Comfort + Style = Non-Negotiables

I was going to tell you about me, when I wear uncomfortable shoes. And how grumpy and savage I become. And how shoe shopping for me is not a game, it's more a sport - one that I'm not particularly good at because of my legendarily long and narrow feet. 

But Ziera asked if I might be keen to check out their new range, and I said - HECK YES I AM!

Why? Because Ziera caters to all sorts of foot sizes, shapes and desires. And they've somehow managed to merge style with comfort with incredible results. 

I love these little spotty babies with jeans, a maxi skirt or an a-line skirt. So versatile. And I can't even begin to tell you how comfortable they are. Like walking on cloud puffs. I'm not kidding. They're so wonderful. 

And these days - flat shoes are the only way for me. I love the elegant cut, the printed leather and the lace up - so quirky and cool! 

Beautifully made, designed in New Zealand, and quirky to boot - I rate them!

These new shoes of mine are the bomb (I can't find the link - I'm sorry!). And so are these. And these. And these too.

Plus you should check out their pastel pointed ballet flats. Can I get a HELL YEAH! 

Which are your favourites? 

Photos by Jacqui Turk 

Hot boots for cold days

Lately I have had trouble getting out of bed in the morning. 

This is to do with the fact our house is colder than an icebox, and I can't bare to get dressed because my pyjamas, doona, blankets, flannel sheets and all the other layers I've piled on are too snuggly. 

So I've tricked myself. I've bought a couple of new pieces of clothing, and they're enough to motivate me to get out of bed and hurriedly get dressed. 

But the totality of it is - I actually have to know in my head what I am going to wear - from top to toe, every piece, before I will peel back those bedcovers. 

It's sad, I know. 

But I found these Ziera boots - and my goodness! As a big footed babe, these are the bomb!! As I've talked about previously, it's not easy having large feet as a woman, so the Ziera range is genuinely one I love checking out each season. And this post isn't even sponsored. 

The Lana boots are super cute with long skirts, or fitted pants and feel just as comfortable. Such a cute, cool ankle boot that will work hard in your wardrobe, these are high on my 'wanted' list. (as seen in top image)

I am crushing hard on this biker style boot with attitude. They push all the kick-ass style buttons for cool street-style with the ultimate comfort. I am digging on the versatility of these boots, Riley has some serious cred. 

Basically, there's not a boot I don't love this season. These Liza boots bring old-school back with style. I love the detail of the laces, that soft grey colour adds some extra interest. As someone with a long, narrow foot, I do love a lace-up so I can get a firmer fit. Call me old fashioned, but that's the way I like to wear my footwear. Comfortable, stylish and on-trend.

Life of a big foot: Shoe Shopping tips for ladies with large feet

On the weekend I posted a pic of my new kicks. 

My Converse had lived a long and dedicated life, but they're so flat and don't give support - and you know, it was time for something new. Well Matt told me to buy something new, and so who was I to argue. 

I kept selecting all these cool women's kicks (we were at Hype DC) only to be told that I had to in fact look at the men's shoes. Because my feet are so darn big. 

This is going to sound crazy, but I wanted to walk out. I could feel the heat climbing from my chest, trying to reach my face. I felt really sad about my huge feet. And the fact that not many shoe makers make shoes big enough for big-footed babes. 

But Peter, who was helping me in Hype DC was so super helpful, I stuck around. 

Since forever, shoe shopping has been a real pain the watoozie. During school years I usually wore Doc Martens, men's sneakers, and then graduated to Converse. I remember my Year 10 graduation, I was so stoked to have this new pair of black suede Converse and one of the mum's had a go at me and asked why I would wear *those* shoes with my dress. 

Well - put simply, because I had no other choice. It was Converse (which made me feel cool and kick-ass) or Doc Martens. Needless to say, I didn't feel very grateful for her comments on my footwear, and have remembered what she said to this day.

So this made me think - I know I am not the only woman with big feet. And over the years shoes HAVE started to be upsized (hoorah!), but sometimes navigating your way to those shoe shops is not easy. So here is a list of shoe retailers/makers who accommodate ladies with a lovely long foot.

