Month: January 2010

Photo Advice Needed

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’ve been struggling with doing the posting I want to do lately because I’ve been more and more frustrated with my camera equipment. I have a great DSLR, but it’s too big to carry around with me every day to shoot on the fly. I have a craptastic point and shoot that I hate. No remote so I can do pics on my own with the DSLR. And I want a macro lens too.

So I need your help and advice. What recommendations do you have for me???

Here is what I’m looking at right now.

For my point-and-shoot replacement, I was thinking about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. It gets good reviews on Amazon, has a large back screen and quite a few features. But I’d love to know what other cameras are out there that have worked well for folks and may be a bit less pricey.


I have a tripod, does this remote seem okay. I didn’t realize they were so inexpensive. What have I been waiting for!?!?! Does this seem in line with the remotes you may use? Do they focus okay?

I’ve also been dying for a macro lens to take detail pictures of clothes, food and the pets. I found this neat little option that may be a good first step before a dedicated lens. The reviews and samples seem very positive and the price is low. For $30, I’ll give it shot.

I am open to more ideas. If you have them, please send them my way.

– Poochie

Leave me some Louise

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I know the Louise Goldin for TopShop heels are not new news, but I’ve refrained from talking about them for fear of generating even more excitement and anticipation for when they come out in real life. But I’m trying to overcome my naturally selfish opportunities to talk about them.

And to have an excuse to look at the runway shots again…

Images of the “real” product have come out and while they don’t look to be bristling with spikes as much as the runway pieces (sadly), they still look pretty awesome.

Frankly, I’d like them so crammed with spikes that I risk serious blood-loss wearing them but that’s just me (Or is it? To be addressed later…).
But why talk about them now? Well, they come out soon soon soon, and I must have them. Yes, all of them. So if you see them in a 35, 35.5 or even a 36 (I’ll stuff the toes), tell me! I’ve been looking at the site everyday for months.
Hurry up, TopShop!

2010 – The Year of Focus

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Last year I made a pretty substantial set of goals for myself. Because these are a list of goals and not resolutions, many of them will transfer over into this year, and some years to follow. And that’s okay because they are about progress and moving forward, not just checking items off of a list.

But I do think this year is going to have a different feel. Maybe it is the closing end of a decade. I’m not sure. 2009 really was a year of change a year to accomplish and strive. I feel that 2010 is going to be all about focus. Focusing internally and externally. So many things were created – connections, experience, work, that now it seems like a time to reflect and refine and find the right directions in which to grow.

Personally I want it to be a year filled with more experiences. We traveled more this year and I want that to continue. I want to regroup and decide on which path I want to follow. I have some very personal goals that I need to work on. And I need to work on creating more of a balance in my life between self, work, online, town and home. Having so many outlets can often be draining which makes me rebel by not accomplishing the things I want to accomplish. So by pulling back in some areas I hope to be more efficient and impactful.

How are your goals or resolutions formed? Do you feel the need to take stock at the beginning of the year or is this an ongoing process. I’d love to learn more about your plans and how you integrate change into your life.

Indulging in New York

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I haven’t really talked much about what we did or gave each other for Christmas. That’s because my main present from the hubby was a surprise trip to New York for New Year’s Eve and to visit with Miss WendyB.

We flew in on the 30th and stayed downtown at the Smyth Tribeca. It’s a new hotel, just under a year old, and a bit “hipster”. But the location was good and the service was great. The sheets were very soft. I could use with a bit more closet/dresser top space, all in all it was great.

Our trip was totally centered around food. The first night I had made a reservation at Pure Food and Wine. I’ve been dying to try the restaurant for the past few visits and have not been able to make it but I’m so glad we did this time!

We did the five course chef’s tasting meal and it was spectacular. Everything was divine and we were amazed at some of the dishes. I will be making sure to go back on my next visit.

The next day, New Year’s Eve, we woke up to snow. Our days were planned around going to my favorite museums and our main goal was to see the Tim Burton exhibit at MoMA because the hubby is a HUGE fan… well, so am I. I was going to get timed tickets in advance but they were all sold out for the 31st and the online system wasn’t working. We took our chances by heading for the museum to see what was available but when we got there the line was down the block.

We did have a back-up plan, however. Instead of standing out in the snow for an hour, hoping to get in, we went into the store and bought a MoMA membership for $60 and a guest pass for $5. This gave us full access without having to do a timed ticket. The membership is good for a year, so I can go back in February, and it also gives you discounts at the stores too. The regular timed tickets are $20 each, so for just $25 more total we got right in.

