“Healthy Footwear for Healthy Feet.”

by Jill St. George on Feb 22, 2012

One of the things I love most about my job is finding cool things to tell you about. And I’ll be honest, I too, have driven by some of the same places over and over again without ever stepping foot in them. But having this job has changed that, and I couldn’t be happier about getting to know more about my hometown and the great people I’ve been meeting along the way.

I was reminded of this yesterday when I wandered into Vaux Shoes at Westpark. I can’t tell you the number of times I had driven by and thought it was a men’s shoe shop. Boy was I wrong. For one, they carry both men’s and women’s shoes, and two, they carry oodles of shoes I’d wear. Toms, Sanita, Dansko and Keen – very well made, stylish shoes.

Brad and Joan Vaux have owned and operated Vaux shoes for the past eight years. When I walked through the doors, Joan was there to greet me and kindly answered all of my questions. She gave me a sweet little shoe tour, explaining that most of their shoes are made in America and/or Europe, using high quality, comfortable materials. Needless to say, my wishlist quickly grew when I stepped through the doors.

Vaux Shoes, LLC

4001 Summitview Ave. Suite 4

Yakima, WA 98908

509-965-7170

www.vauxshoes.com

Shiny Red Sanita

Toms

Dansko

Keen for men

Keen for women

Toms

Glenwood Square Arts & Crafts Fair.

by Jill St. George on Feb 17, 2012

Cuffs made by Lisa Souers Designs Jewerly.

A very cool building plus very cool art…I’m so there!

This Saturday from 10 to 4pm, Glenwood Square is holding its annual art and crafts fair. Lisa Souers will be there selling her beautifully handcrafted jewelry, along with many more local artisans. Stop by, show your support, and pick up something unique to add to your walls or jewelry collection.

Glenwood Square

5110 Tieton Drive

Yakima, WA 98908

509-966-3580

Mix and Match!

by Jill St. George on Feb 9, 2012

They’re like three (or four or five…) pairs of shoes in one. Seriously, these are a girl’s dream come true. These lovely little leather flats by Lindsay Phillips are called Switchflops, which come with snap-on accessories that are interchangeable to match your outfit…or your mood. And there are oodles of snaps to choose from.

Thrifty Finds

by Jill St. George on Feb 8, 2012

Thrift shopping: you either love it or you hate it. Well, I love it – the joy in finding little treasures that once belonged to someone else.

Lucky for me, there are plenty of thrift shops in Yakima. I love vintage finds, but of course the sky’s the limit in a thrift shop like Goodwill or St. Vincent’s. I know it’s not for everyone, but as a reminder, it is a way to reduce, reuse and recycle. And of course the prices are phenomenal. Take a peek at some of the things I picked up the other day while thrift shopping.

Patina: Six Looks Under $60

by Jill St. George on Jan 6, 2012

Patina shop owners Winter Kennedy and Joy Meils.

Patina shop owners (and sisters) Winter Kennedy and Joy Meils have quite a sense of style – especially for those of us on a budget! Located in Downtown Yakima, their shop is filled with an eclectic mix of recycled clothing, jewelry and home decor; as well as works of art from local artists. Not only do these gals have great taste, they sell quality clothing inexpensively. Here they’ve put together six head-to-toe outfits: take a look!

Patina

17 West Yakima Ave.

Yakima, WA 98902

Hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 5pm

The Little Bake Shop at Johnson Orchards

by Robin Salts Beckett on Dec 20, 2011

Apple Pie • Photos courtesy of The Little Bake Shop

Before a recent trip to Johnson Orchards to check out their Copper Pot caramels, I didn’t know that Johnson also houses the “Little Bake Shop,” which makes what some folks have called the most delicious pies they’ve ever eaten.  I don’t even like fruit pies (bring on the chocolate cream baby!), but with flavors like Copper Pot Caramel Apple, I could change my mind. Quickly.  Other flavors they’re baking up for the holidays are pumpkin, apple and pecan. If folks order before Thursday (Dec. 22), pies will be available for pickup on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 … just in time for dinner.

The Little Bake Shop at Johnson Orchards

4906 Summitview Ave.

Yakima • 509-966-7479

Johnsonorchardsfruit.com

...and a pecan