Monday, July 1, 2013

Winter Shoes, A Summer Dress .......... and A Stupid Week

The best thing that's happened all week was a great pair of shoes on sale for exactly the price I wanted to pay for them. Otherwise, it's been one of those weeks when I've tripped over stuff, missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, dealt with internet trolls, gained weight instead of lost, and discovered that I'd run out of milk for my coffee immediately before I realized we were also out of coffee.

One makes tea and goes on.

So, back to the shoes. JCP has been selling off last season's display models, and they usually use size 6.5 for display. My size! I bought this pair of cap-toe pumps in black and pewter, took them home and put them in the closet to wait for fall.

Sometimes, though, you just can't wait to wear something new, and lately I've noted some women I admire wearing suede and wintry-looking shoes with their summery ensembles. ( Beverly at her blog Beverly Like Hills, did it really well HERE ... second outfit, in a combination I particularly admire with these adorable shoes.)  Seeing the first glimmer of inspiration of the week, I called off my self-pity party and put together some summer-winter combinations. 



And ...




Finally, and in keeping with the rest of my week ...


Take the picture.
Take the picture!
No ... WAIT ...
Oh, crap.

Lessons learned: you can wear wintry elements with summery elements if you want to, and a stupid week can get lots better with new shoes on sale.




Linking up with Patti, The Lady Who Wears the Pants at Visible Monday !  Be sure to stop by and see what everyone else has done with their week.





77 comments:

  1. Oooh, fabulous shoes, and you are so smart to not-wait to wear them. LOL about the milk-and-coffee thing, been there and I cry a little when it happens. You look fabulous as always and thanks for linking up! xoxoxo

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    1. So nice, Patti. It has been a mean week already, but it's getting better by the minute. Sometimes it better to give up and drink tea.
      Have a grand week, kiddo! I intend to.
      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  2. Great shoes and an awesome deal! yes, new shoes can make things seem better!

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    1. Oh yes, they really did. I don't even worry about having too many shoes anymore. They're important!
      Hope you're having a wonderful week.

      Delete
  3. Sweetheart, lots of us had a "stupid week". I'm now chalking it up to cosmic debris. Next week (yes, I said next week) will be better!
    You and I are the same shoe size - who knew? ;-)
    You look beautiful! I love your fan, your dress, your shoes, but most of all YOU!

    Alicia

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    1. Mmmmm .... yup. I'm guessing it's the Mercury Retrograde. I don't pay much attention to astrology, but I won't sign a contract, begin an important project or miss double-checking important to-do lists when Mercury is dinking around out there.
      Yup .. 6.5 ... all the best women are.
      Thank your for the kind comments and encouragement. You have a fabulous week too, our Alicia.

      Delete
  4. I think that your new shoes look great with your summery combos...why wait? I just bought a pair of sandals that I've been eyeing until they went on sale (online - don't have 'em yet) and that's it for this month - NO MORE SHOES!!! (One has to start small, no?)

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    1. I've decided on a moratorium on platform shoes ... does that count? Best thing going is to get what you want at the right price. Not the same as buying something just because it's on sale. That I try not to do any more. My huz is bad about that!
      Thanks for stopping by ... stay safe out there!

      Delete
  5. For a rough week, you are looking great. Both outfits have a visual pop and those shoes are keepers!

    blue hue wonderland

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    1. Thanks, Ann ... I've decided this is a hard time to dress for me, especially if I know pictures need to be taken. I'm not a summer girl ... I look and feel better in winter clothing. The good thing about that is that if I just wait long enough, TA-DA! It's winter!
      Have a great week, and I so appreciate you dropping by.

      Delete
  6. I can't get over those shoes!!! Stopping by to say hi. I'm co-hosting THE Collective Social Blog Hop this week. If you want to grow your blog and/or meet new friends please stop by at http://mamainheels.com/2013/06/30/the-collective-social-blog-hop-co-hosting/

    xo,
    Janise
    http://MamaInHeels.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Janise. Will do when time permits. Looks like lots of good women there!

      Delete
  7. Beautiful shoes. Beautiful you! I think the shoes look gorgeous, and I'd probably not only be wearing them out, but also tripsing around the house with my jammies on, wearing them too. I have been known to lie in bed right before nighty-time gazing down at my new shoes. Sad, but true.

