Friday Shoe Day: The Athlete in you...I'm sure it's there...somewhere.

I realize that this is the time of year when everyone regrets all of the binging they did since November. And thus begins the conscious decision to "get in shape" or "be healthy" or to be a "MILF". The latter is my aspiration. I'm just being honest. So in honor of New Years Resolutions everywhere, I present to you this Friday, athletics(stop sighing.)



So let's face it, no one decides to be in shape and starts running 5 miles the next day, baby steps people, baby steps. That's why I found you the cutest walking shoe known to man...woman. It's the New Balance 644 women's walking shoe and it has a ton of cool features including: a cushioning in both the heel and forefoot for exceptional shock absorption and mid foot support that reduces the weight of the shoe(umm, yeah, I just copied that off the web, I don't like know that off the top of my head). I have a fondness for NB, they are my all time favorite athletic shoe...yes better than Nike. These shoes are so cute too! The tan and light blue, so chic. This gorgeous walking shoe is $69.95ish...look around it could be on sale somewhere in the online community.
My next shoe is for the girl who's past the walking point...and who isn't. Ok, I'm not but this is for the one who is. It's a NB running shoe and it is soooo cool looking. I love green. Some people don't and I don't care, you can find your own NB running shoe. I only put shoes up that I would actually where if I could afford them. These I would definitely where but I can definitely not afford them...nor would I buy them because I'm at the walking stage not the running stage. Anyway, they are frickin' sweet(I know that totally sounded like a 7th grade boy but I have a headache and I'm in a hurry). These too have all the neat features any NB shoe has but they will run you a cool $134.95. Yikes, but I'm going to have to say it would be well worth the money if you run. As we all know not everyone likes to exercise the same way, so I thought what else do people do that doesn't involve using either a walking or a running shoes(those two shoes cover almost every exercise) and I thought to myself, self, what about people who like to be outdoors, I bet they like to hike! Even if you don't I bet you like the thought of hiking, I do, I don't think I would do it but I'd like to think I would. These are hiking shoes, in a super cute color...they come in a range of colors believe it or not but I like these the best. They are Asolo Lunar Trail hiking shoes and the are $64.95. Enjoy the great outdoors, who knows how much longer they'll actually be great.

So I thought for the .01% who read this that are actually in shape OR who say they want to be in shape but don't actually mean it or intend to do anything about it I give you a cute athletic that is non-functional. It's just pretty to look at. You can find a variety of these shoes at Payless, they are either the Champion or Airwalk. I chose a Champion at $24.99. These would look cute with your jeans, like maybe your athletic but no one really knows, it's a good facade. And last but not least, I actually really love this look. They make them in cheap brands too but I think that Sketchers coined the look so I thought I'd give them props by showing one of their own. And it's a cute one. It's a take on a maryjane/biking shoe/athletic. They are so cute. Plus you kind of look like an adorable hard core woman, and who doesn't want to look adorably hard core. I know I do. These little ladies are $55.00.
So whether or not you plan on sticking to your goal to lose weight, always remember that you should at least try for two weeks straight, and if you miss a day you have to start your two weeks over again and the most important thing of all to remember, No matter how fat you get shoes will always fit you.

Eva's little prayers were answered.

Eva repeated on Christmas Eve that,"It can't be Christmas until it snows." I tried to explain to her that it doesn't always snow especially here. She seemed a little let down but I think she understood what I was saying. She has been praying for the past month for snow and, a few weeks ago it snowed while we were at church and I thought she was going to break into song and dance, she was elated. Yesterday morning after all the gifts were unwrapped and we were at my parents house we got a call from my brother and my mom looked over at Eva and said,"Eva it's snowing outside!" Her eyes got huge and she ran to the window, she was thrilled but she didn't seem too surprised, she acted satisfied and as if she knew that it would snow on Christmas. She has been very faithful in her daily prayers and she's starting to really love praying to her Heavenly Father and she's learning about thankfulness. I'm so grateful for her growing testimony of prayer.

