Shoes for Christmas

LOL!

The most famous shoe in the world

Kudos

Christmas fifty

In the spirit of the Omnivore's Hundred, the Very Good Taste bloggers bring us the Christmas Fifty and in the spirit of all that is right and good in this world, I'm in! Some research is involved in figuring out what many of the items are, so its quite a lot of fun - if you're a foodie like me (yes, I love my shoes, but I make up for it in being a pretty damn good cook, so there!).

Here’s what to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve tasted.
3) Place an asterisk after all the items you’ve cooked/prepared.
4) Optional: Italic anything you never want to try, or add an exclamation mark after anything your really want to try.

You’re also welcome to post a link to your version of the list at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/.

The VGT Christmas Fifty

1. Crystallised or candied fruits
2. Egg nog (recently had a frozen version, fab!)
3. Bûche de Noël, or Yule log
4. Rum balls
5. Bebinca (!)
6. Roasted chestnuts (!)
7. Cavallucci
8. Tourtière
9. Uszka
10. Port & Stilton
11. Hallaca
12. Roast goose
13. Lefse
14. Sugar plums
15. Romeritos (!)
16. Pinnekjøtt
17. Hot toddy *
18. Christmas cake
19. Tamales
20. Sorpotel
21. Panettone
22. Candy canes
23. Pasteles
24. Speculaas
25. Makowiec
26. Christmas pudding
27. Stollen *
28. Figgy pudding
29. Lebkuchen
30. Turrón
31. Mince pies
32. Wassail bowls
33. Buñuelos
34. Pio Quinto (!)
35. Marzipan fruits
36. Mulled wine *
37. King cake
38. Christmas beach barbecue *
39. Cola de mono (!)
40. Lutefisk
41. Kutia
42. Pizzelle (!)
43. Dominostein (!)
44. Cranberry sauce
45. Pfeffernüsse
46. Satsumas or clementines
47. Pumpkin pie
48. Smalahove
49. Nut roast
50. Brandy butter

Obviously this is a very European heavy list, based on most Christian - orientated countries, but remains interesting. Over here in sunny South Africa, we tend to mix it up with tradtional European recipies and a good old 'braai' (bbq - sort of) and a mass of cold side dishes.

If you post your own Christmas Fifty, leave a link to your post in the comments.

Christmas shopping stats

I've recently begun to keep track of the ability of various shoes to sustain extended shopping in comfort. Having a severe allergy for malls during the festive season, I try to get as much gift shopping done as is possible prior to the frenzied crowds descending in their masses.

So, I've had about three days' worth of shopping and only two people left to buy gifts for, all else has been complete. What has become apparent is that levels of comfort, especially in the feet department severely influence my ability to purchase appropriate, special gifts, as opposed to just any old thing as long as the pain ends, soon.

Here's what I've found:

- Gorgeous chinese style full platforms (roughly 4 inch) with lace up detail - sustainability: 2.5 hours
- Drop-dead gorgeous Steve Maddens (as per my New Crush), which I wore unknowingly expecting a nice lunch and not a full on shopping marathon - sustainability: 1.5 hours
- Patent pyhton skin flats- sustainability: 2 hours (I just can't do flats!)
- Kitten heeled gold sandals - sustainability: 1.5 hours (they keep slipping on mall floor tiles)
- Espadrilles with a nice size heel - sustainability: 4 hours +

We definitely have a winner and, thank goodness, can go shopping in style without having to resort to hiking boots or running shoes to ensure that every special person gets a thoughtful, special gift. Oh and should anyone wish their shoes to be road tested - I might know a good test subject...hint hint!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd love to hear from you...what is the strangest / most odd or unusual Christmas gift you have ever given or received?

ZooCaro

I recently received a message from Lisa who works at ZooCaro.com. In her words:

Zoocaro.com provides a simple and safe way to shop, promote products, services and items for free. Take advantage of this service today and find what you are looking for or drive more business your way http://www.zoocaro.com/

I had a look 'round and they certainly do have some interesting stuff - browse around and have a look! Althought I am not a fan of the practise of foor binding, I found these puppies on the ZooCaro site after not much digging and that part of me that loves to find treasures in unknown places wonders what other marvels are on sale there!

Enjoy!

Better late than never

World AIDS day was on 1st of December. This is my contribution, in memory of everyone lost, struggling, ignorant, uninformed or just scared.

Also to Olga, who I think of every day.

More ode to shoes

Brilliant parody of an already brilliant parody.

Feet in the sand

Getting toward the end of the year, I am craving a beach holiday. This time last year I was lucky enough to wet my feet in the ocean off the coast of Zanzibar and I would just love to be in the same place right now, but alas, planning left to late and no budget to speak of, I can only dream.

So dream I shall and in the true spirit of the obsessed (shoes, chocolates, anything really), I will indulge in beaches gone by. I will just have to imagine the early morning rituals of sun screen application, picking out the bikini for the day (including sarong, flip flops and bag, of course - not forgetting hat and sunglasses), heading out to the beach for a few rays of sun before breakfast and oh, the exhausting task of lying around sipping cocktails and reading a good book with only the beach, the ocean and the sun for company. Heaven.

Some of my best experiences have been in:



Mahe Island, Seychelles



Barra Loge, island off the coast of Mozambique



Cancun, Mexico



Zanzibar island, Zanzibar

Anyone out there with a beach flat standing empty somewhere, just give me a shout, I have the flip flops ready to go!