Jump start on Christmas

I found these items at Michaels Craft Store. I had a coupon for 40% off of a single item (not on sale) since all the fall stuff WAS on sale, at good discounts, I used the coupon for this sleigh. It's really pretty and could be used for multiple things during the Holidays. The runners are curved so it rocks. Literally.

The best part is the cards, though. I'm going to use them for Christmas cards. Normally I wait until the end of the season and fight the crowds the day after Christmas to buy cards on clearance at a discount store-I pay $2.50-5.00 for 18 cards. But last year I didnt find any cute ones. So I didnt buy any. At Michaels I found these 3 "flavors" that are blank inside for $1 for 10 cards. In the store, there were also more elaborate cards with inscriptions on the inside for $15 for 18 cards. You do the math. There were other "flavors" including black/white dot, poinsetta, etc. In another part of the store there were blue and white/silver "flavors" as well if you don't want to do red and black. I plan on using up the snowflakes first and then probably the penguins, as the dots could be used throughout the year for thank you notes, thinking of you notes, party invitations, etc. I highly recommend skipping the glitter and glitz of $5-15 Christmas cards - get some dollar packs and put some additional money into something else this year. I bet your kids would love another stocking stuffer.

Speaking of that, there were "matching" magnetic list pads (others did have holiday sayings) but I got a red dot one and put it up on the fridge for a year-round shopping list ($1). There were hosts of other things as well, such as little diaries and other things that would be good stocking stuffers, that aren't candy, that might be useful or give your kids something to play with. I didnt eye these much since I dont have kids, but you might want to! I think I'll continue this tomorrow since there's a lot more I could say..

Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas, and see you tomorrow for NaBloPoMo!

Fun Monday - Update - Are there liars out there?

Okay, so this is written or intended with sarcasm, cause I'm a non-smoker. Have you ever seen the old shakespeare plays where the common people "thumbed their noses" at each other? Well this is kind of the same thing.

So tell me this, why out of all of the people that posted for Fun Monday, did we not see anyone that owns up to taking smokes with them? Is everyone a non-smoker? Or are they hiding their beasts?

I personally don't smoke, can't stand it, but I just wondered if people were hiding it cause they were embarrassed? I mean everyone commented on mountain dew, coffee, or diet coke, but no cigs. What gives? I thumb my nose at you!

Poll results-How often do you visit the Mouse House?

Thanks for voting!

I have 7 every so often visitors (58%)
4 Strictly for Fun Monday visitors (33%)
and a vote each for First Time Visitor and Several Times a day.

My guess is that my hubby is the Several Times a day. Isn't he sweet?
For the rest of you THANK YOU for being every so often visitors. For the month of November, I will be posting every day, if not more than once a day, as part of NaBloPoMo. Please stop back by every day in November and see what I have for you.

Fun Monday - Can't Leave Home Without It - and some Inspiration

Candid Karina is hosting fun Monday. This week's assignment: The items we cannot leave home without. What weighs down our purses and pockets.

I would list 6 items that I would always carry in my purse.

1. kleenex- for sad songs, weddings, funerals, and other non-sappy emergencies

2. gum- for fresh breath, boredom, or keeping onself awake

3. cell phone- for keeping in touch

4. keys- obviously

5. pill container- it's a little tupperware bowl and I used to keep it stocked with excedrin migraine. Since I gave up caffeine it has sinus pills and tylenol extra strength in it. It's such a small container and very handy

and last but not least...lately I've been keep these from this website

6. Ripples cards-they are inspirational cards with quotes on them that you hand out to people who inspire you or maybe to someone who needs your support. You can sign up at the Ripples website for a (very) brief Monday inspirational quote newsletter. Today's issue and subscription information is below:

Ripples v9.44: Walls or Windmills?

