Village Find: A Diva Divided

"Which one to choose? Crystals or pearls? Why not wear both? This piece is almost in two distinct sections that merge to create a beautiful whole.

One half is Swarovski crystal rivolis and round crystals, surrounded by seed beads, the other side is dyed crazy lace agate cabochons, seed beads and multiple strands of freshwater pearls, and 14 kt. gold-filled beads, terminating in a gold cone and handcrafted clasp, both 14 kt. gold-filled. This connects to the "crystal side".

The crystal/seed bead side is bead embroidered backed with ultrasuede.

A Diva Divided measures 14"/35.5cm around the inner neck. Back to front is 9.75"/24.5cm and side to side measures 7"/18cm. "

Find it from Bellabeadjeweled at esty.com

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Fall Recipe #2 - Zucchini Bread

Another easy recipe that is purely divine is an all time favorite of mine is Zucchini Bread.

I made this bread the other night and the intoxicating smell wafting through the house was amazing. Justin, my partner looked at me funny when he saw me grating zucchini to put in the bread, but an hour later when the warm bread from the oven

was melting in his mouth

and his eyes were rolling in the back of his head

he understood completely. It's the best sweet bread!

Recipe # 2 - Zucchini Bread

by Stacey Larnerd

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 cup Canola Oil (or Applesauce for less calories)

3 tsp vanilla

1 cup nuts (pecan or walnut)

2 cups grated zucchini (leave peel on for color)

Put ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat together. Split the batter into two bread loaf pans and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Let cool for half an hour then slice and enjoy!

If you whip this up some night - tell me what you think!

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Pleasure and Meaning: Joan Hornig Jewelry

At this time of the year, we are reminded of the importance of giving back. We are encouraged to be thankful for the things we have and to share our good fortune. I recently discovered an article about a jewelry designer named Joan Hornig that really drove this message home.

"In 2003, Joan developed a way to encourage others to join her in support of educational and other philanthropic initiatives. Her model of giving 100% of the profits on each piece of jewelry sold to the purchaser's charity of choice challenges women to use beauty and fashion in a new way.

Those choosing to purchase Joan Hornig designs are meant to derive pleasure not only from the jewelry, but also from the meaning of giving back. All profits from each item are donated to charity. Purchasers are able to direct the donation to a charity of their choice."

Not only is her jewelry exquisite and stunning, it's something you can feel good about splurging on. "Make a statement, make a difference." This is her motto. What an empowering message and way to be. Thank you Joan for setting a beautiful example.

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Holiday Wrapping - Simple and Affordable

One day I was shopping at Michael's which is always dangerous for me. Aisles and aisles of endless possibilties just staring me in the face. I'm not a scrap-book junkie but I love beautiful paper and I found a gorgeous book of paper I couldn't refuse.

Once I had this thousand sheets home with me I had no idea what to do with it. My first creative project was making fancy hand made business cards for an artist friend of mine. She loved them. My second endeavor was handmade gift tags which came out fantastic. Then I realized that scrapbook paper is an excellent gift wrap especially for those in-between seasons when Christmas or Birthday paper simply doesn't fit the occasion.

So if you're looking for a way to make Holiday Gift wrapping simple and affordable, try using scrap-book paper, old comic newsprint, plain brown paper with stickers... anything really. The possibilities are endless. It's a great way to be creative, which I believe helps to reduce stress this time of year.

-Post by Stacey

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Staff Favorites- Fall Recipes- Pumpkin Cake

We decided not everything in life revolves around your shoes... although we do love fabulous shoes! We'd like to take this time to get to know you and let you know those of us here at Village Shoes. As the daylight gets shorter and it begins to get colder outside we'll warm you up with some of our favorite recipes as well as other interesting and delicious tid-bits of information we think you'd love to know.

Recipe #1: Pumpkin Cake

by Stacey Larnerd

3 cup flour

2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 cup pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)

1 cup Canola oil

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Mix all together and pour into bread loaf pans or a decorative bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 70 minutes if cooking in a bundt pan and check at 60 minutes if using bread loaf pans. The cake is done when you stick a knife or skewer in and it comes out clean.

