Shoes | The Travel Lady In Her Shoes

Color Your World: 120 Days of Color; Scarlet

My Scarlet Shoes

It’s Spring and time to think about new shoes!

I think every woman should own at least one pair of Scarlet shoes, don’t you? Nothing perks you up and makes you feel sexy than Scarlet shoes! Scarlet shoes can make even the plainest/dullest outfits come alive! I love my Scarlet shoes! I love all these shoes, especially, because they are good for traveling!

Multi Colored Dress Up Shoe

Go With Everything Casual Shoe

They are stylish, lightweight, versatile, and support your foot with those elastic, stretchy bands. If they get dirty (no way), but if they do, you throw them in the washing machine! Voila good as new! Who knew they could make such a practical and stylish shoe? As you see I have different styles and colors for every adventure. There are oodles to select from! I buy them at the Charleston Shoe Company, in Charleston, South Carolina. You can order them online too, take a peek!

PS I don’t have nail fungus! It looks like I do, if you look close up at my feet in these pictures! I painted my toes a funky green for Easter! SB told me to Never use that color again! OK, OK, an experiment that did not work!

Scarlet was the name given to Torch Red in the 1998 Crayola Collection. It is also known as Shag Carpet Orange in the “Retro Colors” set. It is Chili Pepper Red, and the color for New Mexico in the “State Crayon Collection.”

This post is just one of many in the Color Your World: 120 Days of Crayola Challenge!

Check out some of the other 150+ challenge participants, it’s amazing what we have done with the Crayola colors!

Cady Luck Leedy’s Tuesday Travel Tips: #3

You Do Not Have to Travel Like a Hobo

Tip #3: You Have to Know How to Hold ‘Em and Know How to Fold ‘Em!

Traveling in the summer months is easier to pack for. Clothes weigh less and are not bulky. I make outfits that mix and match. For any trip over two weeks; seven tops and five slacks. Interchangeable. Period. This combo makes thirty five different outfits! For trips under two weeks; five tops and four slacks. Add a lightweight sweater that goes with anything, or a light-weight wrap. Remember you can’t enter most religious sites wearing shorts, or having bare shoulders. You’ll need a cover-up and appropriate clothing. I always have just two main color schemes, light and dark. My choice is black and tan. I choose tops than can go with all the slacks. My slacks are capri length or long. This makes a very big wardrobe and believe me it so much easier to deal with. To dress something up add a scarf! If I have a washer and dryer available on an extended trip I go with the 7/4 rule. Don’t be bogged down taking tons of clothes! You will tire of lugging them around, and will not wear most of them!

Sacs from Eagle Creek

The next best thing to soap is Compression Sacs from Eagle Creek, the kind that don’t need a vacuum to suck out the air. Put your clothes in it, and then roll the sack like you are rolling out a pie. The air escapes and it is flat as a pancake. A miracle! You will be amazed how much you can get into these sacs! The sacs come in three sizes. Small, medium and large. I take one large Compression Sac empty, to use for dirty laundry. I can separate the dirty from the clean stuff so I always know what is what. They are extremely durable and I have been known to mail home my dirty laundry in these sacs, when I bought too many goodies on vacation. (You’ ll still need to find a box to mail them in, but it will be a small one!) Also, if you go to a laundromat in Europe it is easier and less noticeable to carry your laundry to and fro in these sacs. Mark one for clean and one for dirty, so you can bring back clean clothes in a clean sac. Put dirty clothes in marked dirty sac, roll it up, squeeze out the air and place sacs in Veggie Borsa and off you go to wash! Scented laundry sheets are a real winner. Place them in the dirty clothes sac and in your suitcase and everything will smell heavenly!

Smart-Compression Sac

Envelopes

The other must have is the Eagle Creek Envelopes and it’s matching bags. These come in different shapes and sizes, the items shown here are the ones I use. One for pants, one for tops, one for underwear and one for toiletries. I love it because it keeps my clothes sorted and I don’t have to pull everything out of my suitcase to find something. Also, if I am staying in one spot for a long time I take the envelopes out and put them in the dresser drawers. Easy! It is amazing how your clothes stay freshly pressed in these envelopes too.

