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finding time to exercise when you have kids
My DH & I do the a fitness DVD (30 day shred) a few times a week. We don't have the time to go to...
My DH & I do the a fitness DVD (30 day shred) a few times a week. We don't have the time to go to the gym seperately, and we love that it is short (25 minutes) so it can be done even with our 2 year old running around and playing at the same time. He did it at first to support me...thinking it would be super easy, but he finds it to be a hard workout!
Hunter is constantly asking to "do a workout" now actually! He likes watching us jump around
It's worked out really well for us, because we are keeping each other accountable....and it is short enough that it is hard to make excuses not to do it. I could totally see myself saying I have no time to pack a gym bag, drive to the gym, workout and then drive home, but doing our short little DVD workout fits into most evenings pretty easily!
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Re: Harwood in Kitchen
We have an open concept home and have hardwood in the kitchen. It's a very red looking brazilian cherry and after 5 years, it still...
We have an open concept home and have hardwood in the kitchen. It's a very red looking brazilian cherry and after 5 years, it still looks pretty good. There are few dents and scratches, but because of the varied colour on each plank, they are not all that noticeable.
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Re: Our Closet Makeover
I love it! I saw some in progress photos on your facebook and I am trying to convince my DH to do the same thing...
I love it! I saw some in progress photos on your facebook and I am trying to convince my DH to do the same thing in our closet!
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Re: Weekly spend on Gas/Groceries/Misc/Allowances?
MmeBruni - I don't understand it either! We eat a lot less meat than most families, and we still spend SO much on food! We...
MmeBruni - I don't understand it either! We eat a lot less meat than most families, and we still spend SO much on food! We aren't wasting food either....I'm proud to say our produce very rarely goes bad before it is eaten up.
I do stock up on things like butter on sale. I bought some cheddar on sale recently and froze it....I thought it would be OK but it was weird after!
I'm going to keep trying and if I have any revelations I will share them here!
Until then, I will just enjoy our delish food. Maybe it's me demanding $30 chocolate mousse cakes from the bakery for my birthday, along with handmade truffles? My tastes are too rich for our budget! I can't wait to dig into our chocolate stuff this evening!
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Re: Weekly spend on Gas/Groceries/Misc/Allowances?
We do meal plan each week, and I do spend a bit more on bakery bread (Cobs! YUM!) and butcher meat. We buy a few...
We do meal plan each week, and I do spend a bit more on bakery bread (Cobs! YUM!) and butcher meat. We buy a few produce items at the Farmer's Market and the rest at Superstore/Loblaw's which is probably the cheapest place around here.
I'll keep on going with the budget - glad to see we aren't the only ones having trouble sticking to it, especially in the food categories.....we just love to eat!
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Weekly spend on Gas/Groceries/Misc/Allowances?
I've become a bit budget obsessed of late, and I have come to realize that we eat a lot of our money. We love to...
I've become a bit budget obsessed of late, and I have come to realize that we eat a lot of our money. We love to eat out, cook interesting meals at home, and buy a lot of organic produce.
I've made a "sticky-note" sized budget to keep our budget as simple as possible. I can't remember where I read about this, but I liked the concept:
Here is an example of what I mean ( these are not our numbers
April 2012
Net Income $7000
All Bills $3500
Savings/Investments $700
Debt Repayment $500
Weekly Spending x 4 weeks $1800
Leftover at end of month $500
Our weekly spending is split into:
Gas $75
Groceries $200
Eating Out $75
Misc $50
Allowances $50 ($25 each)
TOTAL: $450
We have had weeks where we spent $450 on food between eating out and groceries, and other weeks where we keep it under $300. I just don't know how people do it on less. Tell me your secrets because we never seem to stick to our budget!
Our gas spending is always the same as a one-vehicle family (hubs has a work vehicle) and the miscellaneous category is for random trips to home depot etc.
We are going to try to stick to an allowance for personal spending on coffees out, etc.
I'd love to tweak our budget to allow us to pay off debt faster (car just had major expensive repairs!) and start saving for a vacation!
What are your numbers? How do you ensure that you stick to them?
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Re: My before and afters
What a dramatic change! Congratulations! Did you do a specific diet? ...
