New Projects in the Works

First, a personal project: News

Second, a business project: Because I'm Me

Third, a "for sale" project (and shipping will be waived for local pick-up purchase: Because I'm Me Shop

hello ... hello ... echo ... echo ...

When I was a child my family rented a cottage on the same lakes we now go to every summer. Midway through the chain was a bridge ... I think it was made of metal. It echoed really loudly and, of course, everyone had to hoot and holler as the boat went under the bridge. One summer my grandmother, who was quite ladylike ... a judges wife, taught us to call out "Board of Health" as we passed under the bridge. You must try it sometime.


We've mostly cleaned out the "newer" side of the store, the side we added a few years ago.



It's great. The kids can skateboard, play tag, run really fast, you know, all that really cool stuff I don't want them to do.



And the room echoes. Every time I answer the phone or say "hello" anywhere near there I crack up because it's SO loud, and so echoey, which I seem to forget, often.


We've already tried saying "board of health". The echo isn't quite that good ... but it's pretty good for a store.


So when drop by don't think I'm nuts for giggling. It's not you ... it's just the echo ... echo ... echo ...

Oh, and the fixtures in the photos are for sale, just so ya know.

Hangers for Sale

We've started cleaning out the back rooms ... and, oh my, what a project that's going to be!

All hangers are available for sale for 5 cents each ... yes, 20 for just $1. That includes the good ones like these, which I paid an arm and a leg for. There are also some padded fabric covered children's hangers, those are going really fast, as well as adult and child plastic hangers.

All shelves are $2.90 each.

This morning I found a bag of new toys, lots of notepads and stuff, as well as some Pez dispensers, new in the packages and in sealed little bags. This stuff was behind the microwave and telephone. I remember buying the stuff, but have no idea when ... maybe 3-4 years ago? Would you think less of me if I told you the kids ate the Pez candies? Yeah, they did. They liked it too ... and only 35 calories for a whole little pack of candies.

Oh, the kids are cleaning out the store toys buckets and have already put out a few Thomas sets.

News

The time has come to say goodbye to all our company ...

Not yet, but over the next few weeks. Yes, after 8 1/2 years we're closing the doors of Ditto Kiddo.

The biggest reason ...

• Jason and I want to be home more and focus on the family, homeschooling five kids and just plain raising five kids is where I need, and want, my focus to be right now

There are lots of other reasons mixed in with that but that's the short explanation! If time permits over the next few weeks I'll go into more detail.

Get into the store now! As soon as we tell people of our plans they buy, buy, buy because they know that now's the time. We've got some great stuff right now but it's going fast!

We're no longer buying any items, of course.

We'll be honoring all frequent buyer cards that are in circulation until the end of March, but will not be giving out any new ones.

Tomorrow will be the last Grandparent's Day.

We've been asked if the store is for sale ... sure! Jason and I have a price in mind, but are pretty flexible. If you are interested, act quickly because the landlord is actively trying to lease the space.

Will we be marking everything down? Yes, within the next week or two and I'll post an announcement here ... and even the new merchandise, like Melissa and Doug will be included.

Just about everything is, or will be, for sale ... fixtures, hangers, furniture, office supplies.

We're still bringing things out of the back room and will be for a week or two so the stock will continue to change ... but, like I said, hurry in 'cause once the inventory is gone it's gone!

Our years at Ditto Kiddo have been full of joy and the memories are awesome. I'm sure there will be some tears shed before this is over and done with (um, starting now).

Bonita Springs Cemetery

Cemetery Falls Into Disrepair

Bonita Cemetery Monument

I am not sure what the solution is to this problem ... perhaps a group within one of the churches that own the property could take care of it? Or a scouts group? Or a group from a local high school looking for their community service hours? These groups may not be able to fix the memorial but could at least tidy up the cemetery and keep on top of the trash. I know the kids and I would be happy to volunteer to help out in any kind of effort.

My desire would be for the city to take over the upkeep of the cemetery, but they don't seem to agree with me there. In any case, something needs to be done.

Most of the historic buildings in Bonita Springs are long gone, either lost to fire, decay, or development, but we do have a wonderful rich history and it's important to remember it.

Over the summer my family discovered a small old cemetery in Rural, Wisconsin. Many of the gravestones couldn't be deciphered due to wear, but the ones we could read told such stories and gave such insight into the history of the area. The cemetery was well-maintained, telling us that the history there was respected and important. It was a very neat, memorable part of our vacation.

The Hired Help

I hired some new "seasonal" help today. Don't worry ... Jason and I will still be around, this help is here to restock, price, hang, and put out merchandise. My new employees range in age from 4 to 9, and work in close contact with the already-on-the-payroll 14 year old.

