Jambu Shoes

Jambus in Somalia

2011-11-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

On a trip to Somalia I knew it would be hot and I would need to dress comfortably and have comfortable shoes on. I remembered I had a fantastic pair of J-41’s that I owned almost 7 years ago, I went on a search for something similar. What I found was my new pair of Jambu Odyssey’s in Grey – comfy, sturdy and versatile enough to use in meetings with officials or on the trail. Although I loved the brown and Oreo colors, I knew the dirt and mud I would encounter would blend a lot better with the Grey, especially if I needed to meet a Minister following a particularly “dirty” day!

With having only one paved road that runs the length of the country, south to north, Mogadishu to Hargeisa – our vehicle had to make many 4-wheel excursions into the dry, drought laden desert of Central Somalia. The furthest destination for our team was the village Eyl, located on the Indian Ocean. Here we experienced the fruit of our labors and funding!3 While visiting the school, women’s training center, income generating activity of selling fuel, water well and 4 water points we covered quite a lot of ground.The temperature outside was a soaring 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit and the sweat would run down my face and back with the multiple layers of clothing I had on, but my feet were always dry and comfortable! The small holes and semi open nature of the Jambu Odyssey’s allowed for sand to enter but it also allowed air and that same openness allowed me to shake the sand out quickly and easily without holding up our schedule!

Following a particularly large crowd gathering, when I stopped to visit a water point, shake the sand from my shoes and hold a baby goat,4 I was informed that we needed to move quickly and drink our cokes in the car, because if not, we would be drinking them in the company of pirates, who had just entered the periphery of the village to see what was causing all the commotion! On a daily basis I knew I had made the right choice for footwear. From the moment I put the shoes on when leaving my home in Oslo, Norway to the moment I returned, these were the only shoes I wore and I was just as happy on the first day of the trip as I was on the last day! Thanks Jambu for making me presentable and comfortable all with one shoe!

Step By Step in My Jambus

2011-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

October 1st, 2011

I am a commuter student so while during the week I am always running around New York, on the weekends I return to my home in New Jersey and relax from the busy and noisy environment of the city. Every Saturday morning my mom and I go to the gym for a yoga or pilates class and as both are usually practiced barefoot, I thought it would be interesting to go to class in my barefoot style shoes. I pulled on my Sport Siders and got a couple of amused looks from the people in the class, but I was determined to try out my theory so I set up my yoga mat and prepared for the class. As we began, the instructor asked me to take off my shoes, yet she seemed interested when I explained that the shoes had a barefeet concept, and let me keep my shoes on. I did every exercise smoothly and soon forgot that I was wearing shoes. They flexed with my feet and it almost felt like every move was effortless. My Sport Siders made my feet feel comfortable and light and saved me from exposing my chipped pedicure.

Kate

Kate McVaugh's Experience With the JBU-404's

2011-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Kate McVaugh is a wonderful writer who has agreed to be a ghost blogger for our JBU-404's. Not to be confused with our student blogger, Kate is a writer from San Francisco, California, who enjoys nature and has shared her experience in our JBU-404 Water Ready Barefeet style with us, so we can share it with you!

My red Jambu 404 Barefoot pair arrived at the end of September just in time for summer in San Francisco. We never have much of a summer here but are often allotted fantastic sunshine and heat in September and October. My new shoes were perfect for walk in nature, so I headed over to Inspiration Point in Tilden Park. There’s a wonderful trail that wends its way over a ridge affording spectacular views in all directions.

This was only the second time I’d worn my JBU 404 Barefoot Style and this time I paid attention to my feet and how they were holding up on the footpath. I could feel the earth beneath me; almost as if walking barefoot but without rocks or thorns to encumber my journey.

The flexible rice rubber outsole, (don’t ask me how they make that), easily bent with my foot while maintaining traction down a steep slope and over gravel and eucalyptus acorns. Then I quit thinking about my feet and started to enjoy the aroma of the trees and plants and the songs of the birds.

Generally, there are enough people around so I don’t dwell on being out in the middle of nowhere with the possibility of muggers lurking behind a manzanita tree. Then I remembered that this was also mountain lion terrain and one does need to maintain vigilance. Or rather, be prepared to act if you should chance upon a critter. I ran the safety drill through my head; make yourself big, wave your arms around, and yell. And never, ever, crouch down, and never, ever run. I decided that this was a good enough excuse to not try jogging in my new shoes.

And did I mention the fashion aspect of bright red JBU 404’s? These have to be the cutest shoes I have ever owned. One must look good even when wearing old jeans and a faded t-shirt while trudging through the wilderness. My shoes added just the right bit of style.

The first fall storms are on their way so maybe our mini-summer will be even shorter than expected. And although my shoes are waterproof, when it rains here it is always freezing cold. I suppose I will have to head to some place like Costa Rica to road test their water capabilities. Meanwhile, I still have a few more days of style and comfort both out in the wild and at the local coffee shop.

Kate McVaugh

Thank you Kate McVaugh for the great review on our JBU-404 Barefoot-Water Ready shoes! Check out Kate's travel blog at http://katerambles.blogspot.com

Step by Step in my Jambu's

2011-09-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

Step by Step is a diary of adventures and experiences of a 21 New York City student Kate who has recently discovered Jambu and has decided to share her stories with us. Follow Kate through her journey with Jambu.

September 6, 2011

My Sport Siders first day out on the town was a disaster. It was pouring in New York and though my wonderful, new, soft grey and oh so comfortable barefoot sneaker style were water-ready, they did not save my feet from water as I clumsily stomped into an enormous puddle. That incident was not an epiphany, as the shoes have mesh insets and only prevent the water from coming through the bottom. The speed they dried at, once I finally made it to class, was phenomenal and I even got a few compliments from my fashion obsessed peers.

Let me begin by explaining that I am a 21 year old student at a fashion business school who also loves to write. And while Jambu may not exactly apply to my demographic, I fell in love with the Sport Siders the moment I saw them. They were perfect- stylish enough to wear with jeans or summer dresses and comfortable enough to feel like I'm walking barefoot. And I don't mean barefoot as in absorbing every spec of grime the lovely city of New York has to offer, but barefoot in a way that makes me feel like I am walking on air and will never experience blister pain again. And so, I ditched my beautiful crocodile skin tahari flats and submerged myself in the unique world of Jambu.

A wonderful Jambu adventure in Costa Rica told through the eyes of Stacie Isabella Turk

2011-08-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jambu Bare Feet Designs

2011-07-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sweepstakes!

2011-06-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Jambu lovers! Today we announce our winner of our sweepstakes! Stay tuned to hear if you are the winner! Also, be sure to check out our new video on facebook!

JBU-606 Barefoot Vegan

2011-06-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

I slipped into my new white/lavender JBU-606 Barefoot Vegan’s and wondered how I had just managed four months in Vietnam without them.

95 degree weather with 85% humidity screams out for no shoes, but that simply isn’t practical. Flip-flops provide coolness but give no support and, as their name implies, flip rocks and debris onto the soles of your feet.

I closed my eyes and remembered my 6:00am walks along the beach, waving to the fisherman pulling in their nets and calling out to the various dogs romping along the shoreline. As lovely as it is to tread along shoeless in sand at the water’s edge, it is a bit precarious on the beaches of Mui Ne, Vietnam. There are natural obstacles like the sharp edges of seashells and clumps of jellyfish, as well as the manmade dangers of glass shards and discarded cans. None of these would’ve been a problem for me and my Jambu Barefoot Vegan’s. I wouldn’t have even noticed I was wearing shoes.

I am fairly sure that I would have been able to scale a coconut tree in my light, pliable JBU-606 Barefoot Vegan’s with their All Terrain Traction. Granted, the locals do actually accomplish this with no shoes on, but my feet are not quite that tough. Just imagine the sights I could have seen from the top off a palm tree, secure in knowing that even the sharp palm fronds would not have cut my feet!

I envisioned meandering through the garden wonderlands of Ho Chi Minh City during Tet/Lunar New year; strolling down Nguyen Hue Street lined with its landscaped flowers, plants, fountains, and sculptures. With my JBU-606 Barefoot Vegan’s ensuring that my toes had constant air circulation, I could have walked around for hours knowing that my feet would have been cool and happy and well supported.

And after a long day of putting my life at risk dodging millions of motorbikes navigating the city streets, I could relax in a sidewalk café sipping an ice coffee without feeling the need to rip off my shoes.

These shoes truly are Designed for Adventure even if only in one’s own neighborhood. I can’t wait to take them out on my next journey.

Thank you Kate McVaugh for the great review on our JBU-606 Barefoot-Vegan shoes! Check out Kate's travel blog at http://katerambles.blogspot.com

SWEEPSTAKES!

2011-05-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon JAMBU LOVERS!!!!
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF JAMBU! All you have to do is write a Jambu Haiku. Click on our sweepstakes tab on facebook for more info! You have 30 days to enter!!! Enter NOW and spread the word :)

BEHIND THE SCENES!!!!

2011-05-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONE! HERE'S A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF OUR LATEST PHOTO SHOOT!!! WE WERE IN SUNNY CORONADO ISLAND, CALIFORNIA ENJOY IT!

What is Jambu?

2011-05-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

If many of you are wondering where Jambu gets its name from well I'm going to answer that question. Jambu is a tree that grows 12 meters tall with evergreen leaves and produces rose colored nutritious fruit. Found in the lush greenery of the tropical rainforests where scientists estimate that more than half of all plant and animals species live. It is also known that tropical rainforests produce 40% of Earth's oxygen and contains undiscovered medicines that will help create many cures.

Which Jambu Shoe are YOU?

2011-05-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Jambu Webisode

2011-05-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Burch's Big Shoe Event in Eugene, OR.

2011-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Where can I find Jambu? In O Magazine!

2011-03-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

In the April 2011 issue of O Magazine !!!

Live, Explore, Jambu :)

Where can I find Jambu?

2011-03-15T14:38:00.001-07:00

Lets face it ladies we love a good shoe deal! The better the price of an already amazing shoes the easier it is for us to fall in love. Women build relationships with their shoes. And we love to know were we can get our favorite brands for the best prices. Well, we are here to help you! Lets face it, online shopping is the way to go these days. We live in a time where women are now super heroes. We achieve more in a simple 24 hours than our ancestors could have ever thought of. So the real question remains: in just how many different places can you find Jambu shoes online for A GREAT PRICE? Here are a few!

Where to find:

Zappos.com

Onlineshoes.com

shoebacca.com

planetshoes.com

shoes.com

macys.com

dillards.com

Shoemall.com

athleta.com

Give your feet the luxury of the Jambu experience! Share your Jambu story with us and remember that your comfort is our goal.

Burch's Shoe Party
Saturday, 3/26/2011 10am-6pm
Join us to Celebrate Customer Appreciation Day!
Burch's Shoe Store
Shoe Party
Eugene, OR

Trunk Show st Shoe Gallery II
Saturday, 3/26/2011 12-4pm
1207 E Forrest St # G
Athens, AL 35613
(256) 233-4861

Live, Explore, Jambu

Shoe drama of the day !