What a dramatic change! Congratulations! Did you do a specific diet?
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Re: Do people not use REAL cameras anymore??
I use my iPhone for a lot of pictures, and like a few people have said, it actually takes decent photos. With the right lighting...
I use my iPhone for a lot of pictures, and like a few people have said, it actually takes decent photos. With the right lighting and a steady hand, I have captured some cute moments.
I have a nicer camera too, and try and use it often as well, but most of the time it doesn't come with us on everyday outings!
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Re: Hunger Games
I had a hard time with the shaky camera work too. I was already feeling yucky from the dinner we had prior, and I actually...
I had a hard time with the shaky camera work too. I was already feeling yucky from the dinner we had prior, and I actually did throw up when I got home! Not sure how much of it was from the movie, but it did make me feel dizzy a few times.
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Easter treats for toddlers?
We are going to do a little basket of fair-trade chocolate for all of us to share (the BBC documentary Chocolate: The Bitter Truth has...
We are going to do a little basket of fair-trade chocolate for all of us to share (the BBC documentary Chocolate: The Bitter Truth has ruined me for all other types of chocolate! I keep thinking of the kids working in the cocoa fields
)
I think we will also add a book and a little toy. Saw a really cute idea on Pinterest for the egg hunt where you fill the plastic eggs with regular snacks (crackers, raisins, fruit, veggies etc). I thought that might be fun!
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Re: Do you keep something on your dining room table?
We have a vintage silver tray, sometimes with a glass terrarium on it, and sometimes with a vase of flowers (today I have tulips!). ...
We have a vintage silver tray, sometimes with a glass terrarium on it, and sometimes with a vase of flowers (today I have tulips!).
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TTC after miscarriage and loss - week of March 25
Can I join? Username: brecksgirl # of miscarriages: 1 (15 weeks) # of pregnancies: 2 Date of loss: Feb 2012 Cycle: 1 Other: Have a...
Can I join?
Username: brecksgirl
# of miscarriages: 1 (15 weeks)
# of pregnancies: 2
Date of loss: Feb 2012
Cycle: 1
Other: Have a 2 year old little boy (born Dec 2009)
I'm not sure if we are for sure ready to TTC this month, since my AF was not normal this month. It was my first after my D&C, and it has been really long, and not as heavy as it usually is. I am worried that things aren't all healed up, or that I have retained matter. Did anyone have an ultrasound or some sort of check-up before TTC again?
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Re: get dressed to shoes
I somewhat follow flylady, and I don't get dressed to shoes. I get showered, dressed, makeup etc first thing so I'm not spending the day...
I somewhat follow flylady, and I don't get dressed to shoes. I get showered, dressed, makeup etc first thing so I'm not spending the day in pajamas, which seriously decreases my motivation to get anything done!
I usually wear warms socks or slippers in the house in the fall/winter and bare feet in spring/summer.
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Re: Gardening book recs?
I just discovered this blog recently and I am going to attempt making a square foot garden. He lives in the Red Deer area: http://www.albertahomegardening.com/how-to-make-a-square-foot-garden/...
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Re: WBers Blog Rollcall
Added a few new ones to my reader! Mine is www.monpetitamourblog.com I'm really sporadic at posting lately.....so many good ideas and so little motivation when...
Added a few new ones to my reader! Mine is
www.monpetitamourblog.comI'm really sporadic at posting lately.....so many good ideas and so little motivation when I could be pinning stuff on Pinterest! I have an addiction!
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Re: Live with Kelly is Coming to Banff!
Neat! I put in a ticket request too! ...
Neat! I put in a ticket request too!
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Re: What does your financial advisor do for you?
We have nowhere near 150k to invest! There were no minimums with the investment advisor (just rechecked, that is her title) I met with ...
We have nowhere near 150k to invest! There were no minimums with the investment advisor (just rechecked, that is her title) I met with
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Re: What does your financial advisor do for you?
Gingy - just your investment accounts? She is going to look at our defined contribution pension plans (RSP?) through work and comment on the funds...
Gingy - just your investment accounts?
She is going to look at our defined contribution pension plans (RSP?) through work and comment on the funds we chose as well.
