Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze What salad better celebrates warm temps + a relaxed summer attitude than Caprese? Beautiful, delicious and fresh. Serve me up! Recipe 1 c. balsamic vinegar ¼ c. honey 3 large tomatoes Mozzarella slices (we purchase the pre-sliced, 16 oz. packages) ¼ t. salt ¼ t. pepper ½ c. fresh basil leaves ¼ c. olive oil … Read More
Please note, this is not a smoothie… but if you have a juicing machine, this is for you! If not, consider getting a juicer… My daughter and I recently joined the ‘juice craze’ for the added nutrients, pick-me-up and feel-good effects. From my experience (and anyone I’ve questioned), this method of nutrient enrichment and supplement really, really works toward feeling … Read More
Thinking about Super Bowl foods? This recipe can be made ahead of time (so, no stress!)—and is way more delish than BBQ weenies in a crockpot (no offense to weenies).
Read MoreCozy. Warm. Easy. What more can we ask for in the chill of January? Give this comfort food recipe a try. We bet it’ll become one of your cold-weather faves to warm the spirit and the soul. Yields 6 servings. Unless you’re freezing in the Midwest. Then it serves one. Ingredients 1 teaspoon olive (or vegetable) oil 2 teaspoons minced … Read More
Be present in life. Appreciate the beauty that surrounds.
Read MoreBeach Waves, no matter where you are! Want sexy, tousled waves this summer? So did we. So check out what we just tried ‘n tested! If you can’t see sand and surf on the daily, beachy hair—the loose waves that look effortless, as if the ocean breeze put ‘em there—can still be at your fingertips. Catching Your Waves Curl It … Read More
Two of the language’s most exciting words when put side by side: 1. ROAD 2. TRIP. Yes, road trip! Take a break from work. Get an ‘all-about-you’ break from the kids and/or grandkids. Get in the car and drive. Where to go? Take no more than 5 minutes to choose a destination, otherwise you may not leave the house. Get … Read More
Mesa Falls. This destination? It’s a mesmerizing natural gem, truly. Heading to Yellowstone National Forest this summer? If traveling through Idaho to get there, consider adding Lower and Upper Mesa Falls to your travel plans. Just one hour south (50 miles) of the West Yellowstone entrance, you’ll find this gorgeous stop. It’s great for hiking, picnicking (carry-out what you carry-in), or … Read More
Gerbera Daisy Oh, she’s a bloomin’ beauty alright. You just can’t go wrong with summer blooms. But our personal favorite? Hands-down, it’s the Gerbera Daisy (also known as Gerber Daisy). Dainty, brilliantly colored and hardy, we crown the Gerbera Daisy as the best beauty queen in potted arrangements, landscape beds—and it’s a ‘must’ for indoor cut floral arrangements. Their bright, … Read More
Welcome to www.insuesshoes.com! I’m thrilled you visited this new, exciting site—and I’m ECSTATIC beyond m’brains that this has come to fruition. It’s been a stop-n-go journey of various traveled shoes (see what I did there?) to arrive where we stand today. A vision for more years than I care to admit, recent steps have now allowed me to stand on … Read More
[thumbnail] Appropriately named, Knock Out® rose bushes stand-out like the knockout babes they are. Their brilliant flowers keep a’bloomin’ throughout the entire summer, and often until the first frost. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular roses in North America. Care Knock Out® roses are far from picky, too. And particularly in the month of June when we’re … Read More
Fluffy Steel + Dainty Shoes Say what? Fluffy steel? Read on, friends… May’s made for dainty shoes. Temperatures will soon soar with consistency. Sunshine will blaze. And green grass will beg for barefoot frolicking about its blades. But if you’re going to wear shoes? Dust off your fave dainty sandals. Heck, our favorite dainty sandals can ignite a mental transformation and … Read More
Jamaica. It’s adored as a tropical paradise. The year-round forecast? Sunny and 80 degrees. Sign us up, mon.
