“Our clothes are too much a part of us for most of us to ever be indifferent to their condition: it is as though the fabric were indeed a natural extension of the body, or even the soul.” Quentin Bell

One of the things we really enjoy is seeing kids in the clothing that we buy for DressMeDaddy.com, and hearing from moms or dads or grandparents how much they – and their kids – appreciate the quality and detailing of the clothing. We always appreciate it when you contact us, and now via email, Facebook, Twitter and so many other social media options, there are many ways to do so.  Heather Alfonso, mother of three (Eva, Vivi, and William) who lives in the Ada Michigan area with her husband David, recently shared some nice comments, and these adorable pictures of her one year old son wearing a sweater set and a vest set from Catimini.

“I don’t do a ton of shopping on line, but we can’t find kid’s clothing in my area that is as nice as the Catimini that came from DressMeDaddy.com.  We got the cutest shirt and vest combination for William, and when he wears it with jeans he looks adorable.  The detail and quality of the shirt is amazing.  The cuffs at the end of the sleeves have beautiful snaps, but if you roll them up the shirt is lined with a soft gray that coordinates with the vest. My six sister-in-laws came into town for Easter and they all went nuts over this set! I took this picture and sent it to all the relatives.”

She also added, “We also have one of the BabyJar blankets, and it is so soft and nice.  William just loves it!”

Heather’s comment about rolling the sleeves up raised a good point.  Recently another mom pointed out that it is usually hard for her to buy outfits, because her sons had to have different sizes in the tops and bottoms. The Catimini is a great option for her boys, because many of the pieces are lined and can be rolled up, both the sleeves and the pant hems. The lining not only makes the clothing more comfortable, but more versatile, as well as increasing the length of time the child can wear the item.  Since kids grow up and not so much out, pants or jeans that are rolled up can just be let down as they grow. No more immediate “flooding” and having to break in new jeans!  Designed in France, Catimini clothing for kids is a fabulous brand, and we’ve got great collections for both girls and boys, from birth up to size 8.  With wonderful fabrics and beautiful details, it is special clothing for special kids-and aren’t they all?   

“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Tenneva Jordan

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” Rajneesh

“Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease.” Lisa Alther

“Grown don’t mean nothing to a mother.  A child is a child.  They get bigger, older, but grown?  What’s that suppose to mean?  In my heart it don’t mean a thing.” Toni Morrison, Beloved 1987

“You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool mom.” Anonomous

“Who ran to help me when I fell, And would some pretty story tell, Or kiss the place to make it well? My mother.” 

Ann Taylor

“God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.” Jewish Proverb

“The mother's heart is the child's school-room.”  Henry Ward Beecher

As we enter into spring here in the Midwest, the promise of green gardens and colorful flowers are heralded by the early arrival of yellow daffodils and deep purple hyacinths.  There is something magical about nature, whether it is planting a seed and watching it grow, or making a daisy chain to adorn the dinner table for the day. Putting in and maintaining a garden may be beyond what most kids are able to tackle, but what about planting a simple salsa pot garden full of bright red cherry tomatoes, deep green bell peppers and cilantro?  Or maybe planting a sunflower house, where the beautiful golden heads form a living roof above your child?  Sharon Lovejoy is the author of Sunflower Houses – Inspiration From The garden – A Book for Children and Their Grown-ups, and it is full of great garden activities to share with your child.  Stories, poems, and of course planting ideas are all beautifully illustrated, many so easy even a young child can tackle.  Maybe your girl or boy would like to plant their initial in the middle of a flower bed, and watch it fill in as the season progresses.  How about building a teepee out of garden sticks and planting runner bean plants that climb up, creating a cool and green retreat? All of these ideas are from the book, along with many more.  Another great resource for kid friendly gardening ideas is on the National Geographic Kids-Dare To Explore website.  They have just a ton of activities - including kid surveys, crafts, and recipes - if you get a minute to check it out.   When my children were little we used to take a note pad and a pencil out in the backyard, or when we took walks, because we never knew what we might find.  We’d make notes on things to remember, sketch pretty flowers or do rubbings of interesting leaves or the rough bark of trees.  Nature is really the ultimate playground, and incorporating activities in your own yard can be very simple.  Sometimes we all just need a little inspiration, are there some ideas you'd like to share from your garden?   

“We do not inherent the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Native American Proverb

As Earth Day approaches on Sunday April 22, we at DressMeDaddy.com are reminded by Marshall McLuhan that we all have a part in preserving the great blue ball we call home.  “There are no passengers on Starship Earth,” he said back in 1964.  “We are all crew.”

Hatley is a new brand for us this spring, and has a wonderful approach that embraces this philosophy. We are thrilled to represent this line, and you’ll see Hatley products and apparel in both our swimwear and our outerwear categories for boys and girls.  Hatley is a family-run company, who has been helping people get 'clothes to nature' with its cotton pajamas and loungewear for over twenty years. The apparel is covered in color and pun, using clever play on words and popular culture in addition to vibrant and original designs inspired by nature and wildlife.   They use as much natural fibers as possible, only use azo-free dyes and non-chlorinated bleach, and all of their products are PVC free. 

North Hatley, (Hatley’s namesake), lies on Lake Massawippi near Quebec.  With the discovery of cyanobacteria in the waters of the lake, not only has the lake suffered but so too has the local tourism industry and the residents.  Each year Hatley donates a percentage of its profits and resources to the Lake Massawippi Water Protection Association, founded in 2007, whose Hatley Massawippu Water Initiative is a program dedicated to helping the local North Hatley community maintain clean and adequate water resources, and to protect the health of its local residents in addition to maintaining local industry.

