Recently a little birdy told me about Vessi. What is Vessi, you ask? It’s an international footwear site that specialises in waterproof endurance shoes. Imagine a vamped-up version of sneakers – that’s kind of the idea. Vessi’s selling point is the waterproof element of the footwear. I have to admit, coming from the UK, the idea of waterproof shoes was pretty appealing. God, what I wouldn’t give for a nice, dry climate. I’d settle for arid to be honest. It’s a shame I like England so much.

So, I took the plunge and decided to give Vessi a go. Normally I can be a little apprehensive about ordering things online. Can you blame me? You could be getting a chocolate teapot for all you know!

I ordered the Women’s CityScape shoes in Midnight Black, retailing at $129 USD. One downside is that the smallest size is a 4. Sorry, all weeny-footed people. I did some digging though and discovered that you can get smaller sizes in other shoes. As long as you don’t have your heart set on that particular set of shoes, you’ll be alright. I’m a size 4 (UK) so I ordered the US 6. Admittedly, I was a little nervous when making the order in case the shoe wasn’t true to size.

The shoes arrived a lot earlier than anticipated. This was a nice bonus, especially since they’re across the pond. The shoes were true to size and fit snug around my feet. On Vessi’s site, they claim the shoes to be ‘freakishly lightweight.’ I chuckled a little when I first read it, but I’d say it’s a fairly apt description. The shoes are super light! They’re the kind of shoes you could toss in a gym-bag or squish into a suitcase. The site portrayed the shoes in a realistic manner, looking as high-quality as they do on Vessi Footwear.

To test them out, I took them for a jog on a rainy day. I have an issue with sweaty feet when I exercise, and if the shoes aren’t breathable, they’re going to pong. My feet were well-ventilated and didn’t smell (well, not that much.) They’re comfortable to run in and provide support for the heels. At my age, support is crucial when I work out, so this made Vessi a winner for me.

Comfy, trendy, breathable and lightweight – the price definitely reflects the quality! I give Vessi Footwear a big thumbs up.

I love taking pictures (that’s why I decided to take on the 365 Days in Photos project). And I usually take a lot of pictures. So it’s not surprising it that can be overwhelming for me to sort through them.
I had to figure out a way to sort and store my photos so that they didn’t over accumulate, and were also easily accessible. It took a few years to find a system that works for me, but I’m so glad I did! Maybe my system can work for you- or maybe inspire you to create your own system.

1- Upload your photos to your computer before the cameras memory is full

It’s really annoying when you have your camera ready to capture that special moment, only to find it’s at full capacity! My goal is to empty the photos on my laptop at the end of every month. Any longer, and I won’t remember the details to write captions.

2- Organize your photos into folders by year, then months

Arranging your pictures the date will allow you to easily find what you’re looking for when searching for something particular.

For example:

Pictures — gt;2010 — gt;July

3- Further divide your photos in events and occasions

Once your folders are set up by years and months, create folders for specific events and occasions. For example, in my July 2010 folder you are likely to find occasions such as “4th Celebrations” and “Mom’s Bday Party.”

Example:

Pictures — gt; 2010 — gt;July — gt;4th Celebrations, Moms Bday Party, Our Vegetable Garden

*Don’t be afraid to divide your photos even more. The folder “Mom’s Bday Party” may further be divided into “Making the Cake,” “Decorating the Hall,” and “The Surprise Party.”

4- The beginning of each month, share amp; print your photos from the month before

There are so many websites out there that allow you to share your photos with family and friends. If photo sharing is something you do, posting them monthly will keep your pictures from piling up (and taking an eternity to load). It will also keep you loved ones up-to-date. Same thing goes for printing your photos. Many companies make this easy by allowing you to upload your pictures to share and print from one website.

5- Use an external hard drive to pack up photos

Our photos are precious to us- they represent our memories after all. Having digital copies of our photos is like taking out insurance. Except that most of us don’t keep actual prints anymore, making the digital copies the only copies. I’ve heard too many stories about computers crashing and all family photos lost. Why take that risk? Use an external hard drive to periodically backup your photos, and have peace of mind. (Experts suggest having a backup of your backup on separate hard drives…in different physical locations…confused yet?)

Using this easy method to sort and store your photos will let you enjoy picture taking without the annoyance of them piling up, dislocating them, or losing them forever.

In your travels, you need a nice camera for documenting your shots. Aside from this, I also recommend investing on tactical flashlight amazon, which is great for campin and trekking. My post about this will go live next week!