2011-03-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

tiramisu8@twitter.com shared her shoe drama with us!

Once purch'd well known expensive brand 4 quality. Wore shoe 3x & sole started releasing. Sent to fix 2x but still no good :(

This kind of shoe drama can easily be prevented with Jambu footwear! Our memory foam is designed with your specific foot in mind. So that the shoe itself can build a comfort designed for you! Our nature friendly and durable material is sure to make your Jambu experience a very long one. And in the case that anything were to go wrong our customer service line is always here to help you!

Live, Explore, Jambu :)

Tell Us Your Story!

2011-03-02T10:35:00.001-08:00

Every woman's goal in life is to find pair of shoes that is both fashionable and comfortable. As

busy as our daily lives are, our feet being in pain is not something that we have spare time to think about. Yes, spikes and pumps are fabulous, but beauty no longer has to be painful!

Jambu shoes are designed with memory foam, meaning that shoe and foot are guaranteed to develop a very personal relationship. Inspired by the colors of nature, Jambu shoes are sure to

have you hooked after your first pair.

Milkyway-Water Read

Every pair of Jambu shoes has a

unique personality to match their

their innovative design. It doesn't

matter if you are going to the

supermarket or a hike, every

pair of Jambu shoes is designed with adventure in mind. But not just any

adventure, but an adventure that you

can remember without the interference

of your poor aching feet.

Milos

Bangalore

Tell Us Your Story!

HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE

SHOE EVER

RUINED YOUR ADVENTURE?

SEND US

YOUR STORY AND SOME PICTURES

Water Diva -Vegan

AND TELL US WHAT

A DIFFERENCE

JAMBU HAS MADE IN

YOUR LIFE!

DON'T OWN JAMBU?

NOT A PROBLEM! SEND US YOUR

UNCOMFORTABLE SHOE DRAMA

AND WE WILL HELP IN

GUIDING YOU

TOWARDS THE

"JAMBU LIGHT!"

Send Your Stories to: socialmedia@vidagroup.com

Visit us at: www.jambu.com

Jambu Webisode #2

2011-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

The second Jambu video of the season! Check out what you can do in your Jambu shoes...

This shoot was awesome, we went to The First Tee of the Palm Beaches which is such a cool place. We arrived to find out that Dyer Park in West Palm Beach, FL was built on an old landfill. Can you believe Jambu Found a recycled park! Right up our alley. Then we got inside to meet all of the wonderful Golf Pro's that donate their time to The First Tee. Now I bet your thinking its JUST a driving range on a recycled park- but it is so much more. The First Tee was designed for young girls and boys to come in and learn golf lessons that provide the students with the 9 core values. We were lucky enough to meet some of the kids that day and they watched our commercial shoot, until they got bored and wanted to get to shooting some balls. This was an awesome experience for us, and if you are in the area or would like to find a First Tee near you, check out their webpage or their facebook page.

Cast and crew.

Believe it or not Elisa and Daniel were actually engaged when we cast them for these roles, they just got married in early January! You guys are awesome and Jambu wishes you the best of luck!

A little behind the scenes action.

In the middle of the scene.

The First Tee building in the background

Thanks to The First Tee of the Palm Beaches and our Jambu models, Elisa, Kirsten and Daniel and of course the film crew!

Jambu Spring Webisode 1

2011-02-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Jambu has a series of three webisodes coming out this Spring featuring some of our favorite styles! Every one loves a little friendly competition, right?

Thank you to the Jambu models, Elisa, Kirsten and Daniel, the film crew, and the support of the venues that let us shoot on location.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Wishing happy and safe holidays to you all, from the Jambu designers and marketing team!

Behind the scenes of the Jambu Commercial

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

The hiking scene shot in Central Park showcasing the Jambu Vermont-Waterproof, was early one pretty cold friday morning. Shlomotion's Productions arrived with Dunkin Doughnut's in hand, it was a great start to the first day of shooting. We shot Nancy walking those stairs so much I do believe she got a good work out in during this scene! It was a beautiful place to shoot, hard to believe its smack in the middle of Manhattan!

Later on that Friday afternoon the second scene was shot in the grocery store featuring Jambu's classic style, the Touring. The Jambu woman in this scene is Kim, she walked up and down the aisle's of this grocery store in comfort and style. Shlomo, Rob, Joe hopped in and out of the grocery cart to get the perfect shots.

The office scene featured our metro style, the Allure. Lori was our amazing Jambu corporate office worker, doing an amazing job of improving a national sales meeting (we were so impressed!) Lori wore those shoes for 5 hours the first day running from scene to scene and 8 hours the second day of the shoot. Lori raved about the comfort and even wore them out for a night on the town after shooting. Thank you to our extras, who were recruited last minute to fill our corporate sales meeting. The crew was down on the floor rolling the camera around on a skateboard trying to get the perfect shot of the Jambu shoes.

One Sunday morning, bright and early we shot our school scene. This being Jambu Kids first season we were very excited to feature them in the commercial. I am pleased to introduce the first faces of our Jambu Kids Collection, in the bottom right picture from left to right we have, Orli, Serenity, and Eloise. They all loved their shoes and had a great time filming with their Jambu "mom's". Unfortunately, Nancy, from the hiking scene was terribly ill and could not make it to the shoot this day but we still got a lot of great shots in. We had a lot of fun at this scene and the pictures came out great of the girls!

The opening scene was shot last on the first day, and luckily last minute we had found the perfect place to shoot! Cafe Lalo was welcoming and happy to let us use their location... for those of you who recognize this location, it was featured in the movie, "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. The crew was trying to get in every creative angle, while the Jambu girls watched the equipment outside.

Overall this commercial was so amazing to see come alive. From interviewing the models, to have Shlomotions create our script, and scouting locations, it was great to see the entire process of what makes up a 40 second commercial. Jambu would especially like to thank our Jambu women, Lori, Kim and Nancy- you all did an amazing job. A big thank you to the Jambu girls and their families for bringing them to our interviews, and the shooting, as a couple came from out of state to work with us. We were truly honored to have Orli, Eloise, and Serenity as the first faces of Jambu kids. This video could not have been possible without Shlomotions (Shlomo, Joe and Rob), it turned out awesome! Also thank you to our make-up artist, Nikki, everyone looked beautiful.

The first Jambu Commercial is Finally here!

2010-11-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesdays: the Museum Pentheon

2010-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday: Enjoy the city night view

2010-11-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-10-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Delicious "After Apple Picking" Recipes

2010-10-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

If you ask me, fall is one of the better seasons. The leaves are changing, and the air is finally cool and crisp after a long, hot summer. One of the greatest things about fall is that you never run out of things to do. From Halloween to Thanksgiving, it's just a fun filled family season. If you haven't already done so, it's time to go apple picking. The apples are only good this time of year, so gather your family one Sunday afternoon, and take a trip to the apple orchards.

We all know the feeling once we've picked all those apples. You come home with a huge bag of apples, and despite the fact that "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away," no one loves force feeding apples just cause you picked them. Below are a couple of delicious recipes that will use up all those apples in no time!

Old Fashioned Apple Cider

What you'll need:

About 12 small-medium apples
1 small orange
1/2-1 cup brown sugar
3-4 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg.
1 tbs whole cloves
water

How to:

Once you've washed the apples and oranges, cut them into large slices (dont worry about seeds and peels, they can stay on).
Throw them into a large stock pot, add the sugar and spices, and cover with water.
Bring to a boil, and boil uncovered for at least an hour.
Cover and reduce to a simmer for at least 2 hours.
Uncover and roughly mash contents of the pot. (To further reduce: allow to simmer until cider is dark and spicy)
Once the cider is ready, allow to cool and strain. You can use a cheesecloth if you want to get every last drop.
Serve hot or cold, usually makes around 1/2 gallon.

Dutch Apple Pie With Oatmeal Streusel

What you'll need:

1 (9 inch) pie shell
5 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter

How to:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Leave crust in freezer.
For filling: place sliced apples in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well, and add to apples. Toss until apples are coated.
Remove pie shell from freezer. Place apple mixture in shell and dot with 2 tablespoons butter or margarine. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil lightly on top of filling. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
For topping: In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and oats. Mix thoroughly, then cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly. Remove filling from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
Reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake an additional 30-35 minutes, until streusel is browned and apples are tender. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning.

What do you do with your extra apples? Post a comment with a delicious recipe!

Cuddling Cuties!

2010-10-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today we are dedicating our wordless Wednesday to our favorite feline friends!

NFL Goes Pink

2010-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I took my husband to see his favorite football team, the Buffalo Bills, play their 4th game of the season against the NY Jets. How could he be a fan of a team who has won 0 out of 5 games this year, you ask?.... beats me.

Football was never my thing. I don't know the rules, and I spend most of the game wondering how badly that last tackle must have hurt that one player. Even though I couldn't really follow the game, and my husbands team lost, it turned out to be an extremely fun experience.

First of all, if any of you know Buffalo NY, you know that it's freezing. I was so glad to be wearing my brown Valencia boots, not just cause they're adorable.. but they provided the heat the my feet needed throughout the game.

As the game was about to start, I noticed the "Jills" (the Bills' cheerleading team) were in pink. I may not know a lot about football, but I do know that the cheerleaders should be wearing the team colors (in this case, red, white, and blue.) It wasn't until my husband reminded me it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that I even made the connection.

So I thought... Oh.. how nice that the females representing the team are wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I think my jaw actually dropped when the team ran out, and I saw that the men were wearing pink too!

This year, the NFL joined with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for breast cancer. The players, as well as the coaches and refs will all be sporting (no pun intended) pink game apparel throughout the month of October. So if you're watching the game with your man, look closely, and you'll see everything from pink sneakers to sweatbands to mouth guards! After the games, the apparel will be auctioned off, and the money will be donated to the ACS.

I think it's so great how a sport as "manly" as football can take the time to come up with a thoughtful and fun way to support breast cancer.

How are you staying aware this month? Do share!

A Lil Something About Parrots!

2010-10-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

There is more to Parrots than just being a talking bird, they can live up to 60-100 years old depending on the species. These birds live much longer than your dogs and kitties, it becomes a part of your family. Word has it that Winston Churchill's parrot is still alive, can you believe it?! If it is true, it will be over 100 years old. So this week our wordless wednesday is dedicated to these lovely birds! :)

My Jambu Adventure

2010-10-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

I recently went camping in The Forks, Maine; it was my first time in Maine and over 10 years

since my last camping trip. While packing the only thing on my mind was "what shoes will I be wearing?" A fashionista at heart, for a 4 day camping trip I brought 4 pairs of shoes; the common denominator, (I later realized) they were ALL Jambu! I thought to myself, I'll wear the Cherry for white water rafting, Vermont -Waterproof for hiking, Himalaya for lounging and I'll bring my Allure's just in case we come across a party.. I don't know what type of party in the woods people dress up for but I was prepared.

