The Shoe Diaries

Photo by PRPhotos.com

The Winter Olympics are back! Some years I really get into the games, and some years I don’t. This year – I’m loving it! I was looking forward to watching speed skating, but have found myself interested in a lot more than just this. Skiing and snowboarding have really caught my attention, and I have even found myself fascinated by the game of logic that is curling. (Shocking, I know!)

Although I have dabbled in many sports, I am definitely not what anyone in their right mind would call an athlete. Watching these contestants going up against the best of the best in their sports drives this point home even more. It’s hard to imagine finding the drive, grit and sheer determination to train as hard as these athletes must in order to reach such a high skill level.

Steve Madden Spiin Sandal

The men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe events were incredible to watch. The flips, grabs, spins and twists were awe inspiring to me. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have the courage to push myself to the speeds and heights that these snowboarders reach! Although it would have been nice to see the US sweep the podium in either event (as the announcers kept hoping for) it was still pretty cool to see our athletes winning 2 of the 3 available medals in each event.

Zigi Friend Sandal

Gretchen Bleiler was one of the US competitors in the women’s halfpipe last night. Although she did not receive a medal, it wasn’t for lack of trying. While she was a favorite going into the finals she just couldn’t seem to finish a clean run, crashing on both of her two attempts. It’s too bad she didn’t win a gold medal to pair with her silver from the 2006 Turino games. It also would have gone well with the gold sandals she’s pictured wearing above! If you’re looking for something similar, check out the Steve Madden Spiin Sandal. The Zigi Friend Sandal also carries through a similar style, with a touch of one of spring’s most fashionable shoe trends – understated studded details!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Jon Gosselin has certainly been causing quite a stir this week! First there was the news that he would no longer be included as a headliner in the TLC show Jon & Kate Plus 8 – soon to be known as Kate Plus 8. Next came reports that Jon was delaying his divorce from Kate for 90 days. The one-two punch came yesterday when Jon announced that he was using the legal system to halt all production of his show. He followed this revelation with a revealing appearance on the Larry King show.

According to CNN.com yesterday’s interview included many details on the filming of the Gosselin reality show, along with insights into Jon and Kate’s relationship. Jon doesn’t feel the show is good for his kids and wants to give them a more normal childhood. He implied that TLC took advantage of his family by not providing payment specific to each child. Jon also claims that Kate told him a year ago that she wanted to separate from him. He wants to create a civil relationship with Kate, but seems to be receiving no encouragement from his estranged wife.

I don’t know what to make of all this drama. I have watched this show since the beginning and am really saddened by the direction this family has taken. It’s hard to know which side is telling the truth, and even harder to figure out if it’s any of our business! It does seem that the best step for the family is probably to halt filming, at least temporarily. I hope they are able to work something out that will benefit everyone involved – especially the twins and sextuplets.

Rocket Dog Fairway Sandal

One solution may be for Jon and Kate to pursue individual show business careers. Kate seems to have her heart set on her own talk show. Jon is pictured here hosting a party in Las Vegas. Whether he chooses to continue hosting events or not, Jon does seem to have a knack for dressing the part. His outfit is the perfect casual mix needed to host a pool party in Vegas. Find a similar shoe choice in the Rocket Dog Fairway Sandal. October is the perfect month to stock up on discounted summer essentials for next year – including flip flops!

Photo By PRPhotos.com

Ok – I’ll admit it. No matter how hard I tried to resist, I was eventually sucked into the Twilight saga. After almost a year of subtle hints, pointed comments and near begging from friends I agreed to read the first book. I thought I would read the first few chapters, not be too interested and go back to my normal fluffy novels. In actuality, I neglected all household chores and other nonessential tasks until I finished the book. My friends were right, I loved it! (Thanks guys!)

It looks like our obsession with Twilight isn’t going away anytime soon. People.com today posted an exclusive sneak peek at the Volturi from New Moon, out in theaters this November. I’m excited to see how the second installment of this series will play out on the big screen. I can’t wait to see Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Jane!

The Twilight movie recently picked up eleven winning surfboards at the Teen Choice Awards, including awards for best villain, liplock and movie (drama). Ashley Green picked up her own award for her role as Alice Cullen in the movie – winning the Fresh Face Female (Movie) category. She’s pictured here arriving at the Teen Choice Awards wearing a pair of fun red high heels. The ankle-strap adds an extra sexy flair.

Luichiny Duchess Sandal

 If you’re looking for something similar but don’t have the budget of a vampire who can see the future of the stock market, take a look at the Luichiny Duchess Sandal. It even has a sassy bow to make it really stand out in a crowd. 

(Yes, I purposely ignored commenting on her outfit. I’m not sure what I think of it! Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.)