Habbot: I have a few pairs of these, and it can be hit and miss to what fits me (I have REALLY long toes) - but their returns/exchange policy is excellent, their staff super knowledgeable, and me being in Sydney, and them in Melbourne? Well I've got four pairs of Habbot shoes and that alone can vouch for their awesome-ness. But have a look at the range - aye carumba. Annie Abott is super clever, creative, and they're made in Italy, so you know you're getting some high-quality shoes. 
Goes up to: size 42

Bermuda Black (formerly Marcue): These guys seem to have gone a bit quiet, but keep an eye out for them. Hand-made in Sydney, beautiful shoes and custom made, and with personality to boot (pun intended). Yes please! 
Goes up to: custom

Hobes: the quintessentially cool shoe, Hobes go up to a size 42 in women's shoes. They're more a casual kinda gig, but the cool palette and look can work back with jeans or dresses. 
Goes up to: size 42

Trenery and Country Road: I used to always be able to shop here for shoes, but then they switched who made their shoes a few years ago, and that all went out the window. I can occasionally find heeled shoes that fit. The enclosed flats never fit me, but if it's got a bit of a heel, I can usually make it work. Sandals are usually also good (with a little overlap, but I can live with that). 
Goes up to: size 42

Boden Clothing: Super cool, cute and quirky, on-trend and excellent, Boden has a great range of shoes that make my heart boompity-boompity boom!
Goes up to: size 42

Radical Yes: In case you haven't been on Instagram in the last forever, Radical Yes are the latest cool kid on the shoe block - with a range of ace, quirky and cool flats to take you 'round the world and back.
Goes up to: size 43

Bared: Cool and classic AND designed by a podiatrist (schawing!), these shoes not only look good, but they're ultra-comfy too. 
Goes up to: 45 in limited styles (43 in lots)


Got a big foot? Where do you find kicks? 

Yo Mama! An Interview with Angela Roper of Ziera Shoes

Shoes. You either love them or you hate them. Actually. Let's tell the truth. We just love them. 

Today I'm talking with the Design Director of Ziera Shoes - Angela Roper. She spends her days surrounded by shoes. She's just like Carrie Bradshaw. Only from New Zealand. 

As a busy mum myself, I like to look stylish - but it's crucial to my day that my shoes are comfortable. Ziera shoes are about merging fashion with comfort. Back in July I was lucky enough to take a sneak peek at the S/S14 collection before it launched, and chatted with Angela then, so I'm stoked to be able to ask more questions about what makes her tick. 

Here we go!

PMM: How did you become a shoe designer?

AR: After completing my design degree, I opened my own business promoting and selling New Zealand designed products. After that I worked as a design manager for Bobux, an international children’s footwear brand and after a few years was lucky enough to land my dream job at Ziera. Two years later, here I am.

Started by two podiatrist brothers in NZ, Ziera launched with the belief women deserve the best of both comfort and style. How does this translate into your work?

We want to be the first option for women in shoes, not something they wear because they’ve already done too much damage. Obviously I’m tasked with ensuring every single product we produce offers style and comfort so from the shoe shape, fabrications and even technological advancements that give extra comfort, every aspect of my work focuses on this. 

You're a busy mum. What's the best way to manage the work/family juggle?

I’m lucky that my kids are now a little older so are getting to stage where they’re finding their independence (not that I really want them to). We always try to make the most of our time, like they do their homework at the kitchen table so I can help while preparing dinner. My husband is a great support so between the two of us we’re able to share parenting and balance that with our jobs. I leave early for work and he does breakfast, lunch and the morning drop off so I do the afternoon pick up, activities and dinner.

What's your best tip for working mums?

Finding the balance and having a great support team! My husband and I both have understanding employers that have a strong family focus so that really helps.

Where do you seek inspiration?

Where does any designer seek inspiration? I’m lucky enough to travel quite a lot and get the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people. We also have a Ziera Fit Club where we get customers to come in to preview ranges or new developments. Understanding a woman decision making process when buying shoes is essential. Their body type, foot shape and skin tone play such an important role. Spending time in Ziera stores and in other stores who stock our shoes around the world is always a great source of inspiration.

