)!
The other nice thing about the house is the proximity to Super Dude’s school, although it’s not as close to the shop as where we are currently. But I won’t grumble about it being 5 minutes away as opposed to 3 blocks.
Overall, it’s seeming pretty perfect for our little family. I don’t know if I have expressed it accurately or not, but I am just a little excited. The only and I mean ONLY bad thing is that we have to wait until after the 1st to move in… boo! So who wants to help us move?
Blessings,