Tuesday, April 27, 2010

*Communication FAIL*

So I made this decision recently.  I am going to take a step back in technology... I know, I might sound like I am not in my 20s and slightly insane.  But really?  All this communication, or lack there of is driving me crazy.  I have put in a recent blog how much I hate the way people put things on Facebook.  If it wasn't for my close friends that post pictures and tell me what they are doing on Facebook, I would probably delete it.  I love pictures, and I love seeing what people are up to.  I just hate when they get too personal.  However, I am going to stop doing some of my regular internetting.  Yes, that is a word today.


Here is the deal.  I like love interacting with people and making friendships.  The way I see it?  The more you communicate on a computer screen, the less likely you are to make a real connection and relationship with that person.  Most of my great friends are hardly on Facebook, and I think a lot of the reason we stay close is that we actually talk on a regular basis.  So I am going to delete my Twitter.  And probably stop updating my blog.  At least until I make amends with technology again.  I would just prefer to be real friends with real people.  I think Twitter is great for the business aspect, but if I have a Facebook for my friends, why would I need a Twitter account too to make friends that I will never actually meet?  The only good thing about my Twitter was that it sent some extra traffic and readers to my blog. I really love technology, but sometimes I think we all just need to take a step back.  Got a problem with someone or something important to say?  In my opinion.... Don't post it on facebook, twitter, send them an email, or blog about them.  If you don't have the guts to say something to them face to face or over a phone conversation, the least you can do is text them.  If you are a real person, wouldn't you rather hear from another real person, not get a virtual response?  I am going to work on it because I think communication is a lot more effective when it is real.  I appreciate it when others have that respect for me and I have every intention of showing that respect to my friends.  So for now?  The Frolicking Frenzy is done.  I love the name of my blog, and might start up again someday, but I am going to spend less time in the virtual world, which means that my random blog of health and shoes is going to take a break.  And until it starts up again, I see no reason to keep a Twitter account.  So bye bye virtual friends! I will be back on..... someday. ♥

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

♥ Confessions of a Shoe-aholic: DSquared

So in the last few days of my internet browsing, I have discovered a decently expensive shoe line.... that I am in LOVE with!   So for any of you that feel like spending some cash to help decorate my feet, these will do ;)  I mean, not only does their name work great for me, but SO MANY of their shoes, would look so good on my feet!

These would be the perfect Summer shoe, in my opinion.

Holy moley, I think these are one of my new favorites.  Ever.

Prettttty.


I love these for Summer too.  And to make them better?  They are that wonderful shade of purple!

What girl doesn't need a pretty pair of patent pink pump sandals in their wardrobe?  Perfect.

Again, Purple!  Love them.

I am pretty sure if I wore these, I would gain super powers.  For real.

 I love these for a nice simple brown heel.  The ankle strap especially.

True story?  I might have found one of my new favorite shoe brands.  I love how they are unique, but at the same time.... something that people other than celebrities can wear and pull off.  If only they were slightly more affordable.....

Hope you have a wonderful week, fellow shoe lovers!

Friday, April 9, 2010

The "Skinny" on Fat

Well, I promised it. And now?  It is time for another health blog from yours, truly.

I think people are very misinformed when it comes to fat.  Sure, we know it's the "squishy" stuff that is hiding our sexy six-pack abs and everything else that we wish looked a bit better.  But why do we have it anyway?