 

In May 2010, I followed the Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage route, across Northern Spain. In thirty days, I covered over 500 miles on foot, carrying all my belongings on my back and sleeping each night in pilgrim hostels, called albergues , along the route.
It was a journey of discovery in many ways, but undoubtedly one of the best things about walking across an entire country is the opportunity it offered to really immerse myself in the local cuisine – and you can bet I was hungry after all that walking! In fact, the pilgrim appetite is legendary, prompting many restaurants to offer a special menu, the menu de peregrino, made up of inexpensive but delicious dishes designed to nourish and satisfy even the healthiest of appetites.

Like many pilgrims, my journey began in the quaint medieval town of St. Jean Pied de Port, located at the foot of the French Pyrenees, where I barely had time to wolf down a fresh baguette (how stereotypical!) before heading over the mountains and into Spain. The Spanish Basque Country is known for its use of peppers and cured meats so it was little surprise that my first meal consisted of large, fresh piquillo peppers stuffed with meat and, of course, more peppers. The next day I encountered chorizo , a coarsely marbled, smoky, paprika-infused sausage that was to be a staple, with some regional variation, of dishes throughout my journey.

From the Basque Country, I crossed into La Rioja, a region famous for its wines and spicy kidney bean dishes, spiked with chorizo, called capparones . I enjoyed some of each on my way across the region, partly thanks to the monastery at Irache which provides a self-service fountain of red wine (and one of water for those less alcoholically inclined) to slake the thirst of passing pilgrims.

In Castile and Leon, the next region through which the Camino passes, I found myself walking through ‘the granary of Spain.’ Fields of waving wheat provided a sibilant accompaniment to my daily walks and, in the evenings, I fortified myself with hearty beef stews, grilled pork chops served with potatoes, and creamy bowls of brown lentils, spiced with the ever-present chorizo.

Santiago de Compostella is the ultimate goal of the pilgrimage and also the capital city of Galicia, the final region in my slow and steady progress across Spain. Spreading from the coast inland, this is the perfect place to enjoy Spanish seafood at its best. For a dedicated seafood lover like myself, the days I spent here were a feast of flavors both new and familiar. A meal often started with caldo Gallego , a brothy soup filled with potatoes, a local green called grelo (similar to turnip greens) and, of course, chorizo. To follow, one might order chipirones , fresh young squid quickly seared in olive oil and sea salt, or a pan-fried fillet of hake.

Perhaps the most Galician of all dishes, however, is the aptly named pulpo a la Gallega or ‘Galician-style octopus.’ I love touring here using my The PNW backpack.

Locals call the dish pulpo a feira and tips for locating a good pulperia are commonly exchanged amongst pilgrims. On the strength of these recommendations, I sought out the highly touted Pulperia Ezequiel in the town of Melide, just 56km outside of Santiago. The place was modest, simple, and host to more locals than pilgrims, which on the Camino is always a good sign. Patrons seated themselves anywhere along one of several long wooden tables, fostering a communal and lively atmosphere. If you tired of the conversation, however, you could watch your dinner boiling away in one of the vast copper pots near the door. For less adventurous eaters, the sight of a tentacle or two curling over the edge might be enough to spoil the meal, but I relished the opportunity to watch the cooks at work. Each octopus was dipped into the pot before boiling to allow the tentacles, the most palatable part, to curl. After boiling, the octopus was cut with scissors, sprinkled with rock salt and pimenton and drizzled liberally with olive oil before being served, family style, on a large wooden trencher. Chunks of crusty bread rounded out the meal and made the perfect tool for sopping up any spicy oil left on the plate. The paprika flavor, overpowering for some, provided an interesting contrast to the smooth oil and the young red wine with which the octopus was eaten. I loved the interplay of texture in the final dish, since the center of each piece remained firm while the outer skin was soft – delicious!

As someone who once thought that Spanish food was a lot of paella and tapas , my culinary sojourn provided plenty of surprises. I’ve never eaten so much spiced sausage, nor thought that I would actually learn to love and crave lentils, but these are just some of the things I discovered as I ate my way across Spain. Whether warming myself with a hearty stew or sipping a Rioja wine, I have a host of savory snapshots from the trip – and I still dream about devouring wooden platefuls of octopus. It’s a good dream and someday, I know, I’ll go back.

