Sandbox Threads Blog

Introducing One 10 Threads

2011-07-02T07:05:00.003-05:00

For the last month or so, most of my free time has been spent building a new website & store, One 10 Threads and in a couple of days, One 10 Threads will officially open for business.

Just so you know, One 10 Threads t-shirt line pays homage to those sports stars who always gave 110% (hence the store name). Our throwback tees honor these legendary super stars by preserving the past and ensuring their legacy lives on through future generations.

Oh, and the picture up there of the Mean Joe Greene/Coke commercial, that commercial is probably my earliest sports memory. I don't really remember Mean Joe playing, but I remember the commercial and I also had a poster of him in my room for many years to come.

I really hope you like our site and please do let us know if you have any suggestions.

T-Shirt Design Contest--Girls, Girls, Girls

2011-02-10T16:01:00.004-05:00

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a boy and most of my designs are boy centric. For the past few years, my sister-in-law has been telling me that Sandbox Threads needs more designs for girls. Cute, not cutesy, stuff you can buy someone you don't know all that well and give them at a baby shower. I've tried and failed to satisfy this niche and I need your help. So call upon your inner little girl and design for her.

Click the image above for full details and to submit your entry.

Sandbox Threads meets Hollywood

2011-01-17T18:38:00.002-05:00

Sandbox Threads' Hollywood presence is growing. Last year, Gossip Girls featured several of our designs. We believe, The Middle, also featured our Abraham Lincoln design. Then last week, Grey (Ellen Pompeo) dressed her daughter in one of our coolest baby shirts. And now, it seems another SBT design is featured in the latest Wheat Thins commercial.

What's next? My fingers are crossed for Dexter or Modern Family.

More New Designs Just In Time...

2010-11-22T14:51:00.002-05:00

The cool baby clothes at Sandbox Threads just welcomed some new friends to the sandbox. And these new friends arrived just in time to make the perfect holiday gift.

See these and other new & cool baby shirts at Sandbox Threads

Sneak Peek

2010-10-15T08:57:00.006-05:00

With the website completely up-to-date, I finally had some time to do my favorite part of the job, design new t-shirts. Next week, we'll roll out around 15 brand spanking new designs for our cool baby clothes & hip toddler t-shirts. Here's a sneak peek at a few of our new designs.

We hope you love them as much as we do.

Stewart & Colbert Rally Shirts for the Whole Family

2010-09-28T10:37:00.006-05:00

Are you heading to either Stephen Colbert’s “March to Keep Fear Alive” or Jon Stewart’s “Rally to Restore Sanity” scheduled for October 30th in DC? If so, get your gear before you go.

Sandbox Threads has both Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart t-shirts for the whole family. Jon Stewart Baby Onesies, Kid T-Shirts with Jon Stewart, & Adult Jon Stewart Tees.

And if you would prefer a Stephen Colbert Onesie, or Colbert Kids Shirt or a Stephen Colbert t-shirt just for you, we can do that too.

From everything I've read, these rallies will far surpass the attendance of the Beck rally. I really hope so. They seem way more fun and not nearly as hateful.

Sandbox Threads on Gossip Girl

2010-09-13T15:37:00.004-05:00

A few months ago, the costume department at the hit television show Gossip Girl ordered several cool baby onesies from Sandbox Threads. We don't yet know if the Gossip Girl onesies are part of the final show or if they hit the cutting room floor. Fingers crossed that we made the show.

If we did make the final cut and you watch Gossip Girl, the onesies pictured in this post are the designs to keep an eye out for while watching (the colors and styles may be a bit different, but the designs the same).

I've never watched the show, but this season, I'll be watching.

A WAY BACK Look at Sandbox Threads

2010-08-24T17:09:00.007-05:00

The snapshot above is of the Sandbox Threads website taken just a few days after we opened. If you'd like to browse around the original Sandbox Threads' website, enjoy. Many of the links are broken and images long gone, but you might enjoy seeing the humble beginnings from which we originate.

Two things strike me when I look at our original site and our first attempt to sell cool baby shirts. First, why on earth would anyone in there right mind buy from us with a website that looks so, well, generic and homemade? Thank you for your trust. We've come a long way and without those first customers we wouldn't be where we are today.

Second, the vast majority of the designs that we offered back then are still our best sellers today. I guess I really was onto something way back them because my original ideas still seem to be my best ideas.

Looking at the site then and the site now really brings a smile to my face. The changes have been a labor of love (and many times utter hate), but I'm really proud of how far we've come.

Back to School Flashback

2010-08-02T12:02:00.006-05:00

I loved back to school shopping when I was a kid. I mean LOVED! I remember picking out my new notebook and hoping my mom would spring for a Trapper Keeper. Getting everything I needed to load the notebook up. New pencils. New ruler. New everything. Mind you, getting the notebook ready had nothing to do with "school," but everything to do with maintaining the status quo.

I even loved going to get my new school clothes. Shopping has never been my thing, but during that week in early August, I loved it. My mom loved it, too, which wasn't a problem until around 1986 when I was trying to "assert my independence." I mean, I wanted to ditch her and pick out clothes by myself, but she was paying and I was still her little boy and she wanted a say. This battle, while torturous at the time, makes me smile at how weird teenage boys become toward their moms. Sorry mom.

My point? Moms(and dads): buy the stuff you like now (hopefully a few Sandbox Threads' shirts) and dress your kiddos in them while you can because in a few short years the battle between parent and teenager will ensue.

A Close Up Look at Sandbox Threads

2010-07-29T10:12:00.008-05:00

I'm still a few days away from starting "The Great Shirt Mock-Up" (see below), so in the meantime, I'm still taking pictures of shirts, and I discovered a neat benefit of taking pictures for one more day, some new views of Sandbox Threads.

When I put the camera down, I could see the above view through the screen. I liked it and took a picture. I then proceeded to take other "close-up" shots of some views around Sandbox Threads.

Yeah, I know, but this is what I do.

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

2010-07-28T17:25:00.005-05:00

I am finally giving in, and I'm pretty excited about it. Since I started Sandbox Threads, I have tried to take individual pictures of the shirts we make and then manually upload them to our website. Doing it the "old way" adds extra work and I often find myself behind a big stack of pictures that never make it to the site.

An alternative to taking actual photos is to use shirt mock-ups. Most sites you visit already do this (and I bet most of you didn't even know). I have used mock-ups of our shirts before, but I just didn't want to give in and stop taking pictures of our shirt. I didn't (until now).

Side by side the mock-up looks better than the photo, and the mock-up is still a true representation of our shirts. So, I'm making the change that will not only save me a bunch of work, but make the Sandbox Threads website look better.

I hope you agree that our cool toddler shirts and baby onesies really do look better.

And in case you couldn't tell, the above picture is the mock-up while the picture below is an actual photo.

SBT Shirt + Cute Kids = AWESOME Slideshow

2010-07-26T19:23:00.005-05:00

Just a few of the thousands of kids sporting some of the awesome baby clothes from Sandbox Threads. And starting today, receive $1 store credit for each picture you send to us with your little one wearing one of our cool baby shirt. Check out the full details at Sandbox Threads.