What's your favourite style (from Ziera) for this season? Why?

It’s a toss-up between our Paris heel in Snow Pony or Peta in Blush. They’re both such stylish shoes but soo comfortable. I think the Paris might win though because I love the texture of the Snow Pony fabric.

What's the best bit of your job?

Getting to play with shoes day in and day out. So many women in the world love shoes but how many can say they get paid to design them.

Is there a downside?

I’m running out of shoe storage at home and my daughters have now grown enough to fit into the Ziera range so they’re insisting I bring shoes home for them - but I don’t know if either of those is really a downside?

When I get home from work, I am usually pretty pooped. How do you re-energise before you walk through the front door?

I always take the drive home to calm down and process the day. I love coming home to my family and want to give them my full attention when I do. I find cooking and spending time in the vege garden relaxing and with a winemaker for a husband I can always help him with some ‘research’!

Best advice you've ever received? And who from?

“You need to be content with the now” - David Roper (my husband keeps me grounded!).

If you had to choose five words that described you - what would they be?

Individual, energetic, stylish, focused and driven.

Favourite book at the moment?

Favourite cook book at the moment is My Petite Kitchen by Eleanor Ozich.

How do you take care of yourself?

I use all natural skin care products and take magnesium to keep up energy levels. I enjoy my downtime with my family and I try to grow veges and cook organic & free range products (we have our own chickens - for eggs only!) I also know that finding time for myself every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes, makes a huge difference.

What's coming up next for you?

We’re getting ready to launch Winter to the media next month and then it will go into stores from January. Summer 2015’s almost done and we have started researching for AW16 ! 

Shop the range here. 

Find Ziera on Facebook. 

Follow Ziera on Instagram.

Go Pin with Ziera. 
Or tweet them!

This is the 13th interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

Favourite Find:: Nancybird Morton Flats

Recently I've discovered that I need a few more pairs of flats in my wardrobe. It was after a particularly rainy (read: sodding wet) week when I ruined my favourite ballet flats and had to toss them in a bin while I was still in the city that I had this epiphany.

Cue Nancybird's super cool Morton flats.

Could they be any cooler? Nope. Doubt it. I can imagine these with a 50s style skirt or dress - or some rolled up jeans, they're a pretty versatile wardrobe addition. And those shoelaces (can you believe I am excited about shoelaces?!) - squeeeee!!

I'm also totally into the rubber sole - that to me says giddy up - this is comfortable. And cute. Ridiculously cute.

The only bad thing about this shoe? It doesn't come in my size (cue the world's smallest violin).

Nancybird Morton flats (available in Azure, Stone and Charcoal) $159



**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

Three of The Best: Shoes That Take You Anywhere

You threw down the gauntlet, and I've taken it on! I am not the best shoe shopper. Let's be honest, my foot is the size of a hobbit's and I find shoe shopping to be about as happy an experience as having a tooth extracted. GOOD TIMES! But nevertheless, your wish is my command, so I've thrown together some ideas on shoe solutions for work, play, biking, walking, and above all - style and comfort. And I'm not talking Kumfs.

Let it be known, I love Lily Allen's style. Trainers and skirts - make me go mwah mwah mwah. Except on me, it looks like I'm Jerry Seinfeld's little sister. Nevertheless friends, you could look SO DARN CUTE and COOL! Me. Not so much.

Ecco Crisp:: These look cute, comfortable and the tan leather means they go with pretty much everything. Except that black latex catsuit. You'll have to find something else to go with that. These would work with pants and skirts (because, again, I love that look), and the rubber sole means you've got a bit of bounce and cushioning - perfect for walking, riding your bike - and above all robot dancing.

Hype DC Converse Marimekko $79.95:: You would be crazy not to love these Marimekko strawberries. And the designers must be crazy because THEY DIDN'T GO LARGER THAN A 10. ARRRGH! Fools! But heck, if you are blessed with a smaller hoof than I, get them. Get them now. These are uber cool.

