Month: December 2009

Days of Intention – Day One: Mountain Retreat

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Scenario:

A peaceful and regenerative day mixing the beauty of the mountains with the indulgence of a spa.

I have the type of job that needs you to be constantly “on” – talking with clients, collaborating with in-house partners, running around and generally dealing with tons of content and stimulus all day long. When I get home, it’s quieter but there are still lots of pets and then writing too. Sometimes I just want to go sit in my closet in the dark! A spa day is my perfect antidote to this. I love to do a full day mini-retreat where I spend most of the day relaxed in a robe and silent, except for maybe some bubbling water. Speaking only to order a light meal or some tea, I can be calm, guiltless, without phones or computers and just read a book or close my eyes.

Ideal date:

March 27th

Image via Sea Otter Woodworks

Days of Intention – The Beginning

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I am a believer in the power of intention. I believe that writing things down makes them happen. This is either a subconscious manifestation or, in some cases, a magical one. But I’ve seen in time and time again in my own life so that I can’t discount it.

Each year I take off the last two weeks of the year. I have been doing this for over 12 years now. While many people spend their vacation time in the Spring or Summer, I prefer the Winter. It is a time when my job can often be quieter and I find that when other people are distracted by the holidays, I have more freedom to concentrate on things I want to do just for me. I try to work on personal to dos, relax, read and spend time with the pets.

I have a ritual of reading, right around mid-November, How to Simplify your Christmas. The book itself isn’t that great or innovative but it reminds me of the intentions that I have for myself during this period. What I like to at the end of the year, along with buying a new weekly desk calendar and filling in all the birthdays and events I need to keep and eye on next year, I write out a list of goals. I don’t do resolutions but I do list things I want to accomplish personally or around the house or trips I want to take. Last year I took it a step further and broke it down into categories. It is amazing how many of them are checked off at the end of the year in one way or the other.

The great thing about making goals is some of them can be used as building blocks for longer term (and I’m talking 5 – 10 year) accomplishments, so it’s not always a horrible thing if they aren’t completed when December 31st rolls around. The goals list is also useful to see where I need to focus better in the next year; where did I get lazy or skimp on myself. I haven’t done a thorough review of my 2009 list yet, so I can’t give a report out, but I’ll give myself a B against my 2009 list.

One thing I want to add to this end of the year ritual is what I am calling Days of Intention. I read a comment pointing out that starting today (December 20th) there are 12 days left in the year. A power number. How impactful would it be to envision a list of 12 days during the upcoming year that could become truly amazing touchstones? By envisioning these days you will create memorable, potentially pivotal, events in the future.

I think you could be very over the rainbow with these envisioned days. Putting it out there to the universe that you are open to magical events. And I think that is important too. But I’m going to use most of my days to create scenarios that are simpler and totally under my control. Things that I can either make happen or just be mindful and aware of when they are happening so I can guide them and imprint them into my memory banks, similar to cognitive dreaming.

So, look forward to the series, one for each of the 12 days, and I hope you will share some of your days as well.

Poochie

New Series on The Daily Coop – Recipes!

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m starting a new series of posts over on The Daily Coop called “Friends Don’t Let Friends…” and it is going to be sharing some of our favorite recipes. We’re pretty good cooks around these parts and get lots of questions and requests about our foods and what we eat, so it seemed like a good fit.

The first installment is all about making real (as opposed to instant) oatmeal.

Check it out, let me know what you think, if you have any questions or want to make requests.

Needed – Strong Brown Boots

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’ve been enjoying wearing my new flat black boots but I’ve realized I don’t have any brown boots and I really really need them. My new obsession is for these Frye “Melissa” Tall Riding Boots.

I love the equestrian style, especially the front laces and the leather piecework.
They are very similar to the boots I actually used for my riding lessons, except those are black with no laces. I think I would wear these year round as well. I’ve never bought Frye boots but I’ve been told they are well-made and comfy.
A good investment? I need them, right?

Channeling Coco

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

About once a year or so I toy with the idea of streamlining my closet and wardrobe palette. But then I end up wearing some flouncy pink, purple and blue outfit and it all goes out the window. It must be a winter thing because here I am again wanting to go through all of my clothes and shoes and accessories and edit out the color for, what I consider, a Chanel-esque tone.

I had been toying with this idea a few weeks ago but watching Coco avant Chanel on the plane back from Ireland made we even more inspired to do it. The thing is, I love the classic tailoring and elegant femininity of the Chanel look. I love the black, whites, greys, sages and pinks. The restrained lines with immaculate detailing. It all appeals to me strongly.

The movie was some, but not enough, of what I hoped for. I expected it to be about the elements that influenced Coco’s aesthetic but I wanted even more. The few brief moments were not enough and didn’t tie it back to her later creations. Less romance, more fashion!

As I cast a new eye over some recent purchases, I saw details were already creeping in.

I love the off-white pajamas with the black piping.

And I just purchased a few of the new Rosalind Keep trompe l’oeil Trench Dresses from Oasis (UK) –

Trench Dress:

Prom Dress:

In Black:

In Pink:

And of course there are the classic wool suits embellished or combined with pearls and crystals.

Of course these aren’t as detailed, but Forever 21 had some cute options to wear to work and with jeans:

I’m wearing this jacket today with a beaded top, black pencil skirt, black tights and black patent heels.

But I especially adore the very restrained schoolgirl-ish looks with the tidy collars.

Crisp white against a dark background.

Those scenes influenced this new Sonia Rykiel dress purchase to be sure.

I’m going to at least write up my wardrobe parameters leaving room for patterns like damask, toile and, of course stripes!

Pantone Color of the Year 2010 – Turquoise 15-5519

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Panton has just announced it’s 2010 Color of the year:

Per the site:

Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Last year’s color was Mimosa, which was a very sunny optimistic color. It is interesting in a time where we are striving and wishing for peace, that we have a new hopeful blue to guide us.

Biotch, Please!

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Ok, biotches, I have to pack to leave Ireland but here’s a Irish/UK up-yours for you.

While I may be cranky for my 4am wake-up call tomorrow and having to pack up all my crap tonight, it’s not because I don’t love you, it’s so you will go vote for our favorite WendyB who is up for another “Most Swearing Blog” award.

And just so the Americans don’t feel left out, here you go!

You can also buy these fab rings for yourself on Wendy’s site and in this same post.

Go, Buy, Vote gawd dammit!