    So glad you posted your wind-blown photo. It's really quite fun and playful, even if unintentional.

    Sue xo

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ahem. I've been known to put new shoes on my nightstand ... cause I tried them on just before I turned out the light. There is a pair there now. Sue ... I hope not a lot of folks read my comments here. We both look a little strange, but at least I'm in good company.
      Serious biz.

      Thank you for the sweet comments, and I feel much better now.
      Haaaaaaaaaaa!
      Hope you enjoyed Canada Day!

      Delete
  8. Okay, the glam quotient just went through the roof with this post!! Those shoes are killer, and especially on you!! Those would look amazing with just about anything, in my opinion. The dresses are gorgeous (very chic 'n sexy) and would look really nice with lots of different shoes, right? But you've hit the ball straight out of the park here. I think I need some EXACTLY like that.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hey, Jean! You're so sweet ... I appreciate your kind comments. I'm glad you like them. I'm sure they'll serve me well, especially this fall.
      You're a peach to be so supportive, and no one does glam like you do.
      Have a great week ... looking forward to your next bit of genius!

      Delete
  9. Loving those dangerous sexy shoes. I can see why you wanted to wear them asap.

    I hope this week turns into a "finding cash in a in an old jacket pocket, being there when they open an new lane at the grocery store, finding your favourite ice cream is actually low low fat" kind of week for you. You deserve it : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Now that's the kind of week I need! Thanks, Suzanne, for your always nice remarks and good wishes. So happy you stopped by!

      Delete
  10. EVERYthing gets better with shoes on sale!!! Sorry you're having one of those weeks, but the upside is ... there is an upside and it's called next week, right??
    And the last picture is my favorite by far. I love natural-looking photos and would do anything to have them - my daughter says I look like a deer in the headlights as soon as she pulls out the camera, haha.
    Hang in there! xo, ~Kim

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oww. The last one? Really? Well, there we are.
      Seriously, thanks for the supportive comments. Things always get better. (Or they don't!)
      Already better because of everyone's kind comments, so I'm good.
      Glad you guys stopped by!

      Delete
  11. Great lesson to live by. Besides, I think a new pair of shoes pretty much fixes any problem (at least for an hour or so). Maybe that's the reason I have such a collection, because they are cheaper than medicine and or counseling, haha.
    And, yes with the silver tips, those shoes are good to go all 4 seasons, but then you just showed us how wonderful they look with summer attire.
    Hope your week gets a whole lot better.

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    1. Actually ... the new shoes really do just put everything else in perspective. Instant cheering up, then seeing things in just a bit different light.
      Already better, Trina ... with nice words from people like you!

      Delete
  12. Both outfits are great! Do you really wear heels that high? I'd last about five minutes in those. They look so fabulous!

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  13. Great heels! And both outfits are great! The dress goes so well with them. Hope you have a better week!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Alice ... things are looking up. Not really so awful, just a lot of annoyances. Glad you liked my outfits ... fun to play with different ideas.
      Have a great week, yourself, and I'm so glad you stopped by.

      Delete
  14. Hi, dear Jan!
    You look beautiful in both of these outfits. I especially love that dress. It has pockets?! Wonderful. Amazing shoes also.
    Size 6.5 shoe? You are just a tiny little lady. And those slacks are super slimming too, btw.

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    1. Yes, pockets! This dress photographs less well that it might ... glad you like it. Extra happy you like the skinnies ... good to know!
      Thanks for dropping by, Lisa. Always happy to when you stop by, so come back often.

      Delete
  15. Love the shoes!! And you got them on sale, too?? That turns a bad week into a good week. You look fabulous so the week's woes haven't taken a toll on your beauty :) I did feel your pain reading about the lack of milk. My mornings don't go well here if that happens. Must have milk in my tea!
    Heather from Friendship, Life and Style

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    1. These things happen. But it's better if they don't happen in a few days. So sweet, your comments. Really happy with my shoes and that I got to wear them when I wanted to. Gives you the illusion of control over your world. HAAAAAAAA.
      Have a great week, Heather. Thank you for your nice comments and for dropping in ... always welcome here, kiddo.

      Delete
  16. You...are just beautiful. Love your shoes (I'm wondering...is it too late to hit Penney's? because that's my shoe size too). And you have my fantasy hair and a very photogenic smile. My daughter will have fan envy.

