Saturday, December 11, 2010

What A Night!

The hunting season for many can be bitter sweet. There are days when one tries so hard and it just doesn't pay off. Then there are the days where things just seem to fall in your lap. Looking over this past hunting season, I can truly recognize the feeling of bitter sweet.

After our hunting season is over, we love to celebrate! And of course, being the girly girls we are, what a better way to do it then throwing a party! This year's party took place on December 3rd at the Annex building in Kewaskum. Kelly has told us several times that the place had never looked so good. Donned with chandeliers (graciously donated for the night by Carrie Schaub from Serendipity), this glorious facility was detailed with shabby chic-ness throughout! Carefully placed lighting, shoes on every table, and even the bathrooms looked amazing! After months of planning, organizing, and busying ourselves, the night was set to begin.

We were happy to receive positive feedback throughout the night but one of the highlights was food and drink. Kathy and friends had a perfect place setting with tables of cuisine. Several courses were placed at various points of the evening. Sushi, salmon, and dips to name a few. Julie Wondra's Tastefully Simple delights completed the display. Chris Jung from The Candy Tree satisfied our taste buds with mounds of chocolate covered strawberries. Mike and Jeff from Jeff Spirits on Main made sure we would not go thirsty with great selections of wine and beer. I guess we should have told the women to come hungry!

Having known my husband for 28 years, I sure knew that a great part of this "hunting gathering" must center around stories told. As I sit back to reflect on the beauty of that evening, I see the circle groups that were formed, either new or old, creating the bonds that are cherished forever. Kathy put together a wonderful video of our journey to this place and it was joyous to imagine the care and time that went into making such a masterpiece. Jillian Clark, the Chix 4 A Cause founder, reminded us of all the wonderful Gifts Of Love, totalling over 10s of thousands of dollars, given to persons afflicted by cancer. Pat Jossart was there to partake in this evening. Her first year here was 2009, the year she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. A survivor today, she thanked Jillian for last year's gifts of love. Our hope for this year includes an 11 y.o girl who has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Her caringbridge website story of "thank goodness for pillow fights" brought out the beauty of our own emotionality. There are many more gifts of love to be given and thus our presence that night.

Amongst the connection and togetherness, there was some bragging to be done. Placed perfectly in the center of our canvas was the beautiful Buechel stage. It was the focal point for all to highlight their pursuits for the ideal shoe and accessory for the evening. Mary Wagner, author of Running With Stilettos and Heck on Heels dazzled us with her recollection of the very first time, in her 40s, of wearing her sexy heels to work, a naughty but nice feeling for sure. Her ensemble consisting of precious family keepsakesinlcuding her necklace and fur coat. Stacey Chapman reminded us not everyone can be lucky with the perfect size 6. Her size 11.5 foot makes it sometimes impossible to find that ultimate kill but that didn't let that stop her from success...sorry little girl! Kate Anderson displayed a gift from family that Stacey Howell from Stacey Jay designs made specially for her, a sweet reminder of the relationship she has with her soul mate. And Stacey had a story of her own, exposing the artistry she embodies. Ali Kertscher helped remind all that even the help of strangers can benefit the hunt...and get some of the "me too" Christmas shopping done at the same time- mastery! And last but certainly not least in any one's mind was Pat Poch's bucket list story of Harleys and accessories. She was all decked from head to toe (and who knows what she had on under it all!) in her Harley gear. A truly joyful and giving person she is!