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What does your financial advisor do for you?
I met with a financial advisor yesterday and I am wondering what financial advisors do exactly? She gave us some advice on where to prioritize...
I met with a financial advisor yesterday and I am wondering what financial advisors do exactly? She gave us some advice on where to prioritize our money (i.e pay down debt, then focus on RRSP/TFSA contributions etc), and is going to look at our life insurance policies to see if they are a good rate and appropriate to our life circumstances right now.
I think we have done a pretty good job of our finances since we got married, but I wanted to get a second opinion from an expert. I was hoping she would talk about budgeting, investing, emergency funds and things like that, but perhaps that comes later?
What does your financial advisor do for you? PM me if you have a recommendation for one in Calgary if this one doesn't work out for us!
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SBR: which days for 3 day work week?
I work Monday/Thursday/Friday and I really like it. I get the stat holidays off, and I like being at work on Fridays because it is...
I work Monday/Thursday/Friday and I really like it. I get the stat holidays off, and I like being at work on Fridays because it is usually a more casual and happy day because everyone is excited for the weekend. Plus, as a teacher, lots of our professional development days fall on Fridays, and I wouldn't want to have to come in on my days off.
I like having Tues/Wed off....it's like a weekend in the middle of the week!
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Recommend a good hair dryer...
My hair dryer quit yesterday after 7 long years. It was a Conair Ion something or other and it worked alright. I am sure I...
My hair dryer quit yesterday after 7 long years. It was a Conair Ion something or other and it worked alright. I am sure I bought it at Shopper's Drug Mart or somewhere similar.
Is it worth it to buy a pricier hair dryer? What is the difference?
Do you own a super hair dryer you would like to recommend?
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Re: Forums switching to Canadian family?
It'll make more sense when I say "I was reading on the Canadian Family forums that.....{blah blah something to do with kids/babies" rather than explaining...
It'll make more sense when I say "I was reading on the Canadian Family forums that.....{blah blah something to do with kids/babies" rather than explaining WeddingBells to people!
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Re: Blog Name
I like Frozen Foodie! ...
I like Frozen Foodie!
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Re: Have you ever used a Naturopathic Doctor?
I see an ND here in Calgary and she is great! She went to school in Toronto - http://www.ccnm.edu/ so maybe you could contact the...
I see an ND here in Calgary and she is great!
She went to school in Toronto -
http://www.ccnm.edu/ so maybe you could contact the College of Naturopathic Medicine to see if they can point you in the right direction?
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Is A Manual Pump Worth It?
I had a manual pump and found it was fine for the very occasional time I needed to leave a bottle to go out. If...
I had a manual pump and found it was fine for the very occasional time I needed to leave a bottle to go out. If I had pumped more than once a month-ish I might have gone for an electric, but I didn't feel it was worth it at the time!
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Ikea crib
We have the Gulliver and love it! It is currently being used as a toddler bed It is much more sturdy than the models in...
We have the Gulliver and love it! It is currently being used as a toddler bed
It is much more sturdy than the models in the store seem to be and it doesn't take up a whole lot of space!
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Re: Work-appropriate hairstyles for long hair?
I would do a low ponytail with a piece wrapped around the elastic, like this....but maybe with not so much bouffant teasing at the crown:)...
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Re: A WB Survival Guide from a Raving Lunatic
Awesome post eta: oops....obviously missed this the first time around. Congrats anyways TC ...
Awesome post
eta: oops....obviously missed this the first time around. Congrats anyways TC
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Re: 10 Unexpected Costs of Owning Things
We just purged our basement and I feel like such a huge weight has been lifted! I keep going down there to marvel at all...
We just purged our basement and I feel like such a huge weight has been lifted! I keep going down there to marvel at all the space!
We are now going to live by these quotes
Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful - William Morris
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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BF and return to work?
I went back when DS was 11.5 months and we would BF in the morning, after work and before bed (and sometimes when he woke...
I went back when DS was 11.5 months and we would BF in the morning, after work and before bed (and sometimes when he woke at night too) and I never pumped while at work. He didn't like cow's milk, so he just drank water during the day at the dayhome and has always loved to eat real food!