Why am I using cheap* child labor (which, apparently, I can get away with because they're family)? Let's see ...

• 13 big boxes of Melissa and Doug, just in time for the holidays ... some great new toys and puzzles as well as restockings of our favorites
• 2 large Rubbermaid tubs filled to the brim with great clothing, including girly dress-up ballerina wear, Lilly Pulitzer dresses, boys suits, and much, much, more
• Pants ... we got ahold of some pant hangers and put out over 60 pairs of pants/shorts/skirts today
• Markdowns ... new markdowns on clothing will be done by Monday
• Toys ... yesterday I couldn't walk to the backroom because we'd taken in so many wonderful toys, including some Thomas train items. I can walk now as all the toys are priced and put out in our full, but very organized and tidy, toy room
• 26 pairs of Bobux arrived yesterday as well ... most sizes and designs are now fully stocked

*The labor worked inexpensively ... total cost for 5 laborers @ 2.5 hours of work was $23.75, but they insisted on being fed dinner at Crisper's which cost $38.00!

Homemade Baby Food

I made baby food for all of my kids, most especially the last three. In fact, I don't think Adam or Kaden ever ate a jar of storebought baby food. I did buy the rice cereal though because it's a great thickener and I tried different recipes for baby cereal at home and didn't have success until they were old enough to advance to oatmeal and the like.

Mia, the third child, wouldn't touch baby food. No way, no how. Never took to it ... she wanted solid food. At 7 months old she was eating pizza from the restaurant in our plaza. But that's a different story ...

And why am I posting this here, you wonder? Because with all the money you'll save you'll be able to shop more at Ditto Kiddo (and I just think it's a good idea).


Here are some links for homemade baby food recipes/hints/tricks, etc. If you don't what you're looking for ask ... I may have an answer to your question.





Wholesomebabyfoods.com

Baby food recipes

National Network for Childcare: Baby Foods

More baby food recipes

Amazon.com - search for baby food recipe and plenty of books come up!

Bon Appetit!

Thank You

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and kind words over the last week as Jason and I mourned the loss of our grandmothers.

All is back to normal now. I'll post an update on merchandise soon.

While there are many craft shows this time of year we must endorse this one (because Because I'm Me is participating in it!):

Make plans to attend the 3rd Annual Reflection Lakes Homespun Holidays Bazaar on November 16th and 17th from 9 am to 5 pm. Crafters and Artists will fill the Reflection Lakes Club House with over 50 tables of holiday decor and gifts. If you need directions to the clubhouse or questions, call 357-8444.

The show is in South Fort Myers.

See you there!

Mi Familia

My family:


These are so distracting to me when I see them on a car ... for some reason I can't help but be curious, and if the family is more than 3 people it takes a minute to figure out what's what (and who's a person and who's an animal) ... and that's time I should be driving my car, and watching ALL the cars around me, not just the one with the cute family. But maybe that's just me ...

On the internet, it's just fun and not so car accident risky.

Have fun ... Our Sticker Family

The Hut

So, have you been to The Hut? Have you even heard of it?

The Hut is a wonderful restaurant located in Buckingham near the world famous Buckingham Blues Bar (no, I don't know why it's world famous and I can honestly say I've never been there, but with a name like that it really is tempting).

We (Jason, me, and the kids) have dined at the Hut a few times and have always wondered why we don't get there more often. The price is reasonable, the seven of us ate for about $80 without alcohol (but 4 of those 7 were under 10). The service is outstanding, each time we've eaten there we've been more than happy with the service and that's saying a lot coming from current and former restaurant employees. Atmosphere is nice too ... all around a winner in our book.

Tuesday night is "all you can eat fish fry".

The real treats at the Hut are the gardens. Filled with both mature native and exotic species of plants and a beautiful waterfall and goldfish pond, the gardens are not only tropical and peaceful but educational too.

As the condos take over Naples and Fort Myers there are fewer and fewer real tropical restaurants that give that "Florida" feel, so we feel very blessed that the Hut remains. I would never say it has that "old Florida" feel though, as to me that conjures up images of perhaps not the cleanest or most modern ambiance, and the Hut is definately modern (updated a few years ago), clean, and spacious.

The history of The Hut:
Edwin Peace, a German man, sailed in the merchant marines. Upon his ship landing in Tahiti he met Princess Ramira Stephagee. He offered a pocket knife for Princess Ramira's hand in marriage. The couple choose to reside in Fort Myers and acquired the property where the Hut sits today.

Mr. Peace began experimenting growing various species of rare tropical plants. He was granted permission to import plants from all around the world, and succeeded in growing a tropical wonderland, which was admired and enjoyed by frequent visitors and friend, Thomas Edison. As a result of the close friendship between Edison and Peace, many rare specimens on the Edison Estate today came from the Peace Gardens.

