Fall Is Such A Lovely Time Of Year

Fall is here! What a lovely time of year. Especially here in the Northwest. The days have been warm, nights cool. The summer feeling is lingering, leaving a sweet bitter taste on the tongue. No better time to travel if you ask me. Recently my partner and I rented a cabin up at the Green Springs Inn and Cabins and loved it. Quiet, peaceful and just perfect for a weekend getaway. 

Treat yourself to something special. you won't regret it! - Stacey

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The Frye Company

Wrapping up the year! 

The Frye Company celebrated their 150 Year Anniversary this year and today Frye is the oldest continuously operating footwear brand in the nation.

http://www.dromhuset.se

Frye started March 10th, 1863 in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The shoes have been legends ever since. 

 http://www.thefryecompany.com

It gained renown from the production of multiple styles of boots, including harness boots (first designed in 1938) and engineer boots. It remained an enterprise of the Frye family until it was sold in 1945. The company was moved from Massachusetts in 1980. 

The craftsmanship and quality of leather alone make Frye what it is today. I haven't met one person who knows about Frye and doesn't love the brand. The styles are fashionable and timeless and the shoes themselves last a lifetime. A nice Frye boot is a great investment if you are as in love with shoes as many of us are. 

 

Their styles have been worn by some of the most fashion forward celebs and everyone in between. Well known icons such as John Lennon loved the Fry Harness boot, as well as Brad Paisley, Miley Cyrus and Amanda Sayfried. Each style is so iconic to the brand that you can recognize a Frye boot from 10 feet away. 

http://sole.shoes.com

Some of our favorite boots from the past year:

The Jane Strappy

The Melissa Harness

The Carson Zip Tall

Harness 8R

Men's Phillip

To find out more about The Frye Company you can check out their website or book "The Boots That Made History"

 

 

http://www.selectism.com

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Share something special this Thanksgiving!

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. - Henry Van Dyke 

The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. With the holidays approaching we thought what better time to share a couple of our favorite recipes with family and friends.
 We think these recipes are delicious and too good not to share. The people you share them with will be so grateful you took the time and effort to bring these to the holiday table. After all, gratitude is what Thanksgiving is all about. Sharing something simple with those we love is the most meaningful part of our lives. 

Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard

Photo Credit: Nancy of GottaGetBaked.com. http://bit.ly/1asA1WY

Can you believe this is gluten free?

Your guests will be wowed by this gorgeous apple tart of roses, with a toasty walnut crust and a silky sweet maple custard filling. Author: Allie, Baking A Moment. For a list of ingredients and detailed instructions go to: http://bit.ly/1asA1WY

Butter Flaky Pie Crust

http://bit.ly/I3RMTd

My family has used this recipe for generations. The flaky texture makes for great decorating dough. Because it melts in your mouth, this is one your guests won't let you forget! For full recipe instructions and video go to http://bit.ly/I3RMTd.

Dark Chocolate Dipped Blood Oranges

http://bit.ly/1fFdqYY

 Brighten up the night with these delicate chocolate dipped oranges. A rich desert on a small budget. For recipe details please go to: http://bit.ly/1fFdqYY 

Add something extra to your table!
Inspired by the harvest season we thought we'd also show you a beautiful table centerpiece idea that will embellish your table with contrast and texture from what we have been provided with right outside.     

http://bit.ly/1e6JEvT

 The sound of crisp autumn leaves, the first winter freeze, the crystallized blades of grass left over from the morning frost, the seasons harmoniously changing; this is Thanksgiving to me.

What will you share this Thanksgiving?

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Summer's Most Bizarre and Delicious Cocktails

Add a little flavor to your summer!
There's nothing like a refreshing beverage on a hot day. With days reaching 100 degrees and over we wanted to share some of our favorite and most bizarre drinks.
Adam Seger of Chicago's National 27 created the Ham and Cheese cocktail. He soaks high-quality Iberico ham in cognac for two weeks, then mixes it with honey, cinnamon and lime juice, topped by a Manchego cheese tuile. If that is too savory you could tempt your palette with a Grapefruit Mojito, Bazooka Bubblegum Cocktail or even a Smore's Pudding Shot!
Why not be adventurous? It's only the beginning...

