Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Just when I say I'm gonna be better...
I need to just stop saying I'm going to take it easy with my shoe purchases because it seems every.single.time. I say that I end up buying more! But this time it wasn't my fault. Allow me to explain:
Every so often ShoeDazzle emails me with a dazzle deal, and I almost always ignore the email. This morning I opened up the email and for some reason decided to check it out. Today's deal was 5 different styles of Velvet Angel shoes for $39.95. These aren't ShoeDazzle brand shoes - they are shoes that retail at anywhere from $150 on up, most being in the $300 range. SHUT.THE.FRONT.DOOR. Designer shoes for almost 90% off??? Yes, please.
How in the world was I supposed to pass this up?? I wasn't. So you see, that's how this wasn't my fault at all.
I frantically began looking at the options and figuring which ones were available in my size (aka giant) and kept trying to add them to my cart, but the site wasn't allowing me to shop (blasphemy!). Luckily, I was thinking clearly enough to try to call their customer service line and after being on hold for a few minutes a lovely lady picked up the phone and became my shoe savior for the day. She quickly told me which shoes were available in my size and I was able to get 2 pairs ordered with ease.
On to the good stuff...what I ordered!
I'll start with these - the Zoo Bar in black:
Here's what ShoeDazzle had to say about them: ‘Zoo Bar’ platform pump by Velvet Angels is pristine, with a beveled platform that commands attention and reflects the light. The genuine leather upper is stitched at the towering heel, with seductive cutouts that showcase every curve. This versatile side-zip beauty has oodles of sex appeal and will shine a spotlight on your stems.
With a 5" heel and a 1" platform these babies are sure to make my legs look nice and long!
ShoeDazzle says: The gorgeous ‘Infinity’ shoe by Velvet Angels shows off a seemingly infinite number of criss-crossing straps that glide up to the ankles. With a fierce metallic beveled platform and sky-high heel, these shoes have a commanding ‘come hither’ vibe. Anchored by grommets that lend Infinity urban sophistication, the straps playfully showcase hints of skin while retaining some mystery. A genuine leather upper and sole distinguish this zip-back stunner.
Dear Mother Nature -
**WTF is up with blogger lately? Is anyone else having a really hard time getting photos to go in the right place? Sorry for the ridiculous formatting!
Every so often ShoeDazzle emails me with a dazzle deal, and I almost always ignore the email. This morning I opened up the email and for some reason decided to check it out. Today's deal was 5 different styles of Velvet Angel shoes for $39.95. These aren't ShoeDazzle brand shoes - they are shoes that retail at anywhere from $150 on up, most being in the $300 range. SHUT.THE.FRONT.DOOR. Designer shoes for almost 90% off??? Yes, please.
How in the world was I supposed to pass this up?? I wasn't. So you see, that's how this wasn't my fault at all.
I frantically began looking at the options and figuring which ones were available in my size (aka giant) and kept trying to add them to my cart, but the site wasn't allowing me to shop (blasphemy!). Luckily, I was thinking clearly enough to try to call their customer service line and after being on hold for a few minutes a lovely lady picked up the phone and became my shoe savior for the day. She quickly told me which shoes were available in my size and I was able to get 2 pairs ordered with ease.
On to the good stuff...what I ordered!
I'll start with these - the Zoo Bar in black:
Here's what ShoeDazzle had to say about them: ‘Zoo Bar’ platform pump by Velvet Angels is pristine, with a beveled platform that commands attention and reflects the light. The genuine leather upper is stitched at the towering heel, with seductive cutouts that showcase every curve. This versatile side-zip beauty has oodles of sex appeal and will shine a spotlight on your stems.
With a 5" heel and a 1" platform these babies are sure to make my legs look nice and long!
And now I present to you the Infinity in mauve:
ShoeDazzle says: The gorgeous ‘Infinity’ shoe by Velvet Angels shows off a seemingly infinite number of criss-crossing straps that glide up to the ankles. With a fierce metallic beveled platform and sky-high heel, these shoes have a commanding ‘come hither’ vibe. Anchored by grommets that lend Infinity urban sophistication, the straps playfully showcase hints of skin while retaining some mystery. A genuine leather upper and sole distinguish this zip-back stunner.
And I couldn't agree more! These puppies are perfect for summer! They also have a killer 5" heel and a 1" platform.