It rained the day I hiked Mosquito Mountain. My Vermont waterproof proved to be an excellent choice, not only did they provide great traction getting up the mountain but they were also slip resistant getting down and my feet

were kept dry. This was my first hike and I was praising my Jambu shoes for getting me through it.

The first time I'd been whitewater rafting was the last time I'd been camping, so it had been a while but I was so excited about experiencing that thrill again. I signed up to raft the Kennebec River, a level 4 and that day there was going to be a water release of 8000cfs, we're talking huge waves!! I felt so prepared with my Jambu Cherry's in red. I figured I should wear a bright color in case I fall over someone can spot me by my shoes. Because these sandals are fisherman like the water drained easily. We all definitely got wet that day and with water getting in our raft, no need to worry, my shoes were non slip. I jumped in the river several times for a dip, one of the key instructions is to keep your feet up so they don't get caught on anything down under; I received so many compliments on my cool shoes.

The Himalaya's were perfect for everyday walking and lounging and needless to to say that the Allure's were not needed on this trip.

I had an amazing time in The Forks and Jambu made my journey comfortable and definitely adventurous!

Slightly Out of Focus

2010-09-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

We really need to see clearly through things in life, but we don't always have to take a clear picture. Try to get your vision slightly out of focus and see what magic is going to happen on your photograph for your wordless Wednesday!

The Perfect Recipe for Fall: Butternut Squash Soup

2010-09-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets cooler, and the leaves start falling, I thought I would share one of my favorite fall recipes for Butternut Squash soup. This recipes is so quick, easy, delicious, and nutritious!

What you'll need:

1 medium onion, minced
2 pounds prepared peeled, cubed butternut squash
6 cups water
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup white wine
2 cloves garlic, chopped (or 2 frozen crushed garlic cubes)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt

How to:

Throw all ingredients into a 6qt pot. Cover, and bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer, and cover. Allow to cook for 30-40 min (until butternut squash is soft).
Use an potato masher or fork to purée or mash squash and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Let us know how it came out, and don't hesitate to share your favorite fall recipes! :)

Wordless Wednesday... How to create long term exposure photography!

2010-09-22T02:51:00.000-07:00

Continuing our Wordless Wednesday's...

Longterm Exposure Photography:

Experiment with with long term exposure with your family, friends, or pets!

-All you need to do is, set your camera on a tripod, deck or any where will make it stable.

-Turn the flash off.

-Next you have to set your camera's exposure time to the longest setting (for example my camera is 8 seconds)

-Turn on the self timer and you are all set! Be creative, it's showtime!

Below are some examples from our intern's personal collection, what a hobby!

Say Goodbye to Those Bad Hair Days

2010-09-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

It happens to the best of us.... we wake up in the morning, and our hair is wayy out of whack. Usually, there is no time for blow drying and straightening before you rush the kids out to school and race to work, so we thought we'd share a few easy hair styles that will tame that

wild hair.

1. A Low Ponytail: After you brush out all those knots, and your hair is nice and smooth, simply gather your hair into a low ponytail. You'll be surprised how cute yet professional this look can be!

How to spice it up: grab a small piece of hair out of the ponytail (about 1/2 inch thick) and wrap it around the ponytail holder you've used. Once it's wrapped, secure it with a bobby pin under the ponytail in an upward direction.

2. A Messy Bun: This style is so

popular, and takes just about no effort :) Quickly brush the top of your hair to make sure there will be no bumps after you make the bun. Grab your hair in one hand and have a ponytail holder ready in the other. Pull the hair through once thro

ugh the band and then mess around with it until it becomes a bun - it's that easy!

How to spice it up: If you have bangs, pull that back with a bobby pin on top of your head. If you don't another alternative is wearing a headband with this style. Instant style!

3. A Low Side-Braid: This look is so easy. You'll see it all over magazines and TV shows - the celebrities love this style! Brush out your hair until it's manageable. Once it is, pull you hair to the side and plit into three event parts. Braid (right part over middle, then left over middle, then right again...) 3/4 of the way down and secure with a ponytail holder.

How to spice it up: Tie a ribbon over the ponytail holder. It adds a lot to this already adorable look!

Jambu™ Book Review: "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

2010-09-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Recently, I found some time to read for pleasure. I honestly forgot how great it is to slow down for a few days and read a great book. When I went to Borders to pick up a book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (the first of a trilogy), by Stieg Larsson, was one of the first I saw. When I read the back cover, I was already interested.

What it's about:

Harriet Vanger disappeared decades ago when she was only 16, and since then, her uncle Henrik Vanger has been on a search to find who he believes is her murderer. Henrik is now a retired industrialist, and decides to hire Mikael Blomkvist, a financial journalist, to investigate the crime further. Mikael was recently sentenced to prison after losing a libel case, involving damaging allegations about the Swedish billionaire Hans-Erik Wennerström. He takes the freelance job offered by Vanger after Vanger promises him sources that will bring an end to Wennerström. Blomkvist teams up with "the girl with the dragon tattoo" aka Lisbeth Salander. The 24 year old computer hacker and background investigator, sports tattoos and piercings, but don't let the image fool you...

Why You'll Love it:

I, for one, couldn't put the book down! A true page-turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat, this suspenseful thriller has everything in it! Is is well written, and so much more than just another murder mystery. It digs deep into the past of the Vanger family, while developing the stories of the other characters. Lisbeth and Mikael make an interesting team that will make you want to read more. Overall, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a great quick read that will leave you asking for more!

Interesting facts about the author:

Stieg Larsson died shortly after bringing the manuscripts of the trilogy to the publisher.
He witnessed the gang rape of a young girl when he was only 15. The author never forgave himself for failing to help the girl, whose name was Lisbeth - like the young heroine of his books, herself a rape victim, which inspired the theme of sexual violence against women in his books.

Lights on windows-the sonata played by dust

2010-09-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

The beginning of Wordless Wednesdays...

Dust on windows can sometimes be the perfect media to capture beautiful light. Below is series of 4 pictures taken from morning till night, the dust makes the light feel tangible, like you can reach out and touch it.

Be your OWN Professional Photographer

2010-09-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than taking amazing pictures for your family photo album or your Facebook albums. Sometimes you just want to capture the most amazing moments, but no need to take a class to learn how to shoot like a pro. Below are some tips on how to get great shots of your kids, or you can translate some of these ideas into shooting anyone, or pets even.

Tips for taking your kids’ pictures

Try different angle, especially getting down on kids level.

Don't only take smiling pictures... try taking pictures when they are serious, sad, crying, angry or surprised, or whatever expression they do best.

Don't pose most of your pictures. Try to take more pictures when they are in action. It works better when they do not know your camera is pointed at them. You want to get more natural shots of their raw emotions- you don't want every smile of your kids to come by telling them to say “cheese”.

Take pictures from the top, make them look up the camera, or lie down taking their picture when they look down into the lens. Get playful

Bring more of their little friends or pets together so you can get them playing in action.

Another idea is to dress them in more grow-up style outfits, kids are so cute when they try to imitate adults.

Take more than one shot. The more pictures you take the more likely you'll be to get the shot look more natural and vivid. It is amazing the difference just one second can make. So take as many as your memory card can hold!

You know your kids better than anyone- its better to take pictures when your children are not hungry, sleepy or have to go potty.

Sometimes pictures featuring in their body parts like their little hands or feet, eyes or behind make for cute pictures.

Remember to maintain and store those pictures. If they are digital files, back up them frequently in DVDs incase your hard-drive lost memory by accident. If they are film pictures, develop the pictures and store the film in appropriate cases in a dry, cool, clean environment.

Have fun and take as many photos as you can!

Please feel free to share some of your pictures with us!

*All of the photos above have been taken by our new intern, Ken, just to show that you do not have to be a professional... all you need is a little TLC. :)

The best unbrownie you've ever ate!

2010-09-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the perfect weekend to picnic, the weather was great and everyone is always happy to have a 3 day weekend. One of the Jambu team member's baked the best brownie treat for her picnic- it was so delicious we had to share.

This melt in your mouth brownie was poured into cupcake tins and looked a little like a muffin at first, but after the first bite you're in heaven. The marbled brownie mix was perfectly balanced, and not one, but two tiny Reese's cups were stuffed into the center of the brownie! Delicious!

Using marbled brownie mix- prepare the mixes as directed on the box. After preparing mixes pour it into individual cupcake tins 1/2 full. You can probably create a better looking swirl for your "marbled" brownies on top using a knife or fork (um, don't tell her I said that haha). Once you get the batter in, push one or two mini Reese's peanut butter cups in to the center.

There you have the best "unbrownie" you have ever ate!

A Simple Breakfast Smoothie

2010-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty chilly around here these past few days, but tomorrow the weather is supposed to warm up! While it's still hot, I thought I'd share my favorite breakfast smoothie recipe. It's quick and easy... and healthy too! It will load you up with the vitamins and fiber you need throughout your day, and it's just so good you can't resist! :)

What you need:

1 Banana
1 and 1/4 cup OJ
1 and 1/4 cup frozen berries of your choice. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - They're all delicious this time of year! (you can mix them, too!)
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tbs sugar, splenda, or honey (optional)
A blender

Throw it all in the blender and blend until creamy. Serve immediately.

How do you like to make your smoothies? Do share! :)

Jambu™ Himalaya's at the SS Red Oak Victory Ship by Kate McVaugh

2010-08-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Not planning a trip to Nepal, I still figured that my beautifully funky Jambu Himalaya’s would be just the ticket for exploring the SS Red Oak Victory docked in the WWII Historical Region of Richmond, California.

Built by Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, and commissioned by the US Navy in 1944, the Red Oak Victory ship was converted to a floating museum in 1996. I wanted to test the walkability of my Jambu’s over the decks and through the tight passageways of this WWII ammunition carrier.

The first challenge is to ascend the bouncy gangway to board the ship. The Jambu’s had no problem gripping the less than stable metal walkway that leads to the deck. And although the Red Oak is securely tied down, it was a typical cold and windy summer day and I was grateful that I had shoes that were up to the task of keeping me from blowing overboard.

Outside decks of a ship are no problem for most types of footwear, but those narrow, steep stairways are a different story. The real test was descending on a metal ladder at nearly a 45° angle into the bowels of the ship. True, I was gripping onto the railings for my dear life, but my feet tread confidently and without catching on the uneven surface. I really could have been scaling narrow mountain trails in the Himalayas.

There are lots of places to stub ones toes on a naval vessel, particularly going through those doorways which have a raised portion at the bottom. I was cautious enough to avoid that hazard but even if I had slipped up, I knew the sturdy construction of my Jambu’s would have come to my rescue.

Meandering in and out of narrow crew quarters, the communications office, mess hall, and a labyrinth of steel corridors, my feet felt cozy and happy. It seemed fitting to be wearing shoes made partially of recycled materials on a ship that was built at a time when nothing was tossed out and everything was reused. I didn’t even notice my feet, which allowed me to reflect on all the men and women who had built this ship and of those who had served on it. And that is what shoes should be; a complete afterthought.