Using environmentally friendly production practices, and by supporting local efforts that preserve and protect the environment, Hatley has set an admirable standard for all of us.  As Earth Day approaches, it’s time for all of us to ask ourselves what we are doing to be responsible stewards of our homes, our workplaces, and the world around us. Do we recycle, reuse, and reduce?  What about installing a rain barrel, or a compost pile in the backyard?  We can’t all save a lake, but there are simple things we can do to make our small corner of the world a better place. What we do today – right now - is the legacy we leave our children. It’s that important. 

There are times in your child’s life when you just want them to look amazing.  Maybe it is for family pictures, or there is a wedding in the family, or even just when you take them to a company party for the first time. As the parent you know your child is very special, but certainly having them look the part makes everyone – including your child -feel good. At DressMeDaddy.com it is always a priority that the clothing we represent are  of the highest quality, and well constructed using wonderful fabrics and details. That’s why we bring in clothing lines from all over the world, with Catimini and Eliane et Lena from France, and Desigual from Spain, as well as Tralala, Stella, Giggle Moon, and TwirlyGirl from the United States. Of course we also have outfits on the website that are just fine for everyday wear, but when you are looking for something really spectacular and memorable look no further; we’ve got you and your child taken care of right here. 

Knowing too that many of you parents purchasing our clothing are busy people, it’s also a priority for us to make it easy for you to shop.  Our motto “Shop Fast – Play More” refers to that very concept, that searching for clothing is easier when outfits are complete, when sizing is consistent, and that the clothing will last not only through one season but for a lifetime. We’ll bet that often many of the beautiful outfits by Eliane et Lena and Catimini and Desigual will be passed down to another child or tucked away for your child’s child – they are that well made and timeless. 

Another way we help you to shop fast is by providing outfits that can be purchased for siblings, outfits that coordinate but each have their own style.  When possible we buy them in size ranges from 2 – 6, so they can fit kids a year or two (or three!) apart. Just this week we’ve begun indicating on individual product pages the outfits that coordinate with each other, check out Tralala for some wonderful suggestions.  Remember too, that with DressMeDaddy.com you have a personal shopper for your child.  When we head to market to buy clothing for the next season we’ll let you know in advance.  Once he’s there, Mark will tweet (make sure you are following us) about what he sees, and what he is considering buying for the store.  If there is something you are looking for, let him know. Maybe your child has some special needs, or you just have something very specific in mind.  Just let us know, via email, Facebook, or Twitter.  It is that easy, we promise!         

While unwrapping and photographing the beautiful swimwear from Kate Mack Biscotti and Hatley for DressMeDaddy.com, it brought to mind great times splashing in a pool or walking the shore collecting shells at the beach.  Here in Michigan we are looking forward to hot sunny days - that you folks in Texas, California, and some of the other warm weather climates we hear from can take advantage year round (and yes we’re jealous!) - but our time is coming.  It also reminded of us of the need for good water safety habits, because the statistics are startling, especially for children under four years old. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 20 percent of all drowning deaths occur in children younger than 14. For children age 4 and under, drowning is a significant risk. Of all the children in that age range who died from accidental injury, 30 percent died due to drowning. Teaching children water safety tips can keep them from becoming a statistic.

Amy Jorgensen from http://www.ehow.com/ wrote a great article that we excerpted here. These are all things we as parents  know, but a bit of a refresher can’t hurt.  If by passing this on we keep one child safe, that’s well worth it. 

Water Safety Tips for Kids by Amy Jorgensen

Teach Children Good Manners Around Water

                                You should lay down some ground rules for good behavior around pools and other bodies of water. For example, your child shouldn't be allowed to run near or around the water. A slip could land them in the water and lead to drowning even if they know how to swim. Pushing other children into the water can also be dangerous, especially if the other child doesn't know how to swim.

Do Not Swim in Too Deep Water

                                Children who do know how to swim should be taught about the markers on pools so they can tell which depths are appropriate for their level of swimming ability. Parents should make sure young children remain at the shallowest part of the pool. Understanding the markers can also prevent older children from jumping or diving into water that is too shallow for such activities.

Use a Life Jacket in Open Waters

                                Ninety percent of drowning accidents that occur in open water following boating accidents happened to people who were not wearing life jackets. Children should know to put on a life jacket any time they are on a boat or other water-based recreational vehicle, even if they know how to swim.

Teach Children to Avoid Fast-Moving Water

                                Children love to play in the water, but they need to know which waters are safe and which are not. Fast-moving waters in canals, rivers or other flash-flood-prone areas can quickly sweep away an unsuspecting child before parents realize it.

Teach Children Not to Rely Too Much on Flotation Devices

                                Inflatable rafts and other flotation devices can help keep kids afloat, but they should never rely on them. Children can slip out of inner tubes or slip off of rafts. The devices can lose air or be overturned by rowdy swimmers. If the child is relying too much on the flotation device to keep them safe in the water, then these problems could put them at risk for drowning.

Read more: Water Safety Tips for Kids | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6851263_water-safety-tips-kids.html#ixzz1rBCTWs1d

“Change is inevitable.  Growth is optional.” John C. Maxwell

For ten years I have had my VFR (Visual Flight Rating) as a private pilot, and am working on getting my IFR (Instrument Flight Rating), so that I can fly when it is cloudy. In Michigan, where the weather can change quickly, not having my IFR means that if clouds roll in after I’ve left I can’t fly back.  Extremely inconvenient! Getting in the practice time has always been a challenge, but I keep plugging away at it, and it’s getting close.  I remember just starting though, and wondering if I would be able to monitor all the dials and instruments found in the plane.  Add in the constant chatter on the intercom while trying to listen for my call signs, and that all seemed a bit overwhelming.  As in everything though familiarity brings a level of competence, and now these things are automatic and I simply enjoy the freedom of flying.

