Featured Friday Follower and a Shoegasm

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Yipppeeeee It's Friday again, Plonkers and this week I interview fellow South African Blogger, Michelle who is very fond of Cappuccinos and Fanta Grape - but not together. 

She lives in Pretoria with her hubby and 3 huskies.  Michelle loves being South African and is very proud of her country and its people. Her and I share a love for our toilet paper being over, not under, hand sanitizer and is a fellow drum majorette.  Halt, check, one, two!

Go visit her blog, Past Midnight, and leave a comment and follow her.

What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?

My husky voice – It was never always like this – circumstances made it this way.

What got you started in blogging?

I started blogging after another online friend was doing it! I succumbed!!!!!! Peer pressure and all you know.

Whats one of your favourite things about where you live and what you do?

The vibe! There is a noticeable difference between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Almost snobby, very fast paced, compared to laid back, not so rushed, we’ll get to it when we get to it kind of attitude. I grew up in Jo’burg and The Husband in Pretoria, and he very much has that attitude (which gets on my last nerve no doubt, but he’s ok, I think I will keep him). I have only been living in Pretoria for about 5 years, but whenever I make the small "trek" to visit the folks, I actually start to get anxious.

If you could be something different from what you do, what would it be?

I recently made that change as a matter of fact – I always sat in an office because it was "safe" – by nature I am creative and it makes me feel like a caged and enraged bear to sit in an office, so I decided to finally let go and be the photographer I always wanted to be. It’s working out pretty well for me! I love it! Follow me on my new

Facebook page, there are always free give aways!

High Five for free stuff!

You can also view my other blog which showcases / will be showcasing some of my work.

Your favourite place in the world?

Curled up on the couch with a good book. If you had asked me this question 4 years ago, my answer would have been very different. Probably dancing the night away on in a bar with some friends drinking, swearing, guffawing having fun.

Singapore and New Zealand also rank up near the top there somewhere.

 

If you had one day to live what would you do?

Probably spend my husband’s money.

 

What are you reading right now?

Nothing, **gasp** Shocking I know! My last read was Marian Keyes "Anybody Out There", but haven’t picked up another book since I finished that one a couple of weeks ago.

 

Whats on your iPod?

iPod? MP3/4 player… what’s that? I read somewhere once that you can judge a person’s character by the way they act when they have to untangled Christmas lights. The VERY same thing happens with earphones, so it’s just dumped in a drawer at home. You get the picture.

A Few random things about you

I went to have my tongue pierced when I lived in the UK, but chickened out and got a tattoo instead. I also kept that a secret from my family for about 2 years.

My eyes go almost luminous green if I have been crying and I get a red patch on my cheek bone where I got hit in the face by a mace during drummie practice one night.

I hiccup A LOT….. Like as in 2 or 3 times an hour. Every hour.

I have an obsession with pretty Tea Towels – I collect them. I also collect, sanitizing wipes, waterless hand sanitizer and pretty socks. My best friend

Tandi says I’m odd. But she likes me and my oddness is very entertaining apparently.

Dinner with three people dead or alive. Who and why?

I wouldn’t like to have dinner with dead people. But living:

Oscar Pistorious – To tell him to put on his big boy underpants and get over it! And then I’d give him some ice-cream and tell him to go play outside. Nicely.

Fernando Torres – Viva Chelsea!!!!!! Because he is perfection personified! Dessert anyone?

I’m only going to go with 2 here, because once Oscar is playing outside, to be fair, my dear Fernando deserves my FULL attention ;o)

In anyone’s shoes for a day and why.

Absolutely no one! Because that old saying if you put your problems in a pile with everyone else’s, you would take yours back, is more true than the sky blue! I have enough of my own shite to deal with thanks, don’t want to experience anyone else’s.

 

Who’s your hero?

My Husband – he saved my life – if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today.

 

What could you NOT live without?

Lip Balm! Without a doubt. Oh and my phone.

 

What would you do if you were a person of the opposite sex for a day?

This could go so many ways, but if I was a man for a day…. When in Rome people, When in Rome… I would stop thinking!

 

If you could go back in time, what is the one thing you would change?

I wouldn’t have been able to change it, but if I could have, I would have stopped my miscarriage.

 

What is the one achievement that makes you the most proud?

This is a difficult one, I have so many, but now that the question is on the table, they all seem so shallow and superficial when you look at the bigger picture.