Update on Elijah

2010-04-19T10:12:00.002-05:00

Last year, we were approached about doing a fundraiser for a little boy who was, at the time, very sick. We jumped at the chance. And many of you also jumped at the chance to help.

It had been a while since I had checked Elijah's Guestbook to see how he was doing. I was reminded yesterday to check on Elijah after I read an article on one of my favorite former football players, Al Wilson, and his son who seems to be battling a similar disease.

After visiting Elijah's page, I'm happy to report that Elijah seems to be doing much better and has turned an important corner. You can read more here at Elijah's Guestbook. Cancer sucks any way you slice it, but Hope remains greater than Fear.

Bad at Blogging. Good at Facebooking

2009-12-01T21:31:00.001-05:00

OK, so it has been months since my last blog posting. Sorry. One reason, I really wanted you to see the awesome photos in that post from way back when, but really I just haven't taken the time. I'll try and do a better job at blogging, but on a positive note, I'm really good at Facebook. I post something on the Sandbox Threads Facebook Fan Page almost every day. And we'd love for you to be a fan too. Maybe I should try to link the Blog and our Fan Page so when I update one, I update the other...I may be on to something here. Maybe check back soon for updates.

Just Too Good...

2009-08-06T13:26:00.003-05:00

Kristie Serra is a Tampa based photographer (she's truly amazing, as you'll see), and apparently a big fan of Sandbox Threads. Yesterday, Kristie wrote about Sandbox Threads on her blog (http://kristieserraphoto.com/blog), and she emailed me to let me know. When I opened the link, I was just floored. Not only was I flattered by the nice words, but the photographs were just so fun and playful. I see these shirts everyday, and they have never looked better. Go take a look and I think you'll agree. Thanks Kristie!

Flashback--80s Commercials

2009-07-01T15:39:00.002-05:00

It's easy to get lost on YouTube for hours. Today instead of packing, I spent the better part of two hours watching 80s commercials. I'll be in trouble once my wife gets home, but I sure had fun. I think you will too. This video is just Vol. 2 of 20 plus. Be careful....

Elijah's Story

2009-06-15T08:16:00.003-05:00

Click on the photo to read Elijah's Story, forward it, or if you can, help.

Thank you.

iPhone Painted New Yorker Cover

2009-05-25T11:57:00.006-05:00

This is pretty darn cool. This week's New Yorker cover was drawn on an iPhone. You can watch the video above, or read the Cover Story about the painting. Good stuff, but call you really call it a "painting" if didn't actually use paint?

Anyway, I may have to go buy this app now. Who knows, the next Sandbox Threads design may be painted on my iPhone.

Bono Headlines Baby Shower

2009-05-18T16:37:00.006-05:00

My sister-in-law is having a baby. She's the same sis-in-law whose gift to Ben led to the brain child that is Sandbox Threads. She's also a huge Bono fan (as is my wife). This past weekend my sis-in-law had a baby shower, and to surprise her, I have been holding back this Bono design for about six weeks. While I wasn't at the shower, I am told the surprise received the type of response I was hoping for, and now that the baby shower is over, I am thrilled to share our latest design with all of you. All you U2 fans, enjoy!

Earnshaw's Magazine

2009-05-06T08:03:00.001-05:00

Taking a break in FL this week, but wanted to share some news. We made Earnshaw's Magazine, the leading business-to-business publication for the children's apparel market. The magazine will introduce SBT to retailers, boutiques, and be GREAT exposure for Sandbox Threads. Yippie, now time for a dip in the pool.

New Colors for Spring (and Summer)

2009-04-15T16:48:00.002-05:00

For some time now, you guys have been asking for new shirt colors. Well, we have obliged and the new shirts have arrived. I'm picky when it comes to adding styles. I want to offer colors and styles that you can't find everyday. I think we've done just that with our two new colors.

The new colors are a Gold with Grey stitching and a Eco-Red Heather Crew (Made with a unique blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon knitted imperfectly for authentic vintage look and feel). Yeah, I thought that was pretty cool too. And as always, ALL of our shirts and onesies come from sweatshop-free knitting mills.

The Most Amazing Mashup Video I've Ever Seen

2009-03-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

Don't know the whole story behind this video, but some dude (with TONS of time on his hands and apparently no children), put together or "mash(ed)up" MANY different individual music clips into one amazing song.

Enjoy!

New (and Improved) Facebook Fan Pages--BOLOGNA!

2009-03-08T16:12:00.003-05:00

First a few weeks ago, Faceboook tried to say they "owned" the stuff we wrote on our walls, or posted on Facebook. After some very public coverage and outrage, they backed down.

Now, Facebook is claiming to have a new and improved redesign of fan pages. I'll use a kid friendly word to describe how I feel about it, BOLOGNA! If by new and improved, they mean making every fan page look the same, and blend in with every other page on Facebook, then yes, it is new and improved.

But I run a business, and I want my business to stand out. I worked hard on making the Sandbox Threads' Fan Page different than other pages by adding unique features and ways to learn about Sandbox Threads, but now Facebook has taken that option away. Until I publish the "new" page or once Facebook decides to pull the trigger on all fan pages, you can see the "old" page. After that happen, generic will soon be king.

Why? And for what reason? My bet is that if you look down the right side of the "new" page you'll see advertisements, and what was missing on the old page? Yeah, advertisements. Facebook will never admit ad money being the reason for the changes, but I think most of us can read between the lines here.

Who clicks on those ads anyway? And why would I want my business displaying ads for other businesses. Come on Facebook! Don't make this change.

Journey--Pre-Game at the Super Bowl

2009-02-27T18:00:00.005-05:00

I wanted to write about this when it happened, but I forgot about it until I heard the song on the radio this morning.

I like Journey. I have their Greatest Hits CD (crazy that saying "CD" dates me), but I'm not a huge fan and I haven't followed them closely enough to know the comings and goings of band members. I knew "Don't Stop Believing" ended the Sopranos. And I knew Steve Perry (the former lead singer) was no longer with the band. At least, I thought so.

During the Super Bowl pregame, I was working on the computer with the TV on in the background. When Journey came on stage, I was surprised to hear Journey sound like the "real" Journey. And I immediately thought Steve Perry was back with the band, so I looked up at the TV to discover a most unusual site, Arnel Pineda.

Filipino native Arnel Pineda looks nothing like Steve Perry, but sounds JUST LIKE him. After several double takes, yelling to Elizabeth to come see, and a quick search, I found out that Arnel was discovered on a YouTube singing covers of, you guessed it, Journey songs. Amazing! We really do live in a shrinking world.

Have a great weekend.

Adult Shirts Video

2009-02-13T09:55:00.003-05:00

I suppose that this "Adult Shirts" Video is better than "Adult Video" shirts. I'm not sure those would be a big seller at Sandbox Threads. Get these and all many other designs at the Sandbox Threads' Big Kids Store.

By the way, you can make your own video like the above for free. You get to pick the photos and the music. Really, pretty darn cool.

Reason #296--Why I Love Jon Stewart

2009-02-10T10:53:00.003-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Bill O'Reilly's Right to Privacy

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Funny Political News
Joke of the Day

Ever wonder why Sandbox Threads would sell a onesie with Jon Stewart's image on it? Because he's AWESOME and we love him! Enjoy the video and the hypocrisy of Bill O.

