Boot delema! Help!

I am having a SERIOUS problem here. It's time to buy boots and I just don't know what to do. I scoured Italy for the perfect pair and found them... but they were $500. Somehow I discovered a rational portion of my brain that was able to communicate loudly enough that $500 was too much. Since returning home I have continued the search for my heart's desire.

Boots are a commitment. You don't just go out and buy the first thing you see. It takes searching, planning and auditioning. I want to do this right. But, I'm pretty picky. I want something that is fashion forward, but not too trendy so that they are out of style by next year; and they should be versatile and work with pants, cropped pants and skirts.

While it's true that Salt Lake will never be considered the shopping capital of the United States, I can safely say I have thoroughly searched under every rock (including quite a few online vendors) and these are the two finalists. PLEASE - I need some input!



This is a really low res photo and hard to see. Round toe, pyramid heal and a button strap.








These have a higher heal, almond toe, and piping sewn around the sides and back.

World Series

Oh how I love the World Series.

This year is far less stressful than last year (Go Rockies!). I find that I'm able to just sit back and enjoy the sport. True, I am more loyal to the National League than the American, so I cheer for the Phillies. But, whatever happens, happens. I'm hoping we go 7 games.

Pinch Hitters

Here's to being a pinch hitter. Here's to having other friends that are willing to pinch hit with me. Here's to fancy events with free dinner, exposure to famous people (nice to meet you, 24's President Palmer) and generous gift bags. Here's to a good excuse to look for a new dress (even though this time I didn't find one on such late notice). Here's to the Grand America, where I never tire of going.

Even though some nights I don't want to scramble for a date and just want to stay home in my pj's, I can't deny that the little girl in me dreamed of being able to attend such events. Whenever I consider turning down these last minute offers, I channel the 14-year-old in me, and usually end up accepting.

Maybe someday I will not be single and have other things happening in my life, leaving me unavailable to be called upon at the last minute to 'pinch hit.' However, for now, I will remain in the elite group of ThomasArts pinch hitters.

Val (friend first, co-worker second) and Katie (roommate, turned pinch hitter) below:

Foiled Friday Plans

I go through the whole week so busy. Lots going on. Places to go. People to see. On Monday - even Tuesday and Wednesday - the weekend plans look so promising. But somehow those plans get foiled - camping canceled due to inclement weather, TV night due to others' forgotten commitments, catching up with old friends due to running late...

So take this foiled Friday plans: I'm spending the evening with my roommates. I'm happy to do it too. A frosty, a movie and some good catch up from the day's activities. Here's to great roommates.

Shoes, shoes, shoes

So I was chatting with my bud Heber the other day. Somehow the topic of shoes came up. This is a topic I eagerly discuss with just about anyone. When I learned that Heber has a particularly smart way of organizing his shoes I was even more intrigued. I love my shoes with a fairly good portion of my heart, but I fully recognize that I don't treat them with the respect they deserve. Here's what I've been working with:

Seriously? A rubbermaid bin? I decided it was time for an upgrade. I'm an adult now. I have moved on from owning just keds and jellies, so this conversation was just the inspiration I needed to get my life/shoes on track. Seeing as I'm not ready to commit to the built-in closet wall unit of my dreams it took some prioritization. The rack I bought was only made for 12 pairs of shoes. 12? Well, I would need like 5 doors to do the job right. So, for now, my flip-flops and running shoes are probably okay to stay in the bin. What I ended up with feels so much better.


So for those of you who say, "Is she seriously blogging - not only blogging, but posting pictures to accompany - about her shoes?" The answer is yes. Yes I am. Anyone who knows me can understand that this is important.

What remains/my next project:

Is this really the end of summer?

It's so dark in the mornings lately. I wake up with really good intentions for all the things I want/need to do to be productive before going to work. But none of them happen. In fact, nothing more than the bare minimum happens anymore. I love the seasons and I love watching them change, but these dark mornings are killing me... and this is just the beginning.

Christmas is coming. I just need to keep the end goal in sight.