 

What’s your favorite color? And why

Pink is my fav a rit colour!…. It’s a feel good colour for me.

What makes you happy? Or What makes you sad?

Spending money makes me happy, spending money also makes me sad….

My husband also makes me happy, and he also makes me mad sad

Not falling pregnant like we had hoped also makes me very very very very sad.

 

Define the word sexy.

The dictionary says:

sex·y
1. concerned predominantly or excessively with sex; risqué

2. sexually interesting or exciting; radiating sexuality
3. excitingly appealing; glamorous
4. Michelle J

What? How did that get there?

Thanx for agreeing to be my Featured Friday Follower.

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It wouldn't be Friday without  couple 'o pairs of pretty heels.  This week all the shoes are from a local site, Zando.  They have some brilliant shoes.  Go check these ones out.

Stunning Gweneth and only R389

Plum PlatformsR399

Caprice Platforms R429

Introducting Jack Booth

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Introducting Jack Booth.

I've been married to the wonderful Joanne for 10 years.We have two daughters called Kathryn and Elizabeth,who are 9 and 7.

What got you started in blogging?

I don't write a blog, I use the various blogs I follow as a way to relax. I'm a barber by trade, I have my own business in Buxton, Derbyshire, so I tend to spend all day talking (usually about the same thing) so I find reading other people's blogs a way to let my brain relax.

Other than ADSL (A Daft Scots Lass), I can recommend:

Spence is an ambulance driver and his writing is clever,funny and sometimes a little sad.

Beta Dad is also very funny and very cool.

What do you do for a living?

My job is different every day (the actual hair cuts don't really alter,men's hair can only be cut a certain number of ways.Thank goodness)but I get to see different people every day, I can bring my dog to work every day, and even bring the girls in as well.

Reading? iPod?

I'm reading "The Hound of the Baskevilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle, as for my ipod it's filled with blues, jazz and other stuff Jo won't let me listen to at home such as Kraftwerk.

Stupidest sporting injury?

I used to do a lot of cycling when I was younger, I wasn't concentrating on two occasions. First time I was trying to fit my cleat into the pedal so I was looking down,went into the back of a car and chipped 4 teeth on the rear windscreen. The other time I wasn't paying much attention left me with a 2 inch scar on my leg, I was shaving my legs at the time....

Dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who and why?

I get to do that with Jo and the girls every day,but the other choice would be George Harrison,Tour de France winner Cadel Evans,and Heston Blumenthal,who'd cook it as well.I'd like to know what was it like being a Beatle in the middle of all that mayhem and play the ukulele with him,talk to Cadel about his training and pick up some tips from Heston as I do all the cooking at home.

What could you not live without?

My family and Bruichladdich, the finest of malt whisky.

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Friday is not Friday without a few pairs of pretty Shoeperwoman Heels

Kurt Geiger Green Suede Peeptoes

Pinstripe and spotted pink heels

Pink Strawberry Patch Mary Janes

Dune Helium Colour Block Platforms.  Gorgeous 

Oh Em Gee!  I want these Lime Platforms $55 only!!

Ooooooo Yes Pwetty Pwetty 50 bucks!

Featured Friday Follower

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We haven't been following each other for very long, but from what I've gotten to know over the last few weeks, is that Mark is an awesome stay-at-home dad of three wee boys and is a writer.  Here is his interview with A Daft Scots Lass - I gave him a space on my blog and he calls me irreverent, cheeky bugger!

.

Go visit his wee bloggy and say hi.

What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?

That I’ve travelled so much and seen much of the world (I’ve moved fifty-five times in twenty-three years :)What got you started in blogging?

Sept. 11, 2011 – I wanted to do something to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
What’s one of your favorite things about where you live and what you do?

Live close to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and love the history and culture of this island of Oahu.
If you could be something different from what you do, what would it be?

IF I’d known non-citizens could join, I would have signed up to be a U.S. Marine (in 1996 when I first came to America on my Green Card.)
What’s different about you?

I’m quite quirky and have absolutely no problems showing myself up, even though I’m in my mid-forties and should be more reserved
Your favorite place in the world?

Wherever my wife and three boys are.
If you had one day to live what would you do?

Watch the sunrise in one part of Oahu, have fun playing in the island and then head to Sunset Beach to well, watch the sunset.
What are you reading right now?