Growing Pains...Adult Version

2009-02-03T19:15:00.004-05:00

When I first started Sandbox Threads, we had some growing pains (fading/peeling designs, tag removal, shipping problems, etc.). It took a while, but I now have the making of our cool baby clothes down to an efficient, smooth running operation. That was until, the CPSIA pushed me quickly into making adult t-shirts, and in many ways, I'm back at square one.

No worries on fading designs or shipping issues, but aligning the designs on adult shirts is a brand new monster. Baby and toddler shirts are small, I can see the whole shirt and aligning the designs is cake compared to these monstrous adult shirts. When I'm making shirts, the XL shirts (the size I wear) look like they would fit a giant.

The other issue is picking the right shirt colors. I missed. With the adult shirts, I decided I wanted to only use 100% Organic Cotton Shirts, and I wanted to offer colored organic shirts. I found several really nice options, and narrowed it down to what I though were the three best colors. Well, the "Ocean" Blue shirt turned out to be much darker than the internet picture appeared, and just would not work with out designs. So, they are headed back, and a very nice "natural" shirt will replace it.

I guess these are small issues, but I had gotten into quite a groove and these new shirts have me off beat. Give me a few months, and I'll be grooving again.

DELAYED!!!!!

2009-01-30T23:03:00.006-05:00

THANK YOU!

The CPSIA has been delayed by one year and I cannot help but believe this was due to the outstanding response from folks like you. Hopefully this will give Congress time to work out the kinks and get it right. Lead is bad and has no place in our kid's toys.

We're still in the baby clothes and toddler shirts business, (and to the chagrin of my wife) we're now in the adult shirt business too. She's worried that I'm getting too busy. I've been lobbying for adult sizes for the last few months. We'll see how the adult sizes go, and we'll just go from there.

Again, THANK YOU!

NOW OPEN--The Big Kids' Store

2009-01-26T09:36:00.008-05:00

For the last two years, I have been asked by countless people to offer adult shirts. My answer has always been, "the kids' shirts are keeping me plenty busy, but I may look into adding adult sizes 'down the road'."

Well, with the pending legislation that very well may prevent me from creating infant and kids' shirts only two weeks away (click the save handmade button right over there -->> to find out more and sign the petition), I decided that "down the road" needs to be mile marker today.

Please take a look at The Big Kids Store, but don't forget about our baby and toddler shirts. We have plenty of little kid stuff in stock, and we're afraid we might have to get rid of it ALL in two weeks.

We think all the bugs are ironed of The Big Kids Store, but if you have any problems, please do let us know.

Thanks!

The Big Kids Store

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it)

2009-01-25T17:50:00.002-05:00

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

In the mist of all the possible gloom and doom, I took a break to watch this video, and I really must share it. While this is not my wife retelling the story, it very well could be.

Enjoy!

Help Save Sandbox Threads

2009-01-21T20:25:00.002-05:00

On Feb. 10, the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) will go into effect. While the intent of the legislation is good (keeping lead toys out of the hands of children), the implementation will destroy thousands of small businesses, like SBT.

This legislation requires lead testing for all products designed for children 12 and under. In order to stay in compliance, we would have to test all of our onesies/shirts in every color, size, style. The cost of testing the products we offer would be approximately $1,200,000. Needless to say, we do not make anywhere near that sort of money, and thus, we will have to close up shop.

How can you help? Just follow this link and write to your Congressman and Senators. It will not take five minutes to write all three folks, and you just might help save SBT along with most other small companies that produce products for children.

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/how-you-can-help

Thank you!

Build A Kid T-Shirt--NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-01-21T15:48:00.003-05:00

After a long weekend of figuring out how to offer 55 different word options, and then get the choices correctly into the shopping cart, I finally figured out a way to make it happen and "Build A Kid" T-Shirt is now available.

Thanks for all of your word suggestions, and if you have other, please feel free to contact us. Depending on the success of this design, we may add more words down the road.

Maya's Sandbox Threads Debut

2009-01-20T09:45:00.002-05:00

Today, we debut a new President of the United States. And at Sandbox Threads, we're introducing our newest baby shirt model, Maya, our daughter. Maya is sporting one of our new designs, Take Me to Bed or Lose Me Forever.

OH, HAPPY DAY!

Dr. King's I Have a Dream Speech

2009-01-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Build Your Kid T-Shirt

2009-01-13T17:48:00.004-05:00

We're getting closer to introducing our latest design idea. Thank you all for your suggestions. We compiled a list of around 50 words (they are being printed as we speak, and we'll add more if this idea takes off. We're also working out the order page details on selecting the words for your child.

The layout of words will obviously be different for each shirt, but the layout will look similar to the two pictures here (the above shirt describes our son, and the shirt below captures our daughter). All the words are slightly different in size, and you will be able to pick up to 5 different words that describe your little one.

We're also considering a name change from Typewriter Philosophy to Build Your Kid T-shirt (you know, like the bear workshop).

That's where we stand, but we're still open for suggestions. Got any?

Typewriter Philosophy

2009-01-05T16:07:00.003-05:00

We have a new design idea for 2009, but we need your help. This is our version of refrigerator poetry or Wordpress tags. We're calling it Typewriter Philosophy. We're still working out the details, but it will work something like this (we think).

You can pick one to four (maybe five) words from our list of words, and we will then arrange them onto the onesie or shirt. We're still working out the arrangement of words, but we will get there.

This is where you come in. We need words for our list. We're going for words that capture the joy of being a child. If you think you have a word, please write the word(s) on our wall at Facebook, post a comment here on blog, or email your word(s) to me.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T10:31:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since my last post. I literally just "Stumble(d) Upon" this site a few minutes ago, and I thought I'd share. My favorite part about running SBT is the design aspect on both the website and the shirt designs. The ads in the attached blog posting are WAY more amazing than anything I do. Enjoy!

Please note a few of the ads are a bit "racy" so be warned.

Creative and Inspiring Print Ads

Happy SBT Kids

2008-12-10T14:11:00.002-05:00

It seems this whole contest thing is catching on, and I love it. This month's winner is Andrew (LOVE the name). He's sporting the My Pop's for Barack shirt (top, right of middle). So Andrew's mom, please email the shirt you'd like as your prize, and I will get it shipped to you.

Also, we have a new way for you to submit your photos. For all of our new fans on Facebook, you can add "fan photos" directly to the page, and these photos will also be entered to win our monthly giveaway.

You can also enter to win the old way, email (since when is email, the "old way?").

Cyber Monday Sale on Sunday

2008-11-30T16:37:00.002-05:00

Become a fan of Sandbox Threads on Facebook, and you can enjoy our Cyber Monday sale today. Once you are a fan, just browse through the photos and you'll find an image with our sale details.

Plus, to add a little fancentive, we will randomly pick one of our fans, and that fan will receive $50 in free Sandbox Threads gear. Become a fan before Dec. 15 to be entered to win.

Click Here to be our Fan.

Holiday Savings BEGIN!!!

2008-11-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I didn't like putting up the holiday decorations at Sandbox Threads before Thanksgiving. I really like our holiday logo, but I believe we should get through one holiday before we move on to the next. Tomorrow, though, I'm in charge of smoking two turkeys and a ham, plus there are several basketball and football games I want to watch, so I bit the bullet and decorated early.

