Every year someone breaks out the candles, puts them on a cake and tells you, "Too many more of these and we'll have to order a bigger cake." While we appreciate the humor every year, we still can't help but think of how that person would look with icing up their nose. *Far off look with sheepish grin...ahem...back to the point. In the Middle Ages the English would conceal symbolic items such as gold coins, rings and thimbles inside their cakes. Each item was associated with a prediction. For example, a person finding a gold coin in a birthday cake would supposedly become wealthy; a person discovering a thimble would never marry. Thank goodness I didn't get a "seamstress" cake! Don't get me wrong. Cake is good, especially when it's birthday cake because as we all know, those calories DO NOT count. However, we still look for a few more ways to celebrate another year's worth of livin'! This year I choose SHOES, but there is too much to choose from! I need your help. I have listed below 28 models for 28 years. Let me know what your favorite is. After all a girl can never have too many shoes, except maybe Imelda Marcos, who said, "I did not have 3,000 pairs of shoes; I had 1,060." 
Sandals
Petra (red)   Petra (bronze)   Salina
                
Mia             Margot     Phoebe     Monica          Iris         Agave      Pianosa    Freeport   Newport H2
                     
Ormond     Venice H2         Venice
            
Casual/Dress
Maddie     LaJolla     Portofino  Siren Ginger   Un.Chart
                
Un.Poem (Brown        Black         Olive) 
                            
Athletic
WT909OR      WR1063WB      WR1224ST      WW966BR      WX1210TR
                            

"You cannot put the same shoe on every foot."  ~Pubilius Syrus

 I heard someone say once, "If it's worth doing, start now." Since then I have found so many situations in which to apply that way of thinking! But at the risk of rambling I will concentrate on one issue...Exercise. Last week we talked about New Year's resolutions and how easily they slip the mind once other activities roll in with the Spring. If you're anything like me you need constant motivation or you end up back on the couch with your bag of Cheetos watching Golden Girls marathons and the Food Network. So I did a little research to help me keep my "Thomas the Tank Engine" mentality going. Below I've listed 5 steps to help us stay focused.

*BE SPECIFIC
When starting out with a resolution or a goal don't just say, "I want to lose weight." or "I want to run more." or "I want to eat less Cheetos." Set a specific target to reach within reasonable allotted time increments. For example, if you want to lose weight set a monthly pound loss target. If you want to run more set out a specific mileage per week and build on that as the month progresses. If you want to eat less Cheetos.. don't buy them.

*PAT ON THE BACK!
Everyone likes a reward. Once you hit an incremental goal treat yourself. The last time I hit a goal I bought a new pair of shoes. That's a pretty big pat on the back but I was very excited about the achievement... and they were really cute. There may be an underlying addiction there. Hmm.. Next year's resolution in the making. But you don't have to go that far. Get yourself that new bag you've been eyeing in the display window or the movie you've been wanting to buy. Or motivate while rewarding with something new like running shorts/shirt, pedometer, sackpack. Anything to to tell yourself, "Great Job!" 

*SUMMON MORAL SUPPORT
Sympathy pain. Misery loves company. Getting other people involved can have a positive effect on overcoming the toils of the task at hand.  I am in my 1063's much quicker in the morning when I have someone yanking the blankets off and telling me to get my toes on the road. Especially if they will be joining me. Whether they are physically by your side or just supporting you along the way, having someone else know what you're striving for is huge motivation.

*MIX IT UP
A change of scenery is highly motivational. If you feel like you're stuck in a pattern just taking a different route to work can stimulate alertness throughout the day. You need routine but monotony will wear you down. Get out of that ho-hum habit of doing things the same. If you are a runner, take a different path when you have the time to change it up. There are so many different routes you can take and with each you'll see different people and places. Exercising indoor? Work on different areas each day or change up your technique to get a well rounded routine. 

*IMMEDIATE ACTION
Simply, if it's worth doing, start now! Don't use phrases like, "The diet starts tomorrow." or "I'll just run twice as long on Monday." That kind of talk is the first step toward the couch and Friends re-runs.

So... you have 341 days. Get off the couch and I'll see ya on the road!

Let us know your goals with a comment! And come back to let us know you made it! We'll give you a "Pat on the Back."

As the new year rolls around we reflect on the previous year and think of what we may have done differently or would like to have had accomplished by December 31st. This kind of reflection is great motivation for people to make "New Year's Resolutions." The tradition of the New Year's Resolution goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions. Many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year. For curiosity sake I inquired through personal blog and word of mouth what kind of resolutions my friends and others were putting on their lists for 2009. Here are the top 5 responses:

#1 Eating Healthier

#2 Running Regularly

#3 Regular Exercise

#4 Getting Outdoors

#5 Spending more time with loved ones

Others can be categorized into a list of more personal goals such as finishing school, starting up a website, regular meditation, training their dog not to use the couch leg like a fire hydrant, etc.. but 85% of the people that answered had the first three somewhere on their list. I am pretty certain this list resembles those made for 2008, 2007, 2006... more than likely because the beginning of a new year corresponds with the end of the holidays (a.k.a three months of sedentary activity partnered with face-stuffing).