Bared Footwear Puffin in Green $229:: Hellz to the yeah! I love a comfortable moccasin - when they're good, they're very good; when they're awesome - they are freaking awesome. These look like the perfect everyday shoe. These, my friends, are your ticket to fast times and supreme shoe envy. Your friends will get green eyes. Totes. 

Also check out these: 
These little Zomp turquoise cuties 
Love colour? Check out these rainbow-bright kicks
I've talked about these before. I'll talk about them again. I love these. It's unrequited though.


What's up next ladies? What do you want me to find?

Three Of The Best:: Flat Shoes For Winter

Every season I scope out the best shoes. In particular, I am always hunting down the best flat shoes, because let's be honest here, the old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be - and I don't want to wear heels to work every day and hobble home. Mainly because no one will give a brass razoo and I'll be left to limp around the house feeling sorry for myself.

So for this very reason flat shoes are my favourites. But I'm not talking clumpy, dumpy, frumpy flats. No siree. I've hand-picked three of my favourites for the season that will have you bang on trend and still feeling super comfortable (but no one needs to know that, ok?).

left to right: 

Habbot Polka Dot in Pale Pink (currently on sale) $190:: When I was small I used to sneak into my Mum's wardrobe and try on these most divine white leather flats. I loved them. I thought I was Minnie Mouse. And this is where I am going with these. I just love them. Those oversized gold embellishments are just the right amount of va-va-voom I need to be a modern day Minnie.

Country Road Delia Slipper $129:: I saw Michelle Jank walk past me today - wearing shoes just like these. If anyone was to give fashion a blessing, Michelle's your girl. Get these on your feet, pronto.

Gorman Spotted Pony Hi Top $189:: Be still my beating heart. I love sneaks. Do not repeat this, but if I could live in sneaks, I would love to. And I'm not talking Jerry Seinfeld sneaks. These sneaks speak to me. In sneak speak. I'm a fluent conversationalist.

Which would you wear?

School Shoe Shopping

This is a sponsored post

Nothing beats a well fitted pair of shoes. I can testify to this - I have an unusually narrow and long foot, so much so, that when I buy shoes, people question whether I really am a 12. For the record, I am. And when it was time to get fitted for back-to-school shoes, every year it saw my parents talking me to Clarks to get the best fitting shoes. I wore them almost every day of my school life. 

My Mum always taught us that it's better to invest in good quality, well fitted shoes, and it's something that's always stuck with me. It makes sense, doesn't it? Your feet carry the weight of your body, and have the power to make you feel great if your comfortable, or downright cranky if they're not fitted correctly. 

Last week the Doctor and Tiny visited Clarks to get fitted for their new sparkly school shoes. Tiny loves hers so much she wore hers home. 

Clarks gave me the opportunity to interview Brenden Brown, a practicing podiatrist and spokesperson for the Australian Podiatry Council - who filled me in on why well-fitted shoes make a sound investment for small feet (and any feet for that matter). 

PMM: Why is it important to get school shoes fitted?

Brenden Brown: Research from the Clarks back-to-school 2012 report revealed that at any point in time, 41% of Australian children are wearing the wrong size school shoes, contributing to issues such as childhood obesity, clumsiness and back pain.

The average Australian school child spends 82 days of the 200-day school year in ill-fitting
shoes. With over 3.5 million school children in Australia, podiatrists estimate that our kids
are spending 2.3 billion hours in the wrong size school shoes each year.

Blisters, flat feet and cramped toes are not the only consequences of narrow or
unsupportive shoes with more than 3 in 5 surveyed podiatrists stating children who wear
the wrong size shoes are less active at school (from feeing uncoordinated / having sore
feet), and 38% believing ill-fitting shoes contribute towards childhood obesity.

I wore Clark's throughout my school career - Kindy to Year 12. What's
changed since then? (Since that was *gulp* almost 15 years ago.)

