10am Wake up Call

I rolled out of bed this morning at 10am due to a loud knocking on my front door. When I opened it I looked almost exactly like this heel. The man that greeted me stated, "sorry, did I wake you?" To which I embarassingly replied, "yes." How could I forget the bug man was due this morning.

He had the job done within 5 minutes and even managed to get rid of the lovely wasp hive in the corner above my front door. I haven't yet seen one gnat, drain fly, or whatever you call it since so I applaude you Mr. Exterminator for a job well done.

Oh yes and before he left he commented on one of my projects saying, "that looks like fun making it and drinking it." Yes you guessed it was on my cork board project. This project is dear to me because it is the first ongoing project I started when I first moved to Arizona. Ongoing? Well yes, you see half way through I ran into a minor problem... I ran out of corks! So now everytime we buy groceries we buy a bottle of vino. Yes people of the world for once my art has made me drink.

If your thinking, hey I have some corks lying around that I don't need then I think it is time you contacted me or if you are thinking where can I get those heels the answer lies here T.U.K. Women's A7835L Pump ♥

Sew Whatever

There just isnt enough time for crafts and the events going on in your life. I just reminded myself as I was redoing our dry erase board calendar that our family camping trip is coming up. Your thinking how fun no pressure... WRONG!

This year my mother decided we should showcase a talent show/ entertainment segment. So now it was time to think but like everyone when you think of ideas your mind starts to wander off and your eyes become hypnotized by these heels. then it hits you like these heels a simple purr-fect idea.

Well since I do not like to be paraded around in front of a crowd the best act to do would be a puppet show. And yes you guessed it the puppets are going to be cats. Let me introduce you to the first character...

To make this little guy I actually found a puppet activity kit at Target for $2.48. However, the puppets were made of white fabric so being the little designer I am decided the kits was only good for a template so I traced the pattern on a more suitable fabric. I then cut out the ears, nose and eyes from a pink vinyl fabic I also had and used white yarn for the whiskers. Talk about a stylish little puppet. And I know it is not as purr-fect at it should be but I need to make 3 more and did I tell you the camping trip is next weekend. I know time to get the yarn ball rolling.

If you have any questions on how to make your own puppet then ask away and be sure to get your purr-fect heels here J.Renee Women's Kiana Peep-Toe Pump ♥

Blood and Thread

The day started off as a typical morning. That is until I started making breakfast and stumbled this bloody heel was thrown at me.

And as scary or horror prone this heel may seem not to worry as the blood was just from my stepdaughter. She had a nose bleed from picking her nose and the dry atmosphere of the gloroius state of Arizona didn't help either. Kids I know but what can you do but smile.

After the fiasco of the day I continued on with the carnival planning. Since the day started with my stepdaughter I remember this lovely birthday tutu I stumbled across quiet some time ago as inspiration for her birthday outfit. Which I found on Esty unfortunately it is still currently sold out.

So I opted to create my own based on the inspiration. The piece de la resistance was created with an Old Navy Silver Toule Skirt (which came out last winter), some neon pom pom balls and ribbon from the corporate giant Walmart. I am pretty statisfied with the end results, however, I am still puzzling over if I should add the Happy Birthday sign and ribbon as in the inspiration.



The Inspiration



The Final Outcome

Well let me know what you think and please be advised since the skirt is silver so capturing it on film did not do it justice thus the photo opt. If you are in need of those bloody heels you can buy them Funtasma by Pleaser Women's Bloody-12 Pump ♥

The Carnival is coming to Town

In the mix of creativity uncontrollably spilling out of my head I stumbled across this colorful heel. And then it hit me in the face like a pie to a clown. My two, always adorable yet mischievous, stepchildren are turning 3 and 6 this year and what better way to celebrate than with a carnival themed birthday party.

So the alphabet must come to a hault, tear I know, but I have get my act together because the carnival is coming to town. I roughly have two months to plan the Greatest Show on Earth featuring the death defying act of a double birthday. And with all great acts the audience needs to be notified of the event so invitations were first on my list. Although I have to admit I put the invites on the backburner for the time being because who doesn't like to start their day off with some good ole fashioned fun.