Edwin and Lolita raised two children. A son, Oscar and a daughter, Lolita. Lolita became a famous Tahitian dancer and now resides in Miami. Oscar joined the Navy, and since retired to North Carolina and is now deceased. Princess Ramira Stephagee Peace died in 1967, and the children inherited the Peace Tropical Gardens.

Upon Lolita and Oscar parting ways, together they sold the property to Marie Louise Books Rector, who with her husband, owned and operated the famous Newagen Inn, in Newagen Maine, and the Royal Palm Hotel in Fort Myers. Marie had a dream for the newly acquired property. . . . In her dream, she visualized the gardens restored to their natural beauty, and a majestic tropical restaurant standing on the adjunct property in the unique and beautiful community of Buckingham. The dream became a reality and remains today for all to enjoy. The Hut Restaurant, a gem amongst the gardens. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two, a casual outing with a group of friends, celebrating a birthday with family and much more.

***It has been so busy today that it has taken me hours to write this (and all the italicized history was copied and pasted ) ... my point is simply this: eat at the Hut, go before it's dark and enjoy the gardens, and have fun. It's well worth it!

The Hut 5150 Buckingham Rd Fort Myers, FL 33905 239-694-4178

Halloween Shopping at Ditto Kiddo

Today I can believe it's fall. I'm loving the nice breeze we've had yesterday and today. While the beautiful weather doesn't have me digging out the kids winter sweaters and coats (I so look forward to the few days they can wear sweaters!) it does have me thinking more seriously about Halloween.

We do have quite a few costumes at Ditto Kiddo, including an adorable clown and a menacing Darth Vader. All are priced between $1.9o and $7.90.

If you're interested in bringing costumes in they must arrive at Ditto Kiddo by this Wednesday, the 3rd of October.

When I was a child we usually made our own costumes. Some years we were treated to a store costume, complete with stiff plastic mask with gigantic eye holes, but most years we made our own. This was in Wisconsin and back before kids trick or treated at the mall so under or over our costume was our heavy jacket ... which kind of distracted from the costume!

But here we are in Florida, where my kids have never had to wear a jacket on Halloween, but where they still often have home made costumes, often out of parts of other costumes, things from the dress-up box, Ditto Kiddo shopping, and a bit of sewing from Mom.

Not only does the "make your own" technique of costuming save money but it allows the kids to be more self-expressive and creative. AND, we've found that the costumes that win the contests are usually home made ... and really really cool!

Last year three of my kids were the Blues Brothers (when they had the little kid with them), one was a good purple witch (using parts of store bought costumes), and the last was a pirate (he's always a pirate).

So what kind of costume could you make from your finds at Ditto Kiddo? Here are a few simple ideas:

denim overalls + flannel or t-shirt + hat + straw or raffia = scarecrow
jean skirt or jeans + white t-shirt + scissor-fringed vest = cowgirl or cowboy
shredded dirty white clothes + face make-up = mummy
jeans + white tee with sleeves rolled up + loafers = James Dean
white tee + white tights + stuffed pillowcase with arm and head holes cut out = marshmallow

For more great ideas, even some instructions, check out these sites:
www.familyfun.com
homemade halloween costume ideas
JoAnn Fabrics
Halloween kids
Budget 101

Website Update

The kids and I spent the afternoon at Ditto Kiddo today taking pictures of all the bigger furniture, gear, toys, etc. for the website. The goal is to keep the site updated so when someone calls looking to see what we've got for cribs or strollers we can both tell them on the phone and direct them to the site for visuals.


Of course, this means I have to update those pages of the site constantly! Wish me luck.


Here's our white background for the pictures. It's a bed skirt hung at the ceiling by a large number of clips and wires. M looks awfully hesitant, doesn't she?


On one side the contraption is held together by green kite string clothespin-clipped to the bed skirt and then wrapped MacGyver style around a hook on the Sassy toys rack.


On the other side, more kite string, strung from the bedskirt to the girls rack, wrapped around that a few times, then down the side, finally tied below to a pants hanger (it wouldn't all fit in the picture).

It worked perfectly, and didn't fall down ... which we were a wee bit concerned about.

The kids had a great assembly line going - they'd bring an item over, set it up where they wanted it, I'd photograph it, they'd take it away and the next child would bring another item. Perfect.

New (To Us) Cribs

We've had some great furniture come in lately. One crib came in Saturday morning, I got it put together and "dressed" with bedding and it sold immediately. Gotta love that!