For an extra special touch you can serve this with whip cream! Yum

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This was one of my favorite recipes my mom used to make when I was a kid. The chocolate chips make it extra delicious. This is a great recipe to make with kids because it's easy.

Hope you enjoy it!

Send us some of your favorite recipes. We'd love to know what you're cooking up this season.

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Sexy and Tough: Frye Harness Boots in Red

Be tough and sexy in this motorcycle boot from Frye! With the definitive O-ring, straps and studs, Frye's classic Harness Boot holds a treasured spot in American culture. The timeless design features stunning burnt red leather uppers, cushioned shock-absorbing memory insoles, a pitched heel with rubber heel lift, durable Goodyear welt construction, and Neoprene oil resistant sole. Antique brass hardware. Made in the USA.

Only $218 at village-shoes.com

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Have an Eco-Friendly Halloween...

Halloween evokes images of ghosts, goblins, and witches. The smell of fall leaves and the brisk night air on your face. Eco- shopping is on the tip of everyone's lips these days. How about a green Halloween this year? Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Make your own costume from recycled material
• Trick or Treat with a Chico Bag, then use it for grocery shopping
  
• Give out trinkets instead of candy

For more information visit Green Halloween

Photo by Ashland Food Coop
located at 237 N First St. Ashland, OR 97520

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It's Snowing In Ashland Today!

It snowed in the mountains today in Ashland while the rain poured down in town. The dark grey sky was eerie and set a beautiful backdrop for the colorful trees all around. Halloween is just around the corner... are you ready? Maybe not.

Never fear... Village Shoes is here. Whether you need tights, socks, legwarmers or god forbid: Boots... we are standing by to help you with all your wardrobe needs. Stop by the store or shop online and please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Your Friend's at Village Shoes :)

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Two Trees for Donivee!

"Two Trees for Donivee" is a custom pair of art shoes illustrated by pen and ink artist Halle Riddlebarger for a wonderful Village Shoes customer from Arcadia, California. Drawn in black india ink on a white leather pump, this pair features trees reaching up from the base of the heel and the branches wrapping down around onto the toe.





Want your own art shoes? The artist can draw on any light colored, smooth leather shoe. Contact the artist at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

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Village Find: Giddyspinster

Check out this Clear Succulent Planter made from an exotic dancer's recycled platform stiletto! Recycling at it's best.

This is a size six repurposed stiletto heel. It used to belong to an exotic dancer friend of mine (thanks Jamison!) I removed the top of the shoe, sanded it, drilled holes for drainage, and then planted it with a purple-tinged succulent (an echeveria hybrid) with a tiny thorn at the tip of each "petal".

The succulent plant will need very bright light and just a little water from time to time. In return, it'll repay you with a stark reminder of how hard it is to...well, to be a woman.

$50 at etsy.com

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Bestey Johnson For Fall Has Arrived!

Accessories for fall are huge this year! A must have on every girls shopping list this season are Button Ups. A silky soft cable knit legwarmer with a classic xox BETSEY signature on adorable heart shaped buttons.
Shop Now !$38

Who can resist this sexy cotton blend knee high sock? The Peek A Boo is flirtatiously delicious with it's open front detail going all the way up your leg. 75% Cotton, 20% Nylon and 5% Spandex.
Shop Now! $15

Every girl needs a fun pair of argyle Over The Knee socks. In two fabulous color schemes, these cotton blend beauties will surely become one of your favorite fall accessories.
Embroidered with xox Betsey signature on cuff.
Shop Now! $20

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All Women and Men Should See This!

I posted this video on my personal facebook page this morning, and I thought it was so powerful and necessary that I should post it here as well. This is for all of the women who never feel beautiful enough and the men who don't understand. It's not real! Let's start to recognize this truth.

-Post by Stacey

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The Magic Of The Season!

Come by and see our Halloween window this season. We're bringing you the magic of the season with a re-creation of Diagon Ally
from the Harry Potter series.
Our first installation: Ollivanders Wand shop!