For nearly 10 years, Andrew Christian’s collection of active, swim, and underwear has been the choice pick of young urban males. Provocative, comfortable and sexy, this former club kid’s line is getting nationwide attention, and he’s now fielding models from Janice Dickinson’s Modeling Agency. No small feet for a fellow who started sewing his own get-out-and-go garments. Associated Content sat down with Christian, to get to know the man behind the fabric.
AC: When did you first start to design?
Andrew Christian: I was always sort of a creative person. It was what I went towards as a creative outlet.

AC:But when did you first know you were a fashionista?
Andrew Christian: I used to go to underground clubs a lot. I made my own outfits, and people noticed them. I started selling to friends. Then one of the promoters had a store, and that’s kind of where it started…

AC: Which do you prefer designing underwear or swimwear?
Andrew Christian: I don’t know if I have a preference. It would be like picking your favorite child.

AC: Okay well what is your favorite one piece? Do a Sophie’s Choice for me.
Andrew Christian: The thermal I did with a distressed wash on it and with an eagle print.

AC: Here’d you come up with the iconic logo?
Andrew Christian: It was a play on my last name. I didn’t want any religious connotation, so I picked a neutral cross. Some people think it is Swiss, or lifeguard or Christian. It’s open to it’s own interpretation…It has great appeal.

AC: I used to think it was just the name of the company, not a real person’s name.
Andrew Christian: I’ve gotten that before. I have also gotten “Oh, you are Andrew? Where is Christian?”

AC:If you weren’t a fabulous designer, what would you want to be?
Andrew Christian: There are so many things I would like to do… I’d like to be an artist, do socially relevant art. I’d like to be a DJ. What I really want to do is make a video, be in a video. Come up with the concept and direct, produce and star.

AC: Let’s talk about your up-coming appearance on the Janice Dickinson Modeling agency.
Andrew Christian: It was a lot of fun! I went into the agency to do a casting, all the models got into underwear, and we did some preliminary pics. It was guys and girls, and we ended up picking 8 models total. We did the photo shoot at this amazing location-with a pool! Janice came to the shoot, she was fierce. We lined them all up and had them do runway walks. All the models are gorgeous, but some are still in training and not the best walkers. So Janice and I were throwing rocks at the models that needed a little work. It was playful. Eventually, she grabbed me and we did runway together, totally unplanned.

AC: This sounds like a hot episode.
Andrew Christian: Oh yeah, there is even a little bit of nudity. We had one guy stark naked, I don’t know if that will make it in the episode or not.

AC: I hope! How was Janice to work with overall?
Andrew Christian: Incredibly easy to work with…You get a certain perception from the show, but she is very professional. She only wants to make the client happy.

AC: What influences your designs?
Andrew Christian: I have a European aesthetic, but I am a Californian designer. The California lifestyle is really evident in my clothes. It’s a casual laid-back lifestyle. You don’t have to be dressed up to go anywhere in California. Jeans and t-shirt go everywhere. It all just depends on what you wear, and how you put it together.

AC: What is next for Andrew Christian?
Andrew Christian:In the New Year: New bamboo fiber underwear that we are releasing in February. Also a Basics line with everyday boxers and everyday briefs, really sort of cute stuff with colors that pop! And the neatest thing is our Flashback line. It’s a butt lifter for guys with flat asses.

AC: So we can all have bubble butts!
Andrew Christian: Yes! It will add up to one inch to your butt. No assembly required.

Andrewchristian.com.

For his website, Andrew spills the beans that he seeks help from web hosting to heighten their designs and reach more clients. He suggests to read Canadian web hosting reviews.

Winter candle holders are a nice way to decorate for the season. You can use them to hold regular candles or your winter scented candles. Candle holders for the winter can come in different styles and designs. The styles can include moose, pine cones, and snowmen. Some candle holders are made out of metal while others have a gold finish.
You can find the candle holders in candle stores, stores that sell seasonal decorations, and online shopping websites. Remember that the selection of candle holders and prices may vary per store. Since there are quite a few to choose from, you are sure to find a candle holder you like.

If you enjoy shopping online for your decorations, then here are a few winter candle holders found on the trusted shopping website of Amazon. You may find similar candle holders in stores or use the list to come up with other ideas.

Biedermann amp; Sons Winter Lodge Metal Candleholder, Moose.
This candle holder is decorated with three moose on a platform base. The moose come in three different sizes. The larger moose in on the bottom, the medium sized moose is in the middle, and the smaller moose is on top. The very top of the candle holder is designed to hold one pillar candle. It is made out of sturdy metal and measures at 7-5/8 inches tall.