10/29/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

PEBBLE: When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kathleen H-D., Kansas City

BOULDER: It takes a lot of courageto release the familiar and seemingly secure,to embrace the new.But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,for in movement there is life, andin change there is power.-Alan Cohen, submitted by Dana A. Neillsville WI

PONDER: I chose this week's theme for a few people I know who are making some big decisions this week and for anyone else who is facing change.Halloween is upon us, so let me say it this way: If fear is attempting to TRICK you into building walls, give yourself a TREAT by pondering the magnificent possibilities that "winds of change" might be carrying your way. Perhaps a windmill may be more useful tool than a wall to harness the power of the wind.Good luck, and good skill in making your decision!Peace,Paul

SUBSCRIBE http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php

For young readers...

Please note that I ONLY listed books that I read and re-read as a kid/pre-teen/teen/adult and loved every time. Maybe you'll find a new favorite to read to your kids here too. I might add I just found out I have a young person lurking here too, so feel free to grab a title and read away! - Oh and this is not a complete list. By the way.

Madeleine L'Engle - Time Series (A Wrinkle in Time; A Wind in the Door; Many Waters; A Swiftly Tilting Planet) and others...
Walter Farley - Black Stallion series
J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter series
S.E. Hinton - The Outsiders; Tex
Wilson Rawls - Where the Red Fern Grows
Frances Hodgson Burnett - The Secret Garden
Katherine Paterson - Bridge to Terabithia
C. S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Roald Dahl - The BFG; The Witches; James and the Giant Peach
Beverly Cleary - The Mouse and the Motorcycle; Ramona and Her Mother
Judy Blume - Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; Super Fudge; The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo; Freckle Juice; Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

Other stuff I like...Adult Reading - The Old Stuff

Edgar Allan Poe
- The Premature Burial
- The Fall of the House of Usher
- The Raven

Shakespeare
- Romeo and Juliet

Chaucer
- Canturbury Tales

John Steinbeck
- Of Mice and Men
- Tortilla Flat

Margaret Atwood
- The Handmaid's Tale

George Orwell
- 1984

Anita Diamant
- The Red Tent

Things I don't like...
- The Grapes of Wrath- Steinbeck
- Richard the III - Shakespeare
- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times --never could get into it.

Poems...

This post was inspired by Katie the Pencil... thanks! I'm not a poetry nut, but every once in a while I hear something and it just pulls me in. These are a couple that have stayed with me for many years. They speak of beginnings and life moving on, and also of choices we make, and how they cause ripples in the universe.

Nothing Gold Can Stay - Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold.
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
but only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
so Eden sank to grief.
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Fun Monday - Graphic Tees

This week's Fun Monday is being hosted by WT, he wants to see some clothing art. That's tee shirts, baseball caps, hoodies, sports uniforms or any bit of clothing that you or your kids own that has interesting, funny or artistic graphics. Note: Please click on the link to WT and see the other participants! Well, this is the one graphic item I have allowed myself to wear. I think that if you're getting closer to 30 that you ought to be phasing yourself out of juniors wear. I just like the Tootsie Pop owl. There are "connotatively dirtier" ones, but I dont like those - especially since it's a "juniors" shirt (read 12-18 year olds wear these) - I dont think "how many licks" should be plastered acrost their respectively tiny chests. Eww. But I do like the "show me the candy" version, it is perfectly appropriate for halloween. And I do like me some candy...

Squirrel Pull Ups

Notice that I stuck the corn in the round part of the fence so it would stay--at least for a little while. They HAVE figured out how to run away with it. But we do have approximately a metric butt ton (that IS a real number) of corn, so if they "squirrel" it away, it's okay!

If you need this warning, I want to hurt you....

Okay, I bought these from a vending machine, keep in mind they you actually have to #1 have money, #2 be able to reach the slots to insert the money, and #3 be able to punch in the keys in order to be able to get these. I would correlate that to being able to READ. Right?

Then you see the "contains" warning on the back. For all the STUPID people in this world. Now granted, a little kid might not know any better, but if you're old enough to read the WARNING LABEL!!!! You're old enough to READ THE FRONT OF THE PACKAGE! AND KNOW WHAT IS IN IT!!! And Yes, I do realize that peanut allergies are serious. But for the love of GOD. YES THERE ARE "PEANUT INGREDIENTS" in peanuts! Did you really have to put that there, along with the words peanuts on the front AND in the ingredients? sheesh!

