Official Blog of BetterBeltBuckles.com

Happy Father's Day

2009-05-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

We posted this poem for Mothers last month. However, it also is written in honor of our aging Fathers, so enjoy it again -- in a little different light -- for our Fathers, Grandfathers, or other important aging men in our lives.

Blessed are they that know my ears today
Must strain to catch the things they say.

Blessed are they that looked away
When the coffee spilled at the table today.

Blessed are they with a cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while.

Blessed are they who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today.”

Blessed are they who find a way
To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved and not alone.

Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey Home in loving ways.
-- author unknown

Go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com for gift ideas for Father's Day!

Beatitudes for Mother's Day!

2009-04-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

For those who have aged Mothers
or Grandmothers
or Aunts
or Friends . . .

Blessed are they that know my ears today
Must strain to catch the things they say.

Blessed are they that looked away
When the coffee spilled at the table today.

Blessed are they with a cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while.

Blessed are they who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today.”

Blessed are they who find a way
To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved and not alone.

Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey Home in loving ways.
-- author unknown

Show your love and appreciation for your Mother this Mother's Day.
For gift ideas go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com

It's Still Winter

2009-02-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

Not to be negative or anything, but isn't it time we were preparing to usher in Spring? It is SO cold. The calendar reads the end of February, but the freezing rain and snow continue. The biting wind chill factor has lost it's "invigorating" appeal. It is getting downright ugly, at least at our place. We were on our way to church. We took a deep breath as we released the stresses of our week, prepared for a time of refreshment -- wonderful praise and worship music followed by a thought-provoking message to remind us that our struggles are but for a season. Not more than a mere minute passed when it became obvious that even the drive to church would be loaded with stress and 'struggles'. It started as we got into the car and Earl's door wouldn't shut -- no matter how hard he pulled on it. Even our 18-year-old car was giving up. As it was explained to me over and over again on our 20 mile drive, this is what happens every morning in the cold weather: the door won't close. So all the way to work he has to hang on to the door handle and pull it shut, all the while keeping his attention on the road, steering and changing gears as necessary. Any right-hand turn, no matter how wide, causes extra pressure to heavily pull on the door . . . And so it was on Sunday. The tortuous drive was frequently intercepted with outbursts of strange language escaping his lips . . . and finally, as Earl predicted, as soon as we parked in the church parking lot, the door shut . . . Where, oh where, is Spring?

Consider treating yourself to a brand new belt buckle -- or what about surprising a friend with a cool belt buckle. Break up this tedium of cold and ice and snow. This will not only bring warmth to your heart but will lift the clouds and brighten the day for another. Go to our website for some great belt buckle ideas, perfect for any weather or any season!

Roses are red . . .

2009-02-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is almost here! What will you be doing?

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. . .

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

Encyclopedia: Lincoln, Abraham. The History Channel website. 2004. Available at: http://www.historychannel.com/thcsearch/thc_resourcedetail.do?encyc_id=214843. Accessed May 9, 2006.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

For a cool gift idea go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com
Find a unique belt buckle for your Valentine!
Enjoy the SALE -- take 20% off your total purchase. Just enter V20 in the code box at check-out.
This offer expires at midnight, Saturday, February 14, 2009

Stimulate YOUR economy!

2009-01-26T11:00:00.001-08:00

It's a NEW year . . . a NEW day . . .
NEW "economic stimulus" challenges and opportunities.

It is time to actively support our US economy.
It is time to stimulate OUR economy.

It is time to stimulate YOUR economy.
Buy US products at betterbeltbuckles.com

We, at betterbeltbuckles.com are dedicated to offer quality belt buckles "PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA"!

Check out our site for many BRAND NEW pewter belt buckles with message and purpose for this new era. Buy a new belt buckle for yourself or as a unique belt buckle gift.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Ours was more like a nightmare . . . Oh, don't get me wrong. Christmas -- the celebration of Christ's birth, heralded by the angel's announcement to the shepherds: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" -- was a joyful reminder of our purpose and the hope before us! The spirit of Christmas offered us peace in the face of the fears and the gloom that is looming for this coming year.