    Condolences for the bad week (internet trolls? Yikes... there should be, to balance that, three internet billy goats gruff).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Lynaea! Such a nice thing to say ... you'll give me a big head. Don't know if your JCP cleans out their seasonal stuff the way ours does, but it's ongoing, it seems, at least until the new seasonal stuff is all in. Worth a look ... this is the 4th pair I've gotten under $15, some under $8.
      And the bad week is over, I think. The trolls are silenced and I feel better.
      Have a great week and come back soon!

      Delete
  17. I see even the wind was giving you a hard time this week. Oh my! Well, the shoes are great. Especially that heel! New shoes can turn any event around! And you prove that even a winter shoe can be "summarized." Glad you didn't have to wait to wear them.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Taking the stilettos by the heel, so to speak. Better week, the wind has settled down, and I've had fun playing with the rules. Glad you like the pumps, and I'm so happy you stopped in for a visit.
      You have a grand week!

      Delete
  18. When the weather is not hot I too can wear this kind of shoes with a summer dress. Why not if they look great together as in this outfit of yours? Beautiful dress, elegant shoes. Love your second look, too: the pants really suit you and the top has such interesting print.

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    1. Thank you, Olga! Glad you liked my ideas. And I'm very happy you stopped by ... please come again, anytime.

      Delete
  19. You look very Spanish to me, more even with your lovely fan.
    Gorgeous top and dress.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

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    1. Coming from Our Sacramento, that's a HUGE compliment. Me gusta mucho, Sacramento. Usted es muy amable. Muchas gracias!

      Delete
  20. What a pretty pair, only my feet no longer allow me to wear pointy shoes, but these are pretty gorgeous. Capped toes shoes are just so elegant! The print on your dress is rather stunning-all for prints!
    FF

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    1. Cap toes remind me of you, as does the vaguely-animal print. So glad you like it! Thanks for all, and hope you come back soon!

      Delete
  21. This post made me laugh! You still look adorable--regardless! xoxo

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    1. I aim to entertain! Thanks for the kind compliment, Paula. You know you're always welcome here. So come back soon!

      Delete
  22. Awesome shoes Jan! Love that you were able to wear them right away - both the dress and the pants look great with them (Love the top too - isn't that the Prabal Garung from Target?). I've finally found that I don't run out of milk for my coffee since I switched to Almond Milk. Since it comes in boxes as well as cartons, I have milk in the refrigerator and a box or two in the cupboard! Less calories than skim and works great for a "nutty" flavored coffee even if I don't have flavored coffee. Hope you have a fantastic 4th that makes up for the "stupid" week!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Sara!! Welcome! So glad you dropped by for a minute! Thank you for your nice words. Yup, you got it ... it's from his collection for Target.
      That's a seriously good idea about boxed, super-pasturized milk to keep in the cupboard. Since it's difficult to just run out for milk, it would be a good idea to keep some handy that way.
      I'm hoping our 4th will be busy at the restaurant ... that would make me happy!
      You have a festive one!

      Delete
  23. Love, LOVE the shoes! Hey, I'm a 6.5 too! Don't you love being able to grab the display shoe and try it on right then and there?

    Both outfits look pretty spectacular!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. We need to start a club. I know there's a lot of us out there as our size goes fast. I sometimes wonder if it's a bunch of 13-year-olds that I'm competing with for size availability.
      But yes! It does make shopping faster and easier ... I hate standing around waiting for the inevitable "no" that comes when I have to ask for a 6.5 if it's not on the floor. I finally learned that if they don't have one out, they don't have one at all. Mostly.
      Thanks for your kind comments ... I appreciate your visit, and you are most welcome any time.

      Delete
  24. Hello Jan,

    thank you for visiting my blog and your lovely comment. I was very pleased :)

    Too bad you live so far away, otherwise you would get here at my home a coffee with milk ;)

    Your shoes are amazing !!! and they really do not look like autumn. Currently you really can combine everything together. All colors, patterns, fabrics, summer, autumn and winter clothes. But you must have a delicate taste and a good sense to know if it looks good. So everything is possible :)
    YOUR outfits are wonderful, love them both.