No more Brace Face- Isn't he cute?!?

The Brace Face....

Matthew t-Minus one hour from losing his braces for good. THREE YEARS & 2 MONTHS after getting them on. Several thousand miles on our truck later! Isn't he cute anyway! Sigh..

Mouse House Fashion Blouse

Okay, so blouse wasn't really necessary, but it rhymed. I actually had one request for some pictures so people would know what I was talking about. The previous advice was for temps trying to work their way up, but stuck in a VERY casual workplace.. read the other post here or keep reading for more. Key points highlighted below:

1. Dress appropriately for your venue, age bracket, and season/time of day.

2. Having some suits to mix in with your jeans and other items is very helpful.

3. Unless you're a size 2 and can wear anything, separates are the key.

4. Don't be afraid of color.

5. Keep your trendy splurges for accessories and don't build your wardrobe around them, or you'll end up building a whole new one next year. And t shirts with a few exceptions are for workouts, dog washing, or painting the house only.

All set? Okay! I'll try and show pictures of major pieces that you could add
to a wardrobe that would help you mix and match. First up: Trouser jeans.
Duh, they look like dress pants at first but they are jeans. So you can skate by at work, OR you can snazz up your weekend or after work look and kick the other soccer moms a$$e$. Next: we all know what polo shirts are, but I would only recommend them for temps or if you truly work at a hardware store, have a company that makes you wear them, etc. The fabric isn't all that feminine and who wants to look like a guy (unless you are one, or want to be one-no judgement here)... Now. as for shirts with embellishment. Go with your gut here. Look at yourself in the mirror. Grab a suit jacket from the rack or a denim jacket. Or both. and see how it looks. The mauve one has a little tie in the front and has a pattern to it. The gold one may be a bit too much but it's another example of how to class up your wardrobe. Put it under a black jacket and a skirt and you're all set. The glory of a lot of this is that you can wear it over and over again because you can amass a set of staples to wear them with. The third one is just an example of a different kind of detail. Same goes with sleeved, short sleeved, and camisoles. Lace, a few sequins, wont hurt a thing.

You can't go wrong with a denim pencil skirt either.
Especially in a dark color. And for the skirts, something with more than one color can help. That way you can wear it lots of different ways. Notice below, blue and black and tan and brown.

How about jackets, you say. Well I'm having trouble finding something that says military specifically. I did find a men's jacket. So just picture it a little less square. The style and buttons and etc. are all the same. The velvet one would only work for fall and winter, of course, but the idea there is color. And shape. See, she has a waist! Even if you're chubby like me, you can have one too!

Anyway, the idea is that you can update your shirts (see above) and get rid of those old tshirts you throw on to go out the door. Grab a denim jacket and some cargo pants and you're set. A lot of stores even have a shop online version of "mix and match" that allows you to shop by a whole outfit. Which might help. So what do you think? Granted, all of the items above don't match, but you know what YOU already have in your closet. Do you have a navy blue suit? Use the jacket, the gold top and the black and blue skirt above. Use a white lace trimmed camisole, the teal velvet jacket and the denim pencil skirt or trouser pants. That's 2 options. use a brown suit jacket, the brown and orange skirt above, and a cream colored shirt that has a few sequins. Pair the same jacket and shirt with the cargo pants. And the trouser jeans. Use the velvet jacket with your black dress pants and a black sequined tank for a dinner out. See? Easy. Any other questions, let me know. I'm happy to sit and look at clothes to help you out!

150 posts...

Whoohoo I've got 150 posts now! I umm never really thought I'd get there. I hope you've had fun reading. I was hoping to figure out something spectacular to do when I reached a milestone but nothing really reaches out and grabs me. If you're a fairly new reader, or you came to me through Fun Monday and you don't post a lot, stop lurking and say "hey". I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, within reason, post a poll at your say-so, or what have you. Thanks for stopping by, and I'm going to go try and post a few things for Jenni regarding mouse house fashion. Cheers everybody!