I'll close with this:
I'll close with this:
Dear Mother Nature -
Can you please speed the end of winter up a bit so I can wear my new shoes?
Love, Me
**WTF is up with blogger lately? Is anyone else having a really hard time getting photos to go in the right place? Sorry for the ridiculous formatting!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
The post I've been avoiding...
I've been meaning to write this post since I got back from Disney World, but I just haven't. It's no secret that my last couple of races were disappointing to say the least and now I'm battling an injury. I've talked to Ron, Mary, Isis and Lee about this, but I don't think I've mentioned it to anyone else. My 2011 goals have got to be adjusted. I need running to stay fun and failing race after race is anything but fun. I'm tired of being frustrated and I need to find the joy that running used to give me.
This means no El Scorcho 50k and no Chicago Marathon. 2011 will be the year of 13.1 or shorter race distances, with the exception of the El Schorcho 25k.
Right now I'm struggling to run 5 pain-free miles, so my focus is currently getting that under control, but once that's better I am going to be doing everything I can to run a better race. That means I am going to be committing myself to speed work, hill workouts, cross-training, and losing weight. I doubt it'll happen in 2011, but my ultimate goal is a sub-2 half marathon.
Yes, I'm still running a lot of races in 2011. No, I will NOT be racing all of them. I am currently planning on racing RnR Chicago, and probably 2 others but I need to look over course profiles before I decide which ones.
Right now I feel like the marathon has beaten me down. Chicago 2010 kind of broke my spirit and I'm not really sure how to get it back. That race made me question if I really have what it takes to be a marathoner. I'm hoping these changes will help me out, but only time will tell. If all goes well, I'll be running through the streets of Paris in April 2012!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Pasta Sauce
There's nothing better than homemade pasta sauce...here's my recipe for red sauce!
Red Sauce
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup yellow onions (1 medium yellow onion), chopped (I prefer red onions)
1/2 teaspoon garlic (2 cloves garlic), minced (I am VERY generous with my garlic - probably about double this)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can whole peeled tomatoes (28 ounces)
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
4 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup yellow onions (1 medium yellow onion), chopped (I prefer red onions)
1/2 teaspoon garlic (2 cloves garlic), minced (I am VERY generous with my garlic - probably about double this)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can whole peeled tomatoes (28 ounces)
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
4 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Directions
In a medium, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, basil, oregano and black pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, 5 minutes.
Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and squeeze to break into small pieces. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and sugar to the pot and stir well. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally with a heavy wooden spoon.
**Note**
When I make my sauce, I do huge batches of it. I usually triple or quadrupole this recipe (I eat lots of red sauce). Once it's finished, I let it cool, put it in mason jars and then freeze it. This is awesome because nights like tonight I can just pop open a jar and I have my homemade sauce - so much better than anything I've ever bought at a store!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
My first post...
from my shiny new toy!
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| MacBook Pro... |
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| with a pink hard case.... |
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| and a fabulous Kate Spade sleeve... |
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| and a super tiny wireless keyboard... |
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| and finally the magic mouse! |
Friday, February 4, 2011
ShoeDazzle - February Style
Alright boys and girls, it's that time again. Below are my favorite ShoeDazzle picks for the month of February. Do we love them or hate them?
I generally stay away from Ankle straps, but I love the shape and color of Toto.
At first glance I really liked the Melosa, but now I'm not so sure. I like the idea of a gray shoe, and I like the idea of a rose, and I love me some peep toes, I'm just not sure this is doing it for me.
The Viola is the shoe I'm most torn about. I love this style of shoes on other people, I'm just not sure I can pull it off. I'm kinda thinking you have to be a super skinny lady to pull these off but I think they could be really cute with a black dress or rolled-up boyfriend jeans.
Jenna is pretty classic Jenn-style. I love the shape, I love patent leather, and there are few things I love more than platforms and heels that give you a little pop of color. Plus how can you go wrong with black and pink??
I don't think I've ever mentioned it, but ShoeDazzle also sends you 5 bags and 5 jewelry sets to pick from each month. I've never really found any purses or jewelry that I've loved, but I'm kinda digging this tote bag. It's available in a really pretty pink, which is the color I'm leaning towards.
This could easily become a month of multiple ShoeDazzle purchases. The beauties I posted on Wednesday are already on their way to me, and I can seriously see me ordering at least 2 more items this month.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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