Bearpaw Style | A Supplement to Footwear Plus | 2012 • February

style

BEARPAW

GUESS WHERE THIS IS? Page 21

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VACATION? TAKE OUR QUIZ.

WHAT’S IN FOR SPRING! HIGH TIMES 3 GREAT MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS

INSIDE! DANCING WITH THE STARS’

KARINA SMIRNOFF

GETS PERSONAL

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 1

1/5/12 3:57 PM

A FEW MONTHS ago, the BEARPAW team took a trip to Sanya Island off the coast of China. We golfed, snorkeled, swam, fished, hung out on the beach and bonded. We got a lot of work done, too.

Swapping our ordinary work setting for a remote, tropical one shook us out of our normal mindset. It gave us fresh perspective on BEARPAW’s journey.

We realized we’ve been speeding toward the mountaintop of success for the past three years. Growing so fast is enough to give anyone an adrenaline rush. It would be easy to start believing our own hype and to forget where we came from.

But that’s not who we are. No matter how high we climb, we’ll stay true to our roots. Team building in Sanya helped us reaffirm our core values: We make natural, comfortable, affordable shoes and boots. We listen hard to customer feedback. We share the love through many, many charitable programs. And we live life greener through earth-friendly packaging and business practices.

Arrogance? Elitism? That’s not BEARPAW. Never will be. We’re approachable.

Attainable. We’re the kind of guys who’d invite you over to hang out for a drink or a backyard barbecue. In fact, that’s just what we’ve done in our fashion feature beginning on page 12.

When you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by our new flagship store in Citrus Heights (opposite page) and tell us. If you’re not, we still want to hear from you. That’s why social media is a huge part of our business. We love interacting with you. To encourage you, we’ve included a Greetings From? challenge on page 21. Test your travel IQ by guessing the location of the travel photo. Then post your best guess on our Facebook page. Why not post your own travel photos along with your answers?

We’ve also hidden BEARPAW claw logos, in orange, in the pages of this magazine. Tell us how many you found on Facebook.

Our team-building trip inspired us to make our second edition of BEARPAW STYLE a travel issue. It also made us realize how far we’ve come. It helped us figure out where we need to go next. And it reminded us that you’re the reason we got here.

We are creatures of movement, constantly acting, constantly doing. Until you have a chance to chill without all those outside forces pulling you, it’s hard to get centered. So in this issue, we’re celebrating the chill. Sanya Island helped us clear our minds and our chokras. Now we want to inspire you to do the same. Set off on an adventure. Get away from it all.

Take a hike. Or a journey of self-discovery. Pack your BEARPAWs and have fun along the way.

The Annalisa knit boot.

Remember, life isn’t about the destination. It’s about the journey.

On the cover:

It’s About the

JOURNEY ,

We’ve hidden BEARPAW claw logos, in orange, in the pages of this magazine. Go to our Facebook page and tell us how many you find. You could win a pair of BEARPAW flip-flops!

Set off on an adventure.

Get away from it all.

Lily flip-flop.

— Tom Romeo, CEO of BEARPAW

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 2

1/5/12 3:58 PM

Home Away From Home

Welcome to The Summit, BEARPAW’s first store.

“COZY. WARM. INVITING.” Sounds like a description of BEARPAW boots, doesn’t it? But those are actually the words CEO Tom Romeo uses to describe BEARPAW’s first-ever concept store—The Summit—opened in December in the company’s hometown of Citrus Heights, California, near BEARPAW’s corporate offices.

Designed to exude the laidback, mountain vibe the brand is synonymous with, The Summit gives visitors the feeling of stepping into a rustic ski lodge, complete with wood-paneled ceilings, slate floors, leather furnishings, wrought-iron chandeliers and a massive stone fireplace.

The appealing setting makes a fitting backdrop for the store’s mission. “We wanted to create a place where you can hang out, maybe watch TV, talk with BEARPAW’s sales associates and tell us what you’re thinking even if you’re not buying anything that day,” explains Randy McKinley, BEARPAW’s VP of Global Marketing.

The Summit will double as a proving ground for new styles for upcoming seasons and will soon serve as the model for concept stores, first on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles this fall, and later in other countries. The store will also form the centerpiece of BEARPAW Village, a collection of restaurants and shops to

open in the next few years.

“Kick back, relax, enjoy,” says Romeo. “We want you to think of The Summit, and ultimately BEARPAW Village, as your home away from home.”

The Summit is located at 7034 Sylvan Rd. in Citrus Heights.

Be sure to stop by when you’re passing through town.