As an extra bonus, our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales has already begun with free shipping on all orders, but free shipping is only the beginning. Next week we are having a Cyber-Week sale with a different offer every day. Our Cyber-Week sale is only offered to those folks signed up to receive our newsletter, so if you don't already get it, be sure to sign up. You can do so from any page on Sandbox Threads including this one.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Become a FAN of Sandbox Threads

2008-11-19T11:21:00.004-05:00

Last night I created a Fan Page for Sandbox Threads on Facebook. It's still a work in progress, but I'd like to invite you to become a fan of Sandbox Threads. Follow this link or click on the above picture.

We'll be offering special discounts to all of our fans.

Our Newest Famous Face

2008-11-13T12:00:00.004-05:00

Apparently Dylan, the name, is very popular right now, and parents with boys (and girls) named Dylan are wanting Dylan, the one pictured above, on onesies and shirts. At Sandbox Threads, we're happy to oblige. We hope you like it.

"Change Has Come to America"

2008-11-05T09:05:00.002-05:00

After months of turning the Sandbox Threads' blog into my own little political forum, this will be my last political post (at least for some time). We'll get back to featuring new designs, funny stories, and pictures of kids sporting our gear.

Thank you for letting me indulge in some political punditry, but it's now time to go back to simply being the Dad of Sandbox Threads.

By the way, we're really HAPPY today!

YES WE CAN (If you VOTE)!

2008-11-04T08:14:00.003-05:00

If you do not receive our monthly newsletter, be sure to sign up. Each month we will send you updates and sale information. Yesterday, I sent a slightly different sort of newsletter, and below I have copied the text. Please take a few minutes to read it, and if you haven't already, then go and vote.

This newsletter will be a little different than most. A more traditional newsletter will arrive later this month with photos of the cute kids, some new designs, and the BIGGEST SALE we’ve ever offered at Sandbox Threads, but this email is a simple public service announcement. Think of it as an after school special on civics. I hope you take the time to read it, and we’ll talk to you later this month (oh yeah, a pretty good sale is happening right now, but you have to read the message below to find out details).

I beg you, please go VOTE! My hope is that each and every one of you will make your voice heard on Tuesday.

The Sandbox Threads family obviously has a guy we like, and we have already voted for him, but BOTH of these men deserve you taking a few minutes (and possibly hours) out of your day to take part in the election process.

Really, think about it. Twenty-three months ago, these guys started running for President. Since then, both of them have had their every word, movement, and action taped, replayed, and critiqued by countless pundits and Joes. These guys can’t go to the store to buy milk or shaving cream without having a camera crew tag along.

I watch cable news while making the shirts that you guys order (thank you again), and I’m tired of just listening to the same stump speech from these guys. Can you imagine having to give the same speech over and over and over again? And pretending to be excited about giving the same talk over and over and over again?

Can you imagine working 15+ hours every day for the better part of two years? Spending most nights in a new hotel? Packing and unpacking every day? Shaking hands, holding babies, taping interviews, and listening to the many good intentioned, but often crazy folks who they meet each day? To me, what these guys have willingly put themselves through is a nightmare, but they have been called to serve this great country. And the least that I can do is take the time to thank them by casting a ballot. I hope you will decide to do the same.

Once you received that cool “I Voted” sticker, you can go shopping at Sandbox Threads and receive 15% off by using the coupon code IVOTED.

PRETTY PLEASE—GO VOTE!

One More Day...

2008-11-03T10:13:00.001-05:00

...until we CHANGE the world!

My Mama VOTED for Obama

2008-10-27T08:51:00.004-05:00

With early voting going strong around the country, Sandbox Threads is happy to introduce a NEW My Mama's for (VOTED) Obama design. The above design will arrive later this week. And while we're sad to see our original My Mama's for Obama design retired, we're happy that the election is finally here, and we're happy that SO many of you still want Obama themed onesies and shirts.

If you can, GO VOTE NOW. Both this pop and mama have already voted. I bet you can guess who we voted for, but I'm not telling you. Happy Monday!

McCain v. Obama--DANCE-OFF

2008-10-24T22:43:00.002-05:00

This really is the BEST head to head match-up of the two candidates thus far. I'm still laughing.

Will Ferrell as W....

2008-10-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Opie Meet Richie Meet Ron

2008-10-23T14:15:00.004-05:00

Funny stuff. Enjoy!

$150,000 vs. $30

2008-10-22T18:19:00.003-05:00

When I heard the news of Gov. Palin (or the campaign or the RNC) spending $150,000 on her wardrobe in the last month, I had to read the story twice to make sure I got the number correct. $150,000--or roughly 8333 shirts from Sandbox Threads, or to paraphrase the article, what the average American household spends on clothes in 80 years, Palin received in one month.

The story also triggered a memory of watching the above interview earlier this summer, and after a bit of searching, I found it on YouTube--you really can find any clip from any time on YouTube.

And if you're curious, Obama's suits cost about $1500 per suit (expensive yes, but I'd be willing to bet he doesn't have 100 suits). Also, here's a picture of the shoes...

and the $34 dress

Although, this scarf seems to be money well spent--Vote Democratic Donkey? Conspiracy Theorists enjoy!

Steal Back Your Vote

2008-10-21T20:46:00.003-05:00

Steal Back Your Vote! from Greg Palast on Vimeo.

Regardless of whom you plan to vote for (this Pop's for Barack), I want to make sure you CAN vote. Take a few minutes to watch this video and also visit Steal Back Your Vote. The site has some tips to ensure YOUR VOTE is counted.

If Colin Powell were running....

2008-10-20T13:09:00.003-05:00

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the phrase, "if Colin Powell were running, I'd vote for him." Well, he may not be running, but he makes the most well articulated case why he's supporting Obama that I've heard. And why, he's not supporting McCain. You may have seen soundbites of this clip, but I highly recommend watching the whole thing.

And remember, it's not to late to register to vote, to buy a My Mama's for Obama shirt from Sandbox Threads and receive it in time for the election, or to change you mind about whom you plan to vote.

Happy Monday!

The Joe's Have It

2008-10-16T07:51:00.002-05:00

No one except possibly Joe Six Pack could have seen this coming--Joe, The Plumber turns debate bingo on it's head. My friends, no need to sigh or roll your eyes in disgust, Joe won last night's debate and ran away with debate bingo.

A Message from Ralph Stanley

2008-10-09T11:53:00.003-05:00

I went to college in southwest Virginia (Emory & Henry College to be exact--great place, take a look. E&H is ranked in the top 100 universities in the country by Forbes Magazine).

Anyway, SW Virginia is also home to the Carter family (including June Carter Cash, Johnny's wife. You know, Johnny Cash) and the Carter Family Fold still host bluegrass shows each weekend. So when I heard the above radio ad from Ralph Stanley endorsing Barack Obama, it made me smile.

It may not seem like that big a deal to the rest of the country, but this ad from a southerner speaking directly to other southerners gets closer to the core of MOST southerners than anything I have heard from either campaign. Most rural southerners are not the hate filled racist as they are often portrayed. Most are good, kind folks and a simple ad like this, I believe, from one of their own may really help change some minds.

Anyway, we're taking a week off to visit family, so we'll talk to you again next week.

