Happy New Year! Like most people, at the beginning of a new year, I am spurred into taking personal inventory and looking at things that I want to improve. Of course, typically, my list includes getting in better shape. I tend to get lazy right around Thanksgiving because I know I’m going to feast through the end of the years. Regardless of how often my waist size fluctuates, I can always depend on my shoe size remaining the same. What better way to work off my holiday gorge fest than to put on my pedometer and go shoe shopping. During a 3 hour shopping trip with 4-inch heels, I can burn up to 400 calories. Then, Ill’ burn an additional 100 while shopping for shoes on the net. While I’m trying out my new fitness routine, over the next 7 weeks, I will share the best eco styles that I find to help you get a leg up on slimming down your look.

Knee High Boots are not only great during colder months, they work well to elongate the legs are create a sexy profile with most outfits. Whether you have full or thin calves, you can’t go wrong with Knee High Boots. Don’t despair if your calves are too big or small for a pair a boots you’re in love with. Find a good shoe cobbler and they can work wonders by expanding or decreasing the calf width of your boots.  Knee High boots look great with short or long skirts. Skinny jeans look hot snugly inside a pair like the rugged Sandy Black pair pictured above.  Here are some of my favs this season.

Furry but animal friendly from the shoe designers with big hearts. Cri de Coeur Wendy boots will definitely keep the wind out.

These Wellies are just to fun. When the snow is all slushy, you can make a fashionable splash in these Earth Elite Rubber boots.

To kick it up a notch, I’m adding these Kaila Thigh High Boots because they are just too sexy and their Vegan!

Next week I’ll share some cute ankle boots.

More Shoes,

~Ar

Over the years as fashion trends come and go, sometimes we forget what was en-vogue, what was out and why some things are even considered fashionable at all. Eight years ago today, terrorist attacks claimed the lives of close to 3,000 people in the New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. The total of the lives stemming from the war or terror that ensued has yet to be totaled. Therefore, it seems only fitting to join the thousands of others to take time to honor and reflect 9-11, one of the most universally life-altering events in American history.

When I recall the events of that tragic day, what struck me in 2001 and continues to this day is the fearlessness of the human spirit. I watched the continuing loop of television footage that showed selfless individuals that courageously ran in to burning buildings as others were running out. It was hard for me not to feel compassion for the strangers depicted embracing and comforting each others in the mist of ash, smoke and debris. Also touching, how in the aftermath of the event, so many of us across the world have been affected—not all of the victims were Americans. The loss of a loved one, regardless of soil of origin is something that is bonds the hearts of all.

9-11 changed the way we travel, changed the way we look at others and changed the way we look at individual freedom, both in the US and abroad. We now live with new meaning associated with the colors, Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Red. New phrases like Axis of Evil, Taliban, Patriot Act and others were introduced that heighten our level of fear and trust. Even with all of those changes, I cling to HOPE. I saw Hope in the eyes of those seeking to rescue loved ones, Hope in the eyes of those taking the oath to defend and fight terrorism, Hope that our world leaders will make appropriate changes so that we will never again suffer at the hands of evil intended individuals. I Hope that the lives of the innocent victims will forever be honored. I also Hope that as I go about my daily life, should I ever receive an abrupt call from Mis-Fortune on behalf of others that I will stand up and embrace humanity and never forget….

~Ar

My sassy friends at Ideal Bite are offering some great eco friendly sandal suggestions from Simple Shoes, Vegan Essentials, and Celery Street Their suggestions are not only eco, but oooh so fun and affordable!

I love Ideal Bite because they offer simple and useful information for living a more eco friendly and green lifestyle. Please check out their suggestions as well as many other eco-related info at Ideal Bite.