BB: Shoes are now designed for both comfort and support. We’re now aware of what’s
required for our children’s school shoes, and they’re designed around the anatomy of the
foot. An example of this would be the fact our feet aren't designed to bend in the middle,
which is why Clarks school shoes are rigid through the middle of the sole, whilst flexible at the toe, allowing the shoe to move with a child's foot

I heard it's a good idea to 'break in' your school shoes before school starts. Why is that?

BB: We all want the first day back at school to be as trouble free as possible, so giving your kids a chance to break their shoes in beforehand will make sure their growing feet are completely comfortable in their new shoes from day one.

Velcro vs laces. What’s your verdict?

BB: I would always recommend laces if possible, they cradle your children’s feet and allow the school shoe to move and work with the foot. Laces are a good indicator of how well your child’s shoes fit. Clarks has an expert fitting process, called the 10-step Check and one of the stages includes checking that the lacing gap on your child’s shoes should be no wider than the width of you finger (approx.15mm) for a good width fitting. Velcro is a good alternative for children who are unable to fasten their laces.

Is there any good news for people with narrow or wide feet?

BB: Yes, Clarks is your answer! Clarks offers 18 styles, 184 sizes and 6 different width fittings. Recommended by more than nine out of ten (92%) podiatrists for a child with healthy feet, Clarks has trained fitters around the country dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit.

Any tips on how to teach my seven-year-old son how to tie his laces?

BB: Clarks has a great and colourful ‘Learn to Lace’ card which you can pick-up for free instore. The age-old bunny ear technique has worked well with my daughters too.

Any extra tips for back-to-school shopping?

BB: I would recommend that you do it when the children are tired, so that they’re more likely to sit still when being fitted. I would also do it when they’re starting to get a little hungry, so that you can give them a little fun snack to keep them preoccupied during the fitting.

About Clarks 10 Step Check:

Clarks has trained fitters around the country offering advice on the following 10-step expert fitting process:

1) Heel Grip: with the child seated, pull firmly to ensure no heel slip;
2) Width: with the child standing, make sure the shoe shape suits the foot shape.
Feel for excess pressure on the little toe;
3) Depth: make sure there is enough depth. Remember that too many creases
equal too much depth;
4) Length: make sure the child is standing correctly. Feel for the longest toe. There
should be approx. 15mm growing room (the width of your thumb);
5) Arch: make sure the shoe cradles the arch;
6) Toplines: the ankle bone must be clear of the topline. This may not be
necessary if the topline is padded. Make sure the shoe fits neatly against the foot;
7) Back: the shoe must fit snugly around the heel;
8) Instep Bars: ensure enough holes for adjustment or velcro must grip firmly;
9) Walking: the age-old walking test around the shoe store is still a valid method
for reviewing the shoe’s fit If you know what you’re looking for, check to see how
well your child’s walking, if they feel comfortable and make sure there’s no heel
slip;
10) Laces: when fastened correctly, the lacing gap on your child’s shoes should be no wider than the width of you finger (approx.15mm)

Are your smalls ready to head back to school? Are you?

Tying Laces. And Other Stuff

We are currently drowning under a pile of Year 1 homework.


When I was in Year 1 we didn't have homework. Well certainly not to this extent. (And when I was a girl Paddle Pops were 60 cents, and I walked home by myself.) This week we have a daily reader, homework books, Mathletics, and a talk on rhinos to do. Fo' realz. 


Amidst all this, we're teaching the Doctor how to tie his shoelaces. You can pooh pooh me all you like - and say we are late bloomers to this, but I am not one to push, and we do things at our own speed, when we are good and ready. 


On the weekend I found this video that I thought was a cute way to teach your kid how to tie their shoelaces. 

Ordinary people must be saying: "But PMM, why do you need a video?" Well a couple of years ago I discovered that I don't tie my shoelaces correctly, I have some funky way of tying them, and it's not completely successful. It still serves me well, but I thought I'll relearn with the Doctor so we can learn together.


So I am now learning to tie my laces too. 

This Is Where I Confess... I Don't Love Brogues

While everyone on the interwebz is flitting about in a pair of cool  brogues, I've stood fast. I don't love them. Any hipster worth their weight in shoelaces is wearing them. But not me, I will not succumb. Not that I'm a hipster.