My Friends...

2008-10-08T08:17:00.003-05:00

...if you happened to play debate bingo last night, and you took "my friends" you came out the big winner. So, "my friends" have a good day and it's not too late to get your little one an election year shirt from Sandbox Threads.

Favorite Video EVER!!!!!

2008-10-02T23:06:00.002-05:00

Are there better songs? Yes.
Are there better videos? Yes.
Do I like any better than this one? No.
Ah-Freaking-Ha!

I Love the 80s

2008-10-02T13:52:00.002-05:00

You can't get a shirt featuring these guys at Sandbox Threads, but we do have Lloyd Dobler and Molly Ringwald along with other 80s flashbacks.

5 Friends

2008-10-02T11:33:00.003-05:00

WARNING--This might cause you to do something, like registering to vote and sending this on to 5 or more friends.

I Actually Remember Seeing This...

2008-09-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

...when I was a kid. I think it was on a public access cable or a video I watched during youth group. It's a very catchy tune, and you will be singing this song the rest of the day. Trust me, you will. I can't stop myself.

"It's Beginning To Smell"

2008-09-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

I think Dave sums it up pretty well.

The Dude Abides

2008-09-18T08:31:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite movies is The Big Lebowski, but if Fox News has it's way, a new dude abides. It appears Todd was over the whole line of questioning after the first 20 references, but Greta just would not let it go.

Also, does this remind any of you of high school? Nerdy girl finally gets her chance to talk to the high school stud, and just falls all over herself in the process. And the stud is polite because he wants something (the answers to the test or the Vice-Presidency), but you can tell he'd rather be hanging out with his dudes. Awkward.

Is It Just Me...

2008-09-17T08:58:00.003-05:00

...or does this kid scare the crap out of you? He's talented for certain, but I would not be able to sleep at night knowing my crazily intense son is sleeping down the hall with martial arts equipment that could rip me in half. Can anyone say teenage angst?

No Smoking on the Rocketship while you Love Your Mother

2008-09-10T12:10:00.002-05:00

As promised, three new designs from Sandbox Threads. I did it, no politics in a blog posting. Go me! It was tough not to mention anything about politics with all the lies flying around. But I promised, and I will not bring up flip-flopping on the bridge to nowhere or not really selling the plane on ebay. Nope, I'm not going to mention any of those lies. I'm just going to stick with talking about our three new designs.

Triumph @ RNC

2008-09-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

I promise that this is my last political post for a few days. Sandbox Threads has several new designs we are rolling out, and we'll feature those this week. No politics, promise!

Yet ANOTHER Reason Why I Love Jon Stewart

2008-09-04T11:46:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU Jon! You're the man. Thanks for cutting through all the bull and double talk upon double talk, and telling it straight. If you love him too, you can always get a Sandbox Threads' onesie or tee for your little one featuring none other than--Jon Stewart.

Barack's Speech--The American Promise

2008-08-28T23:04:00.002-05:00

For those of you who are new to Sandbox Threads, we're a small business based in North Carolina, and while I now live in NC, I am still a Tennessee boy, born and bread. Being a southern boy, I was raised and continue to live in a "red state," but I'm a true, blue Democrat. Many of my friends are Republicans. We disagree. We argue. And in election years, we try to avoid politics all together. But my Republican friends are good people. They love America as much as I love this country. And at the end of the day, we still love and care for one another.

So for those folks who happen to stumble upon Sandbox Threads and see our many left leaning designs, and our unapologetic support for Barack Obama, you may not like all of our designs. You may not agree with our backing of Barack Obama. You may not agree with political baby shirts in general. But we still know, you're good people, and I bet if you take the time to look around, you'll find a design or two that you like.

Also, I want to elect Obama, and I'm going to, in my little way, try to help spread his message. I drank the kool aid and the kool aid was good. Watch if you like or go on shopping if you've already seen the speech, but liberal, conservative, Democrat or Republican, we're just a small American business living the American dream.

If you missed it, here's Michelle Obama

2008-08-26T08:20:00.006-05:00

My dad owned a small business for over 30 years, and he told me that I should refrain from talking politics or religion with customers. Normally, I would agree with him, but with all the misinformation that continues to float around the internet about Barack and Michelle Obama, I cannot just sit by without trying to stop the spread of rumor and innuendo, and replace the distorted (highly edited) clips with unedited clips. How better to get to know someone than to actually listen to that person's story first hand rather than through someone else's eyes?

The "right" has done a good job of painting the Obama's as un-American. I believe that if you take the time to actually get to know these guys, and listen to what they have to say, then you will see that they have a lot more in common with you than you may currently recognize. The Obama's aren't nearly as "scary" as you might think. I know how worried I was driving our son and daughter home from the hospital (see Michelle's remark near the end of the speech). Can't you relate? And checkout the smile on Barack's face and pride in his eyes when he sees his girls, you can't fake that smile? That's a father's smile at his kids. Now, I know for sure, that you can relate.

And if after you watch, you decide that you're now a Mama for Obama or a Pop for Barack, then Sandbox Threads has the shirt for you (well, a shirt for your little Obama supporter that is). And if you still support the other guy, we do have a Republican Elephant design that you might like, but watch again just to make sure.

I Am Not a Scrapbooker...

2008-08-13T10:09:00.008-05:00

...but I do like the "scrapbook" look for websites including Sandbox Threads. What I mean by "scrapbook" look is the vintage/retro layers on top of layers with handwritten notes, doodles, pictures, tape, photo tabs, etc. And while in not way does our sites look nearly as good as the constantly changing Free People, we're also not a multimillion dollar business with full-time web designers. It's just me, the Dad of Sandbox Threads balancing the many hats of SBT and being a stay/work at home dad. I think overall, our site looks pretty darn good for someone with zero web design experience prior to opening SBT.

I did find a really cool site today that does the hard scrapbooking work for you though. It's call Scrapblog, and the above picture of Maya (isn't she a cutie?) was done from a template on the site. I just added the picture and changed the text. It's really very easy and they have tons of templates to choose from. Thought you guys might like the site. Enjoy!

New Colors for Fall

2008-08-08T16:13:00.005-05:00

With the temperature outside in the 90s, it makes me hot just thinking about long-sleeve shirts, but that's what I'm here tell you about.

Sandbox Threads has just introduced two new color choices for fall. In the above picture, Johnny Cash in printed our new "rust" colored t-shirt, and the "yet to be introduce" owl design is printed on our "lavender" onesie. Not pictured are our rust onesies and lavender/purple baseball style raglan shirts.

We hope you like the new colors, and check back soon for new designs to go along with these new color choices. Have a great weekend!

Funky Finds Likes Us Too.

2008-08-07T18:53:00.004-05:00

Apparently, it's a big review day for Sandbox Threads. Funky Finds has also featured Sandbox Threads in a nice write-up. It's funny, but we can go months without anyone writing about us and then over the course of a few days, we have several sites posting all at the same time.

Regardless, we thank the good folks at Funky Finds.

Mamanista's Follow-up Review

2008-08-07T07:51:00.006-05:00

One of the many cool things about running Sandbox Threads is forming "cyber-relationships," and although my wife and I actually did meet through Yahoo! Personals, that's not what I mean by "cyber-relationships.