The exhibit is great. Filled with iconic pieces from Tim’s movies but also tons of tiny details that showcase his wit and talent and strong design sense. Truly a must-see for any fan.

After we left the museum we went uptown and popped into a few stores. Bergdorfs and Saks were both having big sales but I didn’t see anything on the sales racks or in the stores I wanted so we then walked around, saw the Rockefeller Christmas tree, bought some macarons and had a delicious lunch.

Then we had to head all the way back to the hotel so we could grab a quick disco nap before getting ready to go out to meet up with the Wendy and Mr.B party at Balthzar. I wore a sequined Sonia Rykiel dress with white collar and cuffs paired up with black tights, Manolo Campari black patent mary janes and WendyB Swear rings.

The hubby looked smart in his new suit and “It’s-a-real-bow-tie-I-tied-it-myself” Chinese Zodiac symbol bow-tie.

We partied until about 2am and then totally crashed until the next morning. I was hoping to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art but it was closed! The info must have been buried somewhere on the site because we were not the only kind-off pissed-off and surprised people milling around outside the museum doors.

So, since that didn’t pan out, we crossed the park and went to the Natural History museum… along with everyone else, I guess, because it was a madhouse. Sadly we got hungry while we were there and braved the food court. See this picture… It was nothing like this. It was total chaos. Best not to go into the whole ordeal.

But we did get to end the trip on a high note due to a delicious meal at Candle 79. Delicous and easy to see why they were voted as top vegan restaurant this past year in VegNews.

All in in all it was a quick trip but so fun because my Sweetie went with me to one of my favorite cities. Now I just need to drag him up there more often!

Ringing in the New Year

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m running behind on my Days of Intention posts because we’re running around New York. (Updated: The series is complete!)

We had a fun dinner with Miss WendyB, Mr.B and friends at Balthazar last night – here is her much more detailed overview of the wonderful night. Now onto more museums if we can get our butts out of bed.

I hope you had a wonderful New Year’s Eve and are excited about the new year to come!

See you in 2010!

Luv
Poochie



Image via WendyB

Days of Intention – Day Twelve: Speak Up

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Scenario:

This past year has been big for transformations. We began eating vegetarian towards the end of 2008 but this really carried into 2009 on a deeper level. I feel we’ve really learned a lot and helped a lot of other people think of what they are eating and how they are eating and how easy it can be to think of food in a new way.

I’m so excited by this change and how much better we’ve felt on several levels, I want to act as a resource for other. We always speak about eating vegan in a very positive way… because it is! But we want to make ourselves more available. I know there are people out there, especially in our area, who are considering a change but not sure how or what are the best options or where to go. And we’re pretty knew to it so we can remember those days.

One of my goals last year that I didn’t get to accomplish was to create a group that would be somewhat about eating vegan or vegetarian but would be more of just a gathering. Less intimidating and more open for exploration and discussion. I trying to support this on The Daily Coop too by featuring more recipes and restaurant reviews. I need a good name for this group that sums up what I want to accomplish. I love Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s “Food For Thought” name. I wish I’d thought of that! I’ll let you know what I come up with.

Ideal date:

July 17th

Days of Intention – Day Eleven: Japan Flower

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Scenario:

There are several places that I’ve traveled to that I liked well enough, some I really didn’t like at all and some that I felt perfectly at home in. More at peace than even where I grew up and like I just “fit” somehow. San Francisco is one of those places.

I’ve been there three times now. The first two trips were on my own and the last one, about 3 years ago was with the hubby. We took the picture above while visiting the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

I love all the neighborhoods, being able to walk all over the place, the cultural and food varieties and even the weather. It’s one of the place I would consider moving to and may possibly do so one day. It’s a place I can envision a life.

I don’t feel that I need a long trip but I do want to make a weekend trip this year. It’s like a booster shot. I just need a refresher. I love to walk around and just soak it in. I want to stay near the park in a Victorian gem of a bed and breakfast and wander for a few days.

Ideal date:

August 28th

Days of Intention – Day Ten: Girl’s Get-Together

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Scenario:

One of the best parts of last Fashion Week was the opportunity to meet up with so many of the ladies I know from online. We were able to connect, via WendyB, and head out for a lovely dinner.

Sadly I had to leave New York early but I don’t plan on that happening again! I missed the IFB meet-up too. I really want to make another get-together happen when I’m there in February.

So, ladies, if you will be in town, we’re going to make this happen! Dinner, drinks, who knows what! Get ready for it and send me ideas.

Ideal date:

February 12th for Fashion Night Out or another night during Fashion Week.