Part of the enjoyment of our evening was to give awards to those very best hunting endeavors. Best Accessory went to Sherry Reiter, clutched to an adorable furry purse. She told of her custody battle with a dear friend who was shooting for the same kill! Luckily, Julie Bernarde will be sharing in the decision of 2 weeks on with the said purse, 2 weeks without. Sarah Guse walked confidently in Kim Kardashian shoes from shoedazzle.com. Her story of getting a hunting guide is worth the quick time it takes to set up an account, answer some questions, and get emails weekly about shoe suggestions! Sounds like a shoe hunters dream and well deserved best deal winner! Tammy Schladweiler, winner of best story, took advantage of the variety of shoes exhibited as table settings that evening. She strutted to the stage with mismatched shoes she used to dress up her already beautiful work of art spirit. (And she even surprised me by stealing some to wear to a Christmas gathering a few days later!) And though Tanya Fransen questioned getting on stage to reveal her story, she won best shoe with her ostrich white cowboy boots that she purchased on a recent vacation. By the sounds of it, we don't believe she ever took them off once she purchased them...and it's no wonder, she looked fabulous!

In order to help raise money for Chix, we gather donations and raffles from our local community businesses. At a time when the economy continues to be volatile, these local people seem more generous than ever! I couldn't believe that during our set up for the evening, we kept having to add table after table to account for the 40 raffle baskets and 1 whole table full of Auction items. Please take some time to review this list and say a prayer of thanks to God for creating such a idyllic and heavenly community. A huge return of thanks can be given by continuing to utilize their services throughout years to come!

Stacey Howell of Stacey Jay Designs, Kimber Wiedmeyer of Picasso

Carrie Schaub of Serendipity, Tanya Fransen of Gallery One

Katy of Gallery Two, Personal Touch Travel

Jeanne of Savoring Thyme, Krueger Painting

Tiffany Larson of hometrainingllc.com, Sheila Kruepke of Visual Graphics

Chris Jung of the Candy Tree, Piggly Wiggly of Kewaskum

Laura Ralph of Heritage Lighting, The Clothes Clinic

Somedays, Carpe Diem Hair Studio

Healing Elements Day Spa, Julie Bernarde's Unique Hats

Dave and Joyve Gonring of the West Bend Elevator, Sherry Reiter's Jewels

Candice Heberer Apron and Card Designs, Dermaspa

Honekor Golf Course, Julie Wondra of Tastefully Simple

A&W Recycling, Mikelle of E-Collectique of Saukville

Sunburst Ski Hill, Jeff Spirit's on Main

April Starr of Tan N Paradise, Tami Knoll of Hair Studio of West Bend

The Coffee Corner of Kewaskum, Jen Dillion of Stella and Dot

Sue Buechel Painting, Allen and Barb Heberer Wood Carvings

and Lisa Hays Handmade Knit Clothing

Thank you also to some generous donor friends who helped with putting together baskets or helped with fundraising for the night's success: Kathy Ramstahl, Pat Poch, Michelle Lemler, Jeanne Karls, Sue Johnson, Ronda Lichtensteiger, and Vicki Plachinski. A special thanks to all those who brought purses and jewels to donate. Gail Louiser, the pictures captured the events of the evening perfectly! And to Toree Ralph, for spending some precious time in creating his "one of a kind" duck-tape purse!

These last 4 years have been amazing. The friendships I have made, the creativity I have seen, the fun I have had. Kathy, you are a true detail oriented lady full of energy and ideas. Kelly, your passion for family and community is admirable and was nice to have reflected in the night's events. Don's rescue drive to the Pig to stock our bar was unimaginable! Tanya, your years of friendship supreme. Your timeless style with gifts of the clutches and belts over the years have been appreciated. Shelly, I am grateful for your time and for your continued sisterly support.

To Jillian and the Organization of Chix 4 A Cause. The donation of $3300 brought in that evening, along with an additional $1000 in silent donation brings our four year total to $9800 in gifts of love for those traveling through their journey with cancer. May each dollar be presented with the love and delicacy those individuals deserve. Amen.

Namaste My Good People, Namaste!