Ham and Cheese Cocktail

Grapefruit Mojito

Bazooka Bubblegum Cocktail

Smore's Pudding Shots

Blue Sparkling Star

Click on the links below the pictures for recipes on how to make these fantastic drinks. Post your favorite summer drinks and we'll post some of them on our facebook fan page. 

Happy Summer everyone!

- post by Stacey Larnerd

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Emerald Green - The It Color of the Year

Love is in the air! 

 June is the month best known for weddings, thanks 

to “Juno” a goddess of marriage.   

In ancient Rome, Juno was the goddess

 who watched over women and marriage. The month of June was named for her. It's a month for weddings and handfasting, so one could easily honor Juno at this time of the summer solstice.

photo by Easton 

The Pacific North West is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the union of two families no matter where you are from.  That is of course, if you don’t mind the weather changing from a mild rain storm with a slight breeze, to bright sunny skies in a matter of minutes.  No joke!  If you don’t believe me, ask the locals.  We are well trained to embrace the inconsistencies by “layering up” when it comes to our daily dress.  We are extremely fortunate to live in a place where we get to enjoy the four seasons.  Also, keep in mind that the rain is what keeps our surrounding area green.   

A popular trend today is getting married outdoors, especially at the beach. The romance and magic of it all can sweep you away. Oregon's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world.

photo by wedinator.com on pinterest

Another popular trend we are currently seeing is the bridal party choosing their own wedding attire. This allows flexibility in style and budget while obtaining tradition by staying within the selected color pallet. These Bridesmaid dresses above are a perfect example of how to incorporate the multiple shades and variations the vibrant emerald color has to offer. 

Sacha London Tasha $169


Emerald just happens to be this years “it” color of choice for weddings. Funny enough, in the Medieval and Renaissance era the bride wore a green dress to represent her youth, fertility and harmony. Queen Victoria was married in a white dress in 1840, which started the trend that we have been familiar with in the past century.  In reccent years however, all colors have been used in weddings from everything from the décor, to the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen ties.  The modern brides dress has traditionally been white or ivory but this year we are seeing her in a very modern emerald color.

- post by Jessica C. Hernandez

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Naya Shoes - Leaving a Softer Footprint

We're introducing you to a new eco-friendly brand we just started carrying called Naya. They take a thoughtful approach by making choices that matter. They select environmentally preferred materials, whenever possible, in designing every Naya shoe. Naya brings together relaxed, sophisticated design and exceptional comfort in shoes that leave a softer footprint on the Earth.

Naya Fausta Wedge only $139!

Their philosophy: "Naya is the expression of our commitment to beauty, comfort and the well-being of our natural environment. This commitment starts with all of us – and it starts now.
Together, we can help soften our global footprint without compromising style. Each Naya shoe starts with a distinctly feminine design enhanced with rich, vibrant colors and unique, creative details. We infuse each style with pure comfort using soft leathers, breathable leather linings and layers of premium cushioning. And because preserving our planet is important to all of us, whenever possible we choose materials that reduce environmental impact."

Naya Zephyr Sandal only $89!

When you purchase certain styles from Naya, a tree will be planted!  They've partnered with Plant-It 2020, an organization committed to the reforestation, maintenance and protection of our forests. Buy the Zephyr Sandal and Naya will plant a tree in the recent fire-damaged areas of Colorado. Now that's a purchase you can feel good about! Shop Now!

 

Plant-It 2020

Plant-It 2020 is a 501 ©(3) nonprofit foundation that performs worldwide tree-planting at $1 per tree, donates fuel-efficient cooking stoves to needy families, and provides forestry, soil, and biochar education. Their services not only help reforest the world's cities and forests - they provide direct humanitarian aid by reducing hunger, thirst, malnutrition, poverty and indoor pollution while increasing the sustainability of not only the world's forests but also its people.