Read MoreGood. Consider yourself lucky. You know the feeling. Senses spark. Focus narrows. Heartbeats quicken. Far from our comfort zones, stomachs begin to jump and flutter. Perhaps it’s almost time for the big presentation. Or, you’re about to walk into an interview. Maybe it’s moments from going live on-air—or perhaps your deadline is ‘tick-tocking’ away on the clock. The butterflies within you … Read More
Change is Beautiful. Even when it SUCKS. The bedroom was pink, just how I liked it. My canopy bed was draped in dainty, white linens. Just how I liked it. My parents knew how to make a little punk princess-wanna-be happy. And I liked it. Yep, as with many kids, my room was my refuge. My hangout. My personal recharge … Read More
It Just Isn’t Fall without Mums A fall floral favorite, the mum is as much a staple for fall as is a pumpkin to Halloween. Bright, colorful and versatile, mums transform front doors into festive welcome centers and complete harvest displays with brilliant, flawless beauty. You just can’t go wrong with the versatile chrysanthemum. And one more reason to love mums? … Read More
It’s one of the ultimate destinations for snow-lovers who also embrace majestic natural beauty. There simply is no place quite like Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Read MoreSORRY NOT SORRY Book Club selection, written by Sophie Ranald This October, join us at www.insuesshoes.com as we read the newest book club’s selection: “Sorry Not Sorry” by Sophie Ranald. Reputed as a wonderful laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, we’re excited to devour this fresh read! We’ve started our copy, go ahead and start yours! And if you want to grab a … Read More
Fall’s Sweetest Apple Crisp There’s no scent to emit cozy feelings quite like warm, sweet apple crisp. Bake this favorite and the scents of nutmeg-and-fall will fill your home. It’s simple to make, seasonally nostalgic, and oh, so tasty. We think your fam’ will ‘fall’ in love with it. Enjoy using this season’s amazing apples, or substitute apples for peaches … Read More
Kombucha You’ve heard of it, but what’s the hype all about? Kombucha (pronounced kahm-boo-cha) is a popular fermented tea beverage (made from black or green tea) that’s been consumed for thousands of years. And now? It’s widely known to offer various health benefits. Here’s what health experts say: Kombucha is a rich source of antioxidants. In addition to offering the health benefits of … Read More
Sweet ‘n Spicy Strawberry Salsa It’s beautiful, sweet, spicy—and perfectly chill. Yes, meet your new BFF. This salsa is simple to make… just chop and refrigerate to blend the flavors. Then enjoy the tastes of summer. (Serves 4-6) Ingredients: Directions:
Read MoreNo time epitomizes the small thrills in life quite like in the month of July. Air is warm. Fireflies illuminate dark skies. Children giggle as they draw circles with glowing sparklers. The great American flag waves in the summer breeze, family dogs swim and backyard grills are a’blazin’ with burgers, ribs and beer-can chicken. It’s the culmination of these small … Read More
Pucker Up Fresh, pretty, good for your lips—and oh, so smoochable. Hey, when we find great products, it’s exciting to share! We tried Burt’s Bees lip balm as an impulse purchase from a local grocery store. We loved it so much, we had to share. Made with 100% natural ingredients, it’s a moisturizing balm comprised of sunflower oil and vitamin … Read More
Summer Readin’ THE SUMMER OF CHASING DREAMS By Holly Martin As summer emerges at last, why not try an uplifting romantic comedy to warm the heart ‘n soul? Join us as we give this novel a try. Written by bestselling author of The Cottage on Sunshine Beach, Holly Martin offers this feel-good summer read, The Summer of Chasing Dreams. Enjoy the journey … Read More
A Honey of a Bloom Honeysuckle It’s sweetly fragrant and wildly attractive. The honeysuckle is a romantic, yet hardy twining vine or arching shrub. With about 180 species, the honeysuckle is a great addition to any landscape with its sweet blooms in pink, yellow or red blossoms. Too, the delicate blooms’ tasty nectar is a wonderful attraction for various wildlife. … Read More