You other parents of course juggle many of the same things that I do, with your own goals and important things you deal with in your world. You keep track of your kids, work in some capacity to make ends meet, support various causes in your community, and take care of endless details that keep everything running smoothly.  Then of course there is technology, demanding to be learned (or relearned as it changes) added into our lives that are already so busy. 

Most of us at DressMeDaddy.com are of the generation that grew up without the internet, without Facebook and Twitter, without websites selling everything we need that we can just click on and have delivered to our doorstep. We have embraced it all, and thank goodness most of it is user friendly.  Growing up, our children have never known a world without this technology.  Reports that children today can have a laptop in front of them while they are doing their homework, a cell phone that receives constant tweets that demand a response, headphones on their ears blasting their music, and yet still be able to focus seems to be reported as a new phenomena.  Are these kids of this new generation so different from us really?  Are we being sold a bit short here?  We parents are handling and juggling plenty, thanks very much!  And yet the most important thing is still our personal relationships with those around us.  As long as this technology is freeing us up to spend more time with our kids and other important people in our life, it's in it’s proper place.  Our motto has always been “shop fast play more” and we mean that just as it sounds.  As long as the technology frees up time for what’s really important, we’re good.   

It is the rare adult that is comfortable acting silly.  Sure there are those that will cut loose in a group, or at a family gathering.  Sometimes that person is really funny and entertaining, and will have their antics greeted with a smile and appreciation.  Most of the time though, they are asked to act their age, and be the serious adult most of us have become. One of the most wonderful things about being a parent though, is that your child loves silliness.  They love it when you revert to their level - when you let go the prompting and expectations that are such a part of parenting – and just play.  Many years ago I took my oldest child to a family counselor, because she was such a defiant child.  While I explained my daughter's constant resistance during our day – picking out clothes for school, getting her hair ready for school, picking up her things from her bedroom floor, leaving the playground when it was time to go home – the counselor asked about my responses during these moments, and what I did to handle these situations. 

Her recommendation was simple.  Children respond when teaching moments are turned into play, and that having a sense of humor can be more effective than using a stern tone of voice.  Instead of demanding my daughter sit in the chair and hold still so I could braid her hair, I became Betty the Hair Stylist to the Stars, and my daughter the Princess getting ready for her daily duties.  Instead of insisting she try new foods, we pretended to be famous chefs testing recipes for a new cookbook.  Was this more work for me?  Of course, but the time was well worth the harmony brought back into our home.

March is National Reading Month, and two of the world’s most beloved authors majored in silliness.  Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein were both obviously serious about their work, but managed to tap into children’s love of the simple joy of play. Their books are filled with great ideas that can be translated into activities for the two of you, or your whole family.  So for just a moment, try taking off the Mom or Dad Serious Hat and just be silly with your child. Suess and Silverstein would be proud of you, and your child would absolutely love it (and maybe you too)!                       

“A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” Eudora Welty

Donna Ashley, Grandmother and Photographer Extraordinaire from Texas, recently sent us several photographs of her granddaughter Lilly wearing clothing she had purchased through our website.  The quality and feeling of the pictures was amazing, which of course we appreciated, but it was just so cool to see 3 year old Lilly in Tralala and Giggle Moon (two of our very favorite brands!). Check her out on Our Brands page, she’s wearing Tralala, and oh so pretty in pink. 

As an online store selling designer kids clothing, we get to do all the fun things – traveling to market to buy children’s clothing, talking with experts about fashion trends, picking out and assembling the outfits to represent our brand, receiving the merchandise and getting it ready to sell – that retail stores do.  And yet, we don’t get to see the kids wearing the clothes.  We don’t get to see them all dressed and ready for that birthday party, or a performance at their school, or on a trip to the nearest big city for a weekend away. 

You Moms and Dads and Grandparents and Godparents and Aunts and Uncles do get to see them, and we’d appreciate it if you would send us a photograph or two of your special boy or girl wearing clothing from DressMeDaddy.com.  If you don’t mind - and it seems appropriate - we’d like to include them on the website.  We also have a Facebook page (you do Like Us on Facebook, right?) and if you didn’t mind we may put pictures there too.  We have a Model Release Form tab on the footer on the front page of the website, so if you do send us a photo make sure you return that form giving us approval to use them.  We would never ever identify the child beyond a first name, and only where they live by State or Country. We also would be sure to let you know if we put their picture on the website, and send you the link. Either way, we appreciate your patronage.  Remember to "Shop Fast - Play More."     

Reading with your kids is one of life’s most simple pleasures, and one that many of us take for granted.  But what if you are a parent who can’t read?  Can you imagine the frustration that must come when a child brings home a paper from school to share, or asks Mom or Dad to read a book to him or her, but that parent just can't make out the words?  

March is National Reading Month, and although of course it’s a great reminder to turn off the television, the IPad and the video games and open up a book instead, its also a great month to make the committment to volunteer to teach another parent learn to read.  Research findings outlined in a recent report of the National Early Literacy Panel highlight the fact that literacy skills begin to develop at birth. The panel identified a number of early skills that are related to -and may even help predict - a child’s later success with reading and writing. Study after study shows that when families read together it can help the children to significantly boost their vocabulary and school performance. Many of us do not have the ability to help great numbers of people, but teaching another adult to read can create a ripple affect that can greatly impact their whole family, and who knows where that will lead? 