And I think I'm the only one that doesn't own a pair.

Dear Universe, what's wrong with me? Why don't I love brogues?

Well. There are a couple of reasons:

a) my foot is so big, it would look like I was wearing my husband's work shoes
b) I just think I look dorky in them

Instead I embrace a pair of heels, or sandals, or my Chucks, or anything other than brogues.

I do not love brogues.

Brogues. They look good on other people. But not me.

There now, I've said it. Phew.

(however I could get with these brogues, they have a heel! I could love them. Alas, they will not fit. But if you, Cinderella, will fit these shoes, check them out here at Karen Walker's Playpark)

New Shoes

Tiny has something against shoes.

Or more precisely, she has a thing against shoes that have been fitted properly, by a shoe fitting expert. Instead she likes to wear her gum boots sans socks (pooh!), some old Country Road canvas sneaks sans socks (pooh!) or a rip-off Bensimon sneaker by Gumboots sans socks (pooh!). Or sometimes, just for something special, she wears her baby Tip Toey Joeys. She shoves her almost-four-year-old foot into those soft soled suckers and wears them. And wears them. And keeps right on wearing them. If only they made Tip Toey Joey's for almost-four-year-olds, and she'd be set. 

Sometimes she even lashes out and wears her cousins much-loved first shoes, and looks like something out of Narnia, with the heels sticking out the back. It's an odd sight, trust me. I'm an expert.

Alternatively, Tiny likes to tap her inner nomad and go barefoot. Which is all well and good if you've got soles thicker than a set of Pirellis, but she doesn't, and life isn't a cabaret old chum, and the ground is dirty, and there is glass, and burrs, and dirt and stuff. So shoes - yes, shoes are your friend.

So in sheer desperation, I bought some ridiculously super cool shiny purple Saltwater Sandals from my friend, Hayley, at Little Pinwheel.  

You may think happily ever after, right?

Wrong. Tiny had a huge and relentless tantrum, that started when she got in the car, and finally finished half an hour later at pre-school. Tiny finally agreed to put her new Saltwaters on. She still wasn't convinced, despite the initially gush of love - she wasn't sold (I was! I love those wee shoes!).

I whispered to her teacher, J, that Tiny was not happy Jan, and that shoes were the very bane of her existence.

J's eyes lit up. She led Tiny over to her wee friend Lily - and SNAP! - Lily was wearing the same shoes. Same colour. Same shiny. Same same same.

And that, my friends, is a happy shoe story. No Louboutins. No Blahniks. Just a really cool pair of Saltwater Sandals in really rad shiny purple, a tale of two friends - left foot and right foot. It's destiny.

Booty-Licious

I am one of those rare women that detests shoe shopping.

Really.
Really.

Detest it.

I've always resisted shoe shopping. It's not that I don't love shoes. I love shoes. I admire a beautiful shoe.

It's just that they never fit. Growing up with a size 12 - and that's mens' 12, in Tamworth - there wasn't much of a selection. Couple that with a triple-A width. And you've got yourself a big, fat headache. Even when we'd travel to Sydney we'd have to scour store after store looking for something to fit my foot - and usually have to resign to some bad looking shoe that I had to make do with.

Fast-forward 10 years and Matt and I were in London or Paris looking for shoes for me. We're so cosmopolitan it seems. Well the cosmo stops here. I asked the sales assistant for shoes and she looked at me as if I'd asked her to trim my toenails. Horrified I scurried off.

Fast-forward another five years and here I am, curled up on the couch trawling Westfield's plethora of shoes. All. Available. On. Line. STOP THE PRESS!

No more scaring sales assistants. No more contemplating Kumfs. No more tolerance of sales assistants saying: No I don't have a 12, but I do have a 9 - want to try it? Er, want to hack my toes off? Bind my foot? No. It's not going to fit me. Not now, not ever.

Check it out home girls! Westfield has answered all of my dreams. Trawling the interwebz for shoes. By style. By store. Hello shoe shopping. Humiliation free. WOOT!

