Shoe Hunt #5 in style

We knew this year would be different. We wanted it to be that way. The whole reason why we had come up with the DNR shoe hunt was to hunt in a way our husbands hunted. We envied the excitement they had in opening the envelope with tags for the upcoming season. Making the phone call (uhhm, phone calls) to inform others and inquire if they had received one as well.

OK, so we are a bit more high tech. Your tags came (as evites) by email or postings by FB or even just a phone call...but it was going to be the hunting trip that would make this year feel so right! The DNR Shoe & Accessory Hunt crew ventured out as adventurous guides this year.

We had a nice group meet up at Imagine Coffee House at 9 am. Rick & Lisa brightened our eyes with coffee and tea (I love the Goddess Tea!) while we chatted away. The house was filled with excitement and anticipation of what this day would bring. There was a group of distinguished men next to our gathering table who seemed eager to join in on our giggle-filled conversations. Our bellies were filled with spinach quiches sided with carrots and fruit. As our breakfast was coming to an end, the white Hummer limousine pulled up to the door awaiting our entry.

We gathered around the Christmas tree inside the coffee house to snap a quick pic with our "backtags" in place. Sheila and Sherry of Visual Graphics of West Bend had gifted us with these. Written across our backs would now reflect what our intention was for the day- to prove that "Real Chix Hunt".

With calm rain falling from above, we climbed into the limo and took our places. The 2007 Shoe song themed CD came in handy to set the mood. (unfortunately so did a never ending video of Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, and Gloria Estefan on the mini TV). We were off to our first stop with mimosas in one hand and chocolate covered strawberries in the other. Once in route, Guide Kelly handed out furry, leopard print hunting packs to the group. Since we would be madly hunting this entire day, it was packed with "deer tracks" (granola) and "deer droppings" (dark chocolate covered nuts) made by the Candytree. The hunting guides had done their scouting so these also contained coupons for the stores we would be coming upon. Lastly, the rules. Each hunter was to pick another to hunt with. Each was given a list of 10 fun hunting challenges for the day. The best hunters would win a prize.

Our first hunting spot seemed like private land. We arrived at E collectique with gracious hunting expert (beyond expert) Mikelle welcoming us with a surprise. She had made this day "Hunt 1 kill, get another kill 25% off" and that 25% would go to our fundraiser. As a guide, it is such a blessing to see when a hunter comes upon new land that they passionately love. This was the place. It was so neat hunting in a pack like that. Everyone with different goals, wisely holding you off if (as one hunter BFF so kindly told me) "that kill would do nothing for you!" And boy, was there the laughter. It was as if we were nestled around a campfire already reciting our stories of the hunt that day but in real time. Hands down, Amy had the most amazing kill to be shown off later that night. We ALL left completing a very successful hunt.

Down to DSW. It gave us time in the limo to mingle. Bruce, our wonderful chauffeur, had generously donated his time to get us around safely. His big smile and infectious laugh inspired. He made turns that shocked us, hovered buildings too closely, and even told stories to make crowds think we were movie stars in for the weekend Broadway show. He made sure we never touched a door handle (and gently yelled if we tried). If we would have let him, he would have gladly carried our bags while we shopped.

Our last stop came too quickly. We were off to Mayfair Mall almost on a serious mission as we were at t minus 1:15 to go before the carriage turned back into a pumpkin. And though there was little time, this is where the hunters showed off their skills. Of the many missions we set our for our hunting crew, 2 groups accomplished 5 of the tasks. I will never forget Amy dressed exactly the same as the mannequin. The Best part- she already had the vest the mannequin had donned in Ann Taylor. Or how about Joy and Vickie's bearded man. And the advice from a stranger "May the force be with you". We also loved the pic of Amy and a 21 y.o. outside the Forever 21 store. In the end, Joy and Vickie beat out Amy and Karen as the 1st ever winners of the Hunting Challenge. Now they have a gift certificate to spend at the mall again someday.

Hunting made us tired...or maybe it was the mimosas? As we headed back to West Bend, watching Celine one more time ;-), we made it back to our families to dress out our kills and head out to Pillars for cheering on the Badgers.

Though the gathering certainly was not what had been done in the past, we had not intended it to be what it had been. We had invited the boys. We were having it at a public venue. We still had intentions of good food and great stories. But it was a last minute Championship Badger game (found out on Tuesday before the party) that changed the workings of the night. I took it as God's way of saying "Be Merry and Give, don't fret the small stuff". Amongst the loud chants and jumping up and down, we were able to let the patrons of Pillars know why we were there. We exchanged finger apps for huge sub sandwiches. And rather than tons of raffle baskets we slowed it down with two 50/50 raffles.

I will take a moment to say the raffle baskets were much appreciated. I know those in attendance could agree the donation of kindheartedness that goes behind that aspect of the evening is so thoughtful. Though all of the baskets were unique in character and rich in design and product, one stood out to me this year. Though we all may be able to name a person that embroiders, when there is a story that fits in to the cause, it makes these donated embroidered cloths all the more meaningful. Pat Jossart was diagnosed with breast cancer over 2 years ago. During her struggles with treatment, she joined our gathering in 2009 and received a gift of love from Chix 4 A Cause that evening. Last year, she joined us again at the shoe hunt party and proudly won "Best Accessory" with her sassy wig. This year, fully recovered, she wanted to give back. She stitched beautiful kitchen towels with delicate coffee style designs while her best friend Pat Poch helped complete the basket with other accessories. What a blessing.