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Re: I've always wondered...(kid-related)
I think all babies are a bit homely in the first few months, but usually get cuter as they get older. Of course, I think...
I think all babies are a bit homely in the first few months, but usually get cuter as they get older. Of course, I think my son was especially cute (see profile pic of him at 4 months old.....it almost won us a cute baby contest!)
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what are child's favourite books?
Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site - he LOVES this one! Where the wild things are I love you Stinky Face Eric Carle - all of them!...
Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site - he LOVES this one!
Where the wild things are
I love you Stinky Face
Eric Carle - all of them! Especially Head to Toe (I think that is what it's called!)
Babar books - he loves "el-fents"
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Help me plan my Seattle business trip :)
I am off to Seattle for a conference next week (a librarian's conference - woot!) and I am trying to decide how to spend the...
I am off to Seattle for a conference next week (a librarian's conference - woot!) and I am trying to decide how to spend the little free time I have. Here are my questions!
1.) The conference is at a hotel just outside Seattle in Tukwila, and it starts at 8:30 in the morning. I'm tempted to stay there just so it's easy to get there in the morning, but part of me really wants to stay right in Seattle so I can do some shopping/sightseeing the day before the conference when I get into town. Stay in downtown Seattle or at less nice hotel where conference is at? (I'm thinking of staying at the Inn at the Market which is #1 on Trip Advisor)
2. Where should I shop? What should I do? So far I have looked into shopping at Pacific Place, and I would like to go to a Target too. I'd also like to browse Pike Place. Any other must-see places or great shopping destinations? I'm hoping to pick up some maternity clothes!
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18 month old & colouring
I bought these Crayola colour sticks for H's birthday party favours and they are really neat. They are like a pencil crayon with no wood...
I bought these Crayola colour sticks for H's birthday party favours and they are really neat. They are like a pencil crayon with no wood casing...all colour. They don't break as easily as crayons and he seems to really like them!
http://www.crayolastore.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CRA+68%2D2312&SKW=DRAWPENCILS&menu=&subcat=&hdr=
I found them at Superstore and they were under $5.
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How long do your toddlers sleep at night?
H sleeps 9-10 hours at night and has a 2-3 hour nap each afternoon. I'm glad to hear he's not the only one! ...
H sleeps 9-10 hours at night and has a 2-3 hour nap each afternoon.
I'm glad to hear he's not the only one!
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Does this mean he's weaned ~ toddler initiated?
I'm going through the same thing....didn't realize that our last BF'ing session might have really been our last! I'm a little bit sad about it,...
I'm going through the same thing....didn't realize that our last BF'ing session might have really been our last! I'm a little bit sad about it, though it had been a bit painful the last few times....
I'll be watching this thread!
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favorite maternity pic
I think this is the one Cheshire was talking about. I love it too! I really like this one too: ...
I think this is the one Cheshire was talking about. I love it too!
I really like this one too:
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Your child's favourite toys!
Hunter is almost 2: - Animal figurines (we love the Schleich ones....they are so detailed!) - Cars/Trucks/Trains - hockey stick and puck - golf clubs...
Hunter is almost 2:
- Animal figurines (we love the Schleich ones....they are so detailed!)
- Cars/Trucks/Trains
- hockey stick and puck
- golf clubs and golf balls
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Re: Forced Reading in School
You should read Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer. She talks about novel studies and other forms of forced reading turning kids off of reading for...
You should read Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer. She talks about novel studies and other forms of forced reading turning kids off of reading for pleasure and I fully agree. How would you like having to stop after each chapter and answer questions about your book?
As a teacher-librarian, I try and read as much as I can in current and classic children's literature so I can recommend books to my Grades 1-6 students that will awaken their love of reading.
Reading is the #1 way to increase achievement in language arts (writing, reading, comprehension etc) so I think teachers' hearts are in the right place, but student choice needs to be a big part of reading programs.
As a parent, continue to encourage reading for pleasure and visit the public library often. There are many great book blogs too that keep you up to date on the newest books and trends.
I think sometimes as teachers and parents we tend to want the kids to love the books that we loved as children....and although some of them are classics that stand the test of time...it's important to learn about and promote great new literature too.