I know there are so many diets out there that emphasize LOW FAT or NO FAT diets.  Well, in America, that is probably a good idea, because "if a little is good, more is better".... which is why we consume so much bad stuff for us. Here are some major things to know about fat.
  1. It is a great source of energy. As in an energy reserve.  The bad side?  Excess calories get converted to fat. Extra calories=extra fat.  Plus all the fat you are consuming.
  2. Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid that serve a structural role. It is found in many plants and is considered a polyunsaturated fat. Linoleic acid is also known as the Omega 6 fatty acid. The bad side? It should only be consumed as 4% of calories.... On average, the American diet contains up to 6-10% of dietary calories. However, when consumed properly, this fatty acid can help you lower your cholesterol.
  3. Another incredibly essential fatty acid? Omega 3.   This one is found mostly in plants and fish.  Don't like fish?  This is the magic stuff that comes in a "fish oil" capsule.  True story?  I take a fat supplement daily. It is proven to help lower your triglycerides.  There are SO many benefits of taking fish oil.  If you don't eat fish frequently (like myself), I suggest you take a look at the Benefits of Fish Oil.  It is so good for you in so many ways, from your heart, to your skin, to your reproductive system.
  4. The best place you can get both Omega 3 and Omega 6 with the correct ratio is in Olive Oil and Canola Oil.  Especially Olive.
  5. You need fat.  There are some essential fat soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) that you need to efficiently absorb.  Fat does that for you.  It helps with absorption and carrying those vitamins around.
  6. Fat helps you feel fuller longer.  It's satiety delays stomach emptying.  This doesn't mean that you should go out and eat as much fat as you possibly can, but in my opinion, it means you should keep a little bit of fat in each meal to keep you feeling fuller a little bit longer. Ever notice how low fat stuff like salad fills you up, but not for very long?  The key is moderation!
  7. I have blogged about transfats before.  If nothing else, remember it gives you cancer. Mostly breast cancer.  Also cancer has been seen in the colon, stomach, esophagus, etc. So stay away from transfats and any kind of hydrogenated oil. It also increases your cholesterol and triglycerides.
  8. You are born with all the fat cells in your body that you will ever have.  You don't grow more, you don't lose fat when you lose weight.  The size and activity of the cell will increase as you consume more calories.  You can't turn fat into muscle.  Sorry!  But when you go to the gym and start toning up, you are simply burning those extra calories that are being stored in the fat cells and you are building that muscle up.


This is what a slide of fat cells (adipocytes) actually looks like.  In case you were wondering.

Really, like everything else in your regular diet, fat should be consumed in moderation instead of in excess.  Completely taking it out of your diet?  Might leave you extra hungry and you might end up consuming more calories, which gets converted to fat anyway when you consume an excess.  The key here? Balance. Balance fat intake and caloric intake and it will help you out lots!

What are your thoughts on fat?  What works for you in your diet as far as fats are concerned?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

♥ Confessions of a Shoe-aholic: Shoes made of......

I gotta admit.... My shoe blog on Wednesday... is the most consistent thing of my blog.  I love my weekly shoe blog!  But later this week, I am promising to jump back into my health related blogs again as soon as possible.  I have a few that are making me crazy and I need to get them written so I can tell you all about them!

Now for my usual shoe blog!  I am kind of excited for this one because I know the possibilities are endless.  It is pretty amazing how people can make things that aren't shoes.... look so much like shoes!  Like for real?  I would totally wear some of these if they were real.  And I would probably avoid some of the others....  either way, the creativity put into some of these things amaze me.  Check out these "shoes"!

  These?  Look so real. But are made from..... chocolate!  They are like a girl's best friend!  You can find these and order them at a shop in Michigan named Gayle's Chocolates.  I think it is a pretty wonderful idea. You could design your own chocolate shoe!!!!

This single shoe?  It is made of crystal glass.  And it is sold with that bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.  It is made to resemble a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.  The stem is supposed to resemble the stem of a Champagne flute.  Pretty fancy and purdy if you ask me.

These look stinkin' sweet!  They are made of paper.  Oragami shoes?  Who comes up with these things.

This shoe is completely edible.  In fact, that shoe box?  It's a cake.  For that reason?  I love watching shows like Amazing Wedding Cakes  and Cake Boss because I am normally a cake hater.  They make me want to be all creative and make my own. That look that good.

Need a new pair of slippers?  Just go buy a couple loaves of bread and cut them to your size!  Ha!

These are made from Gabriel Dishaw.  As an art piece.  But they are made out of "junk" mostly computer chips.  I would say this is creativity at it's best!  These are the Blazer Pentium 1.0 shoes.... appropriate name, no?

These look somewhat torturous to me.  And scary.  But made entirely of metal... once again, kudos for creativity.

I am trying to decide why these shoes were even created.  But they probably didn't cost much money.... and probably aren't confortable. at all.  They barely look like shoes.  But hey, I can't dis a Styrofoam creation either.

Have some extra plastic bags laying around?  Go green and make some sandals! You could even customize them to fit you perfectly!

Speaking of going green.... You could always ask Krispy Kreme of all places to get you some of their grass-made flip flops.  All I know is my allergies would go nuts!

If I could find a way to make them last, I would totally use these shoes made up entirely of plants to decorate my house.  Some of them are sooooo pretty!  More of these beautiful creations can be seen here: Pretty Plant Shoes and I really think you should check them out!

That concludes what I have found today on whacky shoes.  If you have anymore awesome creations that I should see, I would love it if you would share them!  I get a kick out of shoes made of anything other than the usual.  Makes me wonder where some of these people get their creativity. 

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

♥ Confessions of a Shoe-aholic: Expensive...but so pretty!

Call me crazy, but I found these shoes a few weeks ago.... And loved them!  I want some yellow shoes.  Why not let them be all pretty and embellished with Swarovski crystals?!?!  It seems so practical!

 These are Guiseppe Zanotti Strass Suede Caged sandals- embellished with Swarovski crystals.
They come for the low low price of only $1,595.  Practical, right?

So while I am at it, I decided to go on a search for expensive shoes.  You know.  Those that will probably never touch my feet other than playing the adult version of dress up, but never leaving the store to vacate on my closet floor when they aren't decorating my feet.

 These Prada shoes are suede and have pretty rhinestones on them.  They are running at about $556.

 These?  Christian Louboutin Georginetas.  I found them in pink, but they are also very pretty in white with a black bow!  Sitting at about $636 on Bluefly.

 Another set of Prada shoes.  These are a good $750.  I think they are sooo pretty. And a neutral color so I could wear them with SO many things.

 I actually found these on Etsy for $250... but they say all that bling?  Are Swarovski crystals.  That is either one great deal... or they aren't real like they say.  Either way?  I am diggin the bling!

 Confession: I wasn't the one to find these.  A friend did.  They are a pair of Alexander McQueens that are running just above $1,000.  Pretty cute. And unique! :)

I absolutely adore these.  Jimmy Choo 'Haze' Pumps can be purchased with $785 in case you all wanted to buy them for me ;)

Now it gets real expensive.  Brace yourself.

You don't wanna wear heels?  Check these out.
 For only $50,000 you can have your Nike swooshes encrusted with chocolate covered diamonds. 11 carats of them even.

Annnnd what would an expensive shoe blog be without the two pairs of the world's most expensive shoes?!?!
 These babies?  Cost $2 Million!  They were worn by Allison Krauss at the 2004 Oscars ceremony.  They are Stuart Weitzman's Cinderella Slippers.  Why so expensive you might ask? These beauties are studded with 565 platinum-set Kwiat diamonds, including 55 carats of clear diamonds and one big 5-carat stone.  He wasn't kidding around about the bling!  But holy smokes.... $2 million?!?! 


These are the most expensive:
Yet another pair from Stuart Weitzman.  These are his "Rita Hayworth" shoes.  They are only $3 million dollars.  Their name?  Came from the movie legend herself.  The shoes were designed around a pair of earrings she owned that were sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.  Now?  They are found in Rita Hayworth's daughter's closet.  Two words: holy. expensive.



Now I am curious... What shoes would you buy if you had an unlimited shoe budget?!?!  The sky is the limit, show me whatcha got!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I have a bone to pick with Facebook.

I love Facebook.  I really do.  I mean, for the most part.  It really is a great way to stay in touch with people who you went to high school with or friends that live far away.  I really love seeing pictures regularly of my favorite people that I can't see every day because you live in another state!  It makes my day!  But sometimes.... I really think I would be okay if I deleted a lot of my friends.  I mean, more than I already have.  Just yesterday, I did some "Facebook Spring cleaning" and deleted over 50 people that I just don't talk to, or have any connection to anymore really.  That.... is pretty sad.  Especially since I am willing to bet that I still have another 100 friends that I could really just delete and not notice.  It might happen this week.

This was also posted last week in the Daily Offensive last week.  But my dad posted this video on his Twitter and Facebook that is entirely too true.



And seriously?  I had a conversation with a friend the other day that was exactly like this:
Me: Did you know [insert names here] broke up this week?
Friend: Oh dang!  No... is it even Facebook official?!?!

Really.  That did happen.  And it is so sad, and so true that relationship status depends on Facebook.  And the whole reason so-and-so didn't post it on Facebook yet?  Is just because she didn't want the whole world knowing about it.  Who would have thought that people actually want some privacy?!?!

Also?  It really irritates me when people make it so obvious that they don't know how to communicate, if it isn't on Facebook.  The video itself is gives some great examples of that.  But I myself have experienced some pretty ridiculous communication through Facebook statuses and messages.  A status talking about someone without [inserting their name] is really quite immature.  Actually, posting a status talking about someone at all, in any way other than a positive one?  Goes beyond disrespect and really just makes you look bad.  Why is it okay for you to be rude on Facebook when you would never be so rude in person?  Encrypting a status is just dumb.  There are some things that need to stay OFF the internet.  I am also a hater of Facebook messages when it should really be dealt with another way.  I mean, if you can't even talk to the person face to face or at least over the phone, you might have some communication problems that you should deal with yourself.  It really isn't the way to resolve anything.

Stalking is not cool.  But at the same time... if you put something on Facebook, expect the whole world to be able to see it.  Even if you have a private profile, people talk. People hack the system.  People will find a way to look at your things if you let them.  So don't post your entire life on your profile, if you don't want people to know.  It's common sense.

Another one of those funny things about Facebook..... random people adding you.  I mean, if you live in another state I have never been to and we have no friends in common and there is no way we would ever meet in person.... EVER.  I probably won't be your friend in the virtual world either. Sorry!  And similar to the video, where it talks about the one person Facebook suggests to be your friend that you just don't know.... I probably won't add you just because we have 59 friends in common.  Just because we know the same people, doesn't mean I want you to stalk my profile.  If we meet in person?  I will be happy to be your Facebook friend though!

I think my Spring Cleaning of my friends was necessary.  Not only did I clean up my home page a bit, but it also made me realize that sometimes things just belong in the past.  After being obviously "watched" by people that I no longer talk to, it really irritated me.  And completely inspired this blog and the clean out.

Thanks for listening to my vent against the biggest social network out there!  I promise my shoe blog tomorrow will be a bit more positive and exciting.  I just needed to throw my pet peeves out there, and maybe voice what others might think too.  What is your "beef" with the FB world?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Change, Change, Change

"Be the change you want to see in the world"- Mahatma Gandhi

Really, that is one of the greatest quotes, in my opinion.  People get so completely concerned with how everyone or everything else needs to change.  Why do we always focus on what is going wrong with other people, rather than just changing what we see in ourselves?  Or how we see the world around us.  Really, it is a great philosophy to live by.  Stop focusing on what everyone else is doing wrong, and figure out what you can do better.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it is Spring.... or maybe something to do with the fact that it has been so long since something major has changed in my life.  For the first time in a while, I am settled somewhere that I am perfectly content.  I have enough challenges in school to keep me interested.  I have goals and plans that I am stoked about!  I have great friends and family that support me through all of it.  I have a wonderful healthy and steady relationship.  Right now?  There isn't anything that needs a major change.  Sure, I need a job as soon as I can find one.  But aside from that, my life is exactly where it needs to be.  But because I am always up to something, always ready for a change, ready for the challenge.... I just keep wanting to change the little things!  For instance:  last week?  I changed my hair.  For the first time in my life.  I went from being a blondie.... to being dark brunette.  See?!?! (if you haven't already...)


It likes to change colors every day too.  Which for now?  Is pretty awesome to wake up with your hair a bit different every day.

Along with that?  I absolutely love the way my room is painted and decorated.  It's what I have always wanted!  But lately, I have been wanting something brighter.  If only painting was a super easy task, my room would start changing with the seasons. I think I should pass on that idea for now....

Annnnnd in case you didn't notice.... my blog even has a new look!  What do YOU think?  I still need to work out some of the small stuff, but I needed a new layout and look :)

I really do like the dictionary version of change: v. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone.

And the urban dictionary versions are priceless. Just for humor, I will put two of the mostly appropriate ones here: 1.) A word used SO much in the 2008 presidential campaigns that it no longer holds any meaning. 2.) Change is inevitable from a vending machine.

I can't help but end with a song.  Because Saving Abel rocks, and I could listen to them all. day. long.

Drowning (Face Down)

Friday, March 26, 2010

A look back: Reasons to Stay Away from Pop!

As many of you know, my sister and her beautiful friend have a blog called the Daily Offensive.  If you don't know about them, you should :)  But anywho, they allow guest bloggers on a regular basis.  Just to allow people to blog "anonymously" as they please.  Or not so anonymously....



Last September, I was one of those not so anonymous guest blogger.  And several readers actually put in a lot of professional opinions as well and a few others put in their own biased opinions :)

In case you all didn't know already, I am a hater and non-drinker of all things containing carbonation and high fructose corn syrup in most cases.  I hate pop, and I think you should too!  For many reasons.  A few of those very important reasons are listed and described pretty well in their ghost blog listed here: The Pop Nazi

Even though some of you may have read it when it was written, it is still a good look back and reminder!  (I know many of you STILL drink pop!) haha.  But for those of you who haven't read it and taken a look, I highly recommend it ;)  And not just because I wrote it, but also because it is good for your health ;)


Edit:  This is an article I found today, health benefits of Organic Herbal Teas.  Much better than pop ;) Health Benefits of Organic Herbal Teas

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

♥ Confessions of a Shoe-aholic: Lady Gaga

I know I have been neglecting my blog lately, but give a girl a break.  My Spring break had a wonderful lack of internet, and I wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere that had it.  It was nice.... for a while!  :)

I figured there was no better way to get back on my blogging roll than to start with my much loved Wednesday tradition.  And it has been brought to my attention, that Lady Gaga?  Has worn some of the most bizarre and crazy shoes. But, her wardrobe would be so incomplete without them.  I mean, who dresses like that and wears normal shoes?!?!  I wouldn't.  I admire her ability to create her own fearless style.  So here are a few shots of her crazy footwear, that the majority of us.... Probably couldn't pull off.... if  we even have the ability to walk in them.

 Because... who else would be able to wear Alexander McQueen?!?!
I have to admit though, the middle ones are pretty sweet.  I would totally want a pair if it weren't for the gigantic platform and heel! ♥

 Because who doesn't need ballet platforms to wear on a casual day in underwear and a jacket?

Holy tall, batman.  Even I wouldn't want to attempt a walk in those.

And then there is always her selection in boots!
 Shoe laces all the way up to her thighs.

 These fancy boots....

 And the fab sequin boots.... I would seriously borrow these for a night from her.  Seriously.

 I don't really even know what to call these....

 I would say they definitely give a new definition to "peep toe" and platform.  In the same boot.

And then she wore the hairy boots.  Yikes.

What do you think?  Is she cray and over the top, or just extra creative and pulls it off? (shoe-wise.... not complete wardrobe concerning)

And we can't have a Lady Gaga shoe blog without at least givin her some music credit.  Here is one of my favorites.  Happy Wednesday everyone!  Your week is half over!

Paper Gangsta


Thursday, March 11, 2010

♥ The Glue that Holds Me Together

Right about now, you should probably brace yourself for one of my most heartfelt blogs yet.  Because generally, I keep it light-hearted and easy read.  But this is just one of those things that can never be overdone.  This one is solely based on friendships.  Not relationships with significant others :)  I will save that for another time.



Friendships.  They have always been what keeps me going in life, really.  I am one of those people who loves making new friends.  And once I make them, I don't want to lose them.  I am a social person, but I also like being the friend.  I like people to know that when I am your friend, it's not by convenience, it is all or nothin' with me.  And I expect the same from my friends.  I am so thankful for every single one of the people that have been placed in my life with the perfect timing.



There will always be a place in my life for a select few girls that came into my life, and I never want them to leave.  You all know who you are.  Those friends who love me for the person I was, the person I am, and whoever I am going to become.  The people in my life that are brutally honest about the little details, the sensitive subjects, and the major decisions, but don't judge me about any of them.  Everyone needs at least one of those people in their life, and I am incredibly blessed with multiples, and never go a day without recognizing that.  The downside?  I don't always get to see them.  They like to disperse throughout a few states.  But I deal with it. :)

There are the friends that I will never forget.  This, unfortunately comes when you move, when they move, or when you just drift apart all together. Sometimes a relationship takes over your life or theirs, or there just isn't enough time in a week to get together until you slowly fade down to hardly seeing or talking to each other at all.  Then one day, you run into each other or talk on the wonderful social networking invention we all know of.... Facebook (for real, where would we be without it? haha).  And then out come the "remember whens" and the "I miss yous".  Because really?  You never wanted them out of your life, but that's just how life goes sometimes.

 "We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."
-Tim McGraw


There are friends that I will always miss.  The ones that I have come to accept were only in my life for a sliver of time, and made a little bit of an impact on who I am, or who I was.  The friends I wish I could keep in my life, but the only way to do so is through the memories we made in the small amount of time we had.  I have made my own choices to get me to where I am today, and unfortunately not all of those relationships were strong enough to endure all of them.  I have no regrets, but I am sure thankful for some of the great time some of my wonderful friends shared with me.
There is a saying out there, one that goes something like, "Don't worry about the people in your past, there is a reason they didn't make it to your future."  I can't say I completely agree.  I think there is a reason they were placed in your life at the exact moment in time they showed up.  If you made a friendship with them, you must have seen the good in them at some point.  I can't help but take advantage of every relationship I come across.  Sure, it is sad that some of my friendships no longer exist, but looking back, I could not have gone a day without them.  They are the reason I have learned how to love and enjoy life, and also learned the hardest lessons.  Will I worry about those people?  No.  But I will always be thankful for the fact that at some point in my life, they touched my life and made the ride worth it.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
-Helen Keller

 



And now for a good friend song, because what girl doesn't need it?  It is one of those that played on my ipod yesterday and is so true for me some days.  It inspired my bloggage a little :)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

♥ Confessions of a Shoe-aholic: Summer Shoes!

As I have mentioned before.... I love summer.  Mostly because it generally includes sunshine, lake time, 4 wheeling, camping, fireworks, and many other wonderful things.  But also?  Because I get to wear whatever shoes I want to (except for my winter boots. duh).  So this post?  All about those Summer shoes that love to come out and play during the best months of the year.  Thankfully, Summer styles are already being released!  And it makes me that much more excited for sun-shiny weather!

 
Two Lips pumps
They just scream, "hello summer!"


Jessica Simpson-Joslette
(I even found a swimsuit to match these last weekend.... Not that I am going to be wearing my swimsuit on a runway with my heels or anything.... but still!)


BCBG Warren in Watermelon.
They just scream take me into the sunshine!


Luichiny Katie Lou
Call me crazy, but I love those colors! And the style is wonderful!


Naughty Monkey- Shock and Awe 2
Those may just be my next addition.....

  
Two Lips pump.  These are just tooooooo cool :)


Colin Stuart heels
He is a genius. Even though they may make me over 6' tall :)


Annnnnd because it is for the sake of Summer, and I go nowhere without these shoes, I had to include my favorite flip flops ever!

What about you, what shoes are YOU looking forward to for the warm sunny Summer days?