Cowgirl Boot Mileage

Who's happy it's Friday? I am! And today's a good day to show off my boots. New? Nope, just resoled. You see these boots have put on a lot of miles over the past 5+ years. The stories they could tell if they could talk. Take that back... maybe it's a good thing they can't!
They've put on so many miles that the soles were completely wore out. Since they're full-quill ostrich, they were worth having resoled. Basically this is like when the treads on your tires wear out. Yes, the bottoms were balding and I needed a new set of tires! So this is how it works in my mind: since boots can be resoled it's OK to spend money on them... that makes them some sort of an investment, right?! :)
A shout out to Nigro's Western Store in Kansas. They have an awesome store-- even did a little damage when I was there last summer-- with a super cute clothes and one heck of a boot collection. But what really sets them a part is their customer service. Last summer they really took an interest in helping us find boots that not only fit but were comfortable. They also gave us tips on caring for our boots and how we can get the most mileage ;)

Check 'em out, and be sure to Like them on Facebook. A special thank you to my sister, Danielle-- she surprised me with the resoling as an early Birthday present.


Shined, conditioned and ready to
take on the world...round two!

Cowboy Boot Decor

Before buying a pair of boots I always examine the design of boot top. I love tops that are brightly colored and have a one of kind designs. You can see my latest pair here, I am so glad I made this purchase last summer. Why does it matter what the top of the boot looks like, it's not like anyone sees this part? I guess it's just reassurance they look good just in case anyone would happen to see them. Kinda like not being able to leave the house unless you're wearing match bra and undies:)
At the National Western Stock Show I found out why it is important to buy boots only with good-lookin' tops. When your boots have been seen better days and resoling is no longer an option, cut off the tops and turn them into a mirror frame. 

Also a little peak of the vintage boots I was wearing.

Maybe you have kids that growing likes weeds and you can't stand to part with giving away their first real pair of cowboy boots. This would be a great way to display them. I've also heard of people planting flowers in their old boots. What uses have you found for worn out boots?

N.Starr

National Western Stock Show 2013

Annual Trip to the Mile High City

On the couch, surrounded by balls of waded up kleenex, sucking on cough drops and trying to chug down a glass of orange juice. To most this is a terrible way to spend a Tuesday evening (missing boot camp), but for me it's the sign of a good trip to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. For the most part this has been an annual trip for my family. Even though we weren't all there at the same time, my Genex sister was there before us and my CHB sister was there at the tail end. It's my favorite time of year. I love catching up with friends who I may only see once or twice a year. And it's always funny the unplanned people you bump into and get to visit with. And the reason for the trip...there's nothing more exciting than two days of cattle shows and looking at high quality cattle. I'm not quite sure these pictures are exactly worth a 1,000 words better (excuse my Droid), but they do a better job of telling the story. 

First off let me just say, this is a hard trip to pack for. Earlier last week it was 6*F.
We lucked out, the weather was gorgeous and sunny, temps even peaked int he 50's. TAKE ME BACK!
 

Since it was so nice out, I took a walk on the catwalk to see everything down in the yards. This is the back end of the yards. I wish I could look at those Rockies everyday.
 

From the sounds of it there was a steady stream of people in the yards. In the yards are where the pen and carload shows takes place. Herd bulls are on display is "Herd Sire Alley". A new blogger, Next Generation Genetics, shares the history of the yards in a recent post. Check it out and start following her blog too!

 

Changing things up a bit this year was the new location of the Mile High Night Sale, (National Hereford Sale). In the past we were all crammed into the beef palace in a hotter the heck sale arena. This new venue change was for the better. This is also were the cattle shows on the hill take place. The place was packed and it was a great way to showcase the breed. There were even a lot of people outside of the breed there to check it out and get in on the action.    

A good bookend to my first picture. Why do rental cars have the smallest trunks? We got to give a good friend from Oklahoma a ride to the airport. Thank you Keysto for your muscles, packing skills and entertainment.

Well there it is. I've only missed pictures of two things.... the cattle show (which took place in the ring where the sale was held) and my ultimate favorite place to eat Texas de Brazil. It's a once a year kinda place to eat at. But if you ever get the chance to eat at a Brazilian steakhouse... DO IT. I'm not sure if it's the food or the people I get to enjoy it with that I like best.

N.Starr

Bubblicious Friday

Who loves the weekends?