Guess what we saw in the middle of town this weekend..

If you can guess... I'll add you to my blogroll... UPDATE-- Well, it WAS turkeys. We saw them 2 different places, actually. That was weird. Anyway, yes there were turkeys in town, and I wanted to track them down and get them to eat them. Or at least maybe take a peek at some of their long tail feathers. Such pretty feathers, even if the birds themselves are kind of ugly!

Na Na Na Why don't U get a Job?

I'm free! Woohoo! Although I have a sneaking suspicion that if there's even a hint they need someone else, I'll be called back to work there. They really seemed to like me. I think it's because I made everything simple, because, well, why make stuff harder than it needs to be? But I feel like I did a good job and I got 2 offers for a reference, so umm. Yes! Woohoo! Now do I get another job, or clean my house.. ? Hmm. for today, my house needs cleaning! But I'm glad to be back in the world of the bloggers for now...

Poll results--Sometimes I secretly....

4 of you hide in the bathroom to get some me time away from your family, and one of you picks your nose. Well, I say at some point in time EVERYBODY picks their nose, even if they dont admit it. Not everything magically falls out onto a kleenex, no matter how hard you blow, you know what I mean? Just wanted to see what kind of people are out there reading.... Thanks for voting!

National Blog Posting Month

November is National blog posting month. All you do to join is post every day in November. I'm going to try! Update: So I signed up by typing into google, and I guess I found it. It's sponsored by something called Ning. Anyway, I posted a comment on my wall over there (cause I probably wont go back to that site) that I'd just be posting here instead of there. Maybe I'm just confused, but needless to say I will be trying to post here throughout the month of November!

Fun Monday--Team "S"

Janet from The Planet of Janet, wants to know...Describe your meeting with your spouse/significant other. I especially want to hear "meet cute" stories. And it doesn't have to be your actual current sig/other. Perhaps the "meet cute" story is a former boy/girlfriend... or even a best friend. Illustrate with photos, of course. So go check out the other participants when you're done being disgusted by my sickly sweet story.

My hubby and I met in high school. Well, I would say we officially met in high school, even though we went to the same grade school too. We had PE class together. We did the kind of but not really dating thing that 14 year olds do. Then he moved to another school. I graduated and went to college. He went into the military. When we were both older and wiser, we started chatting online. I started it. We still have the e-mail to prove it. So I got what I wanted, I guess. :-) I e-mailed a mutual friend and asked if "MS" on his e-mail forwarding list was the same guy we went to school with, knowing full well that it had to be. Having thought he had a good sense of humor, and had an elfin cuteness, I started it! We emailed and chatted every once in a while after that. We met up once in Dec. of 98 when he was home on leave in between his schooling for the military. We had a mutual interest and hung out for a couple of minutes. More chatting and email ensued. It was all very half-flirty, half cool interest. What are you doing. How's class, etc. At one point, he flat out said he wanted to see me in August when he was on leave again. I took it as a silly thing, just hang out. True to his word, HE CALLED ME! I couldn't believe it. We went on our first date. To see "sixth sense"--I don't like scary movies. I put my hand on his leg and squeezed when I was scared-which was a lot. To my surprise, we both enjoyed that. A couple of days later he called and we watched "inspector gadget 2"--if not for the one dad and kid in the theater, we probably would have made out in the movie theater. Instead, he took me out to the lake dock and we looked at the water, talked, etc. When we were walking back to the car, he stopped me and kissed me. I was kind of surprised. I was ready for the second. That was much nicer. We sat in his car and talked ravenously until 5 a.m. No kidding. Really talked. and a (very little) more. My parents said they'd wished I'd waited another hour to come home. The coffee would have woken them up instead of me. Later that week we went to a bigger town to try and find a part for his dad's mower. Just an excuse to hang out, again. On the way back, we stopped at this stand of evergreen trees and just talked about the past, the future. He tearfully said he'd never wanted anyone else (oh he's going to be so mad at me) --that was so special. I still smile inside when I see those trees. We have been heart-fully together ever since. Distance, oh yes, distance and work and school have separated us. But we have always come back together in the end. He's my first and only lover. Times are crazy, they have been hard, they've also been good. We're the kind that might be frustrated, but we sit and make a plan. "We get through it, we always do" is said very often around here-he says the first part--I say the second. We make a great team.