Paula

Friday, November 26, 2010

Top 10 Things We'll do on Dec 3rd: A Brief Run Down

It's the final few days before the end of yet another hunting season. I do not know about you but I am tired. Hunting is very hard work. Get up early, get snacks prepared, gotta dress the part and off to the stores you go! I sure am glad our hunting season ends this week. But I am totally excited about the after party! So let me give you all the run down of this year's after party sneak peek "what to expect" info:

1.Party starts at 7 pm at the Annex Building in Kewaskum (right behind the wonderful Coffee Corner). You'll be asked at the door for your $10 entry- this year you are going to be able to WAVE the entry fee AND get a super cute bag if you buy $50 worth of raffle tickets!
2. Sign up for your chance to tell your "hunting story". Remember the more creative the better! At the end of the night we will announce best story, best shoe, best accessory, and best deal! Remember to chat with others through the night so you are well prepared to vote! Each winner gets a beautiful prize (hint- yum!yum!)
3. We have so much food this year- sushi, chocolate, cheese balls, dips, salmon...yum yum yum. Though we always say this is primarily just small treats, come prepared to eat!
4. Drinks again will be provided by Jeff's Spirits on Main. My sister Shelly loves to bartend so will be ready to serve wine, beer, soda, and water for a small fee!
5. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR GENTLY USED PURSES! We resell these for $10, always a good steal!
6. Raffles, raffles, raffles and auctions- lots of jewlery, beautified hats, birdhouses, Krueger painting, beauty products, Holiday baskets, wine, gift certificates, and more!!! Come ready to induldge for yourself or keep someone in mind for the upcoming Christmas season!
7. Jillian Clark, founder of Chix 4 A Cause will be there to talk about her wonderful organization. We will also reveal the next Gift of Love recipient!
8. Kathy has been busy preparing wonderful music and video for the evening's festivities! Bring your laughter and dancing shoes!
9. The most fun of all is the togetherness we share on this special evening- there is so much chattering it's sometimes hard to quiet the crowd for even 1 minute which is just a perfect reflection of the beauty of our undividied togetherness!
10. Drive home safely! We wish for everyone to be snuggled in bed at home once the party is over!

I really can't wait to see you there! Call or email if you have any questions! I thank you all for another wonderful season full of texts, FB posts, phone calls, emails, meetings, and hunting travel all about shoes and accessories! And for the great cause- Chix!!!

Paula
dnrshoehunt@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Shoe and Accessory Camp


There is all sorts of talk going on in my house these last couple days..."when we gettin' up? where we gonna sit first? how's the sign?" It is because this Saturday is the opening of the busiest hunting season of all- gun season for deer. Many of the men I know often travel a fair distance to what is known as "deer camp". That is the location, often owned land, where several men gather together to bond for 10 days. I even overheard a guy in the store last week state that he was headed to deer camp...last week. Now that is impressive! Often at these camps, hunting is enjoyed, food is consumed, and stories are told. I believe you are not suppose to shave. And showering is a must but make sure you use the "nonscent" stuff, not sure if that stuff really works...don't you think we would have every teenager bath with that daily if it were true?


Our deer camp happens to be our home. My husband and son hunt around the area of the Kettle Moraine. And since our home is planted smack dab in the middle of this, you can often see me in my house with my orange on crawling on the ground to avoid potential gun fire. I have been told certain ammo can fly for miles. Because Jordan and Todd stick around, I am included in the story telling and regular updates. Bow deer season, thus far, for the Carlton family has been slow. We have one doe already but that is all. I'm excited to see what this season brings.


On the other hand, shoe camps have been flying up all over for me lately! I just returned from a 72 hour getaway to Vegas. I had every intention of posting a nice video of the hunting success and fun along the way but, I must say, the pics should have remained in Vegas - way too fun!!! Thanks Jeanne and Michelle( in the above pic)! Tonight I got back from another camp called "OhLaaLaa" in West Bend. The store owner was kind enough to have a private party for the Shoe and Accessory participants and present us with 15% off each kill! That's like going to a private pheasant hunt and getting shoot 2, get 1 free! Don't worry Ladies, if you missed out this year, I can almost guarantee we will repeat it next season- what a nice night!