Check out this month’s interior home ‘find’ and potential Father’s Day Gift! FizzicsPerfect for your kitchen or home bar… Fizzics’ Waytap is a portable beer tap that dramatically improves the quality, flavor, taste and mouth-feel of bottled and canned beer by using micro-foam technology. It is lightweight and durable; perfect for outdoor activities, camping, tailgating, etc. It operates on only … Read More
My pigtailed photo was posted at the strawberry patch. “Weigh squirt upon arrival and departure.” So, more berries landed in my belly than the basket. Or so I was told. So went the story Dad liked to tell, amazed that a pint-sized pipsqueak could pig-out so ravenously on nature’s candy. Yes, ruby red, fresh and sweet strawberries were irresistible. During … Read More
Lily-Of-The-Valley They’re the beautiful answer to the drab areas in your landscape that just Won’t. Grow. Anything. And don’t let their dainty, tiny, bell-shaped flowers fool you. Lily-of-the-valley is not delicate. This spreading perennial is hardy as can be, and it’s happiest deep in the shade, although it can also thrive in part-sun. Yep, where others fail to thrive (or … Read More
Oh, yes. What refreshes better than cold lemonade–and what looks extra dainty and festive for your Mother’s Day celebration? This recipe. 🙂 Give it a try, won’t you? Simple and made with delicious, fresh ingredients, this basil lemonade can be enjoyed as is–or transform it into a tasty adult beverage for the 21+ crowd by adding a splash of gin … Read More
May is Skin Cancer Prevention Month across our great country. So, why not learn about a new, fabulous skincare product that truly protects against skin cancers? Your skin will be so grateful. Made by colorscience®, we introduce to you: Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield. As Sue is a skin cancer survivor—having endured multiple surgeries and procedures (she has the scars to … Read More
By Gary Chapman ISBN: 13: 978-1-881273-15-8 Amazon.com It’s been a New York Times Bestseller for a reason. Gary Chapman has been helping countless couples to strengthen their marriages and family lives. Through marriage seminars, books, as well as a radio program on more than 400 stations, he tugs the heart-strings of couples across the globe. This well-known book dives into … Read More
I saw what joy looks like.
And not the liquid kind that squirts from a bottle.
I believe our greatest purpose is to achieve and experience joy. The real deal. The emotion intended to fuel our spirits and propel us through life. The antidote that heals hurts and eradicates negativity.
Read MoreRecharge. Focus on mental health. Hey, it’s a beautiful thing. Beauty is not just about skincare, fashion or the right makeup trends. It’s projected by our attitudes. What we feel within is often what’s projected outwardly to the world. Nurturing our own mental health is as important as maintaining physical health. And when mental and physical health co-exist? It’s a beautiful … Read More
April Hair Hydration The season for April showers isn’t just all about hydrating the outdoor world. We’re gratefully departing from a long winter across the country, and it’s time to focus on replenishing what’s dry and start prepping for spring! Like, for real. Hear that Mother Nature? (Please?) Let’s assist in the hydration process by focusing on the hair. Dry, winter … Read More
He is the king of encouragement and the ignition to any mild flicker of passion within the soul. Rob Bell, the popular pastor and New York Times bestselling author, asks what we will do with the ‘blinking line’ in our lives. What will we make of ourselves? How will you write your own life story? Do you see life as something that happens to you, or do you create your own destiny?
Read MoreWhen urgencies and deadlines rule your world, all else in life can float by without notice. I’ve been there. For YEARS I was there. An earthquake in Nepal? No kidding! My kid’s doctor bill is overdue? Oopsie. And, how old is my dog anyway??? I ask simply because I really don’t know. I’ve been too busy, buried within work trenches for the last decade to lift my gaze and see life passing me by.
