A Mother's Balancing Act

We Gonna' Pump You Up!

 

My good friend (who has not yet chosen her moniker, so we'll call her "Simply C" for now, but trust me, you are going to love her when she starts writing here soon) found these fabulous examples of the latest trends in practical footwear for today's fashion forward gal whose feet are -- ahem -- on the larger side. My own feet are not small - size 10. My daughter's are size 13 to 14 -- yes, really. So, shopping is extremely challenging. Read on for "Simply C's" findings!

I am on the search for mid heel height slingback pump. And this is the shoe that reminded me of all the lovely options out there in size 12 M.  Simply perfect for those summer days on the yacht, don’t you agree?  Ahoy!

And now, bring in the Mary Janes…

  John Fluevog Women's Zaza Mary Jane Pump

Originally $238.95, but on sale for $171.95… and only one pair of size 12 M left in stock. If there was any way the Lakers could make the Championships this year, in this shoe, wouldn’t I be just *the* fan? I believe the word is “zaza”. 

Funtasma by Pleaser  Maryjane Pump – 50G

Don’t let the 50G fool you. They’re only $32.95… and that’s full price! Finally, a sensible platform heel that you can comfortably wear and walk all over town. And then, when you’re ready to call it a day, you may be able to click your heels three times and “there’s no place like home” yourself back to the comforts of your own abode. If that is possible, I’d consider this shoe in every color. Right now, I’ll have to settle for sparkly cotton candy in 12. Actually, for the “Pleaser” brand, this is an awfully tame, mind you, still ugly, shoe.

 

I just have no words. And they’re $98.69 on Amazon.com.  If that’s not torture, it must be “Black Swan” on training wheels.

 

Simply C, you are just too funny! Now, which ones for work today??? Decisions, decisions... ;-)

Balanced Babe (Molly Wendland)

Coasting @ Costco

OK, seriously...what is it with folks these days? I was shopping at Costco this afternoon, and I was absolutely blown away by the number of grouchy pantsed people in there...geezy Pete!

I'd be strolling down the aisle, and all of the sudden, there'd be someone reeling around the corner, acting as if they owned the entire store. Really! No apology. No "excuse me". Zero, zip, nada. Just a steely glance. "Pardon me," I stammer as I struggle to get out of their way. No response. Zero, zip, nada. Just that steely eyed stare.

I proceed about my business. I stop at an endcap and accept the sample of Brookside Dark Chocolate Acai with Blueberry candies (OMG! Amazing...!). Now, the ADA is probably going to come after me for this comment, but I have to say it. Just because you drive a "Jazzy" electric cart does not entitle you to basically bully everyone out of your way. Those of us on foot have rights, too. Don't get me wrong. I will happily get out of the way just as quickly as I can, but on a Friday afternoon, those aisles at Costco can get pretty congested. So, your terse "Excuse me" and subsequent nudging forward closer and closer to me until I have to step to the other side of my cart, nearly falling over, to avoid you running over my feet? Not cool, Jazzy Driver. Not cool at all!

I start back down the aisle, when who do I encounter but my new friend "zero, zip, nada," buzzing past me once again with her steely stare, as if I have really ticked her off by taking up my 18 inches on the right side of the aisle. I stop at the end of the aisle again to peruse the beautiful flowers (have you seen the gorgeous orange sunflowers Costco has? Stunning!). As I'm standing there trying to decide which ones to purchase for the party we're hosting tomorrow evening, I realize that "Jazzy's wife has appeared on the scene, and they are both blocking the center aisle with the Jazzy and a regular cart, having left the regular cart right in the middle of the aisle while they sample some food. Another customer is trying to pass through but can't, so I gently nudge "Jazzy's" wife's cart out of the way for her, just in time for "zero, zip, nada" to whip around the corner and ace the lady out of the hole I have created for her. The woman's jaw drops as "zero, zip, nada" weasels her way through with her icy stare.

"Yeah, there's a lot of grumpy pants in here today, aren't there?" She smiles in agreement.

Just then, "zero, zip, nada" turns on her heel and replies, "You're telling me!"

Ha! Just goes to show you, it all depends on where you're standing!

Balanced Babe (Molly Wendland)

Note to Readers: The link above for the chocolates is to Amazon, but I buy the same chocolates from Costco for $9.79! Sorry, Amazon! Readers, you'll have to buy the chocolates in person at Costco, though, as they do not sell them online!