    Sorry for my bad english
    greetings from Germany
    Dana :)
    http://danalovesfashionandmusic.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
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    1. So nice to know that there's a sweet lady in Germany who would offer me milk if I was out of it!
      It is nice to know that seasons are not so important as they used to be. It's also nice to have more choice ... always a good thing. I'm so happy you liked my outfits. I appreciate your very kind comments.
      Please don't apologize for your English. Most Americans don't speak a second language, but we should! I speak just enough French and Spanish to get myself into trouble, and almost no German.
      But I do know how to say "Vielen Dank für Alles" to you, so I will!
      Have a very good week, and know you're always welcome here, Dana.

      Delete
  25. Sounds like my week so far-LOL
    I don't think those shoes are all that wintery--I love them with both outfits!!
    I wish I didn't have hoofs and could get good deals on cute shoes!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You don't have hooves! Heels are not comfortable for everyone, but you do have to shop and try on A LOT! Thanks so much, as always for saying such nice things. You're always welcome here, and I hope you and furry-babes are well!

      Delete
  26. What? Internet trolls? That sucks! Here's the pimp strut cat to cheer you up! http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/363jkn/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I just love you, Wendy.
      That's the perfect attitude, and I appreciate the cheering up.
      Have a great week, kid.

      Delete
  27. Nice pumps. You can wear those in the Summer. Just have to carefully choose the outfit, which you did perfectly with the pants and dress.

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    1. Thank you, Zalina! I appreciate you sweet comments, and hope you'll stop by whenever you feel like it!

      Delete
  28. Wintery or summerly, whatever! What actually counts is that you found the perfect shoes for that marvellous dress. You look stunning, Jan!
    I hope your week turns to a great one now!

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    1. Thanks, Sabine! I appreciate you very, very nice comments. Everything is better this week ... I'm just whiny. More JCP sale shoes to come. Not so important the store they came from, but a good bargain is an international pleasure to share!
      Have a good week, yourself, Sabine.
      Come back soon!

      Delete
  29. Yes, shoes do make everything better. Especially that pair. LOVE the cap toe and heel. Sorry your week had some crappy parts too. Internet trolls?! Ugh. You are one of the kindest, sweetest, smartest bloggers I've had the pleasure of encountering. They done messed with the wrong woman.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Alison. My week improved considerably after I blocked them from my site. I'll deal with complaints, but not just carping.
      I appreciate your always very kind comments, darling Alison. Hope you have a fabulous 4th.

      Delete
  30. Jan, you wear the most elegant and ladylike of shoes. Because you are an elegant lady, of course. Especially in that fabulous dress, accessorised perfectly with a lace fan. The print on your top is very cool, but I am trying to work out what it is - leaves, faces, snapdragons? Trippy!
    I am most annoyed that mean trolls have emerged from their scummy caves to upset you. You are allowed to think all the hateful things you want, in the circumstances. But as my daughter says, they are mean because they don't like themselves. Even so, can't they get on with their self-loathing in private and leave you alone? I want to come over there and kick their trolly arses for you, Jan! Yeah, that's me when I'm riled...
    Rise above, darling, rise above. Hope the week improves, my lovely friend! xxxxx

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    1. I did rise above, after I blocked the stupid cows. I completely understand hateful thoughts ... I would have a much less rich mental life without my revenge fantasies ... but acting on them would be beyond the Pale. Blocking was the least aggressive thing I thought I could do.
      The print on my shirt is floral, one of those mirror-asian-fusion prints I'm so fond of. They are snapdragons, and some orchids and leaves, etc. They do make sort of creepy faces, and I like that edge, subtle on an otherwise sunny floral. Trippy, exactly. By Prabal Garung for Target, last spring. Just now getting to wear the sheerest piece I got from that group. Thanks for liking my shoes and all.
      Yup ... week is getting better, in part because of the kind friendship of my dear Curtise from across the big pond. If we EVER get over there, you will definitely get a meal and some alcoholic beverages!

      Delete
  31. killer shoes! wowsers i love them! hope the silly falls out the rest of the week and you swish to appointments on time in your divine footwear xxxxxx

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    1. Oh, Jane ... you're a doll. The week is considerably better. Thanks for liking my stuff, and know that you're always so welcome here. I'll see you at your place this week if I can figure out something relating to "square".

      Delete
  32. Summer chic. You do have an amazing shoe collection. We wear the same size, so now I will be especially interested in the shoes that you so stunningly reveal. My favorite photo is the one with the wind blowing your hair across your face.