Midas. Mollini. Flats. Heels. Trainers. OH MY!

Can you imagine my jubilation when I went shopping and found these babies in a charming size 42 ready and waiting to be delivered to me? Hell to the yeah!

The only downside is that the shoes aren't searchable by size. But you can search by price, stores, colour and style. And a lot of the stores offer free delivery. And rather than the 3-7 days, Midas took a total of 8 days to ship to me. But if they're not right, you can return them. Sound good. Comfy on the couch? Mouse at the ready. Yeah. Me too. This could be addictive Imelda Marcos.

In the interests of full disclosure, I received a gift voucher from Westfield to trial this new service.

Yes. I Have No Bananas.

Yes. I really do have no bananas. The small fry ate them all. But if you're after oranges, and I mean tangerine, acid brights - then you should really do your super stylin' self a favour and head over to Little Pinwheel. Just sayin'.

Yep. You can thank me later.

image via Little Pinwheel.

And I'm Not Apologising

Shocked to the core PottyMouthMama readers shunned her next couple of posts. But she stood her ground, she was not, no, she was NOT going to apologise for despising 'popular' music performing under the guise of U2, Abba and Crowded House. And INXs. And anything else that's lame to the power of lame. John Farnham. Dido. Ergh, PMM's list went on and on.

So only one person dared peak into the next post. And that is you.

Oh hello there my lone friend. I'm glad to have you back. Solidarity in the non-music love. We like quality, not quantity, right?

I'll tell you what else I don't like. Crushed velour. Just the thought of it makes my skin crawl and my hands feel itchy. EeeK!

Anyway, the Doctor has saved up for a new Lego game which we're playing as much as possible. We've had a few issues with this game, but I've just realised there are step by step rules on the website - so if you do happen to snaffle any of these Lego games (which in my opinion are all sorts of awesome - because you can continue to re-build the game and tweak the rules, which means STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY!) you can check out the website - it's pretty darn nifty. The Lego Lava Dragon game is absolutely right up the Doctor's alley - because it's all about dragons right now.

It is totes about Lego here. Remember when Matt built me my very own dream home? Ahhh sweet love.

PS - Do yourself a favour and read this post by Jacqueline Pascarl. She is one of my favourite writers. She's intelligent, funny, and always writes interesting and relevant (to me) posts. Enjoy.

PPS - If you're a Big Footed Babe, then join Tali and my new Facebook page, aptly titled: Big Footed Babes.

Tiny Style Tips:: Styling Up A Storm

Tiny style tips are well overdue. Tiny de Bouvier is back. With a vengeance.

When heading out for an afternoon with some pals, or family, make sure you put an extra bit of effort into your outfit. It's the little things that count.

If you choose to wear a tutu dress, don't wear it as a dress, hitch it right up under your little botbot. But that's not the Tiny style tip of today. No siree.

The Tiny style tip du jour? Mix and match your shoes. There's no hard and fast rule that shoes should match. Mix them up ladiez! It's the hottest look not to hit the catwalks this season.

Manolo wishes he came up with it. Jimmy couldn't Choo-Choo-Choose. Christian Louboutin put his boots on and walked all over you.

But Tiny? Tiny encourages the pick and mix philosophy. Try it - don't deny it!

Return of Big Foot

The other day I was sitting in the park with some other preschool mums. Enjoying the sunshine, sitting in the grass, taking in the delighted squeals of small children, observing others running amok. It was an almost perfect, almost Spring afternoon.

Which came to an abrupt end when one of the mums pointed to my feet and said: "How big are your..."

I finished her sentence as she trailed off.

If I had a soundtrack, it would have cut off abruptly like an old LP. The birds were frozen mid-flight, the kids on swings were stuck up in the air, gasping. Everyone else in the park - heck everyone in a 10km radius froze.

I said "Yep, you're going to tell me I have big feet."