We have an organization in our community - The Literacy Center of West Michigan - that has several great programs including the Family Literacy Program, and the Adult Tutoring Program that teach and organize tutoring. On a national level, RIF (Reading is Fundamental) also promotes reading, and shares on its website that there is only one book for every 300 children living in poverty.  If your kids are like mine they like to read books over and over (and over and over) but if they’ve outgrown or heard some of their books too many times consider donating them to an agency that is doing good work with families in your community.  As Mary Rose McGeady said, “There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”  The simple act of reading, teaching others to read, sharing the gift of books, or reading with your own children can make a fundamental difference.  Would you, could you, share?

The Literacy Center of West Michigan       

Reading Is Fundamental

National Center for Family Literacy      

ProLiteracy 

Random House Books Dr. Seuss/Seussville                      

The Lorax opens in theaters nationwide on March 2, which is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel 1905-1991).

Trying to predict what kid's clothing fashions will be hot, and what kids will be clamoring for in this upcoming season isn’t an easy task, especially when we are buying months in advance.  According to our children’s clothing sales representative in the Midwest - Valerie Schanes from J B Vogue – kid’s style influencers are many, including sports personalities, music, and other pop culture figures from television and the movies.  She adds into the mix that many times the kids clothing styles are chosen based on what their parents are buying for their own wardrobe - especially in baby and toddler sizing - since the child is too young to make their own choices.  Schane's recommendations for spring include sports performance fashions (especially ones that WICK AWAY for comfort), bright colors, plaids, and bohemian chic, and adds that jeggings will continue to be a major wardrobe staple. Based on Schanes and other recommendations we’ve seen, here’s our list of the top 10 trends in spring clothing for kids.  Harpers Bazaar Magazine has a great feature in their February issue on trends, and People Style Watch in their March issue - check that out if you get a minute.  

Harper's Bazaar Magazine

People Style Watch

Top 10 Trends For Spring and Summer Kids Clothing

1)  Time to Get Outside

Look for natural elements that have timeless appeal, with linen, corks, twines, furs, and feathers center stage.

2)  Color my World

There are many bright bold colors from which to choose this season, including brilliant reds, cobalt blues, vibrant yellows, and other pops of color, including neons. Color blocking will be huge!

3)  Play Ball 

Athletic performance quality, sporty fashions that go beyond the gym and ball fields.  Watch for sporty details like racing strips, black and white referee patterns, and other playful accents.

4)  Shine on Child of Mine

Metallic finishes add glitz and glimmer, without annoying jewelry that gets in the way of playtime. Gold, silver and bronze add shine.

5)  We are the World

Boho Chic, with urban accents including graffiti and ethnically inspired patterns are really inspired, to give your child a sense of adventure.

6)  Need a Breath Mint?    

Let’s lighten it up with mint green, this summer’s new neutral.

7)  Pretty in pink

Girls just want to have fun, and if they want to scale mountains and do it pink so much the better.  Pink is oh so flattering, and summer's prettiest pastel. Again.

8) What’s In My Boys Pockets Today? 

Finding treasures and having somewhere to put them is one of summers most inexpensive (and fun) things to do.  Today’s cargo shorts are ready for action.

9)  Let’s Get Together, Yeh Yeh Yeh 

Kids (and parents) today are busy, so look for more complete ensembles to be offered that take the time out of trying to match it all up. 

10) Pick a Palette

Kids like familiarity, and many of the major clothing lines are featuring collections of colors and patterns that work together. This can give independence for your girl or boy in making choices, and can make it so much easier for us parents who just want them to match when they go out the door. 

So there you have it - our top 10 trends for spring. Not trendy but always crucial are comfort, durability, and wonderful fabrics - always a priority as we order our collections for DressMeDaddy.com. And as always, “shop fast – play more.”

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Loa Tzu

Each of my children has a journal, started before they were born. In it are the details of their birth, excluding of course the more graphic elements.  Instead it focused on my excitement about their arrival, and our hopes and dreams for them as they joined our family.  Each year on their birthday details about their lives are recorded, everything from what their favorite foods are to what they enjoy reading or what milestones they have just mastered. Many people are doing this kind of thing online now, even Facebook has just brought in a timeline where you can record the pictures and moments of your life.  This isn't anything new, but I have to say that actually writing these things down - in a book my kids will receive when they become adults or have their own children - I find intensely personal.  It's just between the two of us, and not for the rest of Planet Earth, in an age where very little seems to remain private. 

Valentine's Day - when you sell kids clothing like we do here at DressMeDaddy.com -  is special.  We run promotions and give out free books with purchases  (This year Love You Forever by Frank Munsch until end of today -  A real tear jerker if you haven't read it!) and feature red and pink clothing for our Deal Of The Week.  Yes, it's a bit commercialized, but all so fun. And, each year on this day I write in my kid's books.  I tell them why I love them, and what they mean to me.  Why they have seeds of greatness in them, as do all our children.  In my family we always say "Love ya" as we head out the door, and hearing that is important.  Maybe more so, is that they know why they are lovable, and why the world is more rich because they are in it. Knowing that you are loved, and that no matter what happens the love will always be there, is no small thing. It may be the greatest thing of all.