Read MoreOh, so Sweet Pea ‘Tis the season to start thinking about your flower garden and landscape (if you don’t have your plan together already!). Sweet peas are so named due to their delicate, sweet fragrance. The most fragrant varieties available are labeled “old fashioned” or “heirloom,” although many lesser-fragrant varieties are now available in a gorgeous, ever-expansive array of bloom … Read More
Easter Egg Hunts. They’re not just for toddlers. All my kids are grown. Some in college. Some out of college. And I’m happy to say all are ‘adulting’ pretty darn well. But when Easter bounces into our traditional world? Move over Humpty. My kids are coming home + it’s the countdown for the Annual Adulting Easter Egg Hunt. Yep, it’s ‘on’ … Read More
Splash a little. As April’s reputation promises, rain and showers are, indeed, prevalent throughout most of the country. So many puddles. And so many opportunities for new growth and adventure. In April, the forest was teeming with new life and playful, cute critters came out to play. An avid explorer I was, propelled by a purple bike, feet dry in … Read More
By Samantha Garman ISBN: 9781726887250 Fun. Lighthearted. And an easy-breathing delight. Our first introduction to writer Samantha Garman’s work, we were hooked from the first chapter as we learned about Sibby’s suckiest day to begin her story. Much of Sibby’s klutziness is relatable, as are the engagements with her friends and oopsies along her journey. These interactions are both cringe-worthy, … Read More
By Chris Hogan, with foreword by Dave Ramsey ISBN: 978-0-9774-8952-7 Amazon.com During a season of re-energizing our worlds, it’s also an ideal time to focus on our finances. And the newest book by #1 national best-selling author Chris Hogan provides specific direction to get your green growing. As part of the Dave Ramsey team (and just a really great guy … Read More
Are you feeling lucky this March? Add this fun, lucky bamboo to your home as a sign of prosperity and goodness to come this spring. We’ve likely all seen lucky bamboo on a co-worker’s desk or in a friend’s home—growing within a vase with water or pebbles. This is because lucky bamboo grows hydroponically (yes, it lives in water). It’s … Read More
Warning… When ‘I’m fine!!’ befalls thine beating eardrums, here’s its translation: You’ve just agitated—although not yet entirely removed—a grenade’s detonation pin. Set it down. Walk away. Not that it’s all your fault. But, it probably is. Hubby and I quietly pride ourselves in rarely having disagreements. Fighting is not our style; it’s just not a typical practice for our personalities. … Read More
A sea of kids gathered with their bicycles, ready for the challenge. We peered over the edge. I, of course, was the only girl. And the smallest body present. My big brother took off first. On his silver Huffy, down he went, then back up and around the dirt horseshoe on the facing side of the steep hill. He landed … Read More
I’m so NOT FINE.
Situation: Grocery shopping in a new city.
Summary: I’d rather have a root canal.
It’d be easy to let holidays slip by unnoticed. But where’s the fun in that?
Read MoreBy Emily Bronte with introduction by Diane Johnson ISBN: 0-375-75644-2 Various versions of Wuthering Heights available on Amazon.com A timeless classic of love and tragedy, Emily Bronte’s only published novel is the journey of a tempestuous love story between Catherine and Heathcliff. While the story is rather sad, and despite the main characters being unappealingly self-centered (and truly somewhat unlikeable!), … Read More
It’s a new year. What better time than now to blast away at the nagging guilt quietly tugging within? And why not begin decluttering your world, too? Emotions are so easily affected by material possessions. So, let’s rid the guilt and weight of lingering clutter. Ready to breathe a little more freely? We are, too. Apologize better. Guilt often magnifies … Read More
Nearly half—48 percent—of adults in our country have some type of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart and Stroke Statistics (per the 2019 Update, published in the Association’s journal, Circulation).
Read MoreEver been stopped and asked, “What perfume are you wearing?” If so, you know you’ve chosen well. It was through this process that we discovered “Olympea.” One of Sue’s (amazing) sales reps from her past wore this perfume… and that’s how we discovered it ourselves! So… during the month of romance, why not have a fragrance to match the mood? … Read More
Snow blankets the ground in much of this wonderful (but absolutely FREEZING) country. Nowadays, the beauty of winter is admired a little less frequently and many of us are ready for spring by mid- to late-February. Right? Of course we are. And these little gems help lift our spring-fever spirits. They’re snow crocus. They look dainty, but are among the … Read More
Cupid’s arrows are soaring and hearts are a’swooning. So, why not make this pretty gem for the one who puts a sparkle in your eye?