And there may be more for the hunting season is just underway!


So I'll leave you with a story and somewhat of a good lesson. While in Vegas, we did do some hunting. A flashy pair of pants caught my eye. I was anxious to shoot and thus did. I then went off to another place only to find an even flashier pair (and much more reasonable!). Luckily, in this kind of hunting, I took back kill#1. A good lesson for all of us hunters- don't shoot too quick! There might be something better that comes along the way!


Happy Hunting!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

TOMS...no, not turkeys!

I know I just posted a few days ago but this is the time of the season where things get cooking! It is early Saturday morning. Jordan and Todd have already left the house to go hunting. So far Jordan's hunting season seems to have been a lot like mine of years past. He has already shot 7 pheasants. Each time he travels down the road to pheasant hunt, he comes back with meat. He often goes into the "extra long" story version of each detail of the hunt. Todd has observed Jordan to be a natural and is proud of his son's judgement and shooting skills. My grandfather was a marksman in WWII. He was never one to brag and did not talk about the war but I recall him talking about (what I interpreted as and others confirmed) his tremendous shooting skills. So, though I have never picked up a gun, I am sure Jordan gets his sharp shooting abilities because of me (hehe) since it appears every other inch of his being is a pure reflection of his dad! But hey, each time I go out "hunting", I tend to be successful too!
With the hunting season in full swing, it was no wonder that when my TOMS shoe magazine came yesterday I had to open it immediately. This edition was their "Giving Report". I have been on their email and mailing list since I bought some of the shoes last year as Christmas gifts. For those of you unfamiliar, TOMS uses shoes as charity too. In their case, when you buy a pair of their shoes, it will also mean a pair of shoes will be made and given to a child in need. So when I bought 4 shoes from them last year and gave them to family, 4 pairs of shoes were also made for children from 1 of the 23 countries they give in. Some of the highest volume giving occurs in Haiti, Honduras, Mali, Niger, and Mongolia. To date, TOMS has given away (wait for it!) 1,000,000 shoes in (oh my gosh!!!! wait for it!!!!) 4 YEARS (love it that the number 4 keeps surfacing!).
Why shoes? Schools mandate shoe wear! If no shoes, you can't go to school. Disease can be transmitted through the soil like hookworm, podoconiosis, jiggers, and tetanus. And the terrain is rough. We know even walking on a few pebbles seems to kill. Imagine doing it daily...for miles...hills, gravel, dirt, water. Once they find a place that is in need (done so in a very responsible way), they keep on giving. The kids go through their pair in 6 months. They make the shoes in various sizes and color but all based on what exactly is needed. They are making the world a better place with shoes!
The styles for you to purchase are endless. Of course they do not give wedges or sandals to the kids, but they do have them for us. Most of the material is canvas but also tweed, leather, cord, and wool. Simplicity is key.

It's what we need in this world. Simple. Giving sustainably. Giving responsibly. Like TOMS, Chix 4 a cause does that too. They research where the need is. They give the gifts of love that are asked of them. And they give back to our community. All to make this a better place to live.

www.toms.com

Peace!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Style

Isn't it amazing that when you go to a gathering with friends, you all have different clothes on? I mean, the statement may seem obvious but really. I'm sure since, for the most part, we live in the same vicinity, we shop at some of the same stores. And some even have similair tastes. But in the end, we all put our own flare into each finishing touch. Some like it simple. Some highly elegant. Others maybe even over the top. Imagine 4 years of the shoe and accessory hunt party success- not one woman with the same design. No matter how many black pumps; each with it's own uniqueness. We all place clothes on our personality, something that reflects our inner self.