How to do the Shoes

For shoes, your new best friend, will be the plastic sleeves that the newspaper comes in. Perfect for shoes, slide the shoe in and pack them. Keeps everything clean. I wear my heaviest shoes on the airplane and pack another pair in Papa Borsa’s front pouch, which is easy to get to. I take three pair of shoes total. One pair of black sandals, for dressier occasions without extensive walking. Also, two pair of walking shoes. We tend to walk a lot, so comfortable shoes is a must. One tan pair, one black. Again they will go with all my outfits. Do not take white tennis shoes! You will stand out in the crowd as the loud, touristy American! They make all sorts of colored, fancy or not, walking shoes and they are stylish anywhere, so you will blend in. I also bring a small roll of duct tape in a bright color to make a fashion statement. Ha Ha! Place a strip on the back of your ankles before you leave home and you will never get a blister, no matter how far you walk!

Small plastic bags in assorted sizes come in most handy for makeup, lotions or hairspray that may leak. Place all toiletries in a plastic bag before it is put in the toiletry bag. Bring only what is necessary and in small plastic travel containers. A small bar of soap and detergent is handy to wash out underclothes in my room. I also bring a small nylon stretchy clothes line.

I never take a hair dryer, too bulky, no matter the size. Most hotels, and B&B’s offer one to use. If not, I go with my “whatever” hairdo! I am on vacation!

Stuff to carry in your purse at all times:

A Tide to Go pen. You want to get at a possible stain before it has time to set. Ever been to a bathroom to discover no toilet paper? Carry Handywipes and a No Rinse Hand Sanitizer. Carry a very small umbrella. If you have it with you, you will never need it. Enjoy your next vacation!

Christmas Day on Av des Champs-Elysees

The Beautiful Blue Lights

It is Christmas Day and we have slept in late. Mostly due to the fun of the evening before and the rule “we are on vacation after all” and the combination of the blackout velvet drapes. Time to open presents! Baby Bear is the only person I know who would come to France with her spare luggage full of Christmas presents for us! One of my BEST gifts was a new pair of boots! Green plaid for Christmas and they are so cute and comfortable.

I will wear them out today as we are making our way to the Champs-Elyees to look at more Christmas lights. We didn’t expect too many people out today, but was I ever wrong! Everyone is on the Champs-Elysees. Throngs and throngs of people and a Christmas Market along the entire route! I am thinking what a heyday this would be for pick pockets. But, hey it’s Christmas so only pleasant thoughts allowed. Every store is decorated to the hilt and it gets dark quickly. La nuit est déjà noire. One of my French lesson sentences we practice over and over. Now I know why. So we are scrambling along.

Shopping Along the Champs Elysees

Here, I must tell you that a few days ago my battery and the backup battery for my camera died! You gotta be kiddin‘ me! I’ll just use my cell phone from here on out, I tell myself. I don’t want to take the time on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to look for a battery store, too much I want to see. So we are traveling in the step, shuffle, stop, step, shuffle, stop routine all along the avenue while I hold my camera above the heads and try to take pictures. A feat all in itself!

The Crowds

The Traffic

More Crowds

The Christmas Market

The Ferris Wheel

More Pictures of THE Beautiful Blue Lights

We come upon some especially beautiful blue light displays in a Wonderland Garden and I am determined to get closer to them and in the process I trip over the only exposed curb of the street. Most of the street crossings have plywood boards to walk up on making it easier for the pedestrians and those with strollers. You never know where the side street meets the avenue this way. The side streets are all blocked off, keeping everyone moving on the avenue. It is just one long continuous walk. I go flying and land on the pavement with my left hand caught in the spokes of a baby carriage! I cling tightly to my cell phone in my right hand. There is a cry of “OH” in the crowd and then everyone parts way leaving me in the center of a large circle with my hand snagged. Papa Bear tries to help me up, but I can’t get up. Then someone behind me frees my hand from the carriage and between him and Papa Bear grabbing me under each armpit, I am sprung up in a flourish. It seems like I am in a fog. A young police officer is standing before me and prattling on. I remember thinking, “They still wear those hats and uniforms like in the movie Casablanca!” He keeps on talking and finally a word resonates with me that I understand, “Medical.” He is asking me if I need an ambulance or a doctor. All my perfect 546 words that I know (I’m Type A so I keep track) in French are useless because I am in such a fog I can’t speak! What an opportunity I am missing and all I can squeak out is, “Non, merci.” The crowd in the circle has seen enough and returns to their shuffle down the avenue. Baby Bear who always walks far ahead of us, returns and asks,

“Mother what are you doing?” She knows there has been a disturbance.