I’m always reading three books… right now it’s:

Oppression by Jessica Therrien

Pujols – More Than a Game – by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

First Daughter – by Eric Van Lustbader

What’s on your iPod?

I don’t use one – I’m addicted to Pandora.com and when I find a great song, I pull the video on YouTube, so I make my own lists.
Three random things about you.

Though I have moved more than most, I’m not in the Witness Protection program.

While I have no problems with selling eBooks, I will never own an e-reader – ever.

When I was eighteen, my dad (who comes from Holland) said it was OK for me to move to Amsterdam – and the rest is history
If you had to write a book or make a movie about you and your life – what would it be called and who would you choose to play you?

"Seriously, Dude?" It would be hilarious to see Owen Wilson or Ben Stiller play me.
Dinner with three people dead or alive. Who and why?

Author Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone, Baby, Gone – he’s my favorite author (love how his mind ticks.)

Author and Talk Radio Host Dennis Prager – his wisdom and outlook on life is amazing.

U.S. Army Maj. Dick Winters (deceased) (Maj. Winters was the original C.O. of Easy Company – made famous by the HBO series, Band of Brothers.)
In anyone’s shoes for a day and why.

Winston Churchill – how did he make the decisions that saved England from Hitler’s Germany??
Who’s your hero?

Anyone wearing the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
What could you NOT live without?

Apart from my family – books.
What is your dream job?

Writer
What would you do if you were a person of the opposite sex for a day?

Stay in bed (Seriously though, I would walk around town, and put myself in as many situations as possible so I could understand women better…)
If you could go back in time, what is the one thing you would change?

I’d shoot back to the 1600’s and turn the Irish and English into "Simply Christians."

As Simply Christians there would be no splintering off into "Nearly Christians" or "Sometime Believers."

This would spare both nations hundreds of years of fighting and killings and "The Troubles" would never have happened.
What is the one achievement that makes you the most proud?

That I’m a husband to my wife and a dad to three healthy, smart boys.
What’s your favourite color? And why

Sky blue…. Love the freedom it offers.
What makes you happy?

My boys giggling at something silly I’ve done (Holds up sign: WILL WORK FOR GIGGLES.

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And here's a bunch of shoes for today's Friday Shoegasm.

I just have one thing to say.  Why doesn't Topshop want to come to South Africa?  Oh how I wish to get my grubby wee hands on some of those items, especially the shoes. 

Featured Friday Follower Dan and a Shoegasm

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This week's Featured Friday Follower is Dan aka Grins from Anger Management.  Dan has a quick-wit, sharp-tongue and is dead funny.  A guy after my own heart, even though he describes himself as "bald, old, one bug eye, no nose, one tooth and fat".  Bullshite!  Here is Dan's Guest Post:

There is a question burning in the hearts of American females and about one out of every ten males.

Every morning they get up, look into their mirrors and ask themselves, "Other than a female6 dog, what is a Bitch?? For the reader's sensibilities I will refer to them as B's from now on, or at least until I go to work tomorrow.

In spite of the dictionary definition, female dogs have none of the true qualities to be a B. This is because dogs are stupid, and as long as you feed them they are happy.  B used to be a title only a proud few could wear.  The term is currently used indiscriminately to mean any female oriented person.  With this article I am going to confront the irreverent use of the word B and attempt to restore the B word to its former glory and true meaning. Very few humans have the talent to demonstrate a full array of B behaviors.

Of course I have not been closely associated with any Bs since before I was married.  I have seen roommate B's fight to the death over a carton of moldy yogurt, or a hairdryer.  They are also very possessive of the roads they drive on. I have seen a B purposefully ram the back of a car one nanosecond after the light turns green.  This is not just a female trait, but it is prevalent behavior in a practicing B.  The poor B's roommate cannot not touch the B's clothes even if she puts them on the porch in a sack marked for the Salvation Army.  A B usually has nothing to wear and three closets to put it in.  Conversely the B will not only use roommate's new outfit without asking for permission, but her boyfriend as well.