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We Have Something Special Up Our Sleeves!

The Village Shoes Crew is preparing our best
Halloween window yet!

Can you guess what it's going to be ?

Stay tuned for more clues...

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Punk Rock Girls Unite!

If you're a punk rock girl then the Black Hole by Volatile is for you! Metallic bluish purple upper with full lace-up and double buckle details on shaft. Full inside zipper for easy on and off. Chunky lug rubber outsole. All man made materials. Only $49 at village-shoes.com

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Custom Art Fluevogs!

As if John Fluevog shoes aren't unique enough, these beauties are genuinely a one-of-a-kind Fluevog! From Fluevog's Mini family, meet the Lily Darling in ivory, illustrated in pen and ink by Village Shoes' own Halle Riddlebarger. This one-of-a-kind pair was drawn for a lovely lady from South Lake Tahoe, California.


Have a pair of old light-colored leather shoes just hanging out in the back of your closet? Give them new life with a little ink embellishment! Contact the artist at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

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Last Days Of Summer - Enjoy 10% Off Sale!

"Tonight I raise a glass to the last days of Summer. Fall has suddenly appeared. There is a familiar crispness to the air. Those hot summer nights seem to have disappeared and the need for snuggling up beneath a blanket has begun.

As the season takes hold I begin to want to cook soups and bake amazing food in the kitchen. I'll stay in my pajamas all Sunday morning curled up with a good book, great coffee in hand and a sense of peace in my heart. It's the simple things in life that matter most.

Soon the trees will turn color and the smell of pumpkins, vanilla and cinnamon will waft through the air. The smoke of fireplaces warming living rooms and the delicate dance of falling leaves will begin to romance us.

Winter is coming, but not yet. There is still time for campfires with friend's and late summer swims. Evening walks beneath the moonlight and warm afternoons. I fall in love, all over again with life this time of year."

by Stacey Larnerd

Enjoy 10% Off Store Wide All Week Long at Village Shoes! We're prepping for our semi-annual Sidewalk Sale Sept. 11th, 12th and 13th and a Last Days Of Summer Sale is just what the doctor ordered. Get here early while sizes last! (Sale is In-Store only.)

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Employee Pick of the Week: Nannette

The employee pick of the week is John Fluevog's Nannette! The Nannette is a tall equestrian boot from Fluevog's Adrian family. Stylish three buckle detail and nine eyelet laces adjust for a secure fit around the foot. Full zipper up the back of the calf for easy on and off. Gorgeous brown leather uppers and full leather lining. Tunite soles bear the message "A thankful person is a happy person." Made in Portugal. Only $319 at village-shoes.com!

Wondering what to wear with this beauty? You can always hide boots under jeans, but you can also show 'em off with a skirt or dress. Check out the Village Shoes girls, Jen and Halle, modeling the Nannette below.

-Post by Halle

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Trees and Birds - Custom Art Shoes

An old Chinese Proverb reads: "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come." Put these one-of-a-kind art shoes on your feet and you'll have both trees and birds!

Trees and Birds is another unbelievable pair by Pen-and-ink artist Halle Riddlebarger who proves that a little ink goes a long way. Beautifully hand drawn in India Ink on a smooth white leather pump by a local Ashland artist, each pair is one of a kind.

Size 7 only $259 at village-shoes.com

See a design you love, but not in your size? Other sizes may still be available! Already have a light-colored leather pair of shoes you'd like customized? Contact the artist by email at halle@village-shoes.com !

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First Friday With Lawrence Goines!

Village Shoes is pleased to announce
an evening with Lawrence Goines.

Join Us On Friday September 4th 5-8pm

Art Exhibit September 4th - September 30th, 2009.

Artist Reception September 4th 2009 5-8pm

Please come view my photographs presented for the first Friday art walk, Sepember 4th 5-8pm, at Village Shoes 369 E. Main St. Ashland. The show will be presented through the month of September 2009
- Lawrence Goines

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