Happy Thanksgiving

Although we believe in practicing gratefulness year round, Thanksgiving is a time of year in which we can really stop to appreciate all of the people and things in our lives that bring us joy. We believe its a time of self-reflection--it means something a little different for everyone.

At Village Shoes, we took a moment to reflect on this joyous season, and we thought we'd share a few thoughts with all of you.

Stacey: "This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the ability to spend time with family. I am also grateful for all the lessons this year has brought me and my ability to grow and always keep pushing forward."

Liz: "Thanksgiving is a time to surround yourself with those you love, stuff your face, and revel in the tradition and gratitude".

Jessie: "It's easy to get caught up in the daily complaining cycle, so during Thanksgiving I like to take a moment with my friends and family to say out loud what we're all thankful for. This year I think I'm going to say opportunities".

Have a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving everyone.

Love,

The Village Shoes Team

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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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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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