Christmas is over...onto Eva's birthday.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Christmas day seemed to fly by but out Christmas Eve was really fun and enjoyable. Eva asked for a teddy bear from Santa and that's what she got, she loves it, so far she's named it, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, but I'm sure that will change. It's just a phase. Last year she was really into Santa, she wanted to write him a letter, she wanted to see him to tell him what she wanted etc. This year she was all about Christmas songs and Rudolph. Fine by me. We also got Eva this Vtech laptop and she absolutely loves it. Elle got a ton of soft shoes from grandma and a bunch of socks and onesies(much needed). Everyone made out pretty well, it was a nice Christmas and now I have to start really concentrating on Eva's birthday party.
This year we are doing a Carnival themed party, originally I was like, no I don't want to make a big deal about it just because it was her golden birthday but then my mom told me about all the equipment she could get and I got swayed. It's going to be the best party ever. I decided to team up with a friend b/c her kids birthdays are around Eva's and she was thinking about doing a carnival theme too, plus she could get pony's for free!! Unfortunately it looks like it may not happen but I am going to fight for it, I don't think our complex managers should care about a pony for 2 hours. Anyway, I've been putting off the planing for Christmas but I really have to get going now. Especially with the invitations. So if you're in town or you want to stop by on January 12th from 1-3pm, feel free because it's going to be awesome.

Retract statement

Apparently I have printed false information. Due to some further research, it turns out Jeremy is not lazy. He is tired from working all day. I apologize to anyone who has thought differently of Jeremy since the post about him being the laziest person I know...I suppose that I am in fact the laziest person I know now. Hopefully this false information has not completely corrupted your entire belief system and that things can once again be right in your world.
Thank you,
The Editor.

Friday: Fantasy Shoe Day~Merry Christmas...you can afford these.

I figure to be in the Christmas spirit I would find a collection of shoes that you can afford...it's like my own little Christmas gift to you. I know, I'm too kind.



You can find these suede boots at Target for the bargain price of $36.99! These boots also come in black and they are fierce.(I kind of felt like Tyra Banks saying that but for this price and this style it is...fierce) These would look amazing with your jeans tucked in and a chunky cable knit sweater or with a sweater dress and no tights. Crap, now I want these boots.








So when I saw these shoes I was like, "Too cute!" and I could not believe they were at Payless. Now for those of you who don't know I use to work at Payless and they have gone through a lot of transformations within the last few years they use to always carry really ugly shoes or shoes that were copying a trend in a very tacky way. But they have come a long way, they even have designers coming up with small collections for them now. Back to the shoes, this bow on the side is hot, if you can pull this off I applaud you. You have to wear it the right way or you will look stupid. I'm just being honest. But if you think...well you have to know...if you know you can pull it off these baby's are only $19.99!












I don't know if I mentioned that patent is a really hot trend right now. It is. Now I think these would look super cute with opaque or textured tights and some trouser pants or dark denim that's long enough to cover the heel(no one wants to see high water denim). This would look great with a pencil skirt too. This is the MixIt line from JCPenny's and they are on sale for $44.99. Now I realize that it's more than most are willing to spend but keep in mind that the designer version of this shoe is over $600....that $44.99 starts to look good now doesn't it.








This shoe is only for a girl who likes a serious heel, I believe they are a 4.5inch heel. Yowza. This is a shoe you buy for a reason, trend OR it goes with one outfit that you love. This isn't exactly an everyday work or even an everyday church shoe. Unless you're Victoria Beckham, in which case you can afford the $600 dollar version of this shoe and there's no reason for you to read my wallet friendly Christmas addition. This bad girl is at Forever 21 and it's only $19.80, yes I agree that is a weird price but that's what it said.

The quilted look is also a very hot trend right now, I also really like it because it feels so home-like. Just looking at it makes me feel like I should be drinking coco by a fire with all my family surrounding me as we sing koum-by-ah. These are the shoes that I would be doing all of that in. At only $17.99 these sweet flats have a little glint of holiday shimmer, being that they are gold(the also come in black for you boring people). I think your shoes should totally give a little something to your clothes, people would notice these and think you were a super fun person...that had style and isn't that what this is all about? Showing some style with some excellent shoes. I think so dear people, I think so. This is American Eagle for Payless.