And just like the style of our clothes, sometimes the surroundings change too. This year we thought we would change a few things up a bit for the end of hunt party. Though we will hugely miss the company and care the Imagine Coffee House team has given us in the past, we decided to move north. Heck, most guys seem to go north for their hunts. Luckily. our trip won't be 4 hours away. It's just a hop, skip, and a jump! What we are most excited about is the individual style we are going to be able to infuse into that night's festivities. The Annex building is Kewaskum is a rustic setting that is setting up for the perfect shabby chic environment. We can't wait to show it off. We hope to bring a little piece of each of you into the design.

So it is Nov 3rd which means...yeah! the election is over! And the hunting season may continue without angry, aggressive commercial interruption! We are happy you are out there boosting our economy. For some of you, that may be a single purchase and for others...we won't go there! All we hope for is fun with friends no matter your style. Please take some time to really go through the side bar of this blog...it's from our first year. We had a great hunting application that each woman filled out and returned. It really was a lot of fun! But we like simplicity and have gone green so there it is for viewing, save a tree!

Can't wait to see you out in style (whatever that means to you) Dec 3rd!

Oh, and don't forget the Guides will be out at OhLaaLaa on Nov 17th at 6 pm for a speical open house party where the store is giving all hunters 15% off! Let us know by the 11th if you can come!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

4. Four. For...

Andrew was home sick today. We spent lots of time snuggling. Just looking at his innocence reflected in those tiny facial features makes my heart melt. We flipped through some TV as well. I think I would be happy everyday if I had a voice like Elmo. We stopped for a few moments (Andrew did not even say a word. He was fine with the time to "be a toddler again". ) It sent me back to days when they were so young! It was nice. Remember ABCs and 123s.

I've been spending my time rediscovering. I know, it should be that I am out hunting. I am sure guys do this too. Reflect on past hunts. The journeys taken. The people who came along. The successes. The failures. The misses. My last few hunting seasons have been extremely successful. I am not sure if I would call it beginner's luck...I've been hunting for years. But when the Shoe Hunt came around a few years ago...well, let's just say I took it pretty serious.

This year while it's the time of year this normally would start happening to the deer, I am the one in the rut. I know what it is...guilt. I hear so many stories each day about loss of job, home, and/or health. I still have all of those...and several really nice pair of shoes! Todd and I have also been spending a lot of time talking about finances...the future is uncertain.

Today I came across an organization called "Four Years. Go" (check it out at www.youtube.com search four years.go). It is true. The next 4 years are crucial, it seems. It is that quintessential time to "be the change you wish to see", as Gandhi spoke so eloquently. 4 years...just like the last 4 years we have dedicated to the Chix 4 a Cause movement. 4. Four. For...

So my focus and way to motivate myself this hunting season...4. Whether it be 4 years...four shoes??? or for someone. I do like the number 4, always have (even if Brett still wears the number, it was well before he came around!). A basket with 4 items to raffle, $4 drink specials, 4 "best of" give aways, 4 fun hours! Ahhhh...4 days of shopping in Vegas! Oh my...now this is getting weird- the plane takes off at 4 and lands 4 days later at 4! Though I am only going with 2 friends, which means someone may end up marrying someone ( to make it 4) while we are there like in Hangover or WHO WANTS TO COME ALONG to make it a 4th????

Ok, I think I am set. Quattro. Let the hunting begin...and it's good to be in the rut sometimes!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

It's meant to be

Saturday I went to a wedding. In preparation for the wedding, I needed to pick out an outfit. I found the perfect little black dress hanging in my closet. While I know that some may say that is boring, I felt it was the perfect attire. I wanted to use accessories to create the extra style! I love this pair of gold shoes I bought a few years ago on our first shoe hunt. You know the ones you see in the Victorias Secret ads (picture me but without the boobs and flat stomach of the model...ok, maybe you don't want to do that). I went to Oh Laa Laa in West Bend, the perfect accessory store. Costume type jewlery and handbags.