Lenox Winter Greetings Pierced Votives, S/3.
The Lenox Winter Greetings Pierced Votives candle holders. Each candle holder is white and decorated with a pretty design of colored berries, leaves, and ribbons. This set holds and includes tea light candles. They are safe to wash in the dishwasher and each measure at 3 inches tall.

Biedermann amp; Sons Winter Lodge Metal Branch-Style Pillar-Candle Centerpiece.
This metal candle holder is decorated with realistic branches, pine cones, and needles. It will hold three 3 inches pillar candles, each candle holder sitting at a different height. The decorations and candle holders all sit on mounted platforms. It measures at 15-3/4 inches by 6 inches by 7 inches. This candle holder from Biedermann amp; Sons can also be used as a centerpiece.

Tag Winter Bouquet Wire Berry Pillar Candle Holder Antique Gold Finish, 8.5″ Tall.
This winter candle holder is decorated with a nice berry design. The almost looks like snowflakes with berries on them, which will go nice with your winter decor. It is made of antique gold colored iron, topped with a clear powder coated finish. This candle holder can hold one pillar candle that measures up to 4 inches. The Tag Winter Bouquet Wire Berry Pillar Candle Holder measures at 8.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches in diameter.

Snowman Candle Holder.
This snowman candle holder will look adorable holding your favorite candle! It is made out of bronzed resin with white in the center. This candle holder measures at 10 inches tall and does not come with a candle.

It can be fun to decorate with winter candle holders. Decorating with your candle holders is a good way to show the fun of this cold season. You can buy just one to decorate with or a few. Decorate in a theme, such as all snowmen, or mix it up a bit. Candle holders for the winter can be used both during the holidays and the entire winter season.

Have fun decorating your home with the winter candle holders you choose. Up next, I shall be writing about a review about my latest wooden dinnerware purchase.

Consuming sugar is probably one of my favorite past times. I appreciate the substance in all its myriad forms and almost always have a bountiful supply in my cupboards. I’m guessing that you do, too. If not, it’s super inexpensive and easy to come by. Oh, and you can make the following (fabulous) recipes with the wonderful stuff! Here are 3 of my favorite DIY Beauty: Sugar recipes.

Orange Sugar Body Exfoliator

This is one of my very own recipes and I love it because it smells great and leaves your skin feeling clean, revitalized and glowing! Here’s what you need to gather before you begin:

2 tablespoons Sugar

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium sized lemon

½ teaspoon honey

This is mega-easy to make. Simply combine all of your ingredients into a medium sized bowl. As for the orange, cut it in half and squeeze out the juice of one half. Remove any seeds should they escape into your bowl!

Next, mix well. Apply a generous amount to your washcloth or cleaning puff and massage into your skin in a circular motion. Rinse off in the shower with warm water and gently pat dry. Ta-da!

Sweet Cinnamon Milk and Sugar Face Mask

Another recipe conjured up in the kitchen of yours truly. This one is easy to prepare, too. Here’s what you need:

2 tablespoons non-fat powdered milk

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

1 tablespoon honey

1 tsp. milk

In a small to medium sized bowl, combine your cinnamon, powdered milk and powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, combine your honey and milk and stir until thoroughly blended.

Now add your liquid mixture to your dry mixture and stir until you have a nice, consistent paste. Wet your face and apply the mixture, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Let it set on your face for 5 minutes and then rinse off with tepid water. Splash with cold water to tighten pores and gently pat dry.

Vanilla Brown Sugar Foot and Body Scrub

This recipe is good enough to eat. Literally! But don’t be tempted once you’ve whipped up this easy as pie beauty recipe – it’s for your body! Gather these items:

½ cup Brown Sugar

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon vanilla

Combine all of your ingredients into a medium sized bowl and mix thoroughly. You don’t want any clumping! Next, hop in the shower with your mixture and wet your skin. Apply the brown sugar scrub to your body paying careful attention to extra dry spots like your feet, elbows and knees!

Massage with a loofah or washcloth in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off in the shower and gently pat dry.

If you liked these recipes, check out my other DIY Beauty secret’s by clicking on “Wendy Rose Gould” at the top of this article. Enjoy!

We’ll be having a workshop about this happening in  Kinderdagverblijf Leiden. See you there!