I love boots, I have this suede furry pair I bought a few years back and they are a staple in my winter wardrobe. I can wear them with my jeans tucked in and the fur shows or I can wear my jeans over them and they look like a super cute suede boot...the main reason I bought them though is that the fur continues on inside and it's like wearing a sock without having to wear a sock(I hate socks with every fiber of my being...I like to be free, summer is my season, I'm addicted to flip-flops). The point being that this boot is a great casual boot, it's got a little height and it's got the great quilt detail. These too would look cute tucked into jeans or not. Very versatile and for only $24.99 you can afford to make this a staple in your wardrobe.












Since it is the Christmas winter season I thought some slippers may be in order. I grabbed this picture from Old Navy, this is there basic slipper it comes in a variety of patterns, soft warm and ready for you to put your little(or big) footsies in! If I remember correctly most of Old Navy's slippers match or compliment their jammies, and for only $6.25 a pair you could afford to get your self some cute Christmas jammies.














I love these slippers. I want some bad. They are so cute. This again is American Eagle for Payless, and these slippers are just the essence of Christmas morning, adorable, your feet will be warm and trendy! A great combo if you ask me. These ballet inspired slippers are $16.99.











All right, that's all I have. I hope you all have a great Christmas and I'll be back next Friday to inspire you with shoes to help you keep your New Year resolutions! ;)

Yay a new watch.

So for my birthday(yes it was back in October and I'm still talking about it) my parents got me a sweet Dunder Miflin T-shirt and a little IOU that said, "Pick out a new watch" more or less, the details are a little fuzzy. Anyhow, I picked one out and it came today...like 5 minutes ago, here's what it looks like:
OK, so I went to fossil.com and it's totally not online, so I guess I don't have a picture to show you. I can describe it, it's chain linked its brown(which I thought would look lovely with my hair) and even though the face is brown it has a pink mother of pearl shimmer. I really like it. I actually have a perfectly functional watch sitting on a ledge by our stairs, it's been sitting there for over a year...all it needs is a $10 battery...and that's how cheap we are. I dropped the hint plenty of times that it would make a great mother's day, valentines day, birthday, Easter, groundhog day, really any day would have done to get a new battery but, apparently my dropping hints went to deaf ears. And I think my mom got sick of me always asking what time it was plus she thought it would be nice to get me another watch, the "dead battery" watch was actually her gift to me on my 21st birthday so I guess she thought it was time for an upgrade.
Now I just have to get use to looking at a watch instead of asking someone else what time it is all the time.

This is what I wore to the program.

I actually felt like a 25 year old today...because I looked like one. This is also how I posed throughout the day.

I did get a few odd glances but am I really going to see and of those people ever again? (The answer is no just in case you weren't sure).

I put this picture up mostly because Tracy wanted me to. I don't usually like pictures of myself therefore they are a rarity.

Speaking of not liking pictures of myself I've really wanted to start exercising because I am the laziest person I know...well I take that back, Jeremy is the laziest person I know and if anyone knows how lazy I am, it's shocking to think that Jeremy is even more lazy than me. Back to the topic, I've been watching the Biggest Loser and I love it, every week I love seeing them shrink down it's so inspiring and I love the theme song, "What have you done today to make you feel proud." Honestly, words to live by. Anyway, last night was the finale and it's sort of depressing to see them get down to your weight, and then pass you by and now you're the fat one at home watching even more skinny people on TV, the story of my life. I have a point I swear. Well more like a story, not a point, anyway, Jeremy had apparently been craving brownies all day long, so as I was making dinner he was making brownies so they would be done when we were done eating. Low and behold they were done(and frosted, with chocolate frosting) by the time the Biggest Loser started. So here I am, watching these non-fat people who look amazing, scarfing down a huge double chocolate brownie. Don't worry I totally justified it by thinking I would have a "new years resolution" to start exercising. After I gain 10lbs and 2 sizes from Christmas dinner. This is my life.