“I fell”.

“You did not!”

“I did.”

Getting Close!

The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc and the Eiffel!

The Arc de Triompe

We continue in the shuff-along. I am limping. Papa Bear is asking me if I am all-right, but everything seems far away. Time to go home. We find a side street and turn into it.

The Side Street

I Am Still Taking Pictures!

We are walking past the US Embassy and I realize the French Police on guard here wear black stocking caps and carry oozies. Not one of us says a word, as we creep past. Are we supposed to even be on this street? We make it back, but I hope you REALLY enjoy these pictures! I did!

And the Rains Came to Manarola

Manarola Vineyards at Night

The rain has not let up all night. The wind is fierce against the apartment windows. I wonder if the wind will carry away the crucifixion scene lights on the vineyard across the way and what the path through the vineyard to Corniglia will be like tomorrow. I don’t have to wait long to find out.

The Vineyard in Manarola in the Morning Light

The Vineyard and Path in Manarola in the Morning Light

At daybreak it is still raining and blowing. We hear someone outside our door and look to see who it is. A large picnic basket filled with warm bread and pastries has been tied to the door.

The Morning Breakfast Basket

There is already ample cereals, milk, jams, and assorted coffees and teas supplied in the kitchen, but who can turn down warm bread and pastries? We take our time eating breakfast hoping the weather will perk up.
It doesn’t. I ask my husband, “What shoes did I bring to wear in the pouring rain and look good in mud?” Hmmm…… Hmmm…… Didn’t I see a hiking supply shop on the hill walking up here yesterday? We bundle up and step outside. The wind is buffeting us through the small passageways and moves us right along. I’m freezing. I keep hearing running water. I look down at the drain along the side of the road and realize there is a river running through it. The river is about six feet below the ground and moving right along. The wind keeps us moving too. In 2011, Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre villages, was washed into the sea by a massive flood. They are just now getting things back to order from the massive mess. That is the kind of day it is, will we be washed into the sea? The hiking shop is small but offers shoes, socks, jackets, scarves and a washing machine that is washing away at the front of the shop. Hikers can wash their clothes here. I bet they do a big business, what a great idea. I look over the hiking shoes. I see a pair that looks just like me. Practical, comfortable, and a little weird.

The Cool Hiking Shoes

The laces lace all the way to the end of the toe. I haven’t seen shoes that look like this before. As we leave the shop I ask about the river below the street.

“As long as the river is moving below the street it won’t wash us out above the street,” is the reply. “The water moves from the hills to the sea underground.” Well that’s a relief.

Along with the hiking shoes, I bought a scarvy thinky that can be wrapped in several styles around my head, neck or just ears and I think it looks spiffy and keeps my head warm. We continue our walk down the hill to the main street of Manarola. Restaurants are closed and so are the shops. It is eerie. The boats in the street are covered up. At the sea wall we take the path around the sea edge. There are not too many people out, too blustery, too rainy. We make our way back to the main drag after a while and decide on a cafe that has a terrace covered in a heavy plastic wind shield so you can still dine outside and see out. We take our seats and take our time. No need to rush about. Several other guests have done the same. Suddenly an Italian woman sitting at the front table near the exit gets up to go. She starts screaming that her borsa (purse) that she had hung over the back of her chair is missing. The screaming turns to frantic cussing as she goes to all the tables looking for her bag. Her husband helps her look and tries to comfort her. She still screams. The women all check out their purses to make sure they are where they put them. This would be a nightmare for any woman. She eventually leaves none too happy. The manager did try to talk to her, but it was useless. Lesson learned again: Nevah Evah place your purse on the back of your chair when dining out. Keep it in your sight. We finish our dinner/supper and head back up into the hills. It is still rainy and cold. Housekeeping has been to the apartment. There is a bottle of champagne and a note to let us know we can get our linens changed twice a day instead of once a day. There are candies on our pillows. What woman changes linens twice a day, I think? My husband picks up the remote control for the TV. I guess it will be our introduction to Italian media, our first experience since we arrived in Italy. It breaks my first commandment. Thou shall not watch TV on vacation. I hope the sun comes out tomorrow!