Don't Apologize...

I know that people in general are afraid if they whine too much that they'll turn people off of their blogs. The truth of the matter is, that if we didnt whine, not only would we explode, but we'd be boring bloggers too! So, PLEASE! If you blog a little whinily, (not a word) then Don't Apologize! Blog it, get through it, and get on with it. Cause you bloggers out there are WAY too awesome to spend half your posts apologizing for being human. Last I checked, only humans could use the internet...that we know of...

Poll results--Shoes Shoes Shoes

Out of 6 votes,

17% have less than 5 pair of shoes.
33% have 5 to 15 pair of shoes.
50% have 15 to 30 pair of shoes.

DANG! I really wasn't sure if even ONE had 15 to 30 pair of shoes, and there's THREE of you out there!?!

I'm jealous ;-)

Blog Bling #2

I got another award!!!! I make Shibby Shabby smile :-) (-:

Here's what the creator of this award has to say about passing it on: The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell, and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Please grab your badge and wear it(with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you. So, now it is my turn to pass it on.


Okay, I dont know ten that I havent given a different (nicey award) to. Cause I like sharing the wealth.. So... like SS did, I will provide 5:

1. KT - a longtime friend, we share a common past, so its easy to take courage from her accomplishments.
2. Kerith -an Iowa blogger go midwest! she's a new read for me and I feel closer to the blogging community!
3. Blue Momma - another new read--she tells it like it is! And I like that!
4. Chris B -From across the pond. I gravitated to her for her interesting topics & chance to live vicariously.
5. Jilt - She is an awesome mom-tastic blogger with her Monster Spray (TM) - I envy!

Fun Monday- Do Do Do Lookin' out my back door

Pamela at The Dust Will Wait wants us to follow the rules! Here they are: I want to see what you see on any given morning this week; from somewhere very near where you live. Front porch, back porch, down the street, around the corner. Just makes sure it's your neighborhood. Post a photo that will send me to the travel agent to book a weekend at your local Bed & Breakfast.

So maybe it's not b&b worthy, but here goes: the view from my back door! The corn cob (bunnies and squirrels are so happy we have this)...

My pretty flowers...2 of the 3.. the third one finally started blooming last week. Orange!
And my pretty feeder, note the downed trees behind it, the squirrels like to play tag up and down the branches to the ground...And last but not least, my hubby. He just got done saying "Don't you Dare!" And I got him. He's inside my back door, but I love him anyway!

Fashion advice from the Mouse House

Okay, I know it sounds odd, since when do any mice wear clothes, unless they are famous...
but hey, I found this question via monster.com's temp area so I answered it. The question is in blue, and the response I made it in black, below it.

Hello. I have a question about dress code for temps. I have had great success working with temp agencies and have always been able to advance within the company I have worked for, including going permanent both times. With the help of a temp service recently I took a position that offers great promise and advancement. Every company I have worked for has always been a blue collar, suit atmosphere. This position is the exact opposite. In the department I work for it is not uncommon to see shorts, flip flops, short skirts and jeans...completely casual setting. Knowing that if I ever want to advance and get hired permanently shorts and flip flops are out of the question. However formal, suits are out as well. Can anyone give me some advice on how to dress for success in a casual department without looking out of place? Thanks.