Some pics from Eva's Christmas Program

This was right when all the kids walked in, they had them all wave to their parents right away so they wouldn't keep doing it. Good idea. I think the primary program should think about doing that too.
This was Eva right after everything was done. She was biting her nail right before they started singing too. It's her nervous/bored habit. She gets it from me, which sucks, sorry Eva. I haven't trimmed Eva's nails since she was about 18 months old, that's when she started biting them.
Having the special snack back in her classroom. She did such a great job she new all the words to every song. She was so proud and so was I!
All the kids in her class.
Yum, apple juice, it's like liquid gold in our house.

This was so funny, this is right when Santa walked in. She was not expecting it at all and this is exactly how I thought she would react. Like, not happy but not freaked out, kind of on pause from life. Classic Eva.
There he is. The little girl at the end of the table, her name is Calla, she was all like, "Are you the real Santa?" It was hilarious, she was so not falling for this poor guys performance...hello I can see your beard. Calla is adorable, I really like her.
Eva staring at Santa, not sure how comfortable she is. She's holding the candy cane that he gave her. Afterwards she was very proud that she got a candy cane from Santa.
This is her teacher Sara, if you can't tell Sara is 8 months pregnant! Can you believe that, she looks great.

Eva was great, I'm going to try and have a link so you can go see part of the program on youtube. I'm very novice when it comes to videos so bare with me. This is the best I could do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB4zBquOgBY

I love having kids.

I was never one that fantasized about being a mom. When I was younger I dreamed of having a career a cute apartment a hot boyfriend, going on trips; I never thought about being a mom. I figured I would have kids someday but I just never daydreamed about it at all.
Now that I have two beautiful daughters of my own I'm starting to realize how blessed I am. I mean my kids are amazing. They are both beautiful and smart. Eva is so multi-talented I can't even believe it...she obviously gets that from me(wink wink). I just love that I get to experience life through their eyes. I still can't believe that I have kids. I was just talking to Jeremy last night saying,
"Can you believe that when we like tell Eva to do something, she actually listens to us?"
"I mean we're like the parents, we make the decisions, they have to do what we say."
It's almost like an out of body experience when you think about it...I'm kind of expecting my parents to walk in the door and be like, "Ok, everyone that was a good trial run but you don't actually get to make the decisions and do whatever you want, we'll take it from here."
Seriously, that's what I think about.
Plus, I mean, I think we're totally cool parents. Like the other night, we got a 20 piece chicken nuggets from McD's and went over to the Pepsi factory(they make a drive through to look at lights around their factory every year, it's beautiful and fun, with music, it's a Christmas tradition/staple in this town) and put the girls on our laps(Eva drove with Jeremy) and we ate chicken nuggets and looked at all the different displays. Come on, how cool is that?!
I guess I'm just reflecting on today at Eva's preschool. They put on a Christmas program Jeremy and my mom were able to come to and it was so great to watch her sing all these songs that she learned and ones that she's been practicing at home, I just can't believe that she's a product of Jeremy and I, that we made her what she is so far and I couldn't be more proud. I'm just so blessed with the most amazing girls. Elle is becoming a little person with her own personality and I just can't believe within the next 6 months she will be a toddler. WOW! I'm just so blessed with a wonderful, caring, providing husband and just the best girls PLUS they are gorgeous I mean, come on, you've seen them, they are really cute.
Anyway, I never thought that I would love having kids, I guess I love having my kids because I really don't like other peoples kids...mostly.
The point being: I love having kids.
p.s. I do realize that I used the phrase, "I'm so blessed.." like 40 times.

Friday: Fantasy Shoe Day- Steve Madden's Peep Show!

Hee hee, I love being risque! So I realize that it is now Saturday and not Friday but, I have a life people back off. This is close enough to Friday, right? I mean it's almost 1am and that's basically like Friday night still. Anyway, I had a mini-photo shoot today and I worked on the pics all day plus Elle was cranky so I say Steve Madden's "Peep Show" is better late than no peep show at all, onto the shoes:

Just in case you haven't guessed that I'm spotlighting peep toe shoes...I'll give you a little hint, I'm spotlighting peep toe shoes, oh yes, and Steve Madden. I've loved Steve's shoes(yes I know what you're thinking, that I'm referring to him as if I know him...and I don't, but we don't really need to go there, let's pretend, that's what shoe day is all about) since the first ad I ever saw in Seventeen magazine. They are somewhat "cartoonish" in a fun way but they've matured over the years into more trendy and extreme opposed to cartoonish styles.

First up, Lucida, yes they have funky names. Love the buckle and grommet detail plus the insides are so shiny! Brown fabric with the patent detail this bad boy(or girl rather) is $70 on sale. I think this shoe is very business appropriate..if you can handle being in 4 in heels all day. If not, see shoes that have Velcro and are made at K-mart.

Next up is Leilana...to be honest half the fun in finding these shoes were the names, I mean really do you think Steve comes up with these or is it some super gay Mexican wearing mesh newsboy caps?(this is a reference to Project Runway...Google it.) Ahem. Leilana comes in a tantalizing array of colors(I use fancy words) and fabrics! The satin fabric includes, teal(as seen on your screen), red and purple and the leather includes black, brown and pewter. They are all gorgeous and such a cute little knot design on top, so adorable. These baby's will run your podiatrist bill up with it's 1/2in platform and 4 1/2in heel(my feet start to go numb just thinking about it). But for a scarce few it may be totally worth it...of course it will have to be worth the $89.95 that follows also.

Employ. That's funny these remind me of employment...hmmm, could there be a correlation? Houndstooth is always in, it's classic. And these shoes could be a total upgrade to your closet. They are not only totally sophisticated but black and white is in right now and they're also completely trendy...even if/when the trend dies down these will still scream classic sophisticated girl right here...well scream is a little rash...maybe they'll just say it in a regular voice as you walk in your super cute trouser pants. $39.96 that wont be too hard on your checking account.

Yay for this next shoe it's sexy but not slutty and it's classic but not grandma...no one likes a slutty grandma(trust me, they are so totally out there). Of course it's name derives from some 20 year old hung over and slightly high intern I'm sure, Esconce. That's right, sound that one out, Ess-con-sss. What? Maybe she was like,"Look, a sconce." and some one got really confused, or maybe she was trying to remember the word essence but came up with Esconce instead. Too bad because these are the essence of a beautiful classic. Not only are they super cute in this ruby red patent but they come in white, yellow and black too. The yellow is super cute for a summer dress. Esconce is a mere $23.99 umm, I think I can even afford that.

And last but not least to take your mind off of this cold winter weather I thought I would shoe this shoe that I may not normally be attracted to(sorry I can't like everyone...that's too much commitment...it's not you it's me) but all of the colors it came in just said, "Summer!" "Don't worry Christa someday spring and summer will come back and these shoes will look fabulous with dresses, skirts and even bermuda shorts!!(It really did say all that to me.) Ladies, this is Ansen and she gives me renewed hope that some day I will be warm again. Ansen is all leather(my kind of girl) and she comes in black, brown, yellow(they call it mustard but it's in fact yellow) and this purple which I think is more like pink but whatever, I'm not a gay Mexican so what do I know. She is originally $130! Yikes, but I think Steve realized he made her in the wrong season so lucky for you(and me) we can start our summer shoe collection early b/c Ansen is on sale for $59.97...I don't think she'll mind staying in the box till May.All right that's all I have. I hope you've enjoyed Steve's belated "Peep show" I know I have and you can find all of his crazy names and eccentric shoes at stevemadden.com. Happy Weekend of 2nd to the last weekend to shop for Christmas.