I've met a whole bunch of people (a few thousand) since Sandbox Threads opened, but I've only met (in person) a handful. The folks that I've met have watched as Sandbox Threads and our family has grown. And I have watched as their kids have gone from wearing a 3-6 month onesie to a 2T shirt. These relationships are my favorite part of running SBT.
One of the folks that I've met along the way is Candace over at Mamanista, whose family is also about to expand, and whose daughter Lilah has grown-up very fast. You can see Lilah on one our slideshows sporting our Milk & Cookie, BFF shirt. And you can see her today, as Mamanista does a follow-up of Sandbox Threads, wearing Janis Joplin on our baby rib dress.
Thanks Candace and Mamanista for helping us build more "cyber-relationships"! And be sure to check out the review, you might just receive a discount on your order.

The Responsibility Project

2008-08-06T21:40:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the We Can Solve It initiative, and as part of that post, I mentioned the Liberty Mutual Commercials where one person helps out a stranger who in turn helps the next and so on.

After that post, something pretty cool happened. I received an email from Liberty Mutual thanking me for my post, and pointing me to their new project, The Responsibility Project. How they found out that the Dad of Sandbox Threads blogged about their commercial is beyond me, but they did. The project is a pretty neat idea, and I think you might enjoy taking a look.

After you're done over there, be sure to come back and take a look around Sandbox Threads too. We have some pretty neat stuff too.

Twin Shirt Powers Activate

2008-07-29T07:47:00.004-05:00

If you've taken any time at all to look around Sandbox Threads, then you know that we're not your typical baby clothes store. Our cool baby clothes offer a different take on dressing your little one. We enjoy taking ideas and making them into designs you would not typically see on baby apparel.

Our latest take is on the twins gift set. I started thinking about Sandbox Threads' brand, spanking new Frick and Frack twin set last night, and realized that the set could just as easily be a sibling gift set. I can just see big brother being Frick and little sister being Frack. And the good news, the Frick and Frack gift set is available in each and every size, color and style. You can customize this set to fit your needs. We hope you enjoy putting together the perfect gift set for yourself.

And don't forget that our monthly newsletter offering coupons and updates will be going out later this week, so be sure to sign-up now to receive your copy. Until then, ciao!

Hands Down Better Browser

2008-07-27T14:18:00.002-05:00

I have long been a Firefox user, and I loved the Firefox browser even before I started designing Sandbox Threads. Little did I know that because Sandbox Threads looks and works great in Firefox does it mean that it looks and works great in Internet Explorer.

Updating the website and adding new features is pretty painless. That is until I go take a look at the site in Internet Explorer, and more times than not, the update does not work properly. It's hard for me to imagine how Microsoft can dominate the computer world, yet continue to offer sub-par, under-performing products (see, IE, Vista). Last week I spent countless hours figuring out why our slideshow would disappear in IE after playing one time. The problem was IE, not my coding (and it's now working properly).

Anyway, you probably don't care, and I wouldn't either if I were you, BUT if you want a better experience surfing the web, I recommend downloading and using the new Firefox 3. Plus, if I can get everyone who visits Sandbox Threads to use Firefox, I can stop wasting time correcting problems caused by IE.

For the Equipment Crazy Kids

2008-07-23T07:54:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure how this happened (I believe it's just part of being a little boy), but our son is equipment crazy. We didn't push him toward the big machines. He gravitated there all by himself, and now any car ride involves him loudly pointing out ever digger, bulldozer, tractor, and duck bill (his odd take on dump truck).

So when Sandbox Threads received our new equipment designs, Ben nearly pitched a fit because he wanted to play with, inspect, and keep all of them for himself.
We were able to pry them away, and now if you have an equipment crazy kid, we just might be able to help.

We Can Solve It

2008-07-18T14:25:00.006-05:00

Maybe I am naive, but I believe that I can personally make a difference and change to world. Not the whole world all at once, but if you've ever seen the Liberty Mutual commercials where one person helps the other who in turn goes on the help the next person, and that person helps the next and so on. I absolutely believe that sort of change is indeed possible. (If interested, you can watch the commercial HERE).

So while I'm still skeptical that We Can Solve It, the climate change initiative led by Al Gore, can accomplish "producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and other clean sources within 10 years," I do believe major steps toward this country becoming energy independent within ten years is absolutely possible.

I invite you to watch the video, and if so moved, join the challenge.

Construction Time

2008-07-17T08:19:00.002-05:00

We've been busy the last few days with tasks absolutely unrelated to Sandbox Threads. For a while now, we have had two large boxes sitting beside of our garage waiting to be emptied and assembled. Well, that assembly has now taken place. While building this beast of a swing set, I realized a couple of things, I thought I'd share:

1. The lengths to which we will go to make our children happy may very well be limitless. This is coming from me, a dad, and also from my dad who helped me build he swing. I think he was helping me, his son, as much as he was trying to make his grandson happy.

2. The shear genius behind the packaging, design, and assembly instructions just amazed me. There was no a wasted space in the packaged boxes, very few extra parts (this may be our fault that there was any leftover pieces), and while confusing at times, the building of the set was pretty straight forward if you "follow the directions."

I'm pretty proud of this beast o'swing, and my son nearly pees his pants every time he goes outside and see that the swingset is still there.

One Day and Four New Designs

2008-07-11T09:10:00.006-05:00

Sandbox Threads has had these designs awaiting a launch for some time, but we just haven't gotten around to adding them to the site until now. We were going to add them one at a time, but I decided that if I waited it might be months before I get them added.

We hope you like them, and look for our own take on "twin shirts" in the weeks to come.

Dress Orders Are Rolling In

2008-07-08T08:45:00.007-05:00

To be honest, I wasn't sure about adding the dresses. Having never worn a dress (well, maybe I have a time or two, but I'm sure there was a good reason for my cross-dressing like some high school homecoming competition or to make myself feel pretty), anyway, I just wasn't sold that they would work with our designs.

Well, I was wrong. The more dresses I make the more I'm glad we added them to the offerings at Sandbox Threads.

We were also worried that "chubby" kids wouldn't be able to pull off the dress. Well, over the weekend, Ben's grandmother and aunt decided to test the dress on our chubby boy. While no pictures were taken of Ben in a Sandbox Threads dress, trust us, a chunky monkey can definitely pull off this look.

Dresses at Sandbox Threads

2008-06-30T14:12:00.004-05:00

Now that the Sandbox Threads' family has added a little girl, we realize that our selection for girls on Sandbox Threads is quite limited. Actually, we've known this for some time, but we're just now getting around to doing something about it.

So, starting July 1, we'll be offering dresses. The dress (pictured above) will be available in fuchsia (the top picture) in size 2T & 4T. The dress is 100% ribbed cotton with a "racer" back. Since the dress is ribbed cotton, we will not be able to offer every design on the dresses, but most designs will be available.

Depending on the response, we may add more sizes and colors in the months to come. Please let us know what you think.

Is It Just Me?

2008-06-28T18:03:00.004-05:00

Or does our Groovy Girl design on a grass onesie just scream--SUMMERTIME! I'm not sure why, but this combo just makes me happy.

Have a great weekend, and Sandbox Threads will be having a sale all next week. To find out the sale details, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter (you can do so right down there on the left).

The Best Office in the WORLD!

2008-06-24T12:58:00.002-05:00

Sure, we're a little cramped now that we've lost the dedicated office space for Sandbox Threads (at least for the short term), but I cannot imagine any better office than the one pictured.

The commute is easy, the office "chair" (bed) is comfy. And I have some wonderful coworkers. It may not be the fanciest "corporate headquarters," but I think it's the best--hands down.

A New Addition to the Sandbox Threads' Family

2008-06-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

The Sandbox Threads family is thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest member..Maya Kristina. Maya arrived on June 20th at 9:46pm. She weighs in at a whooping 6lbs 5oz. Both the mom and new baby of Sandbox Threads are doing well.

We're taking a few days off, but Sandbox Threads will be back to full speed starting June 25th.

The Long-Ago Promised ORGANIC Shirts & Onesies

2008-06-17T19:14:00.003-05:00

For months now, we have continued to say, "coming soon, 100% Organic Cotton Onesies & Shirts." And for months, we were told by our distributor, they will be arriving "next week." Well, next week is finally now, and as long as SBT Baby Two does not decide to arrive within the next few hours, then you will be able to purchase 100% organic shirts and onesies at Sandbox Threads.

And the best part, you won't pay a penny more for the organic cotton. Initially, we'll being offering only the short-sleeve organic onesies and shirts in white and natural. Once we get a little closer to fall, we plan to add the long-sleeve shirts as well.

Thanks for your patience, and more than likely our next post on our little blog will be introducing the newest addition to the Sandbox Threads' family. We're very excited and, I believe, finally ready for our newest addition. Check back soon.

We've Got Ants on our Shirts....

2008-06-13T17:11:00.005-05:00

...which is an infinitely better option that ants in our pants. The newest addition to Sandbox Threads' Cool Baby Clothes line is Ant (Or as our son likes to say, "Antn', Antn'").

We could think of no better design to add to our collection during these hot summer days than Ant. We hope you agree.

Name Troubles for Baby Two

2008-06-08T12:57:00.007-05:00

As many of you know, the Sandbox Threads family will be adding a new member in the next few weeks (and maybe days). We're having a little girl to go along with our son. The problem is that we still do not have a name for her. We have a few names, but we're not 100% sold on the names we do have.

Naming our son, on the other hand, was not an issue whatsoever (why is "whatsoever" one word? Anyone?). Anyway, at our wedding reception, Elizabeth and I danced to Ben Harper's "By My Side." You can see Ben perform the song in the video below, and please note, the organ solo, while wonderfully groovy, is REALLY long when everyone is staring at you and waiting to eat and get the real party started.

While on our honeymoon, we made friends with a couple of guys who were attending the Ben Harper show in DC and they invited us to join them. We changed our plane tickets and joined them. This short clip is actually from the show we attended.

So when it came time to name our son, we didn't have to think too long about his name, Ben.

We've had no such inspiration with our little girl to be. Although, I bet once we meet her, we'll be plenty inspired.

New Slide Show

2008-06-04T22:25:00.003-05:00

We think our new slide show at Sandbox Threads is great, BUT we need more pictures. So please keep sending us pictures of your lil guys and gals, and we'll keep adding them to our show. Enjoy!

I'd Rather Be Lucky Than Skilled.

2008-05-30T15:39:00.003-05:00

For the past couple of days, I have been trying to teach myself how to create Scanner Darkly effects (for those of you not familiar with the movie, you've probably seen the Charles Schwab commercials with the painted/cartoon effect over real people). I found a few tutorials, but was having little success creating the effect on my own.

Then with the help of Stumble Upon and a little luck I found Be Funky (www.befunky.com), and realized the hours I spent were wasted because within a few short minutes I can achieve the effect with little to no effort on my part, and besides Sandbox Threads, befunky.com is my new favorite website. Just check it out. How very cool? Have fun playing with this program. Goodness knows, I'm having fun.

Breaking News--Spam and Monty Python

2008-05-29T13:47:00.003-05:00

I saw this story earlier today, and thought I'd share this important breaking news---Spam sales are on the rise.

I have to admit that I have never tried Spam, and really, I don't have any plans to do so in the near future. I do, though, find the Monty Python Spam clip below very amusing. As an added bonus, Sandbox Threads sells a Monty Python design. How ironic? Spam, spam, spam, spam.

Weekend in DC...and Strawberry Crimes

2008-05-25T21:43:00.007-05:00

With Sandbox Threads' Baby Two just weeks away, the SBT family took a quick weekend trip to DC. One of our stops was a local farmer's market and Ben, dressed in our newest design, Counting My Blessings on our new grass green shirts, decided to give the "five finger discount" a try.

He seemed to believe "free & fresh strawberries" should be one of his blessings. While the actual strawberry lifting was missed, you can see him scouting out the berries in the above photo, and then, BANG, he's munching away--quick like a fox.

The good news is that no charges were filed, and the SBT family purchased a pint of strawberries (a few berries short). Happy Memorial Day!

Sandbox Threads' First YouTube Video

2008-05-16T11:52:00.005-05:00

We have finally decided to give the whole "viral video" thing a try. I have resisted uploading this video because of "safety concerns" but both the mom and grandparents of Sandbox Threads have encouraged me to do so.

Enjoy, and if you really like it, we'd love for you to add a comment on YouTube or forward the video to others. And if you have a blog of your own, feel free to embed the video there.

Thanks
Andy
The Dad of Sandbox Threads

Here's One of the Many Reasons I Love Jon Stewart

2008-05-15T11:11:00.003-05:00

I'm a political junkie, but even I have grown weary of the Obama vs. Clinton feud. But do not fear, Jon Stewart to the rescue. This clip is from the Daily Show after the West Virginia primary. Thank you Jon for putting it all in perspective.

And why not show Jon you love him by getting your very own Jon Stewart onesie from Sandbox Threads.

Want Proof Time Passes TOO Quickly?

2008-05-14T08:30:00.007-05:00

Ten years ago today, Seinfeld went off the air. TEN YEARS!!! This fact makes my head spin. Off the top of my head, just look at this list of common phrases that are still around and used everyday. All of these have origins from Seinfeld. Amazing. Here's just a few:

* It's not you, it's me
* Festivus
* Not that there's anything wrong with that
* Re-gifter
* Double Dipping
* The Coffee Table Book about Coffee Tables
* Yada Yada Yada
* No Soup for You
* Shrinkage...and of course...
* Master of Your Domain

Here's a YouTube video with these and more.

TEN YEARS!!!! I'm old.

My Love/Hate Relationship with Google

2008-05-13T08:08:00.005-05:00

When I started Sandbox Threads last year, I did so with little experience building websites and no experience with getting found by search engines. Boy, has that changed.

Now let me be clear, without Google most of you would have never found Sandbox Threads, and for that, I am thankful at how efficiently Google indexes site. At least 70% of our traffic comes from Google searches & Google Ads.

But over the past year, I'd learned a whole bunch about what is called Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The most simplistic explanation of SEO is building your site so Google likes you and ranks you high. There are many, many factors, but for this post, I'm focusing on keywords, and in SEO the more keywords on your page, the better (but not too many, Google is finicky and will penalize you for TOO many).