I love my job, coworkers and the feeling off accomplishment with every item crossed off my list and seeing projects to completion. But.... I love the weekends. At 5 I'm hitting 45 Northbound and headed back to the farm. No big plans, but those turn into the best kinds of weekends. Hopefully checking calves, seeing my best cow-friend Miley, a run and for sure relaxing with my friend Merlot .
Today is a bubblicious day because of the new turquoise necklace from Southern Jewlz that I wearing. I know it big, however I ain't 'fraid to make a statement! And I think it does, mission accomplished. What I like it that I'm comfortable wearing it in the office, but yet would oh so acceptable at a cattle show. Which is good, because let me just say being a grown up and having to miss Louisville, for the second time in a row, sucks! Cheers to everyone having fun without me, boo hooo! I guess I'll just sport my cattle show wardrobe for the next week. However, I'm one up on you all since I won't be nursing the hangovers.
Have a great weekend, where ever it takes you.

It's Friday, why not wear cowgirl boots to the office.

N.Starr

Going once, going twice, SOLD

It's sale time!

An exciting time of  year. While not as much fun as cattle shows, the sales are a pretty fun time too. Anytime I'm around good cattle and good friends, I can't complain. Sales have a thrilling, get the blood pumping, big money type atmosphere. And to me, nothing means real business than the sound of an autioners' voice. 
Yesterday my parents picked me up and we headed to East Troy, WI to support our friends in the Badger Select Sale.

The first thing you do at a sale in grab a catalog and head out to the pens to
 get a good, up-close look at what's being sold. We ended up being just bidders and buyers.

Each animal is brought into this small ring and auctioned off one at a time. Before the sale starts there are a few announcements and acknowledgements and usually there's the playing of the Star Spangle Banner. These were very close-knit families that put on the sale who have kids involved. To include them in the sale, each held a small flag while they lead the national anthem. The crowd sang along. It was a great reminder that kids play a large role in this industry and are the future. Way to go Jones and Kegley kids!

It was cold. I had to bundle up. Thank god scarves are popular, otherwise I would have looked like just another plain Jane northern'er! And being the cowgirl boot addict I am, I have to showcase my Ferrini boots. Never heard of this brand until recently. Fairly comfortable, reasonably priced. But what I like most are the cream decorative tops. It's not often you see this.  

 N.Starr

Let's Celebrate

BEEF Month
Have I mentioned I love parties and the month of May? Let's continue on with yesterday's celebration into a whole month of celebrating beef. May is beef month, with the temperatures rising, long hours of daylight and calves on the ground I think we all deserve to kick up our boots and eat beef (and maybe sip a little wine..).
Do you have a favorite ground beef recipe that you think would blow everyone out of the water in a cook-off? Well you're in luck... to celebrate May Beef Month, The Beef Daily blog is having a contest. For complete details view their blog. For the shortened version keep reading.
Each week in May participants submit their favorite recipe along with photo, the champion will take home a $125 Roper gift certificate for boots!! Everyone can always use an extra pair of these. This week's feature is ground beef... think think think! What do you have in that recipe box that's a guaranteed crowd pleaser?! You have until Saturday to submit recipe and photo to: beefnews@hotmail.com
My thinking cap is on, unfortunately I don't own a BEEF apron, but I'm sure my ruffly apron will do... and I'm off to the kitchen!

Did anyone put together a May Day basket? Please post pictures!

N.Starr

A Meet & Greet

With my new best friend

This past weekend I added a staple to my cowgirl boot collection. I can't hide it, I love cowgirl boots, for a real conversation starter I recommend you check out these boots. Well, I've had my eyes on the vintage look for quite some time, after several searches I finally found a pair that would fit my brand so to speak. In fact, several of you even helped with my decision-- I totally owe you, Thanks! So here they are in all their beauty.....The Brown Truffle Vintage Corral West Boots.

Not only do I love the look I LOVE the name... Brown Truffle...mmmm...
sounds like something you'd find at a fancy chocolate shoppe!

The tag says that these boots like to drink wine, dance and have a good time.... I think we'll get along just fine!  Breakin' them in today, glad I have the luxury of wearing my boots whenever my little heart desires! Now if only Isaac's boots would arrive I'd be set!
Happy Tuesday!
N.Starr

Friday Flair: More boots

#IheartBeef &I heart boots

What a week! I'm on a jet plane headed back to Milwaukee after a week at World Ag Expo, Tulare, Calif., details to come next week.
This has been an #IHeartBeef Valentine week, we've covered everything: beef recipes, gifts for your sweetie, beef cookies and yesterday's post on the BOLD diet. A lot in just a few days, but I can't think of a better way to show my love for the industry.
It's Friday, so let's end the week on a lighter note.... Boots! Not surprised I'm sure, but I love cowboy boots just as much as I love beef :) Last week I shared with you two pairs of boots that in my opinion will be hard to live without. Make sure check them out by clicking here.
So on a lighter note and also smaller note, compared to last week. I want to share with you these adorable cowboy boots I bought for my godson/nephew, Isaac. Won't he look like the cutest little cowboy. What was a Christmas present (they've been on backorder forever, a high demand Anderson Bean boot-- not surprised!) will actually turn into a late Christmas and Valentine present from his Fairy GodMother. The orange tops will match his orange hair--perfect:) Scheduled to come in on Feb 26th, can't wait!