A walk through history was absolutely the best way to try out my new Jambu’s.

Thank you Kate McVaugh for the great review on our Jambu™ Himalayas! Check out Kate's travel blog at http://katerambles.blogspot.com/

Think Outside the [Lunch] Box ;)

2010-08-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

When Mothers think of a quick lunch to send their kids off to school with, they oftentimes think of one thing - PB&J. Choosy Moms choose Jif.. right?? Your regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich makes a great lunch...sometimes, but the truth is it's easier than you think to come up with creative, and healthy lunches for the school cafeteria. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling :)

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich - Use reduced fat cream cheese (it really tastes just as good!) on whole wheat bread. Spread around the cream cheese and add slices of strawberries on top. If your kids complain about the bread getting soggy, pack up the berries in a small container and let them do it themselves.
Sesame Noodles - Asian sesame noodles can often be your kid's favorite meal. They're good hot and cold, so pack them up in a container and send your child off with this tasty lunch (easily made the night before without them having a clue :)
BBQ Chicken Sandwich - Any leftover chicken in the fridge? Shred and mix it up with some BBQ sauce and grated carrots. Add a leaf of romaine and put it onto a whole wheat bun for a quick and healthy sandwich.
Hummus Wrap - Slab on some Hummus and add grilled or fresh vegetables to a large wrap. It's a great healthy choice, and your kids will be coming back for more!
Peanut Tofu Pita - Bake some tofu and toss it with your favorite store bought Thai Peanut Sauce (a little goes a long way). Stuff it into a fresh pita and add some vegetable. They won't even notice the veggies, once they take a bite of this delicious tofu.

Don't forget to pack some healthy snacks with your kid's lunch. Such as: granola bars, sliced veggies with ranch dressing, popcorn, fruit kebabs, or chips. Throw in some cookies and a juice box, and your favorite student is good to go :)

What's your favorite lunch to pack for school? We'd love to hear from you!

Back to School!

2010-08-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Our spring/summer season was really great one, but the Fall 2010 styles are quickly making it into stores! You know what that means... summer is coming to an end, and it's back-to-school time!

Going back to school shopping was always one of my favorite times. My mom would take us from store to store and we'd all get

what we needed for the upcoming school year. I think Staples, Walmart, and Target were my three favorite stores as a kid.

So before your kids go back to school, we'd like to share some helpful ways to stay prepared and organized.

The more prepared your children are walking through those doors, the more confident they will feel, and the better they will perform in school.

Check lists are key - Make a list for everything! What they need, what you need, who you need to contact, etc. As long as you're keeping track, lists are a mom's best friend :)

Start collection coupons - there's nothing better then saving on all your back to school necessities. Come prepared to all your favorite stores - you'll be amazed at just how much you can save this time of year.

Get organized at home - Make copies of important documents coming in from the school. Putting important notices and letters from teachers into folders for your children can be helpful throughout the year.

Mark up your calendar - Get all the important dates down onto a master family calendar. Make sure to include all parent-teacher meetings, as well as sporting events and extra curricular. An easily accessible calendar for the family is great to keep everyone updated.

Get the medical stuff out of the way - No one likes getting calls about how they're kid missed a random shot somewhere along the line. Take care of all medical needs before the year begins. Sure, things will come up, but at least you'll have what the school needs done :)

Buy what they need - It's hard to say no, but put your foot down so your credit card bill doesn't make you crazy.

Don't forget to have a great time! Like I said, back to school shopping can really be a great time for you and the kids. Happy shopping! :)

The Crow Pose

2010-08-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

When I first started Yoga, this pose was one of my favorite. A bit challenging at first, but fun and relaxing too! It is a continuation of the Downward Dog pose, so if you've got that one down - you're good to go :)

The Crow Pose AKA Bakasana

Beginners:

Helps with strengthening your wrists, forearms and abs. Improves balance.

Start off by getting into the Downward Dog pose. Make sure your palms are pressed into the mat.

Walk your feet forward until your knees touch your arms.

Bend your elbows, lift your heels off the floor, and rest your knees against your outer upper arms.

Keep your toes on the floor, you abs engaged and your legs pressed against your arms. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

Advanced:

Start in the beginners position and slowly move your body forward until the weight of your body is balanced over you hands.

As your upper body is tilting forward, slowly lift one of your legs toward the ceiling.

Squeeze your glutes, spread out your toes, and hold for 5-10 breaths.

Repeat with the other leg.

We hope you've enjoyed Yoga Week with Jambu™ - Have a great weekend :)

The Extended Triangle Pose

2010-08-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Extended Triangle pose is one of the best poses for beginners, but can also be altered for the experts - so if you've already signed up for yoga, don't worry - this pose is good for all levels.

The Extended Triangle pose AKA Utthita Trikonasana is good for strengthening your legs, stretching the groins, hamstrings, and hips. It will also help with back pain.

Here's how it's done:

Begin by reaching your right arm forward, drawing your right thigh upwards and tucking your hip as you come forward.
Drop your right hand down onto your shin or ankle, or if you are more flexible, onto the floor inside or outside your right foot. Do what feels most comfortable.
Your right shoulder will stack on top of the left one as you open your chest reaching your left fingertips upwards while keeping your right shoulder rooted in its socket.
Take your gaze up toward your left fingertips.
Draw your right thigh muscle upwards, deepening your right hip crease.
Stack your left hip on top of your right hip.

Repeat on the left side

We hope you find this pose as relaxing and rewarding as we did! :)

Yoga Week!

2010-08-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here at Jambu™, we know it's important to keep your feet healthy. All Jambu™ shoes come with a memory foam footbed that allows for maximum comfort and stability throughout your day. But why stop at the feet? we all know how important it is to keep your whole body healthy and in shape. And so.. we introduce -Yoga Week!

Yoga is a great and relaxing way to stay healthy. It allows you to become more flexible, and tone your muscles with simple and fun poses. It also improves health disorders such as high blood pressure. The list really goes on and on.

So this week, we come to you with different Yoga poses that are sure to keep you happy and healthy:)

The Downward Facing Dog AKA Adho Mukha Svanasana

Benefits: stretches and strengthens entire body, helps to relieve back pain.

Get on your hands and knees with your wrists underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips.
Stretch the elbows and relax the upper back between your shoulder blades, it will give you the feeling that your arms fall into your shoulder blades.
Exhale and lift your knees and draw your back backwards from the pelvis, so that your arms and back form one line.
Stretch your legs so that it feels like someone is behind and is pulling your legs and hips backwards from the top of your upper legs. Let your head hang down in a relaxed sort of way.
When you have placed your back and your legs correctly, stretch out your arms. This will result in a stretching from two sides of the back: a stretching from the pelvis and a stretching from the arms. When the back and the chest are placed correctly, you will notice that you can quietly breathe in and out through the belly. Take your time to work out the stretching further and further.

Dress a Girl Around the World...

2010-08-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy week and with the raffle winding down, we at Jambu have been doing a lot of thinking about GIVING. Jambu gave away shoes, umbrellas and totes but today we are thinking a bit outside of the box for todays blog.

This blog was inspired by one of our team member's mother's, she had surgery yesterday and we have been thinking about her a lot. Karen, her mom is doing great, but she couldn't help but think about all of the good Karen has brought not only to her life, but the good she has brought to others- some of them she doesn't even know. Karen, like most mother's out there, she is one of the most selfless people we know. She is always thinking about everyone and what she can do with her time to help others. In the past few months Karen and her sewing circle of friends in Rochester, New York, have been participating in "Dress a girl around the world" which is a division of Hope 4 Women/Hope 4 Kids International. This organization encourages sewing circles around the world to volunteer to make pillow case dresses for little girls in need- wether from third world countries, poverty stricken, or victims of disaster. These dresses are even made out of recycled fabrics- old sheets and pillow cases. Karen's circle is sewing these dresses for little girls in Haiti. They collect old sheets and pillow cases from friends or family members and make "pillow case" dresses for these special young ladies. So far Hope 4Women/Hope 4 Kids has delivered 7,260 dresses to twenty countries and people from 35 States, Canada, Uganda, Hong Kong, Australia and Malawi continue to make dresses. They are right in saying "Together we really will dress the girls around the world".

Not everyone can sew, but we can all help out where we can. If you do sew check out the links below to see how you can help these little ladies with your sewing circle. If you can't sew... well then maybe there is someone near by you that you can donate any old pillow cases or sheets to.

www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com

Jambu Raffle Winners!

2010-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

First of all I would like to thank ALL of you for participating in the Jambu Raffle! Your tweets, the pictures of you all in your Jambu shoes, becoming fans and friends, and leaving comments on our blog were all accounted for. This raffle has really pumped us up about the launch of Jambu's second season. I would also like to thank the Jambu summer interns, Kristen and Li-or for making this raffle possible, they have handwritten over 1,200 raffle tickets over the last couple weeks and have been tracking every interaction and follower Jambu has. With the amazing response to the Jambu raffle we decided to pick 10 winners instead of 3! Hooray!

Now for what you have all been waiting for... Drum Roll Please....

Grand Prize Winner for the Jambu Shoes is... Congrats Amy Wagner!

We have picked 2 Second Place Winners for the Jambu Umbrella, 1 Jambu tote, 1 Jambu shoulder bag, and 1 Jambu notebook... Congrats Paris Prissett and Laura Neill!

For the Third Place winners we have chose 5 people to win 1 Jambu Umbrella, 1 Jambu Tote, and 1 Jambu Notebook... Congrats Aimee Dars Ellis, Char "Emma" Vandenbesque Carriere, Jo Anne Rice Thompson, Barbara White, and Deborah Walmer Basembe!

We decided to pick 2 Winner for a 4th place prize of 1 Jambu Umbrella and 1 Jambu Notebook... Congrats to Heather Roets Meade and Carla Wilson!

Thank you all for participating in the first ever Jambu raffle, keep following us for new and exciting things coming from Jambu! Winners- we will be contacting you via facebook to get your personal emails to gather your shipping information.

Be you with Jambu™!

Jambu™ First Ever Raffle - EXTENDED

2010-08-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies - We're extending the raffle for ONE MORE DAY! Now is the time to show your love for Jambu™ - it's your last chance!

We will be entering fans/friends/followers in until 12AM tonight! The winner will be announced TOMORROW - August 2nd, 2010

Don't forget the entry system -

You get 1 entry for adding us on our Facebook pages, Twitter, and Blog - so if you're not following, thats 4 easy entries right there!
You get 5 entries for commenting the amount of people you've invited to a site (just don't forget to comment on the corresponding site!).
You get 2 entries for ANY type of interaction of Facebook, 4 for an @Jambufootwear Tweet, 6 entries just for leaving a comment on our blog, and a whopping 10 entries when you post a pic of you in your favorite shoes !!(Jambu™'s of course;)

GOOD LUCK and may the best Fan WIN!!