A genuine B can't stand to see someone doing nothing.  If the house is clean, the yard is perfect, the car is running tiptop and you contemplate going fishing with your free time, the B will sense this disturbance in the force.  She will insist that you spend your free Saturday at the World Wide Organization Of B's doing volunteer work.  A B's greatest fear is that somewhere someone is happy.
If your B catches you watching a sporting event or a real time crisis in the nature of the twin tower bombing instead of her, it will be weeks before the B will speak to you again.  There is nothing scarier than a silent B.  You just sit around dreading for the other high heel to drop.  You know what's coming, just not when.  Three AM on a work night is typical.  You'll probably be sleeping on the couch a lot.  Some men have their clothes made out of blankets.  B's invented the need to suck up so they could control the universe. (This explains Hillary Clinton.)  The only right thing to do after committing a blunder, like ignoring her for more time than it takes to go to the restroom, is to sit rigidly on the couch and try not to breathe too loudly till she is done pouting and wait for instructions.

Cleaning house is a relatively safe way to implement damage control.

B's will provoke at any occasion and will never ever admit they ever did anything wrong.  Remember, any time she is mad it's always your fault.  You've either done something or not done something.  If you don't know, don't guess.  Just hang your head.

A B will allow a lull in a relationship and permit everything to go smoothly for a while.  The seemingly content B, with no warning or provocation will start talking about divorce at the dinner table.  It soon escalates and the hubby's shortcomings will become common knowledge to the neighborhood via much screaming.  A visit from the police temporarily gives him some respite in a nice quiet cell reserved for domestic violence perpetrators.  Upon release he will discover his prize baseball cards were burned with his clothes.  He won't miss his belongings much as there is very limited storage space under the bridge.  Don't worry, it won't last more than a couple of months.  This kind of behavior is just her funny little way of showing affection and putting spice back in the relationship.

I've got to run. My friend just called and said he needs a book on foot massage for his girlfriend as her designer high heels he bought for her, hurt her feet. He is scheduled to get out of ICU in two days.  Be careful who you call a B, she might actually be one. Perhaps I will address S.O.B.'s next week.

Thanx for agreeing to guest post for me, Dan! 

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And of course Friday wouldn't quite be the same without a Shoegasm or two. So, if you love a beautiful pair of heels like I do, grab my Shoegasm button, leave a comment that you've linked up and I'll come and visit and drool over your shoes too.

Jeffrey Campbell - Honey Pie Wedges from Modcloth 

Green Glitter Platforms $60.00 by Bad Kitty

Muertos Print Platforms $72.00 at Bad Kitty

Have a KICK ARSE weekend, Plonkers.

Friday Follower Mr Cool and a Shoegasm

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Introducting Mr Cool aka Tom Tomoser.

By day is a Secrity Guard and by night he is serenading all the ladies in Omaha karaoke bars making them swoon with his soopa smooth voice and silvery locks. Tom is so smooth he slides up hill! 

Tom dismissed the idea of being signed by a major label and instead opened his own indie label Lone Eagle Records in 1997. The first release from Lone Eagle was “Cool Smooth & Sassy” spotlighting a tenor sax session player named Joe Genovesi. Tom put 14 of his ballads on “Cool.”

A renaissance man, and a true desire to achieve the highest artistic quality inspired him to begin his musical career by laying a foundation to grow from.  His musical knowledge came the old fashioned way - he  studied.

It was clear to him from the beginning that he would need to be competent in at least 4 areas of the music business to build a rewarding and profitable career or business. The first order of business was to learn how to write music, so he studied music theory with a college professor that was also an accomplished pianist, and woodwind artist playing with two symphony orchestras and a jazz ensemble.

Tom is a true gentleman whose songs and voice reflect the lost art of chivalry.  His blog is full of interesting stuff and always takes part in Monday Music Moves Me bloghop.

Go give him a visit and send Tom some hugs and kisses and check him out on YouTube.

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Suede Studded Bow Tipped Platform Pumps $53.99

Brian Atwood Pumps

Beautiful Christian Louboutin GBP865

Christian Louboutins GBP815.  Pretty colour!

Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas and leather slingbacks GBP575

Miu Miu

Pretty Bold Wedges

Friday Follower and a Shoegasm

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Yipeeeeeeee!  Its Friday and I'm featuring Chris Davis – better known as The Frog Queen has an obsession with all things Halloween and a ridiculously large frog collection, which has allowed her to control all the frogs in the world.  At least that is what she believes.