It started with canceled flights and record-breaking snowstorms and then, as our children finally began to arrive, they headed straight for their beds, all sick with the flu. Disappointments in missing out on pre-arranged visits and events led to cranky children. All the thoughts and efforts put into cleaning, decorating, baking, and cooking were hardly noticed, much less appreciated. However, we agreed it was better to be sick at home on holiday, with Dad always at the ready with hot honey/lemon drinks, and Mom's kisses available at the slightest whimper. Now that they are all gone again, we have finally finished the left-over turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy . . . but are still working on the traditional shortbread cookies, pecan squares, Nanaimo bars, and all the sweet treats from friends.

We did, however, fulfill Earl’s annual dream of driving out into the country to cut down our own Christmas tree. Although prepared, he didn’t need a saw or any tool, for that matter, on this tree farm where the trees were already cut and lined up nicely, stuck on individual spikes and arranged in comfortable rows to facilitate all-around viewing and to expedite comparing. It was heart-warming to watch his expectant face as he ‘shopped’ through this ‘forest’ (of only about six trees left) and to witness his look of accomplishment as he enthusiastically yanked the chosen tree off its spike! Joel was quick on the draw and caught the event on camera!

This New Year, enjoy a reprieve and save 15% on your first belt buckle order of the year! Just enter Code: NY15 in the Discount Code box on check-out and it will apply to your total order.*

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
* Offer expires midnight, Sunday, January 18th.

'Tis the night before Christmas . . .

2008-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the night before Christmas . . .

but there is still ample time for Holiday delivery – so if you are looking to buy belt buckles for yourself, or looking for unique belt buckles for sale as gifts, visit our belt buckle shop today!

See our cool NEW! belt buckles -- you will find something for everyone!

Check out some of our fine western belt buckles:

cowgirl belt buckles
horse shoe belt buckles
professions belt buckles
rhinestone belt buckles
cowboy Christian belt buckles
rebel belt buckles
personalized belt buckles
heart belt buckles
ladies western belt buckles

We carry only highest quality belt buckles. Most are made in the USA of modern pewter. We strive to please all of our customers by offering a variety of unique belt buckles in family-friendly themes. Our personally, hand-picked belt buckles are sure to please and are highly collectible, become more beautiful with age, and possess the possibility of becoming valuable in the future.

Celebrate Summer!

2008-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer . . .

“In the summertime, when all the leaves and trees are green . . .” and the rain won’t stop! But we can’t really complain, because that is exactly why “all the leaves and trees are green”! Meanwhile, it is going by too quickly.

Summerfest highlight (for us) was a cooking show by Chef Nick Stellino who prepared, and we sampled, “Pasta with Romano Cheese & Salami.” All this time I thought I made the best pasta ever, but not any more! This was by far the best we have ever tasted! If you would like the recipe, just write to us: support@betterbeltbuckles.com We will be happy to share it with you, and would love to hear your feedback!

State Fair involved a two-mile walk each way, being rewarded by two hours of watching the ‘horse-pulling’ competition! Of course, corn-on-the-cob and cream puffs were our traditional treats! Irishfest is scheduled next, but I think my enjoyment of Irish music was fulfilled the other night at our local park, on a lawn chair, in the dark, in the rain . . . with the deep beat still reverberating in my chest!

Summer wildlife control is happenin’ in our yard. Well prepared, my husband sets a live trap under our plum tree to catch those squirrels who, year after year, have ravaged it of each and every plum, leaving us without so much as one plum to taste, let alone any to freeze for our favorite plum kuchen or fruit soup*. But, hopefully, not any more -- this year we catch them one at a time and drive them out into the country to release them where they can find other sport. Our bat-house is well-maintained to keep our yard free of mosquitoes, allowing us to fully enjoy the evenings outdoors. Loud rock and rap music echoes from the garage where, according to possum and raccoon experts, it will drive them crazy and force them to leave should they even choose to come near. (I have a feeling, though, that something loves that noise by the holes chewed through the walls, and the nests safely built in obscure corners . . .)