Inviting ski lodge décor is the setting to The Summit, where you can peruse the entire collection of BEARPAW boots, shoes and accessories as well as kick back and watch a little TV.

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 1

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 1

1/5/12 3:58 PM

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU? TAKE OUR QUIZ TO FIND OUT!

Check one answer for each question.

Count up how many of each letter you checked then look to our answer key to find out what type of traveler you are.

You might be surprised by what your ideal vacation style is!

1. When I travel, I’m most likely to pack my clothes in a: a) custom-made, monogrammed alligator-skin suitcase b) slouchy hemp duffel bag c) sleek new designer case I saw in Vogue last month and had to splurge on d) cruelty-free, 100%-recycled carry-all e) vintage leather suitcase that reminds me of one I saw Hemingway holding in an old photo f ) waterproof bag modeled on the kind Navy SEALS use g) plastic garbage bag 2. When I’m on vacation, I’m most likely to buy: a) designer sunglasses and jewelry b) a locally made handcraft from a street fair c) a shirt from the hottest spot I visited so everyone will know I’ve been there d) a sandwich for the man who asked me for change at the train station e) a collection of antique postcards f ) a surfboard, snowboard or skateboard g) a compass, a flashlight and trail mix

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 2

1/5/12 3:58 PM

3. No vacation is complete without: a) a mani/pedi, a massage and some shopping b) an outdoor yoga class at dawn c) a celebrity sighting d) pitching in to beautify a local park e) a ghost tour led by a guide in period clothing f ) screaming downhill at 100 mph g) getting lost at least once

4. The next time I travel, I’d most like to stay in: a) a penthouse suite in a hotel overlooking Central Park b) a meditation retreat on the coast c) a trendy new boutique hotel in Miami Beach d) an eco lodge in Belize e) a historic inn in downtown Charleston f ) an all-inclusive sports resort in the Sierra Mountains g) a rented Winnebago

5. If I wrote my travel memoirs, they would most likely be titled: a) Absolutely Fabulous b) Untethered Spirit c) In The Know d) The Peace Warrior e) A Moveable Feast f ) Full Throttle g) The Road Less Traveled

HERE’S WHAT THE LETTER YOU CIRCLED MOST OFTEN REVEALS ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL PERSONALITY: A) The Glamquester: Forget pioneering. Your passion is posh-oneering. When it comes to travel, you love the chic and magnifique.

Champagne, caviar, maybe even a limo or two.

We say, go for it.

Shine. Sparkle. The world needs glamour. And what better time to indulge your inner diva than on vacation?

B) The AdZENturer: Nature’s Nomad. That’s you. No skyscrapers or swanky hotels on your itinerary.

Paradise for you is in the lap of Mother Earth. You like to feel the grass between your toes,

to smell the pines, to plunge into a crystal clear mountain lake.

Nature nourishes your soul. Walt Whitman would be proud. So would the makers of patchouli oil.

C) The Trend Trekker: If it’s hip, cutting edge, of the moment, you’re there. Forget Bohemian. You’re Bohipian, a style maven in all aspects of your life. When there’s a cool new chef or club, you’re the first in line. You’ve got bold style and a zest for the fresh and happening.

D) The Peaceplorer: Humanitarian rambler. Altruist gypsy. It’s not a real globetrot for

you if you don’t make the globe a better place along the way. You share one of BEARPAW’s deepest core values—doing the right thing. Save the rainforest. Till the soil. Spread the love. The world needs more like you.

E) The Culture-cationist: Put your brain on pause? Never!

An educated excursionist, you comb the culture pages of local papers, visit museums, historic landmarks and notable restaurants. The history, architecture and art world are your oysters. Life’s a banquet, and you’ve got a robust appetite for it.

F) The Rushmantic: Destination: adrenaline. When you travel,

you crave action. Forget chaise lounges, desserts and do-notdisturb signs. You’re on the go 24-7, up before the wakeup call and in motion.

Hiking, biking, skiing, zip lining. If it moves, you’ll try it. You’ll need comfortable togs for all that action, so pack your BEARPAWs. G) The Wayfarther: You set your GPS for the spot where the map ends. When you reach it, you keep going. Off the grid. Into the wild. You get the idea. The blood of pirates and pioneers, frontiersmen and fearless explorers runs in your veins. Go ahead. Rove.

Ramble. Send us a postcard.

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 3

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 3

1/5/12 3:59 PM

Who says mountains are only for ski season? When the snow melts, a myriad of great vacation possibilities opens up in the mountains. And since BEARPAW is all about the laidback mountain lifestyle, we’ve compiled a shortlist of great things to do and see in three classic American mountain destinations.