While there, in and out went many women of all ages. There were many finishing off their homecoming dresses. There were some who just happened to bump into the store. And still some who were there just shopping. I heard a reoccuring theme that day. Something I had not picked up so clearly before..."it was meant to be". You know when you find the absolutely perfect item. The one. The item that says it all. The feeling you get that goes along with that. It may seem silly. It sometimes even feels a little selfish to me. But there is something about being a girl, getting dressed up, and feeling just right.

I ended up finding some nice glittering bracelets and earrings that I thought finished off my outfit elegantly. I polished my toes when I got home. Took some time with my hair and makeup and off I went. I know each women that night had done the same. Had taken pride in who they were smiling in the mirror before leaving the house...so often when we look in that mirror it can be met with criticism...so those times can be cherished when you can leave with a smile.

I spoke with many women that evening, all dressed up, dancing, singing, socializing. The real beauty lies within who they are. Each one I know. Very caring, giving, forgiving, fun.

Shoe and Accessory hunted started to connect women who may feel a little disconnected at this time of year. We know the hunt can be fun (last year I hunted in Chicago with friends..this year it's Vegas baby!) but it is so much more than that. The party is grand (and I am so excited about it this year!!!!). We show off our kills...And we give because that really completes who we really are.

I hope your hunt ends with "it was meant to be". See you at the party December 3rd!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Reflection


It's a whole new hunting season. Our 4th year! For those new to the game, I'll give you a brief run down.


It began with a concern. The guys were starting a new hunting season. Worried about being forgotten, we decided to form our own hunting season but for shoes! Brilliant, yes. Every women needed to complete an application just as our counterpart hunters did. Each would receive a tag (or 2..ok, some 11). We would go on our hunts and gather to exchange stories on the first weekend in December after the real gun season ended. To date, we have donated over $5000 to a local organization called "Chix 4 A Cause". Our numbers have grown and so have our targets! We now also hunt for accessories!


This year there will be few changes. You do not need a tag. We have created a facebook site so we'd love for you to "like" it! This will be a great way to pass along, word of computer, what's happening. We will also have an RSVP section so you can see who else is hunting along with us!!!! We will continue to blog as well ( that way you can see what is going on in my head as I love communicating this way!). Our location has also changed. Though we immensely love Imagine Coffee House and frequent there still, our numbers are rising. We still consider this to be a cozy event but know we all have friends who have friends who have even other friends who love to hunt for shoes and accessories! So feel free to pass this along! The Kewaskum Annex is a rustic building right off of Hwy 45 . We are so excited about this as it will allow us to donate more money back to the cause. And, this year, it's a Friday night party! Remember those back in the day! Nothing better! Certainly makes the last work day of the week go so much faster!


What will not change is what we hunt for...shoes and accessories! I cannot wait til the 24th of Sept for Divas Night in West Bend. What a great night to kick the hunt off with. We will be out hunting like crazy with all the other hunters....like a true opening day! I hope to see many of you there! We'll have business cards to hand out reminding you of this wonderful season!


Last year's party was such a fun night! I recall Stacey telling her "shoe hunting" story about her husband and kids going with her. She was in the store and found not one but 2 pair of amazing shoes. Her husband told her to "pick one" and he would meet her out in the car as the kids were getting antsy. So she went to the counter to pay and asked if they wouldn't mind putting BOTH pair in one box so that she could hide "her kill" from her husband. The ladies in line all thought she was brilliant (and so do we!). He never knew.


I am here to say let the hunt begin. Let the stories unfold. Let memories be made. On a personal note, we have another hunter in our home. Jordan turned 10 this past year. He has already been successful with his turkey and bear tag. He seems to be expert. To celebrate this joyous occasion, I have decided this should be a special year for me as well...here I come Gucci boots!!!


And while that may sound a little selfish, what I love about the ending to this hunting season is the giving that comes out of it. Yes, you get to keep and wear your shoes and accessories but all of the money raised at the event where you will show them off gets donated. We all win!


Connect ladies!

Shop. Hunt. Donate.

Paula