Whaalaaa!! Anderson Bean hooked a sucker!
Yes, I bought pricey boots for a baby that can't walk.

But how can you not for this little cutie? Look at him, Isaac desperately NEEDS these.
Picture look familiar? It's from my #Febphotoaday post.

N.Starr

Friday Flair: The Vintage Cowgirl Look

Take your pick

Ladies and especially all you Rockin' Rural Women, I need your help!! I'm completely obsessed with the whole vintage cowgirl look. I just can't get enough of it, the overlay look is totally in and has my name all over it! My signature brand is Coral West, I actually own a pair of mules that are to die for. For awhile now I've had my pretty blue eyes on these two boots. Take a look.... I know you want to, it's OK if you drool.

Option A

Black & Turqoise... how can you go wrong...

 Option B

Dark/Light Brown Truffle... sounds like tasty milk chocolate

I know right?! Aren't they awesome? How cute would these look this spring with a skirt, or leggings or even just my favorite Miss Me's. They're so versatile, I could wear them with anything, anywhere at anytime! Actually I'm just convincing themselves of this. Realistically they're totally unpractical and I wouldn't be able to do any sort of "cowgirl work" in them! All the better reason for the purchase, right!?
So take your pick ladies, which one's it gonna be? I'm taking a poll!  Please comment below with the boots of your choice, the boots you think that scream Nicole!

Thank you to my fashion forward friends and Rockin' Rural Women!!!!

N.Starr

Wordless Wednesday......The month of February

#Febphotoaday

If you on Twitter (follow me @nstarrgirl) you may have noticed your fellow tweeps posting photos via Instagram (follow me starrnicole) capturing one special footage photo from a memorable moment in their day. Well I'll also joined in on the fun and have enjoyed sharing a groundbreaking photo with you! Daily I get thrills about what will happened and what one photo will capture my day. As they say "A picture is worth a thousand words". Here are the highlights thus far, and dont' forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram for the daily photo!

February 3, 2012

Friday fun... Mary Kay pampering party!

 February 4, 2012

Saturdays are better as Aunt Nicole

February 5, 2012

Lamers Dairy, based out of Northeastern WI. I support local dairy producers.

February 6, 2012

One of the many perks of my job.... I can choose between wearing cowgirl boots or heels! Monday was a boot & jeans-wearin' day. No matter how old or new your boots are, you can count on the same stitch design. I love it!

N.Starr

Day 5--New Boots please!

Fashion, not work boots!

This I'm sure would have to be something I spoil myself with as I can't imagine anyone wanting to buy boots as a gift. A little hard! Boots that are unique make it fun for me to say splurge a bit. Knowing I won't wear these out in the barn; but for going to cattle shows, fun events, out-on-the-town kinda boots!
I own a pair of Corral West Mules, tan with turquoise inlay! Love them, they make such a statement:) Enjoy, please refrain from drooling.

There's a Cactus in my Boot

Is this not the coolest thing you have ever seen? I couldn't believe my very own eyes when I walked into The Flower Pot (a cute little shop in Manawa) with my mom in December. Since Christmas was around the corner I couldn't buy it, but I definitely dropped the hint while ooing and aauuing and saying how great it would look in my office space. At the time the pot was empty and I had no idea what I would put in it.

Santa (aka sister and brother-in-law, Lindsay & Brad), was good to me and it was wrapped underneath the Christmas tree. Giddy as a little girl on Christmas morning I was thrilled to receive a present off my list to Santa; however I still had no idea what I was going to do with it.

Finally in the dead of January it hit me: A Cactus! What a excellent way to play on the whole cowboy boot/southwestern look! While doing a little shopping in the Brookfield/Wauwatosa area I scoped out a plant store having a 20% sale, jackpot; While even talking the high school clerk into giving me FREE Spanish moss to cover up the orange cactus pot.

Tomorrow I will proudly carry in my cowboy boot into the office, can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of it.

Currently I'm head over heels in love with the western theme look and can't wait to have my own place to beautify. What theme do you have going in your apartment/home or office??