You are right in saying that you'll never get advanced if you look and dress like everyone else. The key here is to dress how you feel is APPROPRIATE. If you're not down on the floor getting dirty, you dont need to wear "icky" or unprofessional clothes. This is written assuming you are female.
The good news is, you can still stand out while looking appropriate and using your old wardrobe too! A few new pieces will round out your wardrobe and keep your look up to date as well. I recommend finding separates that will match your suits. Short sleeve or long sleeve blouses with embellishment, yes a few polos for Fridays, and a nice pair of "trouser jeans"--Levi's sells them. Or just a nice, dark wash wide legged jean with no holes or frays. Find footwear you find appropriate and comfortable. If you have skirts, you can wear them with trendy jackets (JC Penney, Target, and even Wal-Mart sell them). The key term is SEPARATES. For instance: Your suit jacket with cargo pants in a neutral color/khakis and a bright colored camisole. A military style jacket with your dress pants and a silk-esque blouse. Suit jacket with lacy camisole or short sleeved shirt, trouser jeans and heels. Since you already have I'm assuming several suits, it shouldnt take many additions to your wardrobe (which you could also wear on your days off/weekends) to jazz up and play down your wardrobe. Try and pick colors or patterns that would go with several suits that you already onw(shirts or skirts with blue and black or brown and tan in them, for example). I would stay away from investing in too many tshirts, but jackets, trouser jeans or cargos/khakis and lace trimmed tops, camisoles, etc. are good pieces on which to invest. And, they'll do double duty, still allow you to wear your suits, and give you weekend looks besides. Maybe some of those tshirt wearers will look up to you!

Fun Monday-Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Robin is hosting Fun Monday this week, so please drop on by, sign up with her, and join in the fun! She wants us to: Shoes tell a lot about a person and we wanna delve deeply into your sole/soul. Photograph your favorite pair--or pairs--of shoes and tell us a little about why they're near and dear to your toes/heart (I can't wait to see how Swampy ties this in to Breast Cancer Awareness!). Follow in Jenny's footsteps and make a foot-family portrait...show us your baby bronzed booties...let us see the shoes YOU HAD TO HAVE (but have never worn)...or all those grotesquely dyed-to-match formerly white satin bridemaid's shoes that were worn ONCE...the reinforced steel-toe boots that saved your big toe from being hacked off in that industrial "accident"...or, just take pictures of your nekkid feet--gnarly bunions, twin toes, or perfectly OPI-pedicured tootsies.

Well, I guess I'll take the plunge. Here are my feet. Yes, they are short/small. I KNOW. Okay. Enough comments about them in elevators (ever notice all you do in an elevator is look at the floor, and people's feet?) Sorry for the bad polish. I need to redo it. Something you might or might not be able to tell is that I have a left foot size 5 WIDE and a right foot size 5 1/2 WIDE. My feet are also "tall" at the toes. So even if I get wide shoes (which do not usually start in US shoes until size 7), the shoes are too "short" from insole to top of shoe, for my feet. This really comes back to light, because I just went and tried on at least 2 dozen pairs of shoes. I thought I had ones that I could order (6 wide) in black, navy, and brown. They would be PERFECT! Except that you can't order them in anything smaller than 7W, but the stores could get them in 6.5 wide. WHAT?!? Yeah, so I got some from a different store that are a little too tight (6W) on my right foot, but fit my left fine. There are other shoes I could have worn, but you couldnt get them the right dimensions... If you check out my big toes, I've had 3 of the 4 sides of them operated on. I had extreme ingrown nails for more than a decade. Last year, I got all but one side fixed. It involved twice daily foot soaking and going through 2 boxes of bandaids for a month, and lots of limping, BUT! I can WALK! Again! Unfortunately, the last side that's not been done is acting up. And our insurance is not as good. Eck. I wonder if I can hold out until we have different insurance? Basically, they numbed me (worst part) with about 3 shots, then cut down the side, scraped, etc. I had 2-two week checkups for each time and was given a clean bill of health. Oh, did I mention the megadoses of antibiotics? Luckily I got smart and asked for a "yeast killing" pill with the last 2. No horrible side-effect infection! Yes! More than you wanted to know? Sorry :-(

Okay, so now that you know the full story on my feet, here's some shoes. I just purged a lot of my shoes, so I dont have a lot to show. They were too small and never fit, it was just in desperation to wear something for a special event. So here's the pared down compilation the 2 pair of shoes I wear for dress, the rest are tennis shoes and flip flops: