Black Flats

As my 30th birthday approaches, I have come to the realization life is way too short to wear uncomfortable shoes. Especially flats. Really. I am still trying to figure out the mystery as to why most flats are extremely uncomfortable. Maybe I'm too finicky but the flats I've tried on are always WAY too wide and either too big (so my heel slips out when I walk) or too small (so my big toe is smooshed to the front.) Also, how hard is it to put a little cushion and some arch support in a shoe? With that said, I am in need of a new pair of basic black flats. I feel they are a chic alternative to tennis shoes for running errands and the like. Since I spent a lot of time searching, I figured I'd share a few comfy options I found on-line in case you are in the same predicament:1. Ruby&Bloom, found here.
2. Cole Haan, found here.
3. Puma, found here and here.
4. Calvin Klein, found here.
5. Born, found here.
6. J.Crew, found here.

Apparently a little comfort comes with a hefty price tag. Aside from a pair of Doc Martins I bought in high school, I don't think I've ever spent more than $50 for shoes. What are your thoughts? Do you think a comfortable shoe is worth the higher price tag? I'm curious to know your thoughts on the subject.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Sometimes something looks and tastes so yummy I feel like I should take a picture of it before I eat it to make it last longer. This strawberry spinach salad falls into that category. I ate it for lunch every day last week and enjoyed every bite! The ingredients? Spinach, strawberries, blue cheese, pecans, crumbled bacon (I just use pre-packaged real bacon bits) and some homemade sweet and sour dressing (see recipe below). I also like to add a few slivers of red onion if I happen to have it on hand. Note: this salad is just as tastey in the winter when strawberries are out of season. Instead, add a handful of dried cranberries and some chunks of granny smith apple. Delicious!

Easy Sweet and Sour Dressing

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp dijon style mustard
2 tsp onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup oil (I use canola)
1 tsp poppy seeds

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix. Happy eating! :)

Capturing the Last Bit of Summer

Long time, no see! Since I spent the month of June nine months preggo and the month of July with a brand new baby, we've spent August trying to capture the last little bit of summer. I've been canning all sorts of goodies from the gigantic garden we share with Jared's brother and parents and although I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with canning, we have put away lots of green beans, salsa, vegetable soup, diced tomatoes and today's project is spaghetti sauce! In addition to canning we even managed a few fun days at the pool and a trip to my home county for some fun at Tuscora Park. It has been a lazy summer for us but I've enjoyed the laziness. Lots of relaxing at home, watching the boys play and run in the sprinkler while I nurse Caroline, who is growing like a weed. (Hard to believe she is almost two months old.) Hope you are all enjoying the last few days of summer as well!

(The kiddos.)

(The canning.)

(The pool. Spencer with cousin Sam.)

(Sleepy baby.)

(Happy baby.)