"I simply can't understand, Why swimsuits are in such demand. They're soggy and damp, Bind like a clamp, And hold about three pounds of sand!" D.R. Benson

Over the past few months several people have asked what goes into making decisions about the styles – and the brands - we choose to represent at DressMeDaddy.com. As with all decisions, there are many factors that we weigh when on buying trips. In the Chicago market I have a very sharp lady - Martha Swibes - who advises us on trends and color forecasts. She can assist with those fashion questions because she works deep inside the industry every day. That type of information is invaluable, because let’s face it having the right look in fashion is crucial. We all need - not just kids -clothing that makes us look and feel great. Important too is clothing that is comfortable, durable, easy to wear, and will continue to look good and perform for more than just one season. Especially in kids clothing, we look for breathable, soft, durable fabrics, because as you as a parent know with kids comfort is king. Itchy, stiff, too tight at the neck or armholes, hard to snap or button, all of these clothing issues will usually encourage a child to take off the item immediately, or whine and complain. Neither of these responses are fun, for either the child or the parent, especially in highly public places. Every parent I know has one or two stories they could share.

Another thing we look for when evaluating a brand or collection is the attitude behind the kids clothing. If we are going to represent it, we need to know what type of corporate citizen that company is, and what message they are sending through our children who are wearing their clothing. Desigual is a great case in point, and we carry up to size 6 in both girls and boys clothing collections. Designed in Spain, Desigual’s tag line is “It’s not the Same” and it’s just a great message for all of us. Originally born in Switzerland, Thomas Meyer envisioned a future where people dressed in a way and in clothing that generated positive feelings. He wanted to dress people, not just bodies, and actively searched for ways to incorporate positive messages in the clothing lines. Meyer started Desigual in 1984, and now has stores throughout the world. The clothing has become known throughout the world to emanate positivism, commitment, tolerance, constant improvement, innovation and fun. The clothes are comfortable, sturdily made and durably finished. This - all this - is what we demand before we represent a clothing line. To us, it's much more than just a pretty dress or comfortable outfit for a special party or event. We strive for beautiful, well made clothing with a conscience. Desigual gives us all that and more.

 “I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.” - Anna Quindlen

My daughter and I are reading a really neat book, part two of a book by Chris Van Allsburg.  The original book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick tells the tale of an author who entered a children’s book publisher's office, with fourteen drawings in hand.  Each one was accompanied by a caption, and the publisher was fascinated.  He asked the author to bring in the stories, and the author said he would return with them the next morning.  He never returned.  The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is these drawings, and their captions.  Now this second book The Chronicles of Harris Burdick tells the tales behind the pictures by noted authors such as Lois Lowry and Stephen King.  The introduction is even written by Lemony Snicket, the pen name created by American author Daniel Handler, who wrote the Unfortunate Series of Events books. 

 The cleverness of these books is outstanding (and so are most of their websites), and as a parent reading to my child, I so appreciate it.  There are many wonderful books out there (see our Read To Me Daddy page, and let us know your favorites) but when there is something completely different than anything we’ve read before I like to pass it along.  Another fun read is Flotsam by David Weisner.  It’s a picture book without words about fantastic life under the seas, so your child can make up the story to accompany them.

As a parent too, watching some of these kid’s books series phenomena’s like Harry Potter and Hunger Games that have so encouraged kids to read is so exciting. I’m looking forward to reading them when it’s appropriate, those too both seem to be written with sensitivity to the parent behind the child.  Rereading favorite books again and again is certainly fine, but it’s so much more fun when I enjoy them as much as she does.  Thanks Van Allsburg, Weisner, Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and all the rest of the authors out there. Your books have become some of our best friends, keep up the good work.       

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them.”  Bernard Berenson

It’s kind of gray and gloomy in Michigan right now, and it is hard to believe two weeks ago my family and I were conch diving in the crystal turquoise waters of the Caribbean.  If you’ve never done that, it was amazing.  We day tripped from the resort we were staying at, and dove just south of a conch farm, looking for those who escaped and (unfortunately for them) were free to hunt.  Diving down into the water - too deep for my daughter, who snorkeled on the surface while I looked for something alive to capture - it was truly exhilarating.  I caught three, and then later that day they cooked them up fresh for us.  The taste was of the sea, and was a fine finale to a wonderful day.  The shells came home with us, a souvenir of our time there. 

Finding sea shells on the shore was a great opportunity to talk with my daughter about our incredible undersea world.  We found whole sand dollars, washed up in the surf, an intact treasure for us in its amazing fragility.  It’s some kind of a miracle that so many shells arrive whole, intact, and not crushed into nothing ness by the inexorable and never ending journey of the waves from the depths of the sea to the shore.  Bernard Berenson said miracles happen to those who believe in them, and seeing these dollars who had survived was a very small miracle for the two of us.  We also were able to talk about the legend of the sand dollar.  It’s so cool, there is a great link here for you if you haven’t read it. http://legendofthesanddollar.com/

The first of our kids clothing in boys and girls spring collections have begun to arrive, and it’s a reminder that spring is coming.  For those of us who live in states where the seasons change dramatically, the countdown by some to the next season has begun.  We finally did get some snow – and those of us who ski were really excited – but spring arrives in on March 20, 62 days from now.  Seeing the Biscotti by Kate Mack swimwear ( a brand new collection for us!) arrive at DressMeDaddy.com in bright pink is exciting during this gloomy time of overcast skies, and is a reminder that soon the weather changes, because life goes on in a cycle that never ends, just repeats.  That too is a miracle.

A couple of years ago out for cocktails in a new friend’s home after a strategic planning  meeting in Traverse City Michigan, I was surprised to see she had 10 cats and four dogs – along with other assorted animals – living with her.  She had rescued these animals, and was working to place them in loving homes.  One of the dogs – Lucy – caught my attention, and I caught hers. She was really cute - part Miniature Pinscher and part Manchester Terrier – but I initially said no to taking her to my home.  Traveling quite a bit for work, I didn’t think I would be able to give her the care she would need. My co-worker Daidre (who was also at the party) offered to take Lucy overnight when needed, and that clinched it.  She has added so many good things to our household its hard now to imagine life without her. 