Read MoreSince the days as a pigtailed pipsqueak, I was a walking contradiction. Sassy, yet sweetly insecure. A sparkly girly-girl but sprinkled with a tad o’ tom-boy for good measure. Maybe you were a contradiction, too. Anything pink made my Lipsmacker’d mouth smile. Yet I’d chase anything creepy and crawly. Sparkly stuff or dainty dohickeys? Caught my attention. Yet anything rough … Read More
Snowflakes gently fell to the ground. Tree branches held piles of winter’s sparkly fluff. Brilliant white blanketed the grass. And yellow holes splotched what would have otherwise been a pretty winter scene. Leave it to my four-legged BFF to keep it real. Record-breaking low temps welcomed me to our new Midwestern home. Schools were cancelled, businesses were closing—and even the … Read More
If dry cheeks and foreheads define an annual winter beauty plight for you, we hear you loud and clear! (We’re with you.) And better yet? We have the answer to blast away January skin blahs. We found a great product to restore a more youthful glow. Allow your skin to drink in dermalogica® AGE smart® super rich repair facial moisturizer. … Read More
If low-cal is the goal, this isn’t the drink for you. However, if a warm-you-to-the-core and feel snuggle-rific beverage sounds toasty, then you’ve just met your next love. Melt away winter’s chill with this hot sipper. Consider it the drink dessert treat to warm a gal (or guy) from head to feet. Ingredients ¾ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup … Read More
Determined, fearless—and fueled with youthful naiveté, my pigtails dove in. To anything fun, messy or daring.
Read MoreIt’s cold. It’s dreary. Sunshine is an elusive, albeit always welcome, visitor. Yes, January can be a drag. So, why not brighten things up? How about adding some brilliant color and new life to the home? It’s easy to bring colorful life indoors. Simply add a gorgeous amaryllis to your home. Although it’s traditionally known as a holiday flower, our … Read More
Anger is a funny thing. It quietly lingers and grows within. It preys upon the conscience. It weighs heavily on our emotional state, at times nearly crippling our very identity. Sound familiar? Anger can be all-encompassing, overpowering all logic and control. So learn to harness it. Address it in a healthy way. After all, anger is the temporary dam between … Read More
My tiny tennies stood motionless in the grass as I faced a mass of boys exiting my house. There he was. Laughing amongst my big brothers and their friends. Then our eyes met. And he stuck his tongue out at me. Man, I hated that kid. Childhood memories aside, in the adult world actions still hurt. Words sting. And even those … Read More
We hold the key to inner joy + happiness. It’s within the mind…
Read MoreEver had one of those days? You know, when you SHOULD’VE looked in the mirror? For yours truly, that day was today. There was a time in my life when this never would have happened. Perhaps I was once more vain. Or, perhaps I just wasn’t as busy. Yes, in those days I wore high heels and perfect makeup every … Read More
Because Everybody Needs A Buddy This sweetheart? She’s bringing ‘buddy benches’ to playgrounds everywhere. Because everybody needs a buddy. (And yes, we love her.) How does the Buddy Bench work? Any child feeling lonely at recess sits on the buddy bench and a new friend comes to replace loneliness with a friendly smile and playtime. Beautiful! Sammie’s buddy bench program … Read More
Let’s face it. There are dishonest people in our worlds.
And dishonest people suck.
Common traits include manipulative behaviors, they’re poised as forever-victims—and when layers are peeled away, intentions are virtually always self-indulgent.
With these folks, what you see is not what you get.
Yuck.
It can be a difficult journey having these characters in your life’s periphery—and worse if within your circle. Whether a family member, co-worker or neighbor too close for comfort, it’s far too easy to expend unnecessary energy, focusing on their antics instead of staying steadfast with our own growth and positivity.
Money and the mind are inextricably entwined.
What moves so many people? Money.
Why do most people work? Money.
What allows for freedom? Money.
What provides anything you’d want? Money.
Or so people think. But there’s just so much emptiness in this outlook.
Sure, if we all had more than enough money, perhaps we would have fewer worries. We’d not lack for material items. Perhaps we’d even quit our jobs.
But that’s not likely what would happen.