Post by Stacey

Photo by Serra Angel

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Saddle Soap: Leather's Secret Weapon

Let’s shed the winter grime!

What should I use to clean and protect my leather products?

Especially in winter, it’s easy to find yourself making your favorite boots your daily wear to protect from the cold and precipitation. There are plenty of harsh things about winter that can destroy leather. Snow, cold, and salt are all leather boots’ worst enemies.

I think at times it is easy for us to forget that leather is both figuratively and literally skin. To make sure your boot stands the test of time, it’s important that you protect it.

  
Penguin Saddle Soap is the best product you can use to clean and protect your leather for the long haul. Saddle soap removes excess dirt, grime and salt stains. It also buffs out scratches and makes your leather soft and supple to the touch. 
  
 You can see here from our demonstration how the process actually works...

  Directions:
Remove excess dirt and dried mud with a stiff bush or damp cloth. Work up a lather with a clean, damp cloth and rub well into leather. Repeat if necessary. 

 
 Work the Saddle soap into the leather in a circular motion. When dry, buff with a clean, soft, dry cloth to develop lustre. Do not use on suede or nubuck.

If you feel like some areas are more heavily soiled after your first application, you can repeat in those specific areas.  

 Viola, just like new!
(Demonstration done on left boot only)

- post  and photos by Kacie Clark

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is coming up, as always, it's the perfect opportunity to make our moms feel as special as they truly are. If you happen to be short on ideas for a great gift for mom, look no further! I found cool items from Anthropologie, Target, Uncommon Goods, and other online stores that are totally mom (and budget) friendly. Check it out:

Plan a picnic for your mom and surprise her with this nifty Picnic Beverage Stake! No more worrying about setting your glass down on uneven ground. (Pottery Barn $19)

 What mom wouldn't love these Kiran Luster Loungers? Perfect for enjoying tea on the patio. (Anthropologie $68)

Look! It's a giant outdoor bowl stand thingie! It's for chips! Okay, okay, it's a Canterbury Stake Planter. Get mom a couple of sets and some flowers, and line a walkway with them! (Target 2 for $37.19)

Help mom organize her favorite lipstick colors with the Vestige Lipstick Holder. Help yourself while you're at it! To take this gift to the next level, pick out 6 colors from her favorite make-up line that you know she'll love. (Anthropologie $28)

Make your mom feel extra pretty while getting ready in this Blushed Rosebed Robe. (Anthropologie $88)

This one of a kind pendant features hand an antique watch face with a mini painting of blooming purple flowers! (Village Shoes Apoidea Projects $129)

Your mom will love this stoneware Farmers Market Basket that's perfect for serving fruits and veggies when entertaining! (Anthropologie $20)

This merino wool/cashmere blend Sweater Cape will keep your mom warm on a cool summer night. (Garnet Hill $188)

This lightweight Gauzy Cotton Blanket by Eillen Fisher is a "fabulous lite weight blanket that will be perfect when the temps of summer finally arrive. Perfect for those of us that just like to have something over us on those warm summer nights." (Garnet Hill $98-$198)

Help turn your mom's yard into a Moroccan paradise with these fun Casablanca Lanterns! The design will make for a pretty shadow play as well! (Z Gallerie $7.95-$45.95)

How pretty is this Jellyfish Necklace? "Enchanting and unexpected, this elegant recycled sterling silver jellyfish is hand cast from a tiny sea urchin shell and accented by a cluster of 23 tranquil apatite stones. Handmade in Hawaii by artist Catherine Weitzman." (Uncommon Goods $85)

Help mom eat comfortably anywhere with this cool Ooma Bowl! (Uncommon Goods $25)

Wine Pairing Towels? Mom will love knowing what works with what in a flash! Two towels- one for red wine and the other for white. (Uncommon Goods $25)

Which item do you think your mom would like? You know your mom best, so pick something out that's her style, unique, and perhaps something fun she'd never think to buy for herself. If purchasing a gift isn't an option, a pretty card works too. Oh, and of course a Village Shoes gift certificate makes an awesome gift as well.


Happy Mother's Day!

post by Amanda

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