She helps put in place a nice routine for me and my daughter, and Lucy is a great companion.  We have had so many laughs with her; one time in particular was hysterical.  We had taken her out on our boat, and were headed into shore for some beach and dune time.  After carefully loading everything on an inner tube – cooler, blankets, and towels - I set Lucy on top and pushed everything towards shore.   Evidently the tube was a bit overloaded, because the front edge dipped into the water, and Lucy launched forward.  She sailed through the air and landed with a splash.  She had her life jacket on, and simply paddled her way to dry land, but it took the rest of us a minute to recover. That vision of her airborne still cracks me up! 

“The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.” Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

         Lucy-and Lucy with my daughter

If you have any interest in adopting a pet, I’d totally recommend it. The American Humane Association is a great place to start. The American Kennel Club also has some great information, there is even a test that you can take to help you identify what breed of dog might be a great fit for your family.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers

It happened last week.  A customer wanted to buy from one of our kid's clothing lines.  She placed her order for a

pair of gray Skeemos in the size she needed it in, and we were out of stock.  Even though our inventory showed one

pair left, with dismay we found there were none in the box in the stockroom.  This is the first time that we had

ever had this happen, but that didn’t make it any easier to let her know we couldn’t fill her order.  We are

still a fairly new store, and have been lucky in that things work the way we expect them to most of the time.  This

situation stopped us in our tracks, and made us recheck and reconfirm everything, and that’s a good thing.

Thankfully too, the woman placing the order understood our dilemma, and we were able to address the situation. 

Feedback - hers and yours too - helps us to move forward in growing our website, even when it is addresses

this kind of a situation. We also appreciate it when someone takes the time to suggest a new collection we

might want to add, or maybe a category of clothing.  We take those suggestions seriously when we go to market

to buy.  We also value input from people who visit the website but don't make a purchase.  We also are grateful for

questions, about sizing or the material content or the colors or washing instructions. All of these things help us to

help you shop fast, so you can play more.  That sounds simple, but that’s our goal at DressMeDaddy.com.              

This past Christmas Morning a very special child in Colorado donated 50 American Girl dolls to other girls at the Children’s Hospital. Her story is simple, yet profound.  Last year six year old Tenley Hollman saved enough money - $100 dollars - to purchase her own doll, but a challenge from her Dad Ross encouraged her to donate it.  He promised to match her donation, and that first Christmas they raised enough money to donate 42 dolls.  This year - with help from other donations made to her website - she brought 50 dolls to Children’s Hospital.  Her motivation was straightforward.  In her young voice she explained,  "I want the other girls at Children's Hospital to be happy."  We just wanted to pass on her amazing story to you. 

“There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

John Andrew Holmes, Jr.

www.tenleyhollman.com/

http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-sixyearold-donates-50-dolls-to-sick-children-20111225,0,2876607.story 

"Television has changed a child from an irresistible force to an immovable object" Author Unknown

Are you looking for some things to do with the kids this week that are cheap, easy and really fun?  Look no further! Turn off the electronics and take time with your kids before the frenzy that we all call Christmas hits this coming weekend.

1) How about a Christmas Puzzle? Write down when you start and finish, and who puts in the final piece, and make this an annual tradition.

2) make play dough.  Create something fabulous, and then destry it.  That's almost more fun.

Edible Playdough Recipe

 Ingredients:
3 teaspoons of Cream of Tartar
1 cup of flour
1 cup of water
1 package of Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)
1 tablespoon of cooking oil
1/2 cup of salt

Mix dry ingredients in a large/medium pan. Add water and oil. Stir over medium heat until it looks like dough. Whatever the color of Kool Aid used should be the end result. This takes about 8 minutes.

www.playdoughrecipe.com

3)  Photograph your home, up close and personal.  Everybody gets 10 shots, but you don’t want them to be obvious.  What about one of the ornaments on the tree, but just a part of it. How about the knobs on the stove, from a side angle?  It’s a treasure hunt, and of course you must have prizes for who figures out the most shots.

4)  Play Secret Santa to a couple of neighbors.  Put together a bag of goodies (cookies, maybe an ornament, some small white elephant gifts that are cool but you have no use for anymore, a great novel or book you’ll never read again), put a big red bow on it and put it on their doorstep.  Dress in black, ring the bell and run like crazy. 

5)  Hunt for decorations for the Christmas table.  Head outside and find some pinecones, cut some pine branches, maybe some withered apples from an orchard where you like to take a walk. 

6)  Photocopy off a selection of Christmas songs you enjoy, and go caroling. If neighbors aren’t close, call a retirement home or hospital and offer to come in and entertain for a few moments. Or just go all spontaneous and carol mob without warning.

7)  Drawing portraits is always fun. Get out the paper and a black sharpie, and take a picture of the family pet, or, maybe your tree. Realism isn’t necessary; it’s much more fun to capture the spirit.

8)  Baking is always wonderful, but who has the time?  You do, when there are small hands to help.

9)  Feed the birds. Put peanut butter on pine cones, roll them in bird seed, and then hang with twine. You can build a birdhouse using recycled materials too; there are great instructions on this link:

 www.kaboose.com

10) How about learning a new skill?  Knitting, paint by numbers, and yoga poses are all fun.

All of us at DressMeDaddy.com wish you a wonderful week with your children, and a joyous holiday. 

Merry Christmas!