Step right up, Step right up, because Carnie is my name and Ball Toss is the game. First of all I would like to thank the inventor of Mod Podge for this one. This diy project was simple and requires only 3 items (Mod Podge, a can and paper) and 3 steps.

Step 1: Choose your can. I opted for a beverage can because I think they have more balance for the type of project I did, but you can also use a canned food can. Plus if you are using a specific image or pattern it will come out smoother with a canned food can than a beverage can.

Step 2: Choose your image. I used newspaper for mine specifically the comics since they have such vibrant colors and stickers for the names but you can use pretty much anything including fabric just remember to think outside of the box.

Step 3: Mod Podge your hearts away. First I applied Mod Podge directly to the can then applied my image and finished it off with a coat of Mod Podge Gloss. Here are the ending results, however, be sure to click the image to enlarge and get a full view.


My <insert title here> thought they came out awesome and doesn't want to use them for the game, but rather save them. My answer was hunny I paid nothing for them so let the kids have fun and throw their hearts out after all it is a carnival of fun and love.

For your very own carnival feet you can get your heels here  T.U.K. Women's A7926L Pump ♥

Its all in the Finishing Touch

This bowtastic heel would be nothing without the finishing touches of the aged metal pattern and the stone encrusted spiked bow and neither would my current diy cardboard letters project (see Monday's blog for further details).

And for those of you who are tapping your finger around the word "finishing touch," dictionary.com defines it as a final detail or action completing and enhancing a piece of work. Or as I like to say the creme de la creme of a piece of work.

Which is exactly the word that defines my finished diy cardboard letters... drum roll please, because here they are:

As you can see for my finishing touch I used both paper and paint which was very practical with the curves of the letters. I think they came out simply fabulous thus the artsy fartsy photo opp.

Now that the a, b, c of the alphabet is complete I need to get the ball rolling on the other 23 letters. I will be posting a complete tutorial on the next letter "d" for you devoted readers until then you can get your finishing touch heels here Naughty Monkey Women's Mish Mash Ankle-Strap Pump ♥

The alphabet is a stylish little number

This lovely heel reminds me of the letters A as in ankle strap, B as in bow, and C as in color. Truth be told I am not trying to reteach you the alphabet or make you think of the Jackson 5 song I am merely trying to emphasis on them. Point be taken this heel also reminds me of the currently project I have bestowed upon myself. You know the one I have saying you will get a glimpse of. Well here it is but please note this is only the start and not near close to the finish...

I am planning to do the whole alphabet and hang them around the shared room of my darling stepchildren. I came across this idea when I was trying to rearrange their room (for more on that see the Monday June 13th blog entry). I simply love this idea as it it a learning tool for the children and no cost to me yet just labor of love. For you dedicated readers here is the How To:

• First I freehanded the letters onto cardboard (you can also print out letters from the computer and trace them onto cardboard if this is easier for you).
• Then I cut out the letter and traced another copy of it onto cardboard (you will need 2 cardboard letters for the front and back).
• Next I cut 2" strips of cardboard and bend them.
• Then comes the tricky part, follow the edge of the letter with the 2" cardboard and secure with tape.

• Once edges are complete place the back on and repeat taping (you may need to alter/cut the letter to properly fit in the back of the letter).

You now have a free standing cardboard letter and are left to determine how to proceed with them. As you can "C" my next step was to paper mache the letters for more strength. The recipe I used for the paper mache paste was 1 cup flour, 2 cups water and 2 tsp of salt. And that is where my alphabet stands and I am left to ponder should I finish them with paint, fabric, or decorative paper. Oh the choices.

If you have any questions on the A, B, C's on this project feel free to ask me. In the mean time you can get the spotted heels here Naughty Monkey Women's Mish Mash Ankle-Strap Pump ♥

The Mad Scientist in me

Based on my mad ideas from yesterday's ingenious room fiasco, I stumbled across this perfect little heel to get my ideas flowing. It reminded me of a stylish lab coat wearer heel thus the mad scientist notation.

However, since I am short on supplies for the "invention" I can't begin so I am left to ponder and obsess about it. Then in walks the greatest man who ever lived with the supplies and my heart starts to grow a bit. Oh wait that is just the feeling of love. The supplies is cardboard and I get to start on the project now.