Chris is obsessed with:


♥ Halloween and all things dark and creepy
♥ Creating creepy things!
♥ Scotland – The picture of me at Flora McDonald’s grave is one of my favorite possessions.
♥ Wine…but only red. White wine….no bloody way!
♥ Stuff with skulls on it
♥ Blogging
♥ My cats…since we are childless by choice….our cats are our kids.
♥ Books – mostly Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker.
♥ My Halloween friends/family


What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?
Besides me being crazy? I am completely obsessed with all things Halloween – I mean really, really obsessed. They have not committed me yet…but it is only a matter of time.


What got you started in blogging?
I love sharing my silly stories with everyone….and then it became more about sharing what I create and my travels, be it to haunt convention or graveyards around the world. I just want to share with others the how much I love the world through Halloween eyes!!


What's one of your favorite things about where you live and what you do?
This one is tricky, in my town…I love my town, but sometimes it does not love me….not everyone likes creativity….unless is really safe. Halloween decorations = not safe. But the larger town I am close to (Portland) is a lot more interesting….we have a bar that is HP Lovecraft themed…..that just makes me smile….and buy way too many drinks.


If you could be something different from what you do, what would it be?
I recently became unemployed from a very corporate job. I cannot believe the amount of people that have come to me and said that this is a sign (which….not really my thing) and I should do “Halloween” for a living. I had no idea that so many people had such faith in my creations. If I could make scary decorations for a living…..that would be a happy frog queen.


What's different about you?
Not many people follow their creative instinct in a corporate world….you either fit into the mold or not. For a long time I separated myself between both worlds. I can tell you….that will hurt you in ways you will not understand. Even though I found friends in my corporate world that “liked” what I did….I could see in their eyes that they were just waiting for me to “get over” my phase. Which, now I see, they were just waiting for me to give up…..the world does not need more of that.


On the creative side – with what I do with my friends (crew/minions) for our display is to be sure that I never make anyone doubt what they are doing….love what you create. Always, always….express yourself creatively my friends. Your heart should never be broken and resigned to a lesser fate.


Your favorite place in the world?
Call me silly – sunny and warm is what most people like. But husband and traveled around the UK looking for a perfect home…and we like rainy and cozy…so (outside of) Edinburgh or St. Andrews is where I would move today. There is this castle in Dairsie…..it is absolute heaven. It is about 20 feet from a graveyard (we stayed there a few years back)….(squeal!!!) heaven on earth!!!


If you had one day to live what would you do?
Go somewhere I have never been…..I would head to the east coast of the US and visit some friends that I only see at haunt conventions or my friend in New York who is getting his first (major musical) play produced!!


What are you reading right now?
I just got a Kindle Fire for my birthday and I have been downloading free classic books….I just finished all the Sherlock Holmes books and am now reading Poe and H.P. Lovecraft.


What's on your iPod?
I live in an area that gets no snow (very rarely) but I have the new Kate Bush CD – 50 Words for Snow and I am so wishing that it would snow outside. It is the perfect winter album from my absolutely favorite singer/song writer. Not to be compared with….but I am also a Tori Amos fan….her new CD is the best thing she had done in 10 years….I actually can listen to the whole thing without skipping a song….have not been able to say that about her music in a while. And as “comfort food” I am a huge fan of anything Finn (both Tim and Neil) I am listening to Pajama Club, the latest CD from Neil and a few friends…and Tim just released a new CD…so we are bouncing back and forth an my iPod.


Three random things about you.
1. I hate spiders….but I think anyone that follows my blog knows that….they just creep me the *&@ out!!!


2. I hate my full name “Christine” – it was not until I got older and I could call myself “Chris” that I felt like a real person.  The definition of that name could not be farther from my belief system. My family still calls me “Christine” – just to make me angry.


3. I spent way too much time at Catholic school…..that is a special kind of torture. That is why haunted houses do not scare me.


If you had to write a book or make movie about you and your life? What would it be called and who would you choose to play you?
The Haunted House…that would be the title…or The Crazy Lady. I would love have Carolyn Jones or Angelica Houston from the Addams family show/movies. Cause if we are going to go that much fiction….that is who I would love to be. Plus I really want the house!!!


Dinner with three people dead or alive. Who and why?
1. Richard Fenyman – he was a genius that was able to access the rest of the world. Not too many people on his level can/could do that.
2. Steven Fry – he just makes me want to learn more…I so wish the Qi show was here in the US! I buy all his books and TV specials….he is definitely my favorite living person obsession. (You UK people have no idea how luck you are to have him!)
3. Tim Minchin - that is completely silly of me. But I have been a big fan of UK comedy for years….and his “Predujice” song is brilliant. Also being American, having “no christian” views makes me “not normal” – I would love to talk to him and say….not all Americans are the same….really some of us have a sense of humor. Now that I think of it….can I trade Tim for….
4. Neil Gaiman – the best story teller in the whole world. I probably would spend the whole dinner bowing at his feet.