The Last of the Jambu Girls Preview!

2010-07-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Above are the last of Jambu™'s Fall 2010 Children's Shoe Previews. They are one's that are sure to be a hit for all those young ladies out there looking for comfort and style. (Or for those smart mom's out there that know Jambu™ is just the best!! :) ) They are called the Montana!

This shoe is a great shoe for children. It is easy to slip on or kick off and is incredibly supportive. The strap over the instep keeps the shoe in place while the child is on the go. The Montana is made from suede, metallic suede, leather, and vegan patent and comes in black, brown, gunmetal and pink.

We hope you and your families enjoy these carefully made shoes! These comfort shoes are sure to be a hit in your homes! Enjoy!!

More Kid Previews!

2010-07-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

That's right! There are more mini Jambu™s :)

This shoe is called the 'Betty' and it is as comfortable as it is cute. It has heel and toe bumpers to protect her feet and a bungee going up the front for easy on and off. So as the days get cooler this coming fall, put away those sandals and let your daughter slip into these comfy, supportive sneakers. All three colors are great for the Fall 2010 season.

And in case you forgot... there's a Mommy version!

Part of the All Terra Collection the Himalaya is a reinvented tennis shoe. It is comfortable enough to wear walking or biking and stylish enough to wear everyday. The bungee laces up the front and has toe bumpers for maximum comfort and security.

We know you and your daughter will rock the look together this Fall - don't forget to send back some pics! =)

And don't forget! 4 more days!

You get 1 entry for adding us on our Facebook pages, Twitter, and Blog - so if you're not following, thats 4 easy entries right there!
You get 5 entries for commenting the amount of people you've invited to a site (just don't forget to comment on the corresponding site!).
You get 2 entries for ANY type of interaction of Facebook, 4 for an @Jambufootwear Tweet, 6 entries just for leaving a comment on our blog, and a whopping 10 entries when you post a pic of you in your favorite shoes !!(Jambu™'s of course;)

Kid's Fall 2010 Preview!

2010-07-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

As summer slowly comes to an end and the school year begins for your little munchkins, we thought it would be about the right time to show you our Fall 2010 Kid's line. These shoes are a must have for your kids.

Shown above is the Casa! This shoe is the ultimate mary-jane! It is incredibly supportive, has protective toe and heel bumpers, and is very cute. There is embroidery along the strap and the color variation makes this shoe fun to wear. The Casa is made from glitter suede, mesh, metallic leather, suede, and nubuck and comes in black, pink, and brown.

Here at Jambu™ Adventure Designs, we hope you and your kid's enjoy these shoes, we sure have worked hard to make them! Which color is your favorite?!? Let us know, and remember the more comments the closer you are to winning your FREE Jambu™'s!

DIY: Green T-shirt Necklace

2010-07-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

We were looking around, checking out green ways to add to your cute outfits - we love what we found! Here is an easy way to make a stylish necklace (out of an old t-shirt!) that can add to any old look.

What you will need:

An old 100% cotton t-shirt that you want to put to good use
A ruler
Fabric scissors
A flat, clean surface.

How to:

Put the shirt on the flat, clean surface - make sure to lay it on smoothly, with no bumps that could get in the way.
Cut off the hem at the bottom of the shirt, and throw it away.
Cut the shirt into strips about 3/4 inch wide - make sure to cut the strips so that they create a loop.
Once the shirt is all cut up, take each strip and stretch it until it curls at the edges.
Put each curled strip one on top of the other until the necklace is as thick as you want it.
Cut one extra loop so that it is a long string of t-shirt, and wrap it around one section of your loops (make it about 2-3 inches thick).

Rock this cute necklace with your favorite Jambu™'s - you'll feel great about this eco-friendly look!

Don't forget about our raffle! It's ongoing for the rest of the month :)

You get 1 entry for adding us on our Facebook pages, Twitter, and Blog - so if you're not following, thats 4 easy entries right there!
You get 5 entries for commenting the amount of people you've invited to a site (just don't forget to comment on the corresponding site!).
You get 2 entries for ANY type of interaction of Facebook, 4 for an @Jambufootwear Tweet, 6 entries just for leaving a comment on our blog, and a whopping 10 entries when you post a pic of you in your favorite shoes !!(Jambu™'s of course;)

Staying Clean While Going Green!

2010-07-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

Are you willing to go a step farther with becoming Eco-friendly? Is your house dirty and needs to be cleaned? Did you know that the chemicals in some detergents and cleaning products may be harmful to your health? And they are equally damaging to the Eco-system. This summer, get clean while staying GREEN! The following are exciting make-it-yourself household cleaning supplies that will last a long time and are Eco-friendly! (We are so excited to start using these products in our NYC office!) Feeling crafty? Well, the following five recipes will help you clean your houses while they help save the environment. (Don't worry, everything needed can be found in your local grocery store, online or at your local health food store!!!)

Easy All-Purpose Cleaner

For a solution that will wipe up messy spots, mix two cups of white vinegar with equal parts water (plus a little essential oil, like tea tree, rosemary or lavender, to add a fragrance, if you want one). To boost its cleaning power, warm it in the microwave in a glass container.

Creamy Soft Scrub:

Do your bathroom or kitchen tiles need a good scrubbing? Mix two cups baking soda, 1/2-cup liquid castile soap, four teaspoons vegetable glycerin, and five drops of an antibacterial essential oil, such as cinnamon bark, lemongrass and thyme oils, for fragrance. Then, tackle those tiles! And once you are done, you can store the scrub in a glass jar for two years.

Furniture Polish:

Shine up your favorite furniture by wiping it down with a mix of 1/4-cup olive oil with four tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 20 to 30 drops of lemon essential oil. Don’t have the latter? Swap it for two teaspoons of lemon juice and store the polish in the fridge after you have cleaned, to keep it fresh.

Laundry Detergent:

This detergent gets your clothes clean without the extra chemicals. First, make soap flakes by grating a pure vegetable soap bar with a cheese grater. Then, mix one cup of the flakes with 1/2-cup of washing soda (found in the laundry aisle) and 1/2-cup of borax, a powder or crystalline salt water softener and disinfectant. Use one to two tablespoons of the detergent per load of laundry.

Drain Opener:

Who knew vinegar works wonders on clogged drains, too? Pour 1/2-cup of baking soda into the drain, and then follow that with a cup of vinegar. After about 30 minutes, flush the train with boiling water.

Who thought that these household products could be easy to make and would help save the environment. Make sure to wear your Jambu™'s to get that needed comfort from the shoes. The partially recycled sole will give you the traction that you'll need while cleaning your house. Let us know what you think about these products! (We think that they're great!) Comment for more points in your raffle! Good luck to all of our Jambu™ readers and we hope you enjoy the products.

Green Facts

2010-07-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

This summer, Jambu™ wants to share some eco-friendly tips you can easily do right at home. I think all of us are always looking for little ways to make us a bit more "green" on a day to day basis. The key is to implement one thing at a time and it will all become second nature, Check out a few eco-friendly tips...

We all know your wearing your Jambu™'s and lucky for yourself and mother earth, your shoes are made from partially recycled materials, which comes in 100% recycled packaging! Your a "step" ahead already
Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Paper or plastic? Neither! Take a cloth bag with you to the grocery store.
Plant trees! Trees help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that 100 billion metric tons of carbon over the next 50 years could be sequestered through forest preservation, tree planting and improved agricultural management.
Skip driving and instead walk, ride your bike, or rollerblade! (Rollerblading is my favorite!) Avoiding 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, according to climatecrisis.net. The majority of car trips people make are under two miles, so that should be easy to swap driving for a bike or public transit, said Rob Sadowksy, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.
Stop all of your junk mail. The Postal Service delivers 17.8 tons of bulk mail each year, 44% of which goes unopened, according to the EPA. Just 22% of bulk mail is recycled. To stop the flow, visit the Direct Marketing Association, the leading global trade association of business and nonprofit organizations using and supporting multichannel direct marketing tools and techniques, at www.dmachoice.org, and get put on the "do not mail" list. It costs one dollar, but it'll remove your name from the lists for five years.
Simply just pay your bills online. For every 38,000 bills paid online, 5,058 pounds of greenhouse gases are avoided and two tons of trees are preserved, according to NACHA -- The Electronic Payments Association, a non-profit. Using direct payment also saves a person about $150 annually in stamp and check costs and late fees, NACHA estimates.
Change your light bulbs. If every Chicago resident replaced one light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of more than 20,000 cars, according to the city's Department of Environment. If every home in the country did the same, it would be like ditching 800,000 cars and would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year, according to Energy Star, a joint program between the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Wash your clothes differently. Washing your clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot saves 500 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, according to climatecrisis.net. Drying your clothes on a clothesline six months out of the year would save another 700 pounds.

Now your well on your way to a greener you! Share with us how you stay green or if you have any great green tips for us!

Comment for more tickets in our raffle!! ENJOY (we know the environment and your feet will!)

Raffle Update!

2010-07-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

The raffle just started yesterday, but already the competition is heating up! We've been adding all of you in by hand (that's right, raffle tickets and all), it's been tough to keep up, but we know it will all be worth it! So we thought it would be a good idea to let you ladies know just how intense this raffle is going to get.

So far, we have over 800 entries! So if you've been or have become a friend, fan, or follower - you've been entered! We've also been adding all interactions on Facebook, Twitter, and this Blog. We've been getting everything from comments, messages, likes and we even got an @Jambufootwear tweet! We're loving the attention ladies, so keep it coming!!

Don't forget!

You get 1 entry for adding us on our Facebook pages, Twitter, and Blog - so if you're not following, thats 4 easy entries right there!
You get 5 entries for commenting the amount of people you've invited to a site (just don't forget to comment on the corresponding site!).
You get 2 entries for ANY type of interaction of Facebook, 4 for an @Jambufootwear Tweet, 6 entries just for leaving a comment on our blog, and a whopping 10 entries when you post a pic of you in your favorite shoes !!(Jambu™'s of course;)

Have a great weekend, and keep showing your Jambu™ Love!

First Ever Jambu™ Raffle Giveaway!

2010-07-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies, Jambu™ is holding its first ever raffle giveaway! Starting tomorrow, July 15th, 2010 we will be tracking all of our social media sites (this blog, Facebook, and Twitter), and adding all of our active friends and followers to a raffle that will be drawn on July 31st. Prizes will be given out to the top 3 most involved friends, fans, and followers.

1st Place Prize:
A Free pair of Jambu™ Fall 2010 shoes! That's right - you can win one of our great Fall styles!
2nd Place Prize:
For the second most involved friend, fan, or follower we will be giving away a Jambu™ Umbrella and Jambu™ bag!
3rd Price Prize:
And for the friend in third place, we will send our newest Jambu™ tote bag!