It is great to have a positive plan and perhaps with January comes the impression of a fresh start, or a chance to try again. The trick is sticking to it! The same people making New Year's resolutions are infamous for forgetting what they were come March.  Yours truly not excluded.  So start easy. Set a goal for which your resolution will simply be a means to an end. But be specific so that you can break it down into short-term achievable targets. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds by the time you have to squeeze into that bridesmaid dress or bare your belly in that bikini, than break it down into so many pounds per week or month. If you’re like me and sometimes have difficulty “sticking to it” than come back next week for 5 tips to help keep that motivation going!

If frugality is part of your resolution be sure to check our homepage for brand specific discounts throughout the month of January!  

    Everyone's buzzing about it and many companies are implementing processes and products to conform for a "greener" future.  We recycle here at Brown's and have many products that have eco-friendly materials incorporated, such as Cocona and Bamboo. My newest pair of WR1224's have a Cocona Phantom liner and yes, Cocona is made from coconut shells into a material that is naturally soft, breathable and odor-resistant. The hip eco-sartorial El Naturalista is another line to slip you comfortably into eco-consciousness. Learn about the El Naturalista eco-policy.

   There may be more ballyhoo about going "green" lately but the idea started a long time ago. I was introduced to the concept in the 80's. I had a teacher in junior high school that was educating us on the "footsteps" we were leaving and introducing different ways we could help the environment. This began my desire to "Re-duce, Re-use, Re-cycle."  To this day I have separate containers for everything from aluminum to plastic. And that is where the snare is...plastic. It had crossed my mind when buying a pack of gum at a convenience store or one item at a grocery store and they automatically put it in a plastic bag.  That is such a waste. I don't need a bag to carry an item that fits in my hand! I've done a lot of research lately, stimulated by the arrival of our new sustainable bags, and found some disturbing information on where those plastic bags end up. I also found some cities and countries taking steps to improve the plastic situation for future generations. I've compiled some of that information in a short video embedded below. Or to find out more go to any of the websites accredited at the end of the video. Get your sustainable bags today! And join me in saying to the plastic-pushing economy, "No thanks. I have my own."

Break out the bubble gum cigars! It's a Girl! er... It's a Boy! um....well...You get the picture.

We have a new addition to the family!

Welcome New Balance St. Louis

The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis

If you are going to be in the Saint Louis area, we invite you to celebrate with us!
Please come by our new location in The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, August 23rd thru August 31st, for our Grand Opening sale!  Get $10 off regular-priced adult New Balance styles, 15% off regular-priced apparel/accessories and 15% off regular-priced kids' styles.

Get the 4-1-1 on the festivities HERE.

21 Meadows Circle Drive, Suite 314
Lake St. Louis, MO 63367
636.561.2204
Fax: 636.625.2611

Out with the old, in with the new!
Here's a sneak peak on some super discounted favorites:
Men's and Women's Running model 992GL, marked down from $139.95 to $89.90!
Men's and Women's Walking model 844, marked down from $114.95 to $74.90!

If you make it to The Meadows, come back and leave a comment. Let us know what you think!

    Do you suffer from foot pain or discomfort?  Are you having a hard time ordering custom orthotics that really feel good and function well?  Where should you go if you are looking for shoes for the whole family?  Do you have narrow or wide feet and find it almost impossible to find good fitting shoes? 

    If you or a loved one are having difficulty in any of these areas, look no further.  Our New Balance stores specialize in carrying the broadest range of New Balance shoes in Missouri and Kansas.  We carry widths from 4A to 6E and a size range from infants to men's size 20!  ^*Certified Pedorthists are staffed to fill prescriptions for custom orthotics, over the counter orthotics, shoe modifications and can even make insurance submittions to Medicare and United Health Care. 

    New Balance athletic shoes have a great reputation among doctors and nurses everywhere.  Do you know that New Balance also makes dress shoes?  The men's dress brand is called "Dunham" and women's dress brand is called "Aravon".  Dunham and Aravon, although very different in appearance, share one main goal:  To provide you with dress and dress casual shoes that fit and feel more like an athletic shoe.

Take your life back today and let us help with all of your footwear needs.  Ask your doctor about New Balance!

^*A prescription from your doctor IS needed for custom orthotics and anything being submitted to insurance.  Insurance claims cannot be made through catalog or internet orders.

Take OFF your shoes!

We put shoes on every day for many purposes. The 768 is for the morning run. The 801 goes on while we get ready for work. The 844 gets us to work, for a lot cheaper than a gas guzzler. And the Maddie or Burlington takes us in style through the rest of the day. That's 4 pair before noon! Shoes. Something we take for granted when 300 million children in the world have never owned one pair. We are concerned with comfort and style while they are concerned with health problems caused by a lack of proper footwear. Now don't panic! I'm not going to flash sad pictures on your screen but I do want to introduce you to a wonderful organization that has recently been creating smiles all over the world.

Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls runs on a simple concept. They get shoes and give them away.
Originating in reaction to the 2004 tsunami that hit Southeast Asia and then the catastrophe of hurricane Katrina, Soles4Souls is currently working in over 35 states and 50 countries. The  organization not only provides disaster relief but provides solutions for a more day-to-day need.  They accomplish this by contributing to summer camps for disadvantaged children (abused or neglected), Indian reservations, domestic abuse shelters and inner city hospitals. To find out more about Soles4Souls click here.

"How can I help?" you ask.  "Take off your shoes!"

If you live in Missouri or Kansas stop by one of our retail stores and donate your new and slightly worn shoes. Over the past two months we have sent over 150 pairs to Soles4Souls. It is recommended to replace your shoes every 5-8 months, highly understandable considering the average person takes between 8,000-10,000 steps a day. So retire your slightly worn 992's or 965's. We all have those dusty boxes in the back of our closets but do you really think those orange patent leather flats are going to get another day in the limelight? Are hightops with two layered "scrunch" socks gonna make a comeback? Bring them in and get fitted for some new kicks, with the peace of mind knowing you'll have good foot karma from donating to those in need.

*If you don't live in Missouri or Kansas, print the donation form by clicking the link above the donation box pictured. Send us this form along with any new or slightly worn shoes you would like to donate and we will send you a Brown's Shoepon in appreciation for every pair received. Brown's Shoepons can be redeemed in our stores, through Brown's catalog or BrownsCatalog.com for $5 off any regular-priced pair. *One coupon per pair.

S4S Donation Form.pdf (158.15 kb)

 I'm not sure the last Blog entry did our New Brands justice. To make an indelible impression is an impression that cannot be eliminated, forgotten nor changed. We want the newest arrivals to make as indelible an impression on you (as a customer) and your life as they did on ours.
These are shoes to really Live In! You trust and enjoy New Balance for running, walking and daily activities. Now we want you to excite your summer with Teva, Merrell, Keen and Clarks.

With the national average gas price of $3.79 per gallon (as of 5/20/08) I don't foresee myself going too far for summer vacation. In fact short trips and simple outdoor family activities are predicted to be the summer entertainment chosen by the general population this year. My friends and I plan on taking our new kicks out to the nearest National Parks. With the growing urgency to "Go Green", supporting the National Parks is a great and enjoyable way for everyone to get involved. You can start your next adventure or family outing at a National Park near you.

psssst...Bring us Along!

You may be no Myron Avery but if mild hiking is your interest, track through the trails with Merrell, Women's Siren Sport or Men's Chameleon Hex.
If you get to feeling a bit more amphibious, ride the rapids or take a leisure float with the Teva Hurricane or Keen Newport H2.
Keen didn't forget the little fish! Bring the kids along in their Newport H2 as well.

A couple other hybrid styles you may want to paddle your way through summer in would be the Men's Keen Napali or the Women's Keen Venice H2.
Not feeling so energetic yet?

Ladies relax in the Clarks Keira or slide into all day cushioning and comfort in the Clarks Culleen.
Men take your favorite gal out on a casual stroll or to the Memorial Day BBQ in the Merrell Rambler.

Anyone else excited about the new brands and how sizzlin' they can make your summer?
Maybe you could use a little more persuasion to try out and fall into summer love with our new brands. 

Hello again friends and acquaintances,

We've been through this before. Spring is here! Go outside! Around two o'clock this afternoon I stepped outside for lunch and I will admit it, I did not want to go back inside. I am absolutely positive a lot of you are sharing the same sentiment. We want to take this opportunity to introduce you to some new friends. If you are a frequent visitor you may have noticed some subtle changes and additions lately. We have added a few new brands that we are more than excited about. To help incorporate these new brands into our name we will slowly be transitioning from Brown's New Balance to Brown's Catalog, encompassing not only the tried and true New Balance but also Merrell, Rafters, Teva, Keen, Unstructured by Clarks and Fishpond bags.
Any Questions? Of course! Allow me to introduce:

 Merrell's philosophy, "Merrell believes in continuously expanding the outdoor journey of discovery and freedom. Being outside brings us adventure and exhilaration, as well as self-knowledge and fulfillment. It blurs the boundaries between people and cultures, uniting those who enjoy exploring and seeking out new experiences. Merrell believes in encouraging and equipping everyone to get outside. It doesn't need to be complicated-outside is where you find it." So get outside in the ladies Siren Sport or the men's Moab Ventilator hiking styles. Or kick around town in the ladies strappy San Remo.

• Upper webbing is made of recycled PET from plastic water and soda bottles.
• Outsoles are made from 25% recycled rubber.
• Lining is made from 60% bamboo fiber.
• Mid wedges and outsoles are infused with jute plant fiber and cork, reducing the amount of rubber needed for production.

Tread lighter with supportive cushioning in men's and women's Tsunami's.