What could you NOT live without?
The Davis Graveyard crew – which I am closer than to my actual family. They are the most creative and supportive people in the world. I am so lucky to have them in my life….and after that…black paint. Use about 20 gallons of it a year.


What would you do if you were a person of the opposite sex for a day?
I would talk to women and try to understand how men see them and maybe shed some light on our difference on communication. And then I would…..


If you could go back in time, what is the one thing you would change?
I had a very close friend that lost her son (and our friend) in a fire. Of all the gifts in the world I could give anyone….I would give her, her son back. I know that she misses him everyday of her life….to take that shadow off her heart…..I would give almost anything.


What is the one achievement that makes you the most proud?
That changes every year. But I would have to say that by creating this “being” called the Davis Graveyard, I have given a group of people the chance to be creative on a very large scale. To work alongside them creating things we almost did not believe possible….that is a constant joy to me. They never cease to amaze me!


What's your favorite color and why?
Red….it is scary and powerful….and I am a ginger, and I completely embrace the ginger!


What makes you happy?
Being around my husband….I adore that man – he is my world!


What makes you sad?
Those moments when I did not stand up for my (or someone elses) creative self.


Define the word sexy.
Someone that loves themselves without needing proof or verification from the world. You are what you believe you are…really, it is just that simple. Do not hide your light under a bushel!!

And now to get us in Friday party mood, here's a few Hooka Heels to get your drooling and dribbling...

<a href="http://gillianhefer.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBC5CjIzVFFAwjP98vng5gRchVZ3GR44PBZRCDDfXvD0zRrOOQVprxxvDJEweZyL44ZjLGKkjARFjcG3dw_TlWT-UMAG8KfXrz5tpmIZOmcxfUr_zXPfjHr8Zo_mKD05Fl7kcRlA-Z1c/s1600/fridayshoegasm.jpg" alt="A Daft Scots Lass" width="240" height="217" /></a> <br>

Thought it would be appropriate to share these stunning heels seeing as I'm still on my Dukan Diet.  Aren't they sweet? and they're made by my favourite shoe designer Christian Louboutin, of course?

Wonder Woman heels

Python Leather Sky High Skinny Heels  *double drool*

Gianmarco Lorenzi Velvet satin corsage platform sandals

Friday Follower and a Shoegasm

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<a href="http://gillianhefer.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoYj0Pjq-I1wJKpkV7PCQS5Ue7dIkVqDc24liceGz0G5NePqH2lbfU2qx0v9xorbStHtc_-Y281zQFzALJ9mbHcpNI5LYIHa7zzDhNy8I6oR2bdOVUZV2LyJZLxOES8HSHghjeg9gE3K5/s1600/Friday+Follower.jpg" alt="A Daft Scots Lass" width="400" height="137" /></a>

TGIF Plonkers. 

Today's featured Friday Follower is Cin from Cinnamon's Spicy Life. Cin is a wife, mom, sister, friend, lifestyler and all-round smart ass with a heart of gold. Here is what she had to say. 

Let me be perfectly clear about one thing.  I have never been a “true” feminist, nor a beauty queen. And I don’t think you could be both at the same time anyway.  I’m sure that this is fairly obvious if you have ever met me, but I just thought you should know it up front.  When I was in the Air Force, my job was on the flight-line.  I worked on fighter aircraft.  Pretty much a man’s job back then, but when I entered the service there was a big push to get women into that field.  Just call me a guinea pig I suppose.  But I took the job and did it to the best of my ability.  I did not ask the other guys to carry my toolbox for me, or use “monthly” excuses to get out of work.  I tried to lead by my example.  I saw many women that did try to use their femininity to their advantage.  That used to piss me off to no end.  But men are stupid sometimes and they were easily manipulated by some of these girls.  Anyway, although not a feminist, I did believe, and still do, that women can do anything that men can do, with some limitations.  Now, on with the story.