Eva's Christmas Photos

Eva's Christmas Photos

Here's a compilation of our beautiful almost 4 year old daughter Eva. She did great taking Christmas photos this year, usually she gets bashful, angry or silly...there's no in between. But she was really into it the day we took all of these. I can't believe my little baby girl is becoming a kid. I love her so much, time goes by too quick.

Growing up so fast

I love this picture. It's my favorite. I'm going to blow it up and put it on my wall, I love love love it.

A Night in Jerusalem

That was our theme at the ward Christmas party this year. It was so much fun. We all dressed up, unfortunately I didn't take pics before we left b/c I just brought the camera with us...of course had I have taken pics I would have realized that there was no memory card in the camera :( So Jeremy just took this one of Eva and I...our costumes had had it by the end of the night but you get the general idea.

Anyway, we sat on our quilt on the floor and there was a "market" set up like Bible times and you had to barter with your fake money that they gave you, it was so fun, they had authentic music and the whole atmosphere was great. Then Mary and Joseph were walking around looking for a place to go, they had a nice replication of that night along with our participation in singing, they did such a great job. It was so much fun I'm really glad we went, we haven't been to a ward Christmas party for like 3 years!

Friday: Fantasy Shoe Day- I love a wedg-ie.

That's right I do love a cute wedge.
A. It's easier to walk in.
B. It's more comfortable to walk in.
...And...
C. Their totally in right now.

We'll start with a Kenneth Cole shoe that won't actually break the bank. I chose this one because it's so unique looking. It's classic but with a modern edge, you've got to love a modern edge. This is like the business woman shoe that no one knows has a secret dominatrix fetish...very classic with a hidden piece of flair(anyone know what movie "a piece of flair" is from?) OH, p.s. this shoe is $40.I love this next shoe it's so rich in color absolutely beautiful. This would look great with opaque tights. Umm lets see, Two Lips design and it's $80. You have my permission to stare.

Ok, I know Betsey Johnson is super crazy(and if you don't know who Betsey Johnson is maybe you shouldn't even be reading this post) but you have to love her unique/eccentric way with fashion. Certain girls can pull it off and yes, I know what you're thinking, I am one of those girls(by "I" I mean me not you). Love this shoe so cute, and so fun. It's $126.99(on sale at piperlime)
Now I'm not super crazy about this Charles David shoe but I know if I saw someone wearing it I'd think it was a super hot shoe. You've got to be able to walk in them, it's a 1in platform and a 4in heel, yowza! It comes in a deep red and also black. The wedge is wood, so it's like a 70's remake for the millennium. This baby runs at $110.
I know you didn't know this but this is a Croc! Please tell me you know what Crocs are. This is a fairly fashionable shoe from YOU by Crocs. You know this baby is dang comfy, I bet it's like walking on clouds and it's totally chic. I want a pair just so my feet aren't hating me at the end of every Sunday after standing on them for 2 hours straight...ok maybe not straight but pretty dang close. These are $149 :( Maybe they'll go on sale. A girl can dream. And last but not least I saw these and they screamed, I'm from Oregon and you want to wear me downtown to Noah's Bagel, shopping at Fred Meyer and then for a walk in Central Park. These may not be the cutest but I think they are, they look so homey and comfy and I just want to put on a cute pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and go grocery shopping at Cub Foods/WinCo. These are also by Kenneth Cole(he's popular today) and they run $60. I'll just leave a side note, it is Christmas and I do except gifts...gift cards and shoes.

Merry Christmas to shoes and to all a good fit! I know that's cheesy but I've got the Christmas spirit, I can't help it.

Disclaimer: This is the real us, Merry Christmas From the Browers 2007.

Eva was so excited about decorating the tree this year she was literally bouncing around like she just snorted pixies sticks and did Oreo milkshake shots...it was insane.
I let her decorate however she wanted and once she was in bed I evened things out a bit. We actually ran out of hooks so I went and bought some the other day and the tree is even more festive looking now.
I had to write this little post separate b/c for some reason my slide shows aren't showing up unless I send them from photobucket...weird.

Decorating the Tree.

Off to Donovan's for our Traditional Cutting Down the Christmas Tree.