Happy Holidays from Village Shoes

From our family at Village Shoes to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy holidays!

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Going Home: Tips to Survive the Trip

  The holiday season is just around the corner and many of us will be hopping aboard planes or getting behind the wheel to visit with our families and friends.

Whereas spending the holidays with the people you love is a blessing, actually getting there can be a pain. We've pulled together some of our favorite tips to make your trip a little more enjoyable.

What to bring:

• Wear comfortable clothing while traveling—but don't limit yourself to sweats! Leggings with a tunic and boots, a cozy maxi dress, or a simple tee and jeans are all comfy without compromising on style.
• Having a unique bag can make it easier to locate at baggage claim, and easier to find in a dark cluttered car.
• Bring items that are multi-functional and can be easily mixed and matched.
• Keep important items (like cash, tickets, credit cards, passports etc.) in a smaller bag in your suitcase or purse so they can be easily accessed.
• Wear a scarf on the plane or in the car. You can use it as a pillow or a small blanket during the trip, and it’s a versatile and warm accessory to jazz up your outfits while you're there!
• You only need two or three pairs of shoes for most trips. A comfy casual for travel and walking, something a little more formal, and an tennis shoe (for those morning runs you promise you'll take).

  

We had so much fun putting together these travel sets. Here we have a bag by Leaders in Leader to hold all your carry on needs, a pouch by Will to keep necessary items ready for easy access, Viscose and Cashmere tights by B.ella to keep you warm and beautiful two tone metal earrings for a versatile accessory while on your trop. For shoes, we picked the Kool by Boss & Co-- a super comfy waterproof boot with a hidden side zip so you can get them off easily for security. For the more formal shoe we chose the Maple by Chocolat Blu--this beautiful italian leather shoe can be dressed up or down, and the stacked leather chunky heel makes it more comfortable than you would expect.

We couldn't leave out the guys! We chose an army green weekender by Jessilyn Blake with plenty of space and extra pockets. She makes a matching pouch that is great for holding tickets, sunglasses, and other important items. The Adora hat makes for a great versatile accessory and can help keep you warm if you're headed home to snow. For shoes, we picked the Frye James Lug Chukka. Sophisticated in appearance but hardworking underneath, the rubber lug sole makes them comfy and adds traction. Put some waterproofing spray on them and you're ready for anything. If you need to go to a more formal party, opt for the J-Shoe's Men's Charlie. The brogue detail makes it formal, and the textured leather makes it cool.

How to pack it:

• Roll your clothes rather than folding them. They'll take up less space in your suitcase so you can save room for any goodies you’re bringing home.
• Keep all spill-able/liquid items sealed in plastic baggies in case of leakage. Bring a few extras for accidents or new items.
•  Use a pill container or straws and buttons to keep your jewelry from tangling.
• Pop a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh
• Wrap your shoes in shower caps (which you can buy at the dollar store) to prevent them from getting your clothes dirty
• Wrap small fragile items in rolled socks.

Flight Tips

• Take an empty water bottle that you can fill once through security
• If you’re traveling with a friend or significant other, bring a headphone splitter. In-flight movies are more fun when watched together.
• If you don’t have a travel size or sampler of your favorite cosmetics, store a small amount in a contact case. 
• Avoiding alcohol, getting some exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help you combat jet lag.
• When waiting in the security lines, chose the line with the fewest children and the most business men, it'll go faster.

Pit-stop!

• Pack nutritional snacks. It’s easy to end up at McDonalds when you’re tired and it’s late. 
• Get the wifi password to most cafés by checking the comments section of Foursquare
• Have meals frozen and ready for when you get home. You won't feel like cooking after traveling all day.

What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

Safe and happy travels, 

Jessie

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Unique Holiday Cookie Recipes

Plan on baking treats to gift to friends and family this month? It might be time to set aside your famous chocolate chip cookie recipe and give one of these unusual recipes a go...


Black Pepper and Balsamic Cookies

"Eat them with fresh strawberries for a perfect blend of flavors."

 Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

"It's the addition of ground chile that lends it its name -- and moves it into the adult cookie jar."

 Italian Polenta Cookies

"Use imported polenta, which is available in most Italian markets and specialty-food stores."

 Rosemary and Pignoli Cookies

"The cookie dough can be made and formed into logs ahead of time and frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator when ready to bake."

Savory Parmesan Shortbread Rounds

"Serving suggestion: with pre-dinner drinks or on a salami platter."

Jalapeno Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

"When you first bite into these, you won't taste the jalapeño, but after a few more bites and after you finish swallowing, you'll feel some heat linger around. It's a pretty neat feeling and taste."

 Dark Chocolate Avocado Cookies (gluten and dairy free!)

"Now if you just can’t stand the idea of chocolate cookies tasting like avocado, don’t worry! You can’t taste it."

 Lemon Cilantro Cookies

"There’s a lot of cilantro in them, but it doesn’t really over power the cookies, it’s very subtle."

 Rosemary Lime Cookies (vegan, gluten & dairy free)

"The rosemary and lime in this cookie are wonderful together. Lime takes center stage and rosemary is just a subtle accent."

Curry Coriander Shorties

"The most intriguing and delicious recipe for cookies I've seen in ages!"

Pretty interesting, right? I'm dying to try some of the more savory recipes like the Parmesan Shortbread Rounds and the Lemon Cilantro cookies. What cookie recipes do you have in your arsenal that never fail to wow?



post by Amanda

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Holiday Gift Ideas for a Manly Man

I came across a website a while ago called Uncrate.com that prides itself on providing info about ‘The Best Gear for Guys.’ This website is AWESOME! It features outdoor gear, technology, style tips, grooming products, and pretty much anything else you can think of. They even provide you with a link that directs you to a site where you can purchase the item.

I mean, a Wave Cave?! Some of this stuff I doubt I’d ever come across in real life (or on the internet) if it weren’t for this site. I also love the furniture they post. What man doesn’t want an Aviator Chair to sit on while sipping on some Woodford Reserve?

One of my favorite things that I discovered through Uncrate is Moonshine: A Gentleman’s Cologne. Having “a woodsy aroma with hints of spice: including notes of black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin, and patchouli,” this cologne seems like the perfect gift for any man. To be honest, who doesn’t want their man smelling like a very relaxed James Bond while vacationing at his cabin?

Now ladies, on Twitter, I asked one of the founders, Charlie Holderness, if he has heard of any women wearing his cologne, and he responded, “Yes, we’ve actually had several women buy it for themselves. It’s a very subtle scent, not too overpowering, but it smells fantastic.” If Moonshine sounds like something you’d want to wear, GO FOR IT…I think I just might.

So, seriously, if you’re on the hunt for a cool, unique gift for any man in your life, definitely check out Uncrate.com for loads of inspiration. If anything, the website is fun to browse through when you’re bored.

UPDATE: I forgot to acknowledge the fellas that read our blog! If you guys are looking for gift ideas for the ladies in your life, just stop by Village Shoes. Chances are, she already has the next pair of shoes she wants picked out.

photo courtesy of uncrate.com

post by Amanda

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