We are deeply touched by the continued generosity of our friends and family. Chix 4 A Cause is a wonderful local organization who deliver the small touches while those with cancer go through the big deals. Those gifts of love can make all the difference. I hope those in attendance walked away satisfied, grateful, and in peace. For those that ventured out hunting during the day time, THANK YOU. The joy I felt throughout the day filled my heart beyond it's borders. For the guys that joined us in the evening, THANK YOU. Traditionally, this has been girls night. We wanted to try something different and we thank all those for respecting that decision. And lastly, to the hunting crew that has been around for 5 years running and for many newbies this year, THANK YOU. We can't wait for next year!

During the day, we closely monitoring our hunting team. Each year, we pick winners for the following categories- Best Shoes, Best Accessory, Best Story, and Best Deal. Here are our winners:

Best Shoes- Tammy Schladweiler found a dazzling pair of black pumps while we were at DSW. What we loved about her hunting experience was that she was out for the kill...especially when a fellow hunter was eyeing up the target. I think her quote may have been "While I have to get 'em if you were gonna get 'em!"

Best Accessory- Amy Leitheiser casually thumbed through the deal rack at E collectique. She picked up the most colorful shirt. The knitted similarly-colorful sleeves were what gave this hunting kill the need for best accessory. Bonus- she looked great in it! And I can easily say, I cannot imagine there would be another shirt like this around.

Best Story- You may have had to be there for this one but we've gotta give props to Jillian Clark. I won't go into full detail of how she had us rolling on this hunt with 1. her beaver (pelt) that she would love to sell but is currently in storage and 2. next's years "magic shoe" that is sure to be a hot auction item!

Best Deal- My Mother in Law, Pat. No, she didn't even shop with us but did meet us out for breakfast and later at the party. How does she get best deal then? Because she IS simply the best deal. She has been such a gracious supporter of Chix. She is a visionary woman with a heart of gold. She rocks, hands down.

New awards this year-

Best Bar- Pillars. I mean, really, this place is awesome to hang out it and watch any game in. It's too bad we couldn't have played the Sex in the City movie that night like we planned! Imagine seeing the parts in that movie on that huge-ola big screen.

Best Bartender- Pat Kent, my high school teacher, gracious host and generous man who allowed our gathering AND gave all of the money back for the 50/50. Nice, nice! Kuddos to you!

A whole new year!

It's that time of year again...hunting. My husband's experience is going to be different than all of the 25 years he has spent hunting before. He ruptured his patellar tendon 1 week ago and is currently recovering from the repair with a doctor's ordered straight leg brace for at least 4 weeks which is right though the gun season. Barely out of anesthesia, he was reciting ways he thought he could still manage the hunt. Today he was positioned, legally, just outside our house with his blaze orange on with gun in hand ready for something to pass. This is legal as we have no neighbors within a 100 yard radius. Nothing today.

What bothers him more than anything is that our son, Jordan, is of hunting age and he can't be with him. Jordan has never been successful with a deer kill. He has the eyes of his father however (and that is a good thing, for sure!) He has killed everything else that appears in his site. As an 11 year old, he has already shot tons of pheasants, turkeys, ducks, geese, and even a bear! It brings me no greater joy than to see he and his dad bond through this hunting time. And believe me, though Todd is not currently by his side, they are in constant communication! Luckily, Todd has a wonderful family who has stepped up to the plate to take Jordan out for this unforgettable experience. There are many days left with many stories yet to be told.

Today was full of stories and plans for hunting. Todd, Andrew, and I met up with the Carlton hunting crew for lunch. Though no deer had been seen, an exchange of laughter and elaborate dialog took place as we huddled around the table. Jordan's eyes pierced on his older cousins every move. Chris and Lisa generously inviting Jordan in on future hunts. Incidences of prior experiences were handed down to this next generation in playful yet meaningful ways. It seems there are times when some cannot find tree stands, forget back tags, drive trucks into swaps, and need cough silencers or whatever other gadgets are now available today that hadn't been in years past. One thing is for sure, Jordan is a serious hunter with an irrefutable ability to maintain himself in such a present moment- there is not a detail of a story that ever seems to get by him.

So while those types of stories can be told, the girls wish to continue to create their own. Jillian, Kelly, and I met for a morning pow-wow to finish on the details of this year's shoe hunt. One of the pieces the original batch of the Shoe Hunt Ladies loved was the idea that while our guys could bond through hunting, we wanted to as well! We have had our most memorable experiences since the inception of this event when we went out on a hunt together! Piling our "kills" on top of the car for a group pick! Snapping picks as we make our "kill" with credit card in hand. Making a goofy video which no one, besides us, has ever seen about the important features of hunting!

This year, we wish to capture those memories once again! It is the time we spend together that can seem to matter most. Our day will begin with a shoe and accessory hunting experience! We will fuel up at 9 am at the Imagine Coffee House. Our guides will rally the troops at 10 to head out for a "drive" to our destination(s) with hunting packs in hand. We will hunt until 3 or until we cannot anymore then head back home to clean up, gut out the kill, and head out with our friends and family at 7 pm to Pillars for good times! Raffles and 50:50 will be there as well! We thought our other halves could join in on the fun if they wish. As we have had in the past, prizes will be awarded for Best Shoes, Best Accessories, Best Deals, and Best Story...I guarantee the boys could do an equally good job at winning some of those too! If Jordan could be there (BTW- he says he TOTALLY doesn't want to be ;-)) he would probably blow us all away in each category, as I know some of you hunting moms' sons could do as well!

We hope to see you there!

All proceeds from the evening will goto chix4acause.org

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hunting!

Paula

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

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

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!

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!

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!