*Write for recipes, if you like.

It’s August, and we’re in the throes of summer! at least as far as we’ll probably get this year! It seems the weather has been playing tricks on us – just playing with our minds, until we’re not really sure whether we’re still waiting for summer . . . or did we miss it altogether? We're delighted, actually, with being spared those hot and muggy days of summers past.

Nevertheless, it is summer and so, to perk you up, let us help you cool down by taking off 15% of your next order! Yes, that’s 15% off your entire next order! Just place your order online and the discount will apply when you enter code: S15 in the ‘enter discount code’ box at checkout. Deadline for this special offer is midnight, Friday, August 22, 2008.

Note some of our newest belt buckles which have just been added to our store. These may be included in this month’s special summer sale.

Remember DAD on Father's Day!

2008-05-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day!

Show your love and appreciation for HIM on HIS day
with a handsome belt buckle.
A unique belt buckle for Dad on Father’s Day!
We have just the right belt buckle to make HIM beam!
Let HIM know how proud you are that HE is your DAD or GRANDPA or special friend
-– Let HIM know that HE is your SUPER Man!
Surprise HIM with a unique, quality belt buckle!

How to Wear a Belt Buckle Belt

If you have never worn a belt buckle belt before, it can be confusing as to exactly how it should be worn. We are most accustomed to wearing traditional belts with permanently attached buckles, purchasing them with the basic intent of holding up our pants or cinching in our waists! However, with the current popularity of interchangeable belt buckles they have become a fashion statement in themselves, available in a wide variety of styles, designs, colors, and themes. Today belt buckles are collected for their potential investment purposes, to accessorize by adding character and zing! to an outfit, or to promote a message of passion or philosophy or even hopelessness.

Regardless of the purpose, belt buckles are “hot” today and eagerly sought after for the latest in design and style. It is, therefore, important to know something about these cool belt buckles, particularly as to how they should be worn, so as to be able to naturally join the fashion rage with a sense of confidence and purpose.

To wear the belt buckle belt, first slip it through the loops of your jeans. As the ends of the belt and buckle come together at the front, place belt buckle over the belt and pull them together, quite snuggly. Locate the metal belt buckle prong at the back of the buckle and, as you gradually release the pressure, insert it into the appropriate belt hole that allows for maximum comfort around your waist. The belt is sized so that your waist measurement coincides most closely with the middle hole in the belt. You can test the comfort level by briefly inserting the prong into the hole just before and then just after the one you tried first, to confirm the optimum adjustment choice for both comfort and the position at which you prefer to wear your belt. And then,Voila! Stand up straight! You are now wearing your belt buckle belt!

Remember Mother on Mother's Day!

2008-04-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has always been that kind of day when anything could happen. When they were young, the children would lay their precious offerings before me with bright expectant looks on their little faces. Sometimes a quickly crafted card with a drawing of "Mom" or of us together. Sometimes a little plant sprout that teacher had helped to pot at school. Sometimes an actual 'bought' gift that Dad had taken the time and forethought to shop for with them. Now that they are all grown up, it is a surprise to get anything -- even a card, it seems. However, last year one of my sons came to visit with, quite out of the ordinary, a "present for you, Mom, for Mother's Day"! I was touched and so moved with love over his tender thoughtfulness. Then, so in keeping with his adolescent sense of humor, and me -- why am I surprised -- I unwrapped a single coaster, illustrated with a vintage photo of a mom and the words, (Oh, I don't know if I can even write this) "Now why did I come into the kitchen? Oh, yea, to fart." Yes, it's come to that.