Here's how the entry system will work:

Friends, fans, and followers:

1 entry will be given to all friends, fans, and followers:
If you're a friend, fan, or follower right now - you're in! If you become our friend, fan, or follower in the future, you are also guaranteed one entry.

5 entries will be given for extending an invite to become our friends/ fans:
Getting more people involved with our social media sites will win you more entries! Simply invite/suggest friends and leave a comment on the corresponding social media site [so if you invited friends on facebook, leave the comment on facebook] telling us how many people you invited. (FYI: This will also get you interaction points -- see below =)

Interactions:

2 entries will be given for every interaction on our Facebook pages.
4 entries will be given for every @JambuFootwear tweet
6 entries will be given for a comment on our blog
and 10 entries will be given for posting a pic of you in your Jambu's™

Obviously, the more you're involved, the higher your chances are to win!

If you have any questions concerning our raffle, you can contact us at socialmedia@vidagroup.com
www.Jambu.com

Meet the Designers!

2010-07-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hanna!

Monica!

Now that you've seen a peek of our fabulous fall styles, we thought we would share the brains behind this operation... meet our two wonderful designers! We decided to interview the designers - here is what they had to say. Readers... meet Hanna and Monica the design team behind Jambu™!

1: Where did you do to school? what type of degree do you have?

Hanna: I have BFA degree in Painting/Fine Art and also ASS degree in Accessories Design from FIT.

Monica: I have my Bachelor of Fine Arts, Accessories Design (after taking one more class), Associate of Applied Science, Fashion Design, and a Certificate in Millinery Techniques

2: Why did you choose to go into shoe design?

H: In my opinion, shoes are the most interesting and complicated item among all in fashion. You have to have a design mind in between a fashion designer and a industrial designer. In other words, to be an excellent shoe designer, you must be born with fashion blood as well as an engineer's mind. You must be able to cater to what you imagine in your mind for your collection.

M: I want all the women to wear comfortable shoes with style.

3. What is your inspiration for Jambu™?

H: I’m looking at everything which could inspire me across the board from high end fashion to natural beauty. I love to watch old classic movies to get inspiration- I’m very much into vintage fashion these days from the 40's to the 70's. I also look at what other people are doing to find out what our niche market is.

M: I get inspired mostly by places and things. I always think what our customers want and need.

4.Where are you from? and did that place in anyway inspire what you are doing now?

H: I’m originally from Korea and I have been living in NYC for more than 10 years now. I travel everywhere from East to West in the world pretty much to get inspiration. The cities that I cover by foot every season for inspiration are major cities in the world such as NY, LA, SF, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Milan, Hong Kong and Seoul.

M: I am from Korea but I have been living in New York for most of my life and all the women I talk to say “I need comfortable, but stylish shoes”.

5. Tell us something interesting about yourself:

H: To be honest with you, I’m not one of the true Jambu™ customers. There are only a few styles from the line that I actually wear with my outfits. I’m a true metropolitan girl, born and raised in a huge cosmopolitan, which means I don’t quite understand what the real suburban or outdoor life style is... However, the way I approach it in designing my product has been really working well for our customer since I have a different way to interpret trends and functions in shoes and to be able to create our unique flavor into this type of comfort/outdoor product. I think this is the main reason for success!

M: I really love to travel all over the world and meet all different types of women. I've realized that all women are alike in at least one way... they love shoes =)

6. Do you have any big future plans for Jambu™ designs?

H: Of course, I want to build this brand as one of the most influential and pioneered brands in the growing comfort category so that everybody will recognize this as a leader in the footwear industry. I want to see our brand selling everywhere in the world... Even my hometown Seoul, Korea!

M: In the future I hope all the women in the world will love our style and feel comfortable in it.

We hope you enjoyed learning about our great designers as much as we did!

Comment on this blog to let them know what an amazing job they're doing!

Keep following our blog this week for our upcoming Jambu™ raffle!!!! :)

The Last of the Fall Previews!

2010-07-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

As the week has progressed, you have seen our wonderful Fall 2010 collection that we worked so hard on. Here are the last two Fall previews. (You'll have to wait and see the rest!) These two shoes will be the last to arrive at stores. They are the Tyra in pewter and the Cruise in black.

The Tyra is a luxurious and sassy winter boot and is a phenomenal combination of style and comfort. It has a 3-inch heel and faux-fur trimming combining style and warmth. While it does have a heel, it remains a sturdy boot, perfect for fall and into winter. This shoe is made from patent leather, nubuck, metallic leather, and faux-fur, and comes in black, taupe, and charcoal/pewter.

The Cruise boot is a perfect transitional boot. It has a fir trim to keep legs warm from the cold. The combination of the bungee criss-cross lace up front adds style and security. The detailing gives this boot a feminine yet rugged style. This shoe is made from soft tumble leather, crazy horse leather, and nubuck and have a faux fur trim. This shoe comes in black, brown and taupe.

These two shoes give you the variation between our 2 1/2 inch wedge to our 3 inch heel. (To give you your favorite preference!) Which do you prefer better? The heel or the wedge? Let us know! Keep following our blog and meet the mind behind these designs! Our designers!

Fall '10 Sneak Peeks =]

2010-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

As our next previews, we decided to show our mid-season favorites. Up above you see the 'Himalaya' in black/grey (left) and the 'Vermont' in taupe/brown (right). You might say the Vermont is the 'high top' version of the Himalaya, but if you ask me, they're both great!

The Himalaya, part of the All Terra Collection, is a reinvented tennis shoe. It's comfortable enough to wear walking or biking and has an attractive stylish look so you can wear it anywhere. It laces up the front with a no-tie bungee cord, and includes toe and heel bumpers for maximum comfort and security. The contrast of colors and materials allows for a great, versatile look. This shoe is made from nubuck, metallic leather, and mesh and comes in black/grey, navy, and brown/ bronze.

The Vermont has a great day hiker look. It is practical and functional as it is good-looking. The rubber soles provide this shoe with unbeatable traction while the high ankle shaft provides the foot and with the utmost support. This shoe has a lace up front and a bumper on the toe and heel for protection on your everyday adventures. This Vermont is made from waterproof nubuck (that's right..waterproof!), mesh and rubber webbing, and comes in taupe/brown, and grey.

Soo.. what are your thoughts? Which of these two will be a winner in your closet? (you don't have to pick only one ;)

Check back this Friday for the last of our Fall 2010 preview!

Fall 2010 Preview! Part I

2010-07-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

This week, from our New York office to your homes, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into Jambu's™ Fall 2010 line! This is extremely exciting for us to roll into our second season, so I can imagine how excited you are.

Pictured above on the left is the style "Cascade" in pewter and the style "Dublin" is on the the right in brown.

The "Cascade" is part of the All Terra Design collection. This shoe serves a duel functions, it's a great walking shoe that provides comfort and support but also serves that fashion function every woman desires. It has a protective bumper on the toe of the shoe for extra protection, and a Velcro strap across the instep for security but its embossed detailing gives that feminine touch. A bonus is the little bit of added heel height, which I love to help elongate my figure (I'm a shrimp! haha) As we promised the style of this shoe does not compromise the comfort, it has our signature memory foam footbed for all day support. The outsole is made from our partially recycled rubber for all terrain traction. This shoe upper is made out of nubuck, mesh, and leather. The cascade comes in comes in taupe, black, gunmetal, and brown.

The "Dublin" is a sporty wedge design made equipped with your every shoe need. It easily slips on and off, with a cute embroidered strap over the instep keeping the foot in place. The contrast stitching and metallic leather on the back of the heel pops adding shine to your step. The "Dublin" can be worn with just about anything, it can easily be dressed up or dressed down adding functionality and practicality. The footbed is memory foam for excellent support. The outsole is partially recycled rubber which means you wont slip or slide around in this wedge! This upper is leather, nubuck, and metallic, and the style comes in black and brown.

Two shoes, two great styles, many great looks for them to go with. Which is more your style? Fill us in on outfit ideas or where you could wear these come fall. Follow our blog all week for another sneak peak into our Fall collection!! ENJOY!

Peace. Love. Shoes.

Refreshing Summer Treats

2010-07-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

When I think about the fourth of July, I think about watching fireworks after a long day sunny at the beach with loved ones. And, what’s the best thing to eat on those hot days? Watermelon! (My favorite food!) Here’s a twist on this delicious treat.

Ingredients:

· Watermelon

· Fresh mozzarella

· Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Slip on your Jambu shoes (My favorite are the Troy in Bronze)

2. Slice the watermelon and the mozzarella cheese into even pieces and lightly drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the slices.

This treat will keep you refreshed as you relax under the summer rays. :) Enjoy!

4th of July Fun Facts =]

2010-06-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

We all know the fourth of July is the day of independence, family fun, BBQs and fireworks. But we thought it would be fun to share a few fun facts having to do with the 4th of July that you may not have known.

Speaking of BBQs...

This 4th of July, an estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed. That's roughly 1 dog for every two people in the U.S!
Ironically, the majority of the nation's flags and patriotic paraphernalia is produced in China. Nearly $349 million dollars are used each year to import in the flags, banners, decorations, and emblems. (You know what else is made it China? Your favorite Jambu's™ ;))
The 4th of July wasn't declared a national holiday until 1941.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal - he was outvoted when John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose the bald eagle.
Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.
The Declaration of Independence, didn't even get signed on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 of the 56 men signed it. (John Hancock was the only person to actually sign on July 4, 1776 - go John!)

Do you know of anymore fun facts you'd like to share? We'd love to read them!

We hope you and your family have a great 4th of July :)

Fourth of July Treats

2010-06-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

As the Fourth of July is just around the bend, we want to share with you some treat ideas to make for this wonderful outdoor holiday. As people around the United States celebrate our independence from Britain, we will be sipping root beer floats. This delicious yet refreshing treat reminds us all of our childhoods. From our kitchen to yours, here is a simple recipe.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups root beer
1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

Slip on your Jambu's so that you're comfortable (your feet will thank you!)
For a 16 oz. glass, use one scoop of ice cream.
Pour in enough root beer to cover.
Add another scoop of ice cream to the top, if desired. (for ice cream lovers like us, add two scoops :) )
Serve with a spoon and a straw.

This recipe makes one serving. While wearing your Jambu's and drinking this delicious treat, your stomach and feet will be thanking you! Stay tuned this week for more July 4th ideas!

The Troy by Jambu™

2010-06-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

This week was a great week for our 'Troy' sporty wedge. It is one of our best-sellers from the Spring '10 line, and was recently reviewed by two sites! Thank you to Barkingdogshoes.com and Planetshoes.com. Check out what they posted :)

To read what they wrote, and to check out other great posts on great shoes, follow their blog or Twitter!

Watch what Blair from PlanetShoes had to say about our Troys :)

Also, follow PlanetShoes on Twitter and become their friend on Facebook!