Yes. The elephant in the room. With big feet. I wasn't going to dance around it. Mid-flight she'd realised the error of her ways, but she'd spoken without thinking, and thus was her downfall. Well sort of. If I was Shakespeare I would have rewritten that afternoon, Othello would have walked into the park at that moment, mistaken her for Desdemona, and you know the rest. Or alternatively the Capulets would have come in chasing Leonardo diCaprio and then Baz Luhrman could have taken over directing my movements. I could have won an Academy Award.

Instead I said - yes, it's hard to find shoes to fit me. And that I had lived with big feet for my whole life. I'm well-versed in trying to find enigmatic larger sizes. And shoe-sharing with my husband. And then I changed the subject. Promptly.

image via Daily Mail

Key Learnings

This weekend I've made massive leaps and bounds in my own education. No need for any outside educational instution. I did my learning in my house. In the bathroom in fact. When I smelt the Doctor's boot. I don't even know why I did it. But I did. And in Cher's words, if I could turn back time.

If there is only ever one thing you learn from me, let it be this.

Never, ever smell a five year old boys shoe. Ever.

Trust me. I'm a professional.

PS - bad news - Mr Whippy didn't even come past today.

New Treads?

I am always on the hunt for a good shoe. As a mama I want a shoe that performs well. As a woman I want something that's stylish. Can the two factors merge? Yes. Yes they can.

Jumi's Australian designer Stuart Clarke created these shoes after his wife, Monique, complained she couldn't find a suitable shoe to go walking in. They both realised there was a real void in women's wardrobes. A ballet flat that performs like a sneaker. HELLO! The new range of Jumi shoes were born.

How's that for design ingenuinity?

They have a superior fit, they don't sag or gape like regular ballet flats, and they come in half sizes.

Jumi was created for the modern glamour girl – for the girl who likes to mix and match high fashion elements with her own street style.

Check out their website for the full range (priced between $89.95-99.95) and they're all leather to boot (except the sole of course, that's a ridiculously awesome rubber sole).

It's Me: Day 4

Today is Friday. The Doctor has gone into the city with his grandmother. Tiny is fast asleep. Maybe even snoring. I'm about to get stitching on a little project I'm working on. I've made Bills choc-chip cookies. I am ready to embrace the weekend. It better be sunny or it will have me to answer to.

I'm having a massage tomorrow and you can not even imagine how excited I am. I plan to fall asleep on the table. That's not a threat. That's a hopeful promise.

Oh - a long time ago I mentioned I couldn't find shoes that fit. Well I have. Because I got them made. If you need every day shoes and can't find anything in your size, may I refer you to Salvio's? They are super friendly, helpful and keen. The ballet flats in this shot have been worn to death, though still going strong. Plus I picked up a new pair the other day, and already have ideas for the next pair. I did want to get taps put on my next pair, but after reading this, I think I've rethought the whole idea.. But it would be fun tapping down the street. Yes, yes it would.

Magical March: Day 24

(I may have missed some 'magical' days, let's just pretend you didn't notice, awright?!)

It doesn't even feel Autumnal at the moment, in fact, it's kinda hot. But in a nice way, not in a stifling, dangerous way. It's cool enough to sometimes wear a cardi, but warm enough to enjoy that slight Autumn breeze slow dancing in on the coat-tails of Summer.

So I've gone AWOL a few days. Sorry 'bout that. I am sure you've been checking your email every hour on the hour wondering just where is PottyMouthMama, so inspiring, witty and creative are my posts (ahem). Slamming down your cup-of-cino (am I alone when I say, I can't stand when people say cup-of-cino?!) and thinking, damn girl, get your freak on and get back to blogging. Well here I am.

Having spent the last six days daydreaming of holidays, of someone else cooking me dinner (yes Hoppo Bumpo, I hear you loud and clear), losing time in book stores, looking for shoes in apparently all the wrong places (hello, has anyone ever heard of a woman with a size 12+ foot? Apparently not. Nope no shoes for me. Just thongs and sneakers. Hot. Uber hot.) and going on yet another date with my husband, I am back friends. Back!

And for you today, a little bitta eye candy. More doilies. It's doil-rific! Sitting in the sun enjoying their new life with moi. Ain't life grand?