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    1. The shoes are a towering highlight of an apparent crazy week!
      Tea is as good as coffee and milk. The glimmer dress i very elegant but I'm all about the printed top and the black pants, for me is sexy and feminine!

      Delete
    2. Hello, Judith! Thank you so much. As I mentioned to a fellow 6.5er, we should form a club. It will definitely be me looking at your enviable shoe-stable in a different way!
      The one with the hair in my face? Really? Ouch! Never fear, I take the compliment. You are much more of a free spirit than I'll every be!
      Have a great week, lovely Judith!

      Delete
    3. And for Ofelia ... Thank you very much for your kind remarks. I'm really happy with that printed top as well ... I have lots of shoes to wear with it as well!
      I tried replacing coffee with tea, once. Didn't work. I love both, but tea just won't do when you want the morning coffee!
      This week is not so crazy, 'cause it's nice to hear from my bloggy friends! Thanks for stopping in, and please know you're welcome anytime.

      Delete
  33. Haha, love your last sentence :-)
    Your shift dress is awesome, you look fabulous!
    Here in Germany the weather is still not summery and for us "all year round" clothes usually are the best choice.

    I hope your week is getting better and you are having a great National Day today!

    Annette
    Lady of Style

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Annette. I'm having a quiet 4th of July, but it will be busier tomorrow night because of a weekend celebration in the little square in our little town where our restaurant is. I'm not fond of the 4th as our neighbors like fire
      works and our horses and some of our dogs don't!
      I do envy your cool summers. Hope your weather is just how you want it to be this summer, though! Thanks for dropping by and your very nice comments. Come anytime!

      Delete
  34. Very elegant outfit and the shoes are a great buy. Nevertheless, I think that the second outfit, with the trousers, is very clever and young, having the fun colors closer to the face and plain black trousers at the bottom.
    Did you say you have horses? Sorry, I just cant resist imagining you on a horse back with these high heals shoes...
    Sara

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    1. Thank you, Sara. I agree, the skinnies and shirt are a lot more fun.
      If you can't resist, then you can't resist! For my part, I'd prefer to be seen anytime as something other than a complete nincompoop, but I don't mind entertaining when pressed into service!
      Haven't ridden in a long time, as we are too old to ride young horses anymore, and our tried-and-true trail pals are either too old to ride or gone completely. I miss them, and riding. I can still admire my pasture ornaments though. And if I did ride, I have some great boots for it ... with what's called a riding heel in Western wear parlance.
      Thank you for stopping by, and you are very welcome back anytime!

      Delete
  35. What makes them wintery anyway? They don't look like they'd do well in the snow... And why wait? They look great with those stunning outfits. woo-hoo! I do agree, new shoes can do the trick to fix a messed up week. I've even been trolling ebay for some these days. Caught some too. Thanks for your sweet words of wisdom, Lynne.

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    1. Yeaaaay, you. So glad you are taking at least a few minutes to consider and succumb to the allure of new shoes. I know if Lynne were here, she'd thank you for your sweet comment, but since she isn't, I'll do it for her! :)
      Love to you, Pao ...
      J

      Delete
  36. I absolutely love your shoes and outfit! Hope you're having a better week!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yup, all better. In fact, I am superwoman 'cause I fixed a leaking refridgerator water tube today! Trolls are vanquished and a new week is about to start.
      Thank you for your kind comment, and know you're welcome anytime!

      Delete
  37. Internet trolls? Who is trolling you? I will go and stamp on their nasty trolly feet.

    Your shoes are beautiful. They look perfect with both outfits and add a GRR factor! So good that you are the shop sample size.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are vanquised. I blocked the cows. Thank you for offering to stand up for me. That's the nicest thing.
      Thanks for your so sweet thoughts ... would that the rest of me was sample size! But no ...
      You have a wonderful week, and enjoy your sunshine!

      Delete
  38. You are so lucky you have sample size feet. How I dream of being sample sized everything!

    Hope the rest of your week turned out great. A great shoe sale is a bit like winning the lottery in my book : ) and these look all kinds of lovely on you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Hey, Suzanne! I never thought of my feet as "sample sized" ... nice thought. Demo-sized maybe. Your term sounds much better! Like you ... I'd like to be sample-sized anything.
      Thanks, Gorgeous, for your kind comments. I appreciate it when you can stop by.

      Delete

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