A little more about the shoe:

At a 2 ½ inch height, the Troy Sporty Wedge is both glamorous and comfortable. It features a smooth leather/nubuck or vegetable leather/naked leather materials and has a quick-closure bungee lacing system. Its memory foam contoured foot bed cradles and supports the foot, which maximizes comfort. The troy has a signature translucent mid sole design and toe and heel bumpers that provide protection against the elements.

A Bohemian "Journey"... great outfit ideas!

2010-06-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

With so many great Jambu™ styles out there, we know you can get overwhelmed choosing an outfit to wear on a fun summer outing. And even though Jambu's™ can really be perfect with just about any look, we thought we'd offer a fun "Bohemian Journey" outfit to wear with your favorite Journey shoes by Jambu™.

The 'Journey' shoe comes in a bunch of colors - so pick your favorite to go with a cute maxi dress and grab that cute summer tote you've been waiting to sport. (If long dresses aren't your thing, Journeys look great with short dresses, too!) Add some cute accessories, and your Bohemian look is complete. This look will keep you comfortable and cute for these hot summer days =)

Shoes Around the World

2010-06-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Most designers in fashion look for inspiration in history, fashion, art and other cultures. Footwear across the globe embodies just about all of the above. When thinking about different shoes around the world, many styles come to mind. I remember the fun wooden shoes I fell in love with at Disney World's "Its a Small World" ride as a child. Oh those crazy wooden clogs, unbelievable right?! After some research I found out they were worn by the Dutch, in Netherlands, in Belgium, and in Sweden. The clog was originally made as type of protective footwear for factory, mine, and farm workers... which makes sense of why the whole shoe is made out of wood.

Now we see variations of this clog all over in fashion! In our culture "clogs" often translate into comfort slip-ons. At Jambu™ our designers really ran with the clog silhouette and have made a modern variation of this eccentric shoe. Jambu™'s Paris, is a modern, comfortable fashion forward rendition of the old school wooden clog. The Paris is even made with partially recycled rubber outsole's with a light weight midsole and a memory foam footbed for extreme comfort. And just as Jambu™ promised, it was made for the woman on the go... psssst by the way, thats you!

A Few Easy Gift Ideas That Will Keep Dad Smiling :)

2010-06-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Men love the attention they get on Father's Day. So why not let them soak it up on the day set aside just for their efforts? We thought it would be a good idea to share some quick and easy gift ideas that will allow Dad to relax (at least for one day :)

Everybody loves a hammock! There's no better way for Dad to relax. Set up a hammock in the backyard, and let him enjoy the beautiful weather while he can.
All men love sports. Give him a great way to kick back and watch his favorite team with a his teams logo on a bedrest. They're easy to find in sports stores or online, and they're super comfy!
A one time "coupon" to mow the lawn for your man. Not the most fun for you, but this is a free and easy way to show your man you appreciate his mowing all year long!
Get him a magazine and/or newspaper subscription. There may be a magazine that he loves to read, but never got the chance to order it. Many newspapers offer 'once-a-week' subscriptions, which make great gifts if he already has a favorite paper.
If you really want to go all out, he will love his own reclining chair. It may not look perfect with your decor, but having his own chair to relax in will keep him comfortable and happy.

You already enjoy the all day comfort your Jambus™ have to offer, now you can help your man relax on a day just for him =]

Father's Day Traditions

2010-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

We were interested in getting a bit more of the history behind origin of Father's Day. After some research we have found that the earliest record of a Father’s Day celebration is in the ruins of Babylon. A young boy carved a Father’s Day card into clay 4,000 years ago. Due to this act of kindness for his father, this tradition continued for thousands of years. Ever since this day in Babylon, the world honors father’s all over the world, expressing their love and affection for them.

Many cultures around the world celebrate Father’s Day, although what many people don’t know is that Father’s Day is recognized on different days in different countries. Not only are the dates of Father’s Day different, customs and traditions may also be different.

An interesting tradition we found for celebrating Father’s Day was in Germany. It is always celebrated on Ascension Day (the Thursday forty days after Easter), which is a federal holiday. Regionally, it is also called "Men's day"or "Gentlemen's day". It is tradition to do a males-only hiking tour with a small wagon, called a "Bollerwagen", which is pulled by the men. The wagon is filled with wine or beer (according to region) and traditional regional food (Leberwurst (Liverwurst), Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegetables, eggs, etc.) Many men will use this holiday to get their drink on. This holiday usually results in groups of men celebrating, many of which are buzzed, roaming the streets all day.

In the US we are more accustomed to the tradition of Father's Day being spent with family. Although we had fun exploring how other cultures spend their Father's Day. Please share any of your unique Father's Day traditions with us, we would love to hear!

Have a great rest of your week planning for Father's Day... and do it comfortably in Jambu™'s!

Father's Day is coming! Try our Beer Marinated Ribs For Your Man!

2010-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

With Father’s Day approaching, we know some of you may be grasping at idea's (I know I am!) for that special day with your dad, your husband, or that special man in your life. What we do know is just about every man loves to drink a couple of brew's while grilling out so we thought of just the tasty mouth-watering beer marinated BBQ rib recipe to share. These BBQ Ribs will be sure to make your holiday special and your stomachs full!

You will need:

Slip on your cutest pair of Jambu™ shoes to get started...
2 racks pork spareribs, about 2 lb each
6 bottles of beer
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves, 6 to 8 large sprigs fresh thyme, 6 to 8 large sprigs fresh sage (or 2 tablespoons seasoning salt)
Coarse salt to taste
2 to 6 jalapeno peppers (according to taste) seeded and sliced
1 cup store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce

Preparation:

In a saucepan large enough to hold the ribs, combine all the ingredients except the ribs and barbecue sauce, bring to a boil. Immerse the ribs into the hot liquid until completely immersed. Bring back to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour until the meat is tender.
Turn off heat and let ribs cool in the cooking liquid. This can be done several hours before grilling. Refrigerate if necessary. Keep the ribs in liquid.
When ready to serve, lightly oil the grate and preheat the grill to hot.
Remove the ribs from the cooking liquid and pat dry. Brush both sides with BBQ sauce and place the ribs meat side down on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce, until golden and crisp. Turn on the other side and cook for another 6 minutes until nicely brown.
Remove from the grill and serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

From our home to yours, we hope you looooove this dish as much as we do. Add some corn on the cobb or another favorite side dish and your all set! After a long Fathers Day with your family, Jambu and great food your soul, your feet, and your stomach will thank you!

Treat Your Feet - DIY Foot Massage and Pedicure!

2010-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Women are always on their feet. Preparing kids for school in the morning, running errands all day, and making supper in the evening, there's no way a woman's feet don't hurt by the time the day comes to an end. So go get a pedicure, you say? Who has the time??

As a follow up to our 'home spa' post, we'd like to offer a quick and easy way to treat your feet.
DIY Foot Massage:
Soak your feet in some warm water and a lightly scented soap to get started. Dry them off with a towel and place one foot on the opposite knee. Place your hands around your foot and rub the bottom to get it warmed up. Support your foot with the opposite hand, and use your free hand to twist, squeeze, and gently tug each toe individually. This will help make your toes more relaxed and flexible. Now put your two thumbs at the bottom of your foot, supporting it with your remaining fingers on top. Slowly roll your thumbs in a circular motion, pressing down as deep as you can. This will relieve any aches and pains from your long day.

Pedicure:
Trim your toenails to the length that you like. Make sure to file away all rough edges around the nail. If you have toe separators, it might be a good idea to use them. Paint a quick base layer with clear nail polish before you add color. Now, choose your favorite color of Non-Toxic nail polish (our favorite is 'Honeybee Gardens: WaterColors Non-Peel Off Polish) and paint each nail carefully with smooth, quick strokes. Apply two layers.

Now that your feet look and feel the way they should, wear your favorite Jambu's™, which will give your feet the comfort and attention they deserve =)

Meditate Your Way to Relaxation

2010-06-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Feeling stressed or overworked? Take time for yourself especially the moms out there before the school year ends. You may feel like you don’t have the time in your day to fit anything else in. Although for your mental and physical health it is beneficial to take some time for YOURSELF. Don’t worry about everyone else and just clear your head. The best way to distress is to meditate.

There are many different ways to mediate. Since we all get quite busy from time to time, here’s an example of a simple but effective way to mediate. A simple ten or fifteen minute breathing meditation can help you to overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance.

First, stop all distractions and make clear your mind. Choose a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. Keep your back as straight as possible to allow your body to stay from getting sleepy. Sit with your eyes partially closed and pay attention to your breathing. Breathe through your nose keeping aware to every aspect of your breathing. Make sure to really be aware of the sensation you get from each breath. With each breath you will become more relaxed. Your mind may seem to be clouded with more thoughts although you are instead becoming more aware of your thoughts.

The key to mediation is to stay concentrated on your breathing; your busy schedule will no longer be on your mind. Your mind will be clear of all the upcoming appointments, and school events and become relaxed and refreshed.

Just taking about ten to fifteen minutes a day to meditate, you will reduce your stress level. You will feel a sense of calmness and a feeling of inner peace and balance.

A Trip to the Spa Without Having to Leave Home

2010-06-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

As the school year comes to an end, we thought it would be a good idea for all the hard working mothers out there to take a week for themselves =)

Get ready for a week full of relaxing things to do for yourself or with your girlfriends. The kids are gone during the day, so take this week [while you still can] to sit back and relax!

Here are a few at-home, make-it-yourself, spa ideas: (that's right, you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home!!)

For the Face: Every woman likes to treat herself to a relaxing facial mask. One quick and easy way to get soft and fresh skin is by making an Egg Yolk and Honey Mask. Simply mix one egg yolk with a little bit of honey, and spread over your face until it dries. (Don't forget two slices of cucumbers for your eyes!) Rinse off the mask with warm water, and you'll be surprised at what these simple baking ingredients can do for your now glowing face!

For the Feet: You already have your Jambu™ shoes keeping your feet comfy, but for soft rejuvenated feet do the following:

Mix together (1/4 cup of each)

table salt
white (or brown) sugar
olive oil

Add a squirt of liquid soap for some foam - rub on your feet in a circular motion until for feet feel softer than ever!

For the Skin: To exfoliate dry skin, use this easy home-made mask. It's great for dry elbows and feet! Just mix together 3 tbs of Olive Oil and 1 tbs of Kosher Salt, rub onto dry skin - so simple!

Enjoy these cheap ways to pamper yourself, and stay tuned for more ideas on how to make this week a relaxing one :)

Eco-Friendly Gardening: A Few Tips On How to Keep Your Garden GREEN

2010-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

Now is the time, ladies! Get out those gardening tools, and start pulling those weeds. One of the best feelings is finishing up a long day of gardening, and then enjoying the results! But how can you make your gardening experience a more eco-friendly one, you ask??

In the spirit of Jambu, and their environmentally friendly shoes, we'd like to share a few easy tips on how to keep your garden green:

1. Make your own compost!

Why throw away those kitchen vegetable scraps when they could be reused? Compost enriches soil fertility by giving it a shot of high-powered, plant-loving nutrients. Aside from the additional nutrients, making your own compost will improve soil texture, aeration, and water retention.