But hey, don't disappoint your Mom this year. Show her you love her with a stylish and fashionable belt buckle. Let her know that it took time and thoughtfulness to find a unique and personal gift with one of our beautiful belt buckles.

Send us an email to: newsletter@betterbeltbuckles.com and let us know what you did for your Mom this Mother's Day!

Check out our site to see more of our better belt buckles!

Is it Spring Yet?

2008-04-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung! That's what we hear. But here in Wisconsin we're still expecting m-o-r-e snow. However, not to be daunted by yet more shoveling, or maybe even (heaven forbid!) pulling out the old snowblower (albeit, held together by a loose screw and a prayer!) -- we are making you a fresh and bright offer of 15% off your entire purchase between now and Thursday, April 17, 2008, until midnight!

So, do not be dismayed. We have just the thing you need. Jump into Spring with a NEW belt buckle . . .

to lift your spirits . . .

. . . and to hold up your pants!

Add style and a view to fashion to any pair of jeans with a shiny new belt buckle.

Because it's Spring, come on in to our belt buckle shop for special savings of 15% off your entire purchase of belts and belt buckles! This is no April Fools joke!

This offer expires on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at midnight.
Enter code: SP15 on checkout.

Click here to see all of our belts and belt buckles.

Hitchin' a Ride

2008-03-14T18:07:00.002-07:00

Chicken hitchin’ a ride on a motorcycle! In the middle of suburban America! Leave it to my middle son (I’ll call him Josh to protect his identity) – soft-hearted and always ready to try something different.

While attending university, Josh worked part-time for an airline as a ramp agent. One night while handling baggage, he spotted a baby chick running loose in the airport, having escaped from its baby chick crate. He caught it and decided to take it home and adopt it for a pet.

Living in a house in the city wasn’t exactly conducive to raising poultry but then, not being a country boy, he saw no problem! In fact, he couldn’t wait for the chick to become a chicken and start laying eggs for his breakfast! He had it all planned! The big black cat living in the house was quite intrigued by this new addition to the family. He examined it, patted it, watched it, snuggled with it . . .

It wasn’t until the chick began to grow into a chicken that the then not-so-cute issues became problems. He soon learned that whole wheat bread and vegetables weren’t the food of choice for a bird – and to find a poultry supply store was impossible. He learned that he couldn’t “train” the chicken to use a box, or wait till he took it outside . . . He learned that chickens smell – bad – and are messy – very – so he finally fashioned a large cardboard box into somewhat of a ‘house’ for the chicken’s remaining days with him before it was delivered to a real chicken farm! And now you have the rest of the story!

"Love Sweet Love" Cookie Recipe

2008-03-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

Baking cookies for every special occasion is a tradition in our home. Sugar cookies, cut in theme-based or novelty shapes, are a favorite. The children always loved to help and it became a fun family event to sit around the table with an assortment of tube icings in delicious colors and a variety of sparkling sugar sprinkles, to creatively decorate the dozens of cooled cookies. Each one became a unique piece of art. Then as the older ones left home, I thought the tradition would be lost. However our youngest son, who has managed a prolonged stay at home (I wonder if the reason he insists that “I don’t want to go to college” is because he doesn’t want to leave us alone . . .), still loves to sit with me and help to carefully ‘squeeze’ the icing on all those cookies!

We baked and decorated these “Love Sweet Love” cookies for my best friend’s bridal shower!

1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt

In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or till softened. Add about half of the flour. Then add the sugar, egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat till thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in the remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 3 hours or till dough is easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using 21/2-inch cutters, cut dough into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart onto non-greased cookie sheets.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 8 minutes or till the bottoms are very lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Remove cookies and cool on wire racks. If desired, decorate cookies.

To see more hearts – hearts made of pewter and fashioned into belt buckles – click here. Many of these would make wonderful and unique gifts for a friend, bridesmaid, mother, daughter . . . yourself!