If I am complete with part of it tonight I will be sure to show you a glimpse tomorrow. In the mean time you can get your mad scientist heels here FLY London Women's Imp Perforated Pump ♥

Just another Creative Monday

Nothing goes swell with this heel like a bit of creativity. So that is exactly what's in store with me today especially since I have extra time with the kids being at their mom's this week. So dust off that brain and let's begin...

First on hand was the hanging of the uber fantastic chinese lantern that my <insert title here> bought me on Saturday. The place that called to me was the corner above the kitchen counter/bar and as I stare at it from the couch it makes me smile. Perfection.

Next was the kid's room which decoratively has not been touched since we moved in and nothing screams kid's room than beige walls. I sat in there for hours thinking of ways to rearrange it and decorative without paint. Then I spent a couple more hours moving the beds around (which is the only furniture in the room) only to place them exactly where they were before. The obstacles I face is a window that faces a busy street so I do not necessarily want my stepchildren sleeping underneath and a closet on the same wall as the window. Not to mention the shape on the room which is square with one corner shaped as an octagon whee the door is. Perhaps this space planning dillema is due to the incomplete Interior Design degree  I left behind for the move to Arizona.

I did, however, stumble across an idea when I was sitting in the room and gazed upon my stepdaughter's abc bedspread. I just need to find a starting point and hopefully the idea will come to life within the next couple of days and don't let the suspense kill you because you loyal readers will be the first to see what my mind is contemplating.

Like always you too can be creative and get the fabulous heels here Vivienne Westwood by Melissa Women's Anglomania Lady Dragon V Pump ♥

Sundaes and Candy Land

Today was one of those relaxing days that you simply can't get enough of and time seems to escape you quickly.

My definition of relaxing includes this happy heel here and endless rounds of Candy Land. Yes Candy Land, you remember that game right? Well today we held a championship of it and to my astonishment the winner was my five year old stepson (mind you it was his first time playing). The one time I came close to winning I picked up a candy cane card which sent me back to start. The luck I have sometimes.

I did gain ideas out of playing the game, like this game would be a good birthday party theme. After all what kid doesn't like candy?

Well this love note is a short one but be sure to catch your candy here J.Renee Women's Alison Pump ♥

Let's go to the Yard Sale

This beauty reminds me of the two great finds I found today. The first find was an old fashioned popcorn maker for $10 that will be implemented in the Carnival themed birthday I am planning for my two stepchildren in August. The second find was a delicate Chinese Lantern that will serve as an amazing focal point in the apartment, which is great since we can't paint the walls.

Oh how I love yard, rummage, garage, and any other sale where you can find treasures. It is like I am a land pirate in search of my great treasures. But will I kill for them? Maybe. The other plus is it is a form of recycling which is great for the environment and everybody else.

So keep up with your searches for the perfect find and be sure to be bold and look outside the mall because you never know what you will find. Oh yes and for the heel treasure, your search is over because you can purchase them here Glitter Dorsay Style Peep Toe Pump ♥

Worn out Friday

Thank goodness for the invention of the kitten heel and this stylish little thing. The fabulous part of this heel is it fits perfect with the casual friday work outfit. Oh I miss those days. If I was there today I would sport these with skinny jeans, a black top, a red cropped sweater, pearls and a leopard belt for extra flair.

However since I joined the not as common as in the 50's housewife crew I am now sporting v-necks and shorts minus the flair, but not the pearls. Like the change in wardrobe I also lost  some of my much needed sleep. Today I am surviving on four hours thus the title "worn out Friday." And it is not my fault, well not all of it at least. Sure I did not need to stay up til one a.m. searching and surfing the web for amusing things such as carnival birthday invitations, yard sales, and the addicting game of Zombie Lane. But I wasn't aware I would be awaken by my stepdaughter at two a.m. and at six a.m. Well at least this isn't a every night schedule.

For fashion and relaxation, get your very own kitten heels here Butter Women's Cass 30 Peep-Toe Kitten Heel Pump ♥

I'm a Slave

This beauty is a heel most women would not want to be strapped to. I, on the other hand, have no choice but to wear this heel with admiration since my heart is connected to it and I simply can't live without it.