Strangely this sort of optimization goes against basic marketing & name-branding principles. Look at the above image with the top ranking sites in Google for "cool baby clothes." Look at all those "keywords" stuffed in the title, but where's the business name? Look at the description, again, where's the business name? It's not there. Only when you get to the web address do you see the business name.

Now what happens if Google changes the search criteria, and these business lose ranking. Will anyone remember what the business was called that had those great shirts? I say no, not with the aggressive SEO they are using.

Are these sites doing anything wrong? Nope! They are just using SEO to rank high, and with one exception, I have a working relationship with each of the sites at the top of the Google rankings, and like them.

Sandbox Threads has just decided to take a little different approach. Do we rank as high? Most times no. For "cool baby clothes," we rank somewhere around 25. Does that cost us money? Probably, but I'm just not willing to sacrifice establishing our name for the sake of SEO.

Below is how SBT shows up in search results. We stuff keywords in the results too, but first and foremost, we're Sandbox Threads.

Whether folks will remember us or not because they see our name in search results is hard to know, but we do get quite a few visitors searching for Sandbox shirts, so maybe so.

One other quick note, one of my favorite kid shirts site, Fooey, has not fully given over to SEO either. I remembered their name because, guess what, it was in the search results. I like that, and the SBT title is modeled after them. Ben has a couple of shirts purchased at Fooey, and we love them. (One other SEO aspect is having other site link to you, so here's some unsolicited link love to the cool baby clothes at Fooey).

New Shirt Color for Spring

2008-05-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

We've decided to add a little color at Sandbox Threads. And we could think of no better color for spring and summer than "grass" green.

The new "grass" onesies come in sizes 3-6 month & 6-12 month. While the "grass" tees come in 2T, 4T, & 6T. These shirts are a bit thinner, a bit longer, but the sleeves are a bit shorter than the rest of the SBT stock. While this wasn't intentional, that seems like a good combination for summer (you might be wondering, why would longer be better? Well, more shirt to wipe the dew off your brow, of course. It's hot outside.).

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check Sandbox Threads often for cool new baby clothes in hip new colors.

The Dad of Sandbox Threads and my tonsil problem

2008-05-08T08:51:00.004-05:00

I really love running Sandbox Threads, and I obviously have greater "ownership" in Sandbox Threads than any other job I have held. The one drawback of being a small business owner, though, is that you can't really call in sick (I'd just be calling myself).

This past Saturday, Elizabeth, the mom of SBT, left to attend a conference leaving Ben and I to fend for ourselves. All was going well until Monday afternoon when my throat started hurting a bit. By Tuesday morning, I could barely get out of bed, and after going to the doctor yesterday, I learned that I have a pretty severe tonsil problem that may require some form of surgery.

Ben has been a real trooper during this whole ordeal. He's been very content playing alone while I was curled up on the couch. And we are very grateful to have Elizabeth back home.

The main reason I decided to share this story is for those of you who have ordered from Sandbox Threads. Your order may take a day or two longer to get processed and shipped. I'm caught up as of Thursday morning, but I also go to the doctor at noon to find out my fate.

Wish me luck, and also be sure to check out the new designs we just introduced last night at Sandbox Threads.

**UPDATE**
No surgery necessary. It's just severe tonsillitis. And on top of my antibiotics, they gave me some hydrocodone for the pain, so now...all is good.

Noggin: Get Ready to Read

2008-04-29T08:07:00.003-05:00

Much to the chagrin of my wife, our son gets up in the morning, eats breakfast, then gets out of his high chair, retrieves the remote, points to the TV and says "cars." You see, mornings when Ben does not go to "Mothers (Fathers) Day Out," I let him watch cartoons while I print out orders and mailing labels. Noggin is the station of choice.

This morning I saw a spot featuring the partnership with Noggin and First Book (follow link to learn more, and see, wife o'mine, TV doesn't always Stink. One can find a benefit from time to time).

The subjects of books is very dear to my wife. She is a former 3rd grade teacher turned college professor. As a prof, she teaches future teachers how to teach reading to their future students and believes that early positive experiences with books and reading are key to successful literacy development.

I am drawn to the First Book program for a couple of reasons. One of my friends and I have a continual debate over America and the state of things. He contends that the US provides everyone with the same opportunity to succeed and each person has to make his/her own breaks to succeed.

I contend that while that is true on its face, not everyone comes into this world with the same advantages/benefits/situation and thus not everyone is granted the same chance to succeed. Home life, neighborhood, outside influences, parenting, and thousand of other influences play a much larger role than just pulling yourself up by your boot straps. This is especially true during early childhood development when a child doesn't have much say in life.

I am of the belief that a program like First Book helps by promoting reading early on. For all our problems in this country, I truly believe the easiest way to change the direction of this nation is by education. Not the teach to the test education that is currently mandated, but actual learning, exploring, reading, and more.

Anyway, we think that the Noggin and First Book partnership is really cool. Take a look. We hope you agree, and that you might consider joining Sandbox Threads in donating to First Book.

Sen. Obama & Sandbox Threads Cross Paths

2008-04-17T19:30:00.006-05:00

While you cannot see it in this photo, Ben is sporting his My Mama's for Obama shirt while watching Senator Obama speak.

Doors for the event opened at 4pm, and we arrived shortly afterwards. Unfortunately, the event held 10,000 and we were 10,003. Not literally, but we were about to go through security when the fire marshal said no mas. We then made our way to the overflow area, and low and behold, Senator Obama came out and spoke with us first. While we didn't get to shake hands or get a great picture of Ben with Obama, we did get to see him and hear a short speech those inside did not get to hear. We also got to hear his other speech while Ben ran around with all the other kids outside the event.

We were bummed not to get to "see" both speeches, but overall it worked out better for us as a family.

New Look at Sandbox Threads

2008-04-10T20:49:00.004-05:00

I really need to stop, and I hope am I finally at a point where I can, but as you can see Sandbox Threads has just had another face life. Included in update SBT 3.1, you will notice a new, brighter logo, no more gray background, and also a big overhaul of the blog to make it look almost identical to the rest of the site.

We think the makeover makes the site more welcoming. The new colors warm up the screen, and unlike before, the background compliments the rest of Sandbox Threads' color scheme.

I probably should get a different hobby, but I'm a night owl that also has a toddler and a pregnant wife who go to bed around the same time, 8 pm, so I find myself on the computer "tweaking" Sandbox Threads until the wee hours of the morning.

Here's to hoping the tweaking is done (at least for a few months).

Seven Dogs and A Baby

2008-03-31T14:15:00.002-05:00

Most days just keeping up with our 19 month old son wears both myself and my wife out. I can't imagine throwing in seven, yes, seven dogs to boot, but that's exactly what Angela at Seven Dogs and A Baby blog does every day. Today, Seven Dogs and a Baby features Sandbox Threads.

For our regular readers, you will know that I'm a southern boy originally from Tennessee, and after reading Seven Dog's review today, I am disappointed in myself. I grew up seeing roadside barns painted with "See Rock City," and when I was putting together designs for our Travel Places section, it did not occur to me to include a See Rock City design. Well, that's about to change.

Thank you Angela for the review, and look for a See Rock City design to debut on Sandbox Threads in the weeks to come.