I really like these blogs:
http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/http://litforkids.wordpress.com/p.s If you want a few good books for your children here are a few quick picks!
Grade 7 girl: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (LOVED it!), Out of my Mind by Sharon M Draper
Grade 5 boy: Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (hybrid graphic novel)...his new one Wonderstruck is getting good reviews from my students as well. The Mysterious Benedict Society, Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel.
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Re: SPIN - How deep are your beliefs?
I'm a 2. I believe, but I have a hard time fitting in with a denomination/church....we haven't been to church in a long time. ...
I'm a 2.
I believe, but I have a hard time fitting in with a denomination/church....we haven't been to church in a long time.
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Re: Eating out for supper...
1-2 times a week as a family and once a week for lunch individually. We usually try and go somewhere like sushi, vietnamese fish and...
1-2 times a week as a family and once a week for lunch individually. We usually try and go somewhere like sushi, vietnamese fish and chips or mexican which are dishes we don't often make at home!
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Train table when you don't have room for one?
We are going to attempt a train board like this for our little guy. We think it will work perfectly on top of our ottoman!...
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Re: *SPIN* - If you Could Meet 1 or 2 WBers???
There are so many that I would love to meet...but I feel like I know them because we are FB friends! Irish, Thisgirl, altergirl (we...
There are so many that I would love to meet...but I feel like I know them because we are FB friends!
Irish, Thisgirl, altergirl (we should have met up when I was in Van! Next time!), MmeBruni, BebeMama....and many more that I can't remember right now
I need to go to another Calgary GTG because there are still so many moms I have not met....like cherryblossom! I think our kids would have fun together
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Paypal Money to spend - what should I buy?
I have some money in my paypal account and I don't want to transfer it to my bank account and get the fees taken out!...
I have some money in my paypal account and I don't want to transfer it to my bank account and get the fees taken out! Soooooo.....I must spend it all.
What would you buy? Something from stores that accept Paypal (Locale, LL Bean etc), something on EBay, something on Etsy? Where else can I spend Paypal money?
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toys from last x-mas
Green Toys Dump Truck (you can find these at Chapters and other toy stores) - he loves this truck and it is really well made...
Green Toys Dump Truck (you can find these at Chapters and other toy stores) - he loves this truck and it is really well made and has survived lots of rain and snow outside as well as lots of inside play. It's the simplest thing but by far his favourite toy!
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Dehydration - when to head to dr or er...
Poor you! H has had quite a few stomach bugs and we did go to the ER once because we were worried about him being...
Poor you! H has had quite a few stomach bugs and we did go to the ER once because we were worried about him being dehydrated.
They had us give him a tiny sip of pedialyte every 10 minfor a long time until he peed or kept it down. He didn't pee at the hospital but they let us go after a few hours of him finally keeping it down.
It's so sad when they are sick! Hugs to you and your little one!
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Where to stay in Maui with toddlers/babies?
I am dreaming a little and researching places on VRBO in Maui. I am hoping to round up a few friends/family members for a trip...
I am dreaming a little and researching places on VRBO in Maui. I am hoping to round up a few friends/family members for a trip there next year sometime. Any suggestions of condos or houses you have rented in the Wailea area? Or, if there is a better area to stay in....do tell!
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Recommend a non-mom looking diaper bag
Honestly, just go to Winners and buy a nice big purse! It will be much cheaper than one of the nicer diaper bags. I would...
Honestly, just go to Winners and buy a nice big purse! It will be much cheaper than one of the nicer diaper bags. I would look for one with a lighter coloured lining and a few interior pockets so you can find stuff, and then use ziplocs or cute wetbags to organize the rest.
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Re: Frye Paige
I went to Holt Renfrew today and they don't have them. I was SO disappointed! ...
I went to Holt Renfrew today and they don't have them. I was SO disappointed!
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Re: Love me my Toms shoes!!
They are all the rage at school. All the hip high school kids are wearing them I think they are cute on certain people, but...
They are all the rage at school. All the hip high school kids are wearing them
I think they are cute on certain people, but I haven't bought a pair for myself...they seem more like summer shoes.
The tiny toms for kids are adorable!
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