The other night three Dads and I took our daughters - 6 in all - to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  We didn’t attempt both dinner and theater, because with the young ages of some of the girls it would be too long of a night for them.  We ordered in Chinese food, which might seem an interesting choice to accompany the score by Tchaikovsky, but it worked.  It was a wonderful evening, and the girls looked just beautiful all dressed up in their party dresses and outfits.  There are so many things we try to squeeze into this season - as many of you do too – so it is a very busy time.  For me and my daughter though, it is important that we carve out time to just be still together.  We both need that, but it isn’t easy to do.  To make a conscious effort to say no, to plan the time to stay in and be quiet, takes effort.  There are a slew of people who would say that it isn’t how much time – quantity- you spend with your child, but that it is the quality that is important.  I’d have to disagree with that statement.  It’s both. 

“Childhood is a short season” -Helen Hayes

Just for fun I attached this link because I spotted it online.  “How to Spend Quality Time with Your Child.” See what you think. 

http://www.ehow.com/how_2118272_spend-quality-time-child.html

If you haven’t caught the PNC Christmas Price Index for “The Twelve days of Christmas” and you are curious as to how much would it be for all those birds, golden rings, and ladies dancing, check out their website.  They have a great video you can watch with your kids that shows how to calculate the costs, and its just kind of fun to see it all unfold.  This year’s cost for all those items?  For the first time ever in the 28 years PNC has been calculating it, it’s over $100,000, coming in at $101,119.84.

http://content.pncmc.com/live/pnc/microsite/CPI/2011/index.html

This year we put a spin on “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” for our holiday promotion, and it won’t cost anywhere near $100,000. We’re calling it the

 12 days and 12 ways of Christmas Fabulous Kids Clothing Spectacular

and each day we’ll feature different specials and gifts with purchase - just beautiful clothing at amazing prices, with gifts of books, chocolate, and glitz and glamour, for your special boy or girl.  We’ve also included some great holiday quotes, and since several of our clothing lines are designed outside the United States we also included a bit of information about global celebrations.

http://www.dressmedaddy.com/pages/12-days-and-12-ways-of-christmas-fabulous-kids-clothing-spectacular

Happy Holidays to you and yours, we hope it’s memorable and peaceful, and filled with laughter. 

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." - Oren Arnold

I like to cook, even more so when it’s with my daughter.  It’s a great bonding time for sure, but it is also a good opportunity to sneak in a few teachable moments.  When we have guests we make a sweet breakfast cornbread with a secret ingredient (sometimes vanilla, sometimes almond and yes we make them guess), and measuring everything is a very visible way to show her fractions. That cup of flour and the ¾ cup of corn meal called for in the recipe show how quarters make up the whole cup.  It was an “aha moment” when she realized that four quarters – 25 cents - add up to a dollar too. That’s very exciting math stuff when you are five and a half.  This past week of Thanksgiving we really got our hands messy, trying out pumpkin pie for the first time. Talk about a huge opportunity!  We tried making the pie from the Libby’s canned pumpkin (sorry pumpkin purists) and then from the Eagle Sweetened Condensed Milk can but it wasn’t quite what we had in mind.  We ended up modifying both recipes and then created our own.  My daughter is young, but I didn't think it was too early to begin talking how sometimes in life you need to deviate from the road map and blaze your own way when things aren’t working for you.  Thankfully the lesson was positively reinforced when the pies were given rave reviews. Whew!

"Try to discover

the road to success

And you'll seek but never find,

But blaze your own path

And the road to success

Will trail right behind." - Robert Brault 

When I go to market to buy kids clothing - both boys and girls - I have a lot of help in choosing the merchandise to feature on DressMeDaddy.com.  The representative that I work with in Chicago carries an impressive collection of unique children's apparel, and represents classic, funky, and contemporary kid’s fashions from some of the top brands in kids clothing from all over the world.  I rely heavily on their advice, but on this last buying trip I found another expert who knew her stuff.  Imagine my surprise when my daughter – who had come with me on this trip - picked out a couple of things that I had decided against, and my rep gently pointed out that they were some of the best sellers from the spring children’s clothing collections.  Did I rethink my decision?  Yes, I’ll admit I did.  My young daughter - there representing your special boy or girl – picked out a few of the items you’ll see in the different collections.  

“While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”  - Angela Schwindt

Technorati code: 7S92YPYJETWG    

This election talk, which is of course is everywhere right now and will only increase as this year goes forward, reminds me of a book by Michael Novak titled Greed:  economics and ethics in conflict.  One of the most thought provoking books I have read, it puts forward the position that the best model for building and supporting a sustainable vibrant economic system is greed.  With all this talk about creating jobs – which goes without saying is critical, one of the things that strikes me is how counter productive it is to limit someone’s ability to make money without being penalized by higher taxes. That, along with increasing the costs that I pay as a business owner, are so frustrating.  Heck, I’m to the point that I’ll support whoever will have the least amount of involvement in my business.  All the other key points and platforms they are letting define their position as a candidate fade into the background for me beyond these points.  To support my family, and the families of those who work with me, let me do my job.  That’s all I need from these candidates; if any of them are listening to people like me is the question.

