Eternal Love: Forever Love: SHOE LOVE

I love my shoes- all 83 pairs (I do regularly share the love and pass them on, so no one pair is ever neglected!) They protect my feet from the life's harsh realities (dirt, asphalt, concrete - well, unadorned concrete. If it has been stylishly decorated it is quite lovely... more to come on that in the future), they frame my pedicure perfectly, and take me to soaring (if not tottering) heights... they are my SHOES. I love them, every pair.

I try to diligently give equal affection and not show favoritism, which can be challenging (my dear kate spade juliette flat sling sandals- j'adore you!!!). It becomes even more challenging when I fall in Shoe Lust with a new pair- not love, as that takes time to grow, the first time you wear them is like a first date- maybe just a touch awkward or uncomfortable, with moments of complete infatuation. Then as you get to know each other better, the relationship strengthens and a bond develops. You are able to come to count on them to always be there, make you smile when you slip them on, just as if it was the first time all over again- the spark is still there... you realize... it is true love.

Then you happily go about your life and something catches you eye and WOW... instant attraction... here are a few of the shoes I am currently in lust with, but very soon hope to be in SHOE LOVE with:

Creme Pleat ballet flat from Pretty Ballerinas- you little princess... I adore you! Can't wait to wear you...

kate spade lacy wedge- please run away to Mexico with me... we could be so happy together!

I'm so blue without you... (available at Nordstrom... p.s. 2 days left of the Anniversary Sale)

I want to go to Nantucket or Cape Cod... I want to rent a yellow bicycle with with a wicker basket... I want to go ride said bike wearing these Naughty Monkey shoes!!!

This post could go on forever... There is so much to enjoy out there! But I'll just leave you with one final thought... French Sole Travel Slippers in gold. I want to take these traveling beauties to Europe- wear them with rolled up jeans, wear them with a flowy (is that a word...) summer dress, wear them as I stroll cobblestone streets, view priceless works of art in tiny museums, enjoy delectable pastries as I take a quick break from my adventure.... okay- I have to go shopping now- then find a support group for shoe addicts... wish me luck.

Perfect Camping Companions

Most of my family is escaping the horrendous heat of summer here in Arizona this weekend by heading up to cooler pastures to go camping at beautiful Mount Graham. Now I'm sure I would have been welcome to come- if they had thought to tell me they were going. (Love you with my whole heart dear family!!!) Sadly, I could not go last minute, so I decided to make the best of it and find a few things that I'd like in my camping gear kit. The last camping trip I went on, was just the girls- my sister, me and Sadie (my sweet little cocker spaniel)- and I brought my Bloom Skin and Tonic Mask which is a little tablet that becomes a soothing facial cloth... portable and perfect! Well, PopTart (my younger sister) was appalled- she could handle my down comforter and pillow, she could handle the battery operated "ceiling" fan... but she could not handle the beauty essentials- facial kit, manicure kit. While camping, that apparently is not "roughing" it. (Btw- did I miss the worldwide dictate that camping should involve dirt, bugs and poor skin care routines???) Well, I can rough it, but with style... so here are just a few essentials I'd take with me on my dream camping excursion to the great outdoors.

First of all, I should let you know I am a fan of all things British- tea, wit (dry and sarcastic), The Queen... I find them tres delightful. This post is dedicated to the unique and whimsical treasures I stumbled across online from some British purveyors while searching for my camping gear.

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I confess to suffering from OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Punctuation Disorder). I have tried medication, behavior modification... then I discovered 12 steps... one of which is accept that which you cannot change.... therefore, I embrace my effusive punctuating!!!

Oh how I love this little milk pitcher... so sweet with the birds perched on the line.

And... I want no less than one dozen of these side (dessert/salad?) plates, please! The fabulous purveyor of these (and many more fun things) is Jam Tart. I also want the mugs, the sugar bowl, tea pot, dinner plates, cereal bowls, tea towels... you get the picture. The line is called

The Campervan Range and it is charming.

To go with my sweet tableware I need some equally sweet treats... oh where can I find something delectable? How about one of everything from Bea's of Bloomsbury!!!! I assure you I'm not joking... one of everything please. Now!!!! I'd pack them in a wonderful little picnic basket and enjoy afternoon tea no less than three times a day while on my camping adventure. I know that may seem excessive, but I don't get afternoon tea very often... I have to make up for lost deliciousness.

And finally I'd like this tent (by Cath Kidston). Seriously, how chic and darling would it be to have the lovely tableware, wonderful tea and treats and this endearing tent to shelter you from the wild? Would not these simple essentials enhance the camping experience? Make the wilds of nature just a touch more civilized? Happy Camping!!!

Baby PopTart- coming soon!

I am going to be an aunt- again! New life coming to the world, always makes me think of this sculpture- Michelangelo's Madonna and Child. On display unassumingly in The Church of Our Lady, Bruges, Belgium. It was a happy accident we stumbled across it, and it left an indelible impression. Powerful, serene, stunningly beautiful.

So, as new life grows, I think of the greatest gift any mother ever gave- her child for the eternal salvation of the world. Luckily, my dear sister will only be required to change diapers (yuck), clean up throw up (ewww), suffer sleepless nights, terrible twos and even terribler (pardon my grammar- or lack thereof) teens. I wish her joy, patience and an occasional pedicure to retain her sanity!

I love you PopTart!