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Charleston For Easter

Some of the window treatments and planters in Charleston

The Windows of Charleston

This post is a break of sorts from the Italian vacation prep. Well sort of. My husband and I just returned from Charleston, one of the greatest cities in the United States. It has everything…… cozy neighborhoods, fantastic architecture, history, cobblestone and cannonball streets, terrific shopping, sea breezes, did I mention the food? Fabulous! We spent the weekend walking, walking and more walking the neighborhoods, which I never tire of. I love the vibrant colors on the homes, one of my favorites is the tangerine color of these shutters. Or maybe the cameo pink of the skinny house. Or maybe the pigeon white of the antebellum. I really can’t decide which one I like best! Temperature in the seventies, the azaleas were in bloom, the fountains gurgling. Around every corner is a hidden garden, certainly one on the side of the Charleston House. We peek through the wrought iron gates. The flower boxes are overflowing at the windows. The churches, especially St Michaels and St Phillips were decked out in fine Easter greenery and floral arrangements were going up on the doors, along the pews and at the altar on Saturday. The ladies stroll Market Street in Easter parade outfits wearing beautiful flowing dresses, pastel hats and gloves. It’s been a while since I saw women so dressed up. Reminded me that I do own a fancy hat!

I also had a method to my madness. I was breaking in a new camera. I wanted to make sure I could take the shots I wanted without fiddling with the camera for ten minutes. I like to shoot and go. My current Canon camera has an eye problem. The shutter won’t shut all the way or it catches sometimes and won’t close at all. So I opted for a Nikon with lots of buttons, settings and zooooooom. I have my friend Katy from PraguebyKaty to thank for even thinking about getting a different camera. She takes wonderful pictures. She takes unusual shots and great videos too. Who knew a camera could have twenty scene descriptions alone? I know indoor and outdoor, ha! This camera has a close-up, food, snow, beach, fireworks, museum, dusk/dawn, sunset, party/ indoor, panorama and pet portrait, to name a few. For the first hour or two I had the camera on auto select. It kept telling me I needed the flash, but it seemed really sunny out to me. So I snapped away with the flash on. The pictures looked washed out. Then I switched to the scene mode. Much better! I didn’t get the really flashy camera, with different lenses and such. Too much to learn before I leave for Italy. I’ll keep playing with this one until I get it right. Here are more of the pictures I took in Charleston.

There are plenty of great restaurants here. This time we tried out some that were new to us and we were not disappointed. Now I must add here that I have been on Nutrisystem since January 1st and eating out in Charleston was a delight I had been saving up for. I love low country food. Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, mustard roasted brussels sprouts. The first place we went to was The Dixie Supply Bakery & Cafe. A hole in the wall place, that could easily be passed by. The locals eat here, need I say more? We just wanted a no fuss lunch and to eat outside in the nice weather. The place was packed both indoors and out. The Dixie Burger is a hamburger with fried green tomatoes, bacon and pimento cheese. AND homemade pickles on the side. Awesome! The other items that caught my eye were the tomato pie and the bacon pecan pie. I didn’t try those, but I wanted to. Oh and they serve Nehi Orange in the bottle. Can’t remember the last time I had a Nehi. I was in heaven!

Going to Charleston was also a chance to break in shoes. The shoes I am thinking about taking to Italy. I wanted to get some mileage on those shoes. Would they be comfortable after walking three to six hours? I test all shoes before I pack them in the suitcase. Many hours, many miles. It will save me heartache and foot ache later. My favorite shoe shop is the Charleston Shoe Company. They specialize in the cobblestone to cocktail shoe. The shoes are very stylish, come in a bazillion colors and styles and are very comfortable. They are machine washable!!!!! I am showing some of my favorites here that I am narrowing down for the trip. I really am leaning toward the red to wear as my dress up shoes. Maybe I will see the Pope and we can compare shoes!

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Travel, Gardens, Food, Photography, Books, Shoes

Posts from the ‘Shoes’ category

Color Your World: 120 Days of Color; Scarlet

Cady Luck Leedy’s Tuesday Travel Tips: #3

Christmas Day on Av des Champs-Elysees

And the Rains Came to Manarola

Charleston For Easter

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