2. Get into some better watering habits.

Adding mulch and compost to your soil will help retain water and cut down on evaporation, two major pluses for this hot weather! Also, did you know??? Soaker hoses and drip irrigation only use 50 percent of the water used by sprinklers. Remember to water early in the day so you can avoid evaporation and winds.

3. No more chemicals!!

Pesticides, weed killers, and chemical fertilizers definitely makes the job a bit easier, by why ruin nature with these poisons if theres a greener way? Hire beneficial insect reinforcements to get rid of those pesky garden pests, remember to pull out those weeds yourself, and stick to compost!

Keeping these tips in mind while gardening will help the environment and your garden! Never forget the four R's - Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Rebuy!

Happy Gardening :)

Meet the Intern's

2010-06-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers!

It’s time to meet the voices behind the anonymous blogs and posts. Our names are Kristen and Li-or. We are the new Jambu interns for Summer 2010 here at Vida Shoe Group NYC! We decided that we want to tell you, the readers, something about ourselves.

Kristen will be a senior at the University of Scranton this upcoming fall. (Oh, where did the time go?) She attends their Kania Business School to get her Bachelors in Accounting. Originally from Long Island, NY, she is happy to be working close to home. Kristen loves working in the city, especially in the world of fashion. But then again, what girl wouldn’t?!? She loves fashion and the fast pace life that the city offers her. She loves the shoes that she gets to work with. Just starting the internship last week, she has just personally found that the comfort of Jambu shoes is like no other shoe. It is the one and only shoe she has ever worn that she can wear all day long without even wanting to sit down.

Li-or will be starting her senior year this fall at Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, going for her Bachelors in Marketing. Having grown up in the small town of Albany, NY, she never saw herself going to school in the big city. But, after three great years in New York, she is excited to be here this summer working for Jambu and promoting what they stand for. Having joined the Jambu team just a few weeks ago, Li-or already loves the environment she works in and the people she works with.

We have some great plans for our social media sites so don’t forget to keep coming back for the good stuff!

Kristen and Li-or make an unstoppable team.

BarkingDogShoes.com Comfort Shoe Blog on Jambu!

2010-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

BarkingDogShoes.com is a comfort footwear blog written by a woman who has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis over 11 years ago. Kirsten also suffered from a limited selection of comfortable and supportive footwear. Her goal as a blogger is to share these fashionable yet supportive brands to those in need of comfort footwear. Jambu was chosen as a stylish supportive brand and received a detailed review that covered everything from the fit to the comfort. Please check out the review at Barkingdogshoes.com!

Jambu Reviewed on Outnumbered3-1.com

2010-04-07T12:58:00.001-07:00

Jambu received a great review on the Luxe style by "mom blogger", Melissa, at Outnumbered3-1.com. Melissa had a hard time choosing which style shoes to pick from Jambu, so she reviewed a few different styles to demonstrate the versatility of Jambu footwear. She touched on the materials used, the sleek features, and of course the comfort. Thank you Melissa for sharing your Jambu experience with your followers! Please check out Melissa's blog to read the review, http://www.outnumbered3-1.com/search?q=jambu !

Tweet for a treat from Jambu & Shoemall.com!

2010-03-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Navigate your own personal journey... with Jambu and Shoemall.com! Shoemall.com is doing a treat giveaway for twitter users if you Tweet this "I want a special treat from @Shoemall & @JambuFootwear http://budurl.com/u3w RT" for your treat.

Tweet & enjoy that treat!

Burch's Shoes In Store Event

2010-03-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone at Burch's Shoes in Eugene, Oregon for hosting our Jambu event. We had a great time talking with everyone about our shoes and having them try them on. The Oscar, a vegan style from our Metro line, was a HUGE hit among shoppers and employees!

If you missed the event, it's ok, stop by Burch's Shoes to check out Jambu, and stay tuned for upcoming events near you!

Burch's Shoe's is located at

16 Oakway Center, Eugene Oregon 97401-5612

541.683.4115

Thanks again to Kim, Sarah and everyone at Burch's shoes!

Eightymphmom.com Review on Jambu's Scorpio

2010-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today Jambu's Scorpio shoe, from the Terra Fusion line, was reviewed by one of our favorite bloggers, www.Eightymphmom.com. It was an amazing review on her part, she really explains her attraction to the design but emphasized the comfort. Our Eighty Mile Per Hour Mama often does product giveaways so check out her blog to enter!

Jambu Charities

2010-02-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

The Jambu team worked so hard yesterday to collect shoes to donate to the Soles 4 Souls organization, who in turn sends the shoes to the Haiti Relief effort. We ran all over the Vida International building asking everyone, including Vida's other brands, to chip in the extra samples laying around. It was a success! It took a good hour to pair up the samples and finally we sent them off. Check out how to do your part, www.soles4souls.org.

Jambu on Shoemall.com

2010-02-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Wow check us out, were are featured on Shoemall.com... http://www.shoemall.com/womens-shoes/

Urban Sole in Store Event

2010-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at our in store event at Urban Sole over the weekend! Thanks to all of you who stopped out to check out the launch of Jambu footwear, we had a great turn out. Thanks to Urban Sole for inviting us to not only show our spring line but we previewed a sneak peak of some of the fall styles as well.

We have more in store events coming up in early March so stay tuned to find out the details!

Busy week in footwear...

2010-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

This week is a busy week in the footwear world to say the least. With trade shows in Vegas and New York we are basically living and breathing shoes in the office! Its exciting to see the showroom is full of new styles and excited retailers. I'm also really excited to announce that we have our shoes featured in an upcoming issue of Pregnancy and Newborn magazine, you have to check it out!

Meet the Intern

2009-12-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Readers!

It's Ramie, the Jambu intern reporting to you from Vida Shoe Group in NYC!

Up until now, I've been blogging for Jambu anonymously, but I think it's time I expose myself-my identity that is! (Shame on you!)

Im 19 and a sophomore in college here in NYC. I'm originally from Ohio, so New York was a pretty dramatic change. Not to worry, I've been looking forward to moving here for quite some time, I love New York, there's always something to do and people to see. Moving to the city that never sleeps is a great change from the city who goes to sleep at 8. New York is fantastic, it's full of beautiful people and top notch fashion.

I was looking for a fabulous internship to occupy my out of class time, hopefully slowly nudge my way into the fast pace world of fashion; and what's more fabulous than shoes? Nothing. I began interning with Jambu about six weeks ago. This is no Devil Wears Prada internship-please! I'm not the girl who gets coffee or picks up my boss's dry cleaning; I have an amazing boss and work with some pretty cool people. Let's just say I'm one lucky little intern.

But now, about Jambu. What Jambu most represents (in my opinion) is comfort, style, and earth protection. Yes, when you buy Jambu shoes, you're doing the environment a favor; so for all you ladies who need to justify their shoe purchases, we just did it for you! Last week we had a very successful FFANY (Fashion Footwear Association of New York) show with cool clients like Eddie Bauer, Piperlime, Athleta catalog, Macy's, and Comfort One Shoes. It was a great show, and the Fall 2010 products were received really well.

Pictures will be posted soon...I know you will probably not be able to sleep out of sheer anticipation for the pictures-don't stress, they'll be up soon!

2009-12-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the official Jambu blog!! Jambu shoes offer the ultimate in comfort and style. Here are just a few reasons why Jambu shoes are just so gosh darn great!

-Each shoe is made with an exclusive memory foam foot bead

-Shoe soles are made from partially recycled rubber!

-Packaging made from 100% recycled materials!

-Packaging 100% recyclable!

-Animal friendly styles available in VEGAN COLLECTION!

Jambu shoes are perfect for walking, jogging, light hiking, and any woman on the move who seeks a comfortable shoes and does not want to compromise her style!!

Friend us on Facebook and keep up with our blog!

Jambu Shoes

Jambus in Somalia

Step By Step in My Jambus

Kate McVaugh's Experience With the JBU-404's

Step by Step in my Jambu's

A wonderful Jambu adventure in Costa Rica told through the eyes of Stacie Isabella Turk

Jambu Bare Feet Designs

Sweepstakes!

JBU-606 Barefoot Vegan

SWEEPSTAKES!

BEHIND THE SCENES!!!!

What is Jambu?

Which Jambu Shoe are YOU?

Jambu Webisode

Burch's Big Shoe Event in Eugene, OR.

Where can I find Jambu? In O Magazine!

Where can I find Jambu?

Shoe drama of the day !

Tell Us Your Story!

Customer Service:1-877-541-5337

Jambu Webisode #2

Jambu Spring Webisode 1

Happy Holidays!

Behind the scenes of the Jambu Commercial

The first Jambu Commercial is Finally here!

Wordless Wednesdays: the Museum Pentheon

Wordless Wednesday: Enjoy the city night view

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Halloween!

Wordless Wednesdays

Delicious "After Apple Picking" Recipes

Cuddling Cuties!

NFL Goes Pink

A Lil Something About Parrots!

My Jambu Adventure

Slightly Out of Focus

The Perfect Recipe for Fall: Butternut Squash Soup

Wordless Wednesday... How to create long term exposure photography!

Say Goodbye to Those Bad Hair Days

Jambu™ Book Review: "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

Lights on windows-the sonata played by dust

Be your OWN Professional Photographer

The best unbrownie you've ever ate!

A Simple Breakfast Smoothie

Jambu™ Himalaya's at the SS Red Oak Victory Ship by Kate McVaugh

Think Outside the [Lunch] Box ;)

Back to School!

The Crow Pose

The Extended Triangle Pose

Yoga Week!

Dress a Girl Around the World...

Jambu Raffle Winners!

Jambu™ First Ever Raffle - EXTENDED

The Last of the Jambu Girls Preview!

More Kid Previews!

Kid's Fall 2010 Preview!

DIY: Green T-shirt Necklace

Staying Clean While Going Green!

Green Facts

Raffle Update!

First Ever Jambu™ Raffle Giveaway!

Meet the Designers!

The Last of the Fall Previews!

Fall '10 Sneak Peeks =]

Fall 2010 Preview! Part I

Refreshing Summer Treats

4th of July Fun Facts =]

Fourth of July Treats

The Troy by Jambu™

A Bohemian "Journey"... great outfit ideas!

Shoes Around the World

A Few Easy Gift Ideas That Will Keep Dad Smiling :)

Father's Day Traditions

Father's Day is coming! Try our Beer Marinated Ribs For Your Man!

Treat Your Feet - DIY Foot Massage and Pedicure!

Meditate Your Way to Relaxation

A Trip to the Spa Without Having to Leave Home

Eco-Friendly Gardening: A Few Tips On How to Keep Your Garden GREEN

Meet the Intern's

BarkingDogShoes.com Comfort Shoe Blog on Jambu!

Jambu Reviewed on Outnumbered3-1.com

Customer Service:
1-877-541-5337