These Boots were Made for Style'in!

I really want these Puma boots!!! Who knew Puma made boots? They aren't high fashion, dress boots by any means; but are a really stylish, comfy looking, casual pair of boots with a European/edgy/sporty twist. The only problem is that since I'm almost 6' tall and have muscular, athletic legs, I don't think they will fit me in the calve/boot shaft area.

I thought since these were such a sporty boot by a company that makes "sneaker" type shoes that they might have a more "athletic" opening. I'm putting out an APB or a BOLO (sorry, too much CSI and Criminal Minds) for shoes like these with a leg diameter of 16.5 to 17.5. Please help! If you've seen any, please turn them in to Cute Little Finds right away (clf@insightbb.com)!

I have some really cute little Puma tennis shoes (although they are simply a style tennis shoe...no good for performance). I recommend them to anyone looking for a "dressy" tennis shoe to kick up a sports outfit or casual jeans and a "T".

I (and my feet) are counting on you friends!

UPDATE: I took a chance and ordered these boots because I noticed the measurements given were based on an 8.5 size shoe. I wear a 10, so figured they had to be at least a bit bigger in the leg. I'm so glad I took the chance. THEY FIT! They're a little snug at the very top of the zipper, but will stretch for sure. I've tried them with skinny jeans and leggings. They are so cool. My husband has even made several comments about how cool they are:) I highly recommend this boot! And, of course, Zappos is a girls best friend for shoes - and more!

Return from Paradise

Well, I'm sure you could guess that I was on vacation. I used my new iPhone to do a mini post, but I'm still learning how to use the darn thing, so I couldn't do a lot. I'm also still so new at blogging that I'm not completely sure of all the features of blogspot. Bare with me as I continue to learn:)

We went to our family's place on the beach in the south Florida Keys. One day I will do a little "Insiders Guide" to the middle/southern Keys in case anyone should take a trip there. We have become quite the experts over the years, especially in the restaurant department:) Can't say enough great things about the Keys. Truly our island paradise...home away from home!

How cute are these?

Colored M & M's

Orange

White

Aqua

I'm going to mix these up and put them in little white bowls for people to snack on throughout the night at the baby shower. So fun...can't wait! I bought mine at Party City, but you can also go directly to the source and buy from M&M. You can even make custom M & M's with sayings and pictures on them. So cute!

Paradise

Clear blue sky - check
Warm golden sun - check
White sandy beaches - check
Turquoise water - check
Cold drink - check
Fresh fish - check
Hubby/bff - check
Beautiful home away from home - check
BLESSED LIFE - Che- Eck!

Designer Gift Wrap - Heidi: Creating Thoughtful Beauty

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE giving beautifully wrapped or packaged gifts. I adore beautiful papers, whimsical papers, modern papers, creative usage of items you wouldn't think would be used for wrapping... I'm always looking for a way to use something that will make people smile or go, "Huh, I never would've thought of that."

It's so special to give a gift that is creatively wrapped. I think it makes people feel good; like you really put time and thought into making them happy. Often times people say, "I don't want to open this or mess it up." I appreciate that, but I also can't wait to see them tear into it to find their little surprise.

Now, if you're not into wrapping, that's OK. I really do believe the old saying, "It's the thought that counts most!" But, if you're looking for an easy (and fun) way to spruce up a package, check out these designer wrapping papers and stationary from Heidi.

Heidi offers designer papers, stationary and ribbons - and at pretty reasonable prices. If you find something you like and it's a little too high for you, just wait...she offers awesome sales too! Take a look at what just arrived at my doorstep...

I'm going to give these notes, wrapped in an aqua ribbon with a cute pin tucked in for one of the "door prizes" at the shower. (Oh yea, and I got a box for myself too:)

Yum...I'm addicted to these colors!

I can't wait to use the combo of the three below to wrap some special Christmas gifts for some special people:)

She even threw in some holiday gift tags that will coordinate really well with these papers.

Visit Heidi and get lost in all of the beautiful designs!

Art Deco Party Food Picks - Talisman Designs

Take a look at these super stylish, disposable food picks by Talisman Designs. I've been eyeing these for months and finally ordered them this week. Got them yesterday and they are darling! I was excited to see that the orange/rust colored picks are really more orange in person. I'm going to use the orange and blue skewers to make caprese salad skewers (similar to this), although there are a ton of things you could do with them...load them with cheese, let guests use them to pick up food (like below), string with fruit or olives to float in drinks...

These are going to look so special on this white, Food Network serving plate on top of aqua linens. I purchased them on Amazon - but I think I bought the last one. I also found them here.

Check out some of the other colors they offer below.

Better Bit Of Butter Cookies - Custom Cookies for Baby Shower

While browsing the Amy Atlas Events website one day, I read about Better Bit of Butter cookies. To say I fell in love is an understatement. Take a look at the divine cookie masterpieces below (and admit it, you're in love too!) They are cookies and art pieces wrapped into one. Just have to have them for the upcoming shower.

I immediately contacted BBB and within a day or less, Christine Mehling herself contacted me back. I asked if she did custom work...and of course, she does! We've been in touch several times to talk about what I'm looking for and she even asked me to send over samples for design inspiration.

I thought this would be a perfect addition to my food/dessert/special goodie table - something sweet (who doesn't love cookies?), something easy to pick up and something that will make the table look high designed. While I haven't tasted them yet, I've read so many great things about the taste. And, Amy wouldn't recommend them if they weren't the cream of the crop!

Christine is working on two custom designs for me now - can't wait to see! I probably won't unveil these one of a kind delights until after the shower - want them to be a super special surprise. I'm getting the Mini BBB's like below, but she also does full size cookies.

Thanks for the tip Amy Atlas!

Cambria Cove - Mini Ceramic Candle by Voluspa

First, I just love the website/store Cambria Cove. It's filled with so many little delights and is just my kind of online store to browse. I love the unique gift ideas, home goods, jewelry...I can get lost on here. It's a "must-visit".

I was shopping here the other day and came accross these darling Voluspa candles.

If you've never smelled Voluspa's candles or oils - they are heavenly. You can find the most unique, long lasting scents and thier packaging is out of this world. Getting (or giving) a Voluspa candle is such a treat...feels like a real special, luxury gift.

I couldn't believe when I saw the sale price for these candles. Granted, they are pretty small, but the quality and the packaging alone makes them worth more than that. I think the regular price of around $15.00 is really fair for what you get. I got the blue - Pagoda and the yellow - Lemon Lily. The Pagoda smells so good...a tiny bit of fruit, a little bit of nature and a little bit of musk. It's the perfect blend. I haven't smelled the Lemon Lily because they come sealed so the lids don't come off and I don't want to break another seal. I know it smells great though - have never smelled a Voluspa that didn't smell good.

Run to your computer and scoop some of these up - if they are still available. I got about 6 and wish I would've bought 20. Such a great thing to have around the house when you need a cute little gift for someone special.

Enjoy!