Today our friend Jason, who did all the lettering on our windows, brought in his beautiful blue crib. I've always loved this crib. I put this blue Kidsline Del Mar bedding on it and, let me tell you, it's beautiful ... really just dreamy. The bedding colors with the crib colors are just perfect. The photos just don't cut it this time, the crib is a not as pale as it's showing up ... but at least you can get some idea of how it looks (stop in to get a better view). The crib would really go well with any number of bedding sets, including the Pooh set we got in Saturday. This crib is $119.90 and the bedding set is $69.90.

This set came in Saturday. The crib and dresser have the same acorn detailing and are just beautiful. I love the Classic Pooh with this, the 100 Acre Woods and the sweet acorns just work perfectly. This crib is $119.90, the dresser is $89.90, the Classic Pooh bedding set is $14.90, and the accessories are all available and priced individually.

The little boys and I had fun this morning. We completely cleaned the play area and replaced a bunch of toys with new ones, like the Melissa and Doug cutting food. The changing table has been restocked with diapers in many sizes, wipes, diaper cream, and talc. So far, the response has been very positive!

Diaper Ointment Tip

While we were in Wisconsin Kaden got a rash all over his torso and face and Cassie's face had lots of dry spots. We went into town to get some California Baby Soothing and Healing Spray (which is also great for sunburn). The healthy living store was out of it but she said to apply diaper rash cream ... not the zinc oxide stuff, but the good stuff with calendula cream or similar. I happened to have some of the California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream (we have a few left at the store in the travel sizes - half price even). It really worked!

I eventually got Cassie hydrocortizone with aloe and she has been very pleased with that. Kaden's rash cleared up (maybe from the sun or the life jacket?) after a week or so.

Um, a, um, working vacation

I feel like I've been gone forever and it's only been a week. Kelly and Nikol are holding down the store beautifully, so I have no reason to hurry back (and our plane tickets aren't good for another week or so). Jason returns home tomorrow and will be back at Ditto Kiddo on Monday.

So, yes, to find something that has anything to do with work on this vacation. We visited PJ's Patch today in Oshkosh. Malissa and I have kept in touch, largely through the Internet, for the last few years and we visit her wonderful store every time we get up to Wisconsin. I've decided, though, that I'm a very foul-weather friend ... we only make it to see her when the weather is bad. Of course, I forgot to take pictures ...

Our little piece of Wisconsin heaven (for a few weeks anyway) ...

A Quilt for K

I finished this quilt today. One might ask why I'm posting about it here, on the Ditto Kiddo site instead of on the Because I'm Me/personal site. Well, actually, it's posted in both places! It's posted here because a bunch of the fabrics used came from clothing that made it all the way to 75% off and I thought the prints were too cute or the fabrics too high quality to just let go of. Plus, I like the idea of recycling the clothes instead of just buying new fabric (part of the reason I believe in Ditto Kiddo so much). The rest of the fabrics are from my boys, things they stained but I still liked, or things that had gone through 2-3 of them and I just couldn't part with them.





A side note ... we're often asked what happens to the clothes that don't sell on clearance. Most are donated to women's shelters, pregnant teen homes, local churches, and migrant workers. When there has been a need from hurricanes we've donated as much as we can, and always will. It's important to us to give to support our local community first, and we prefer the items to be directly given to someone, rather than sold, and the above groups are the ones we've found to be the best fit for us. The rest of the clothes are set aside for an upcoming season, if we are confident they didn't sell just because they were out at the wrong time of year. And, as you can see from the quilt, some end up in sewing projects.

Divide ... and Conquer???

As I mentioned earlier, I've been trying to set up a seperate blog for my personal stuff and Because I'm Me stuff ... to allow this blog to just be for Ditto Kiddo. Introducing Because I'm Me or http://jdy2.blogspot.com/.

Please visit both sites ... there will be times when the information on the two is almost identical, but more times when it isn't.

Thanks!

Jody

Working on It

Wah! This isn't so fun. :)

Curious to see what happens if I add a picture ... just ignore my goings on right now ... hopefully I'll have a site again before too long.

----------

Adding a picture didn't seem to screw things up. I can't figure out how to change the font at the top of the page or turn the photo address way up top into a header photo, which is what it's supposed to be. Really, I just wish I could figure out how to get my blog back to the way it was a few hours ago.

I had decided to divide the blog into two blogs ... a personal one and a store one. I set up the second blog but then couldn't access it for some reason, so I decided to deactivate it. Unfortunately, I deactivated the wrong one. I called Yahoo support and they weren't sure what to do, but said to call WordPress, but there isn't anyone to call at Wordpress and I couldn't figure out an answer on their site because it was all in computerese, which I stink at. So if anyone can figure help figure out what to do about the header I'd appreciate it! (or if I could get my old stuff back that'd be even better ... it's here somewhere I just can't get it to show up HERE.

Jody