Consider tweaking your perception of money—then consequently, the perception of the bigger picture (that is your life). Doing so may just improve your world exponentially.
Money moves people. Indeed, it does. Physically, anyways. It can move us to accept a position, to get out of bed each morning, to produce for others so we may receive a paycheck, right? We’re moved to action, but that is not motivation. Motivation holds deeper purpose. Motivation is fueled by desire, by passion. Be motivated, not simply moved.
People work for money. Of course! We work to pay our bills. But then what? Paying bills is a completion of a necessary task. Yes, that’s good. But instead of the mindset to work for money, work for purpose. We offer most of life’s waking hours toward a job. Wouldn’t life be so much richer if we worked for purpose (and paid the bills)?
Money allows for freedom, we think. Perhaps. But then what? Move to an isolated island to exist Jimmy Buffet-style with margaritas and sunshine? Sure, sign me up. For a while. Then reality would set. For most of us this will never happen, but even if so, it’d be a temporary relief—but not a sustainable solution. Therefore, it’s not freedom. Fulfillment is a necessity. Freedom and fulfillment? They’re like peaches and cream; they just go together.
So how do we get there?
Give your perceptions an honest review. Seek out passion in your work. Create opportunities to explore more areas of interest—at work and outside of work. Make time to expand your world. Doing so, you’ll give back and grow at exponential rates—where it matters most. Within you.
Happiness truly is NOT linked to an abundance of money. Happiness is derived from what’s on your daily to-do lists. And it’s those you allow into your world.
Yes, bills exist. Mortgages must be paid. Bank accounts should grow. But in the big picture of life? It’s your personal well-being and individual growth that brings fulfillment—and a wealthy, healthy life.
That, friends, is living rich.
Read MoreThey’re just darn difficult. You know the type. He complains incessantly, then asks for direction or advice. You provide. He does the opposite of your suggestion—then comes back for more advice. It’s great to be a caring ear and voice of logic—but when the cycle is a repeated ritual of time invested, wisdom shared and then ignored, it’s tremendously deflating. Right?
Read MoreThere’s just so damn much to do, isn’t there? How is it even possible to stay energized? To maintain motivation? To keep on keepin’ on with enthusiasm? It’s tough. And it’s a challenge for every soul who traipses about this planet with hopes of any personal direction or aspiration. The whole premise of www.insuesshoes.com was based upon the inevitable imbalance … Read More
Happiness. As holidays jingle into life, a time intended for joy often morphs into flashbacks of disappointment and hurt for many. What a shame so many relationships suffer this time of year. Nerves are shot. Irritation levels soar. People everywhere disappoint. So what does it take to be happy? What does it look like? Sure, we envision a smiling couple … Read More
I’m so happy you stopped by!
So, what the heck is InSuesShoes?
It’s a vision that took nearly three years to bring to fruition… and I couldn’t be happier to be right here, right now to share it with YOU.
So, here we are, ready to rock. Ready to provide for YOU a place of dependable positivity, smiles, encouragement—and dare we say FUN.
If this story doesn’t nearly move you to tears, check your pulse. This World War II story of incredible survival and resilience is so gripping and unforgettable it’ll undeniably shape your perceptions of WWII far more deeply than the stories of history books.
Read MoreThere’s a reason she’s known as the guru of tidiness. If you’re looking to eradicate the clutter in your home—and in your life—this book is a must-read. With short chapters loaded with specific instruction, you’ll soon see how accumulating clutter messes up more than just the closets.
Read MoreIf you like I Just Want to Pee Alone, you’ll love its sequel. Raw? Oh, yes. Hilarious? You bet. Give it a try. And don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner… give the young moms and moms-to-be a gift of well-deserved giggles.
Read MoreThere are moments in Mom-hood when if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry. That’s why this book series is close-at-heart for so many readers. A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER, I Just Want to Pee Alone is a hilarious anthology, celebrating the world of the toughest job every mom (even if quietly) loves. A collection of essays written by 37 mom bloggers from across this great country, it’s a must-read for every mom and mom-to-be.
Read MoreWould you sign up for our free newsletter?