Sometimes when I look at my daughter and the incredible blessing she has been in my life, it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the life that too many children in our world lead.  Thankfully, there are some wonderful organizations - in our great nation and in our local communities - that are committed to helping kids rise above extremely difficult circumstances, through a combination of everything from after school programs, to community based group homes, to family case management to charter schools located in the inner city.  One such group that I have had the opportunity to work with is Wedgewood Christian Services, and it’s mission is to transform lives one child at a time. It provides comprehensive programming that includes community, educational, and prevention services, and a variety of residential treatment programs.  None of us can change the world on our own, but by partnering with groups that are pulling together community resources, we can help change lives.  For more information check out

www.wedgewood.org

www.younglife.org

http://www.lighthouseflc.com/

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”  Forest E. Witcraft

Have you heard about Skeemos yet?  This is a new brand for us at DressMeDaddy.com, and as Valerie Schones at JB Vogue in Chicago says, has taken off like pet rocks.  “Everyone who sees them wants them, and once you get one pair you’ll want two more.  They are just delicious, and once your child has them on you won’t hardly be able to get them off her.” The Skeemos are footless, incredibly comfortable fleece leggings that can be worn under dresses or tunics – even under other pants.  I just got back from a buying trip there this past week, and between the Skeemos and some pretty cool jeggings (another new product I haven’t bought before, that is a combination of jeans and leggings) we’ve got the answer to what can be a pretty big issue with kids clothing.  Great style, spectacular fabrics and patterns are terrific, but if the clothing isn’t comfortable, my daughter - and I’m sure your kids – just really can’t stand to wear them.  Stiff fabrics, difficult closures at the waist, scratchy tags, any of these things can all assure that a piece of clothing will be rejected by your child, with good reason. That’s why you see so many outfits on our website that come with leggings.  The Skeemos have arrived (in five colors and three sizes) and the jeggings will come in February. 

“I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn't itch” ~Gilda Radner        

Even though my daughter and I participate in the childhood rituals - like celebrating Halloween and dressing up to roam the neighborhood in search of goodies – I do try to bring in something educational when I can, and if my daughter is interested.  In our local community we have an event at our local John Ball Zoo - Zoo goes Boo - that we plan on attending this year and it looks pretty cool.  There are four separate dates before the holiday, where kids – and their parents for that matter – dress up and feed the animals treats.  You might have something similar in your community; it’s certainly worth checking out for family fun that is not scary!

Zoo goes Boo remaining dates:

Friday October 28 and Saturday October 29 from 10 am until 3 pm.

For more information about the John Ball Zoo call 616-336-4301 or visit

 www.johnballzoosociety.org

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened” – Anatole France

Our Zoo also does activities throughout the year to supply their Animal Enrichment Program. Animal enrichment is something that zoos do to make the various animals more comfortable in their habitats.  Periodically throughout the year they put out these calls for help from the local community, to gather donations of things that can either be purchased new or recycled from common household items. Not only does it give us an opportunity for us to clean out, but the animals benefit.  That is a win-win in our book-maybe your local Zoo does something similar? 

A couple of other great websites if your kids like animals is the National Geographic site for kids, and a great website for recycling ideas is West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).  Check them out! 

www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

www.wmeac.org

 This week we are sponsoring an event in our area, the 5^th Annual Wine & Words hosted by The Literacy Center of West Michigan.  It’s a wonderful evening, and the funds raised go towards helping low literacy adults in our community learn the fundamental skill of reading. With help by companies like DressMeDaddy.com, 1500 adults and families this year will receive the assistance they need to open doors of opportunity and independence.  When a parent can’t read, it does not only affect them, it also will affect their children.  According to The Literacy Center of West Michigan, by the age of four, a child of a low literate parent will have heard 3 million words less than a child of a literate parent.  Boosting a child’s vocabulary can significantly impact their school performance. 

We encourage you also to get involved with your local agency to help other parents improve their reading skills.  It is such a small thing, to spend a few hours each week helping another adult to read, but it can have such an impact in their life, and the lives they touch. At DressMeDaddy.com we have a page on our website called Read To Me Daddy, and we encourage you to let us know what books you enjoy reading to your kids. When asked how often we should read to our children, one of my daughter’s teachers responded, “Every day that you breathe.”  Such good advice!

For more information about the Literacy Center of West Michigan visit www.literacycenterwm.org

 “How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.”  Henry David Thoreau, Walden 

Carving our pumpkins, taking a long walk in the park, playing UNO (our new favorite card game), these are the kinds of one-on-one activities that my daughter and I enjoy, and it is so important to both of us that we find time for these.  The busy lives that we all lead can so easily fill our schedule, and keep us from finding these quiet moments.  I find that when we take the time and head out for a hike – with our dog Lucy of course – that our time suddenly becomes much richer.  The only thing that can slow us down is if my daughter is cold.  Girls clothes sometimes are more about style than function (and that’s important too) but I find that if she is warm we’re all happier. Quality time is not easy to create without a quantity of time spent together.  It takes a moment for us to relax and share stories and anecdotes, instead of the quick updates we do during the busy school week.  Just like anything else of importance, we need to make it a priority. What do you and your kids enjoy doing one–on–one? I’d recommend picking up a deck of UNO.  We are hooked on it!

“If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.  I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.  I would do less correcting and more connecting.  I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.  I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.  I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.  I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.  I’d do more hugging and less tugging.” – Diane Loomans

Last year I went shopping with my daughter for a Halloween costume a few days before the holiday, and they were all gone.   There were a few cute hair clips left but that was about it, certainly not enough to on which to build an awesome costume.  Since I regularly buy kids clothes months in advance to have them at DressMeDaddy.com I should know better, right?   Two days before Halloween I ended up ordering something online with rush shipping charges for her to wear, learning my lesson to GET GOING EARLY!  This year, we already have her outfit (a butterfly) and we are ready for the big night.  In my neighborhood, the homes are decorated and even many of the adults dress up to give out candy.  It’s a big deal, maybe even bigger than Christmas.  Neither my daughter nor I are big candy eaters, so it is really the only time of year I purchase a big bag of candy.  We actually still had a few treats from last year left in the snack drawer, so I just tossed them out.   It’s all just fun, isn’t it? Even more fun when you’re not frantically searching for a costume! 

“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.”  -  Shakespeare, Macbeth