I always knew the circumstances with being with my <insert title here> and I have even encouraged him to put his kids before "a stupid girl" (my exact words). I know, I know, but you need to see where I am coming from. I have had an absent father in my life and my very own stepfather (which did not work out) so I try my best to put his children's feeling before my own due to the flashbacks of my  own memories. Unfortunately, they do not have the same interest for my feelings. And I know they are only five and two years old but I thought after three years I would be more than just a so called "slave" to them.

Sound a bit dramatic? Well it is hard being a stepmom. It is as if you have to work twice as hard than the birth parents for the kids to accept you and once they do they can tear you apart with their words. Now the saying sticks and stones may break your bones but words can only hurt you comes to mind. For a girl the words part is worst than the bones part. I just hope all my efforts won't go unrecognized and we can have at least one day without a "well my mommie says", "oh yeah well I'm going to my mom's", and the best one "your not my parent".

Enough of the ranting... you can get the heels here Pleaser Women's Vanity-434 Pump ♥

Eat your hearts out

There are times when we determine what we will be wearing in the morning based on whatever mood we may be in. Like wearing flip flops when were relaxed or putting on a pair of heels to feel sexy . Good thing heels come in all shapes and sizes like all moods. This brings us to the acquired taste heel.

This heel may not be attractive to all us gals but the wearer may never know if they never try it on. Plus I think Cinderella taught us to always try shoes on. Too bad my stepdaughter doesn't follow her advise and tends to be one of those girls not willing to try everything but then again she is 2 years old and very visual.

After this mornings wake up call, like all kids, my stepchildren are hungry within 5 minutes. To change up than the usual pre breakfast cereal I made banana nut oatmeal. Like these heels, my stepdaughter took one look at it and said her famous words of, "I don't like it." On the other hand, my stepson ate all his and tried his best to encourage her to try it and once she didn't take the bait he volunteered to eat hers too. Like I said an acquired taste.

You can get your acquired taste heels here Iron Fist Zombie Stomper Platforms ♥

Taking on a new Role

Let me introduce to you the foot in the door heel which is a must have for any dame who doesn't want to come up empty handed with her change.

Through its practicality this heel helped me get my own "foot in the door" with the brand new label of stepmother being plastered on my forehead (which I wear with pride).

In the beginning of my relationship with my <insert title here> I was more like the fun aunt to my two adorable yet mischievous stepchildren. That all changed when we moved from California to Arizona to be part of their daily lives and shape their futures.

Prior to the move I had this fairytale image of my life in Arizona with my new pre-fabricated family. It even had us engaging in monthly dinners with their birth mother all while exchanging humorous laughs together. Boy did I have another thing coming. Two months later all "hellos" and "how you doings" with their BM were ended. Talk about perfect timing as my transition into a stay at home stepmom role began flourishing and I had no one to turn to for advise (thus the blog). My change has now become robotic to my biweekly life of waking up at 6:30am with my 5 year old stepson and 2 year old stepdaughter, cooking just about every two hours for them because they have an appetite like their father, and doing just about every other joy that comes with being a mother. Truth be told I would have to thank my sisters for having kids and teaching me some of the ins and outs with little boys and girls.

Need to get your foot in the door with something? Well you are in lucky because you can get your Fred foot in the door here and did I mention it also comes in black ♥

California to Arizona

Meet the change to Arizona heel. I know it may look gorgeous but walk a mile in these heels and you will soon learn this change in heels was a hard one. It meant quitting my daily dose of family, struting down the hallways of unemployment, and saying goodbye to a diposable income.

But with all fabulous heels you remember there are shoe repair stores to mend those broken heels. So when you slip them on you gain the confidence to march into Arizona, with your heart leading the way, and this change in heels starts to feel more comfortable. It means conquering the daily task of being a stay at home stepmom, marching into new crowds, and living like you are wearing flats. Changing in heels can be fabulous even if you may trip in those stilettos.

If you decide to take a fall, your trip is done because you can find your very own Change in Heels here Pleaser Women's Teeze-27 Platform Pump ♥