Before I arrived at Randolph Air Force Base, the maintenance squadron had NEVER had anyone that they could enter in the yearly “Miss Randolph” contest.  All the “boys” in my shop thought that it would be a hoot if I entered.  And I fought with them about it, until my First Sargent asked me into his office to persuade me to think about it.  I told him that I would enter the damn thing, but if I did, it was because he really thought I had a chance, and that it wasn’t some kind of a joke.  He told me that they would be happy if I represented them.  So, I said yes.  I secretly was thrilled to even get asked about it. Once I have decided to do something though, it’s going to be done to the absolute best that I can.  I became obsessed with the idea.

The first stage of the competition was just an interview with the judges.  I dressed nice and used my best manners.  There were over 200 girls trying out for this.  If I didn’t make the finalists, I would have at least felt like I was in good company.  So when word came down that I had indeed made the ten finalists, I was over the moon.  I had a week to get prepared for the pageant.  That meant getting a gown of some kind, learning how to walk without falling over my number “tens”, and coming up with something clever to say during the final questioning of the judges. Things went bizarre from there.

It was the middle of winter, I was white as a ghost, so I wanted a little color.  I took a few bucks and bought a sun lamp.  One of those old kind that had a timer on it.  I thought I could get a little color on my face at least since I wasn’t that great with makeup.  Unfortunately, I sat in front of the thing while watching a show on t.v.  I burnt the hell out of one side of my face.  Oh my gosh, did that hurt.  And I looked stupid too.  And there was five days until the show.  I had to answer questions about the sunburn while out shopping for the dress.  I found one that looked alright, but not really what I wanted.  It’s always been hard to find a dress because I’m so tall.  But it would do. I already had an outfit for the “sportswear” part of the show, so I was set. Thank God, there wasn’t a swimsuit competition.

I knew that my only “ace in the hole” was the answer that I would give to the judges final question. For some reason, I was convinced that they would ask me what I liked most about being a woman on the flightline.  My gut told me that since I was the first one that had been asked to represent maintenance, that they would ask me about that.  So, I practiced my answer.  I would tell them all about how I thought women could be an integral part of all the fields in the Air Force.  That we could do the hard work just the same as the guys. That my technical school had prepared me for the hard work. How I was proud to serve and be a good example for the women coming behind me.  All that kind of jazz.  Yeah, I had that nailed down.

The night of the pageant came.  The guys from my shop were in the audience.  My Commanding officer and First Sargent were there.  The pressure was HUGE.  I made it through the sportswear section without falling off the stage into someone’s lap.  Then came the walk down the runway in my evening dress.  Well, as you can see from the picture, I forgot to take off my stupid work watch.  It didn’t really enhance the dress. And although I had brought a really nice necklace to wear.....I forgot to put it on.  When I got to the microphone for my last question from the judges, I was ready.  And then they asked, “Airman Jones, what is the greatest thing about working with aircraft?”  Perfect question right?  And I had my answer all ready right?  I could tell them how proud I was to be working with America’s greatest aircraft, how the responsibility for millions of dollars of hardware was entrusted to me and my training had been superb and I could handle it.  Did I say that?  No.  Did I come anywhere close to saying my somewhat “feminist” answer? Nope.  What did I say? Oh, I turned into the dumbest girlie girl you can imagine.  And I said, “ What do I like the best about working with aircraft? The pilots. And the way they look in their flight suits”.

I could have fallen through the floor right there.  It got a huge laugh, and some applause, but I felt like I had betrayed myself.  I think I was calling myself an idiot the whole way back to the backstage.  The other girls were smiling and laughing, they liked the answer.  But not me. Ugh I was so mad at myself.

Of course I didn’t win.  We knew it was pretty much rigged that an officer chick would win.  I was happy to have competed, but I got ribbed about that final answer for a long time.  And even now, when I hear that game show host say, “Is that your final answer”, I want to jump up and say, “No, I take it back, dammit !”.

<a href="http://gillianhefer.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBC5CjIzVFFAwjP98vng5gRchVZ3GR44PBZRCDDfXvD0zRrOOQVprxxvDJEweZyL44ZjLGKkjARFjcG3dw_TlWT-UMAG8KfXrz5tpmIZOmcxfUr_zXPfjHr8Zo_mKD05Fl7kcRlA-Z1c/s1600/fridayshoegasm.jpg" alt="A Daft Scots Lass" width="240" height="217" /></a>

Love these babies

These make me smile and drool at the same time

Iron Fist

Colourful and pretty

Girlie and Lovely