Like most people, I’ve been knocked out by the winter blahs, eagerly anticipating summer. Tomorrow I’m planning to start some seedlings indoors in hopes of having homegrown peppers and squash to toss on my grill this summer. I’ve been making many efforts to clean house by bringing all sorts of things to my local consignment store and by actually using what I already have in lieu of buying more (fabric and food). Right now I:
Am putting a dent in my fabric collection by making aprons and market bags.

Love trawling for vintage state souvenir tablecloths on ebay.

Am finally bringing out and using my beloved Fiesta ware.

Am in love with a set of Pyrex mixing bowls that belonged to my grandmother.

Needless to say, I’m being content with and gladly using what I have and preferring old over new. It makes my life green and that makes me happy.

**Update 10/10/08.  Got them today, and almost cried when I saw how HUGE they were.  These definitely don’t run small, so my normal 39 should do.  But they actually sent me a 41.  My toes didn’t even make it to the cutout detail.  39 was not available in brown, so I’m hoping they’ll exchange them for the green.  I have to say Planet shoes has been good otherwise–they processed my return the day the received it, so a refund should be coming soon…followed by this one, then hopefully I will receive a pair that works.  Very frustrated with EN’s sizing right now–I’m hoping the Iggdrasil wasn’t their one crowning achievement.**

in a size 40–hope that when I get them they don’t look fit for Sasquatch.  I almost got the Prado olive/green combo, but I realized that I really don’t have brown shoes.  At least these should have more support than the Organicos. 

This is my new purchase.  Last pair available in 39, and hoping it doesn’t run small.  The ones I bought are black and (if they fit) will look fab with my sushi socks!.  Purchased them from Planet Shoes–an online vendor that has an awesome array of eco-friendly and otherwise unusual shoes.  Their online reviews were a little sketchy, but it seems they’ve since changed some of their policies and now offer free shipping both ways.  So, we’ll see.  They’re located one state north of me, so if it takes 2 weeks for them to get here, I’m going to be steamed.

Organico mary janes by El Naturalista

When my El Naturalista Iggdrasil mary janes arrived, I took a moment to look at the frog insignia printed on top of the box and thought, “This might be my one and only time looking down at this little fella after tearing open a little box of gold delivered by UPS (i.e. a shoe box).”

Who the heck am I kidding?

My review of the Iggdrasils gave Chez Shoes the final push she needed to buy a pair for herself (although I feel certain that by now, she also has a red pair on their way to her door), and in return she convinced me (unintentionally, of course) that I needs me some EN mary janes in black. So I’m pondering my next purchase, but in the meantime, here’s what I’m drooling over. This is where you should stop and get a napkin before scrolling down. Really. Go now.

The Camper-esque Dryland mary jane

Ginkgo boots. The multi-colored ones are gorgeous

Nasca mary jane in purple (!)

Mary Jane with Nasca sole

Organico mary janes in Tibet. The sole that currently fascinates me--looks like little coffee beans

They arrived yesterday, and to my disappointment (cause I didn’t need to spend $70 right now) they are fabulous, and you can bet your sweet aspercreme I’m wearing them today.  Photos and an in-depth review to follow.  Fans of red shoes are in deep doo doo.

So I was about to buy my rich tea Keen Carmels, when I saw these.  They were deep, cherry red and could be worn all year, so I caved.  I’ve never seen a pair of Merrells that were, well…pretty.  My mom has a pair that zips up (creepy).  They should be here tomorrow according to UPS.  I can’t wait!  Where the heck will I hide them so Will doesn’t see them?

I’ve loved everything in the Sahalie catalog since I first stumbled upon them a few months ago–that’s where I got my Keen Carmels.  So I’m making another small purchase–an organic cotton top that has been clay-dyed which, according to the website, is “derived from ancient Native American methods.”  $49.95, plus I have a 20% off code, so I think I’ll try it–I love the slightly cinched neckline.

I tend to love the earthy and jewel tones that come with Transitional Flax (meant to be worn late summer and carried into fall), and I’m really impressed with this year’s color palette (as far as Flax deSoleil–what were they thinking? the colors are absolutely *barf*, at least that’s the general consensus on the forum.  Thankfully they kept the Sincerest top, as it’s one of my favs (and is classic “sexy librarian” when paired with Dansko Marcelles), and I’ll be needing it now that I was in a car accident on the 11th while wearing it and it’s now called my “good luck” shirt (hence the vigorous blogging–not much else you can do when your spine feels like it’s going to pop out).  I digress…. have a peek at the purty palette!  I’m digging the old copper, morning lights and boysenberry.

It was quickly becoming my favorite shoe, and I was looking forward to new color schemes…alas…deep lichen was the last hurrah.  What has possessed Keen to put the kibosh on this shoe–arguably one of the most popular, with an average 5 star rating and the fact that it actually runs true to size.  This shoe makes you feel like you’re walking on air.  And now it’s gone

I’ve wanted it in rich tea, so I’m snatching up a remaining pair for myself.  It is a sad day.

On a more positive note, I’m drooling over the new Wear-around mary jane (I keep referring to them as Walkabout), just can’t decide if I like the port or moroccan blue, but I think I’ll opt for this over another Sienna (I heart my blue ones, though)….Hmmmmm

This clip shows off the Sufi skirt and tanks, but the favorite of most Flaxistas are the bloomers. Made in Hawaii of recycled linen.