We hope they’ll inspire you to head for new altitudes this summer.

PEAK S

4 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 4

1/5/12 4:01 PM

K SEASON FULL BLOOM: Fragrant mountain air beckons in Squaw Valley, California.

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 5

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 5

1/5/12 4:02 PM

CHECK IN AND TEE OFF: The 405-room Resort at Squaw Creek earns accolades for its posh accommodations and world-class 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course.

6 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 6

1/5/12 4:02 PM

DESTINATION: SQUAW VALLEY, CALIFORNIA Lake Tahoe is dazzling year-round, but those lucky enough to see it in the summer are apt to spot every imaginable shade of blue. Deep blackish navy. Pale luminescent jade.

Brilliant Caribbean turquoise. And there’s no better place to admire it than from Squaw Valley. The Olympic flame has burned here since 1960, when the mountain hideaway hosted the Winter games. The place is still synonymous with cold-weather sports, but it’s an equally appealing summer playground, offering golf, water sports, fishing, hiking, biking, wall climbing, arts and cultural festivals, more than 50 restaurants and 40 shops, and that’s just for starters.

UP, UP AND AWAY: Step aboard Squaw Valley’s famous Aerial Tram and soar 2,000 vertical feet up to High Camp, the resort’s mid-mountain compound, for (arguably) the best views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains anywhere.

Built in 1968, the tram building is now landmarked. At High Camp you can get in a little exercise by ice skating at the Olympic Ice Pavilion or taking a dip at the Swimming Lagoon and Spa. GAME TIME: When you’re in High Camp,

check out the Olympic Museum to learn about the 1960 games. Admission is free with your tram ride.

BEST BITES: For a tasty casual breakfast or lunch before or after the tram ride, head to the Sierra Sunrise Biscuit Company, located in the base of the cable car station. Prefer a sweet snack?

Try a warm, melted chocolate chip cookie from Wildflour Too bakery at the base village.

BOUNCERS: Up for a new experience?

Take a turn on the Skyjump at Squaw Valley’s Events Plaza. You’ll don a harness attached to bungee cords, jump off a trampoline, and defy gravity by springing up 25 feet in the air. Even firsttimers can wow the crowd with a few back flips. All ages welcome.

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS: A combination wine bar and wine shop, Uncorked in the base village offers daily wine tastings, live music and Meet the Winemaker events every weekend. Top off your tasting with dinner at Mamasake in the base village. Locals swear it serves the best sushi in the Tahoe area.

FOR MORE INFO: www.squaw.com

FURTHER ADVENTURES: Make the 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe. It’s among the most beautiful drives in America. Be warned, it’s virtually impossible to complete the tour in one non-stop trip, thanks to the many distractions along the way, from casinos to ghost towns.

Lily wedge BEARPAWSHOES.COM 7

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 7

1/5/12 4:02 PM

The Alexis boot.

DESTINATION: TELLURIDE, COLORADO This picturesque village ringed by the majestic San Juan Mountains blends alpine glamour with a grittiness that harks back to its roots as an Old West mining town. (Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here in June 1889.) Just eight blocks wide and 12 blocks long, the entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark. It’s lined with chic boutiques and eateries, but the vibe remains down-to-earth. It’s the kind of place where celebrities rub shoulders with scruffy flannel shirt-wearing locals, and therein lies its charm.

Summer offers hiking, biking, off-roading, river rafting, music fests and more.

NEW HEIGHTS: Board the free scenic gondola between Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village. The 13-minute ride offers enough breathtaking scenery for an entire vacation.

For an equally awe-inspiring view, hike to Bridal Veil Falls. With a 365-foot drop, it’s Colorado’s longest free-falling waterfall.

CULTURE VULTURES: Take in a performance at the atmospheric Sheridan Opera House, built by miners in 1913 as a vaudeville playhouse. Everything from current Broadway hits to country bands plays here. It’s also the center of the annual Telluride Film Festival, every fall. Another big draw in Telluride is the Blues and Brews Festival. Enthusiasts from

across the country flock here to savor fine microbrews and blues acts every September. Word to the wise: Alcohol hits you harder at high altitudes, so drink slowly and down a glass of water between each round.

BLAZE A TRAIL: Telluride is a Mecca for mountain bikers.

You can rent one through Paragon Outdoors, and opt for a mellow river valley path or an adrenaline-rush-inducing single track ride down perilously pitched hillside trails. The adventurous can hire a guide and hit trails through deeper wilderness.

CHECK IN: The New Sheridan is Telluride’s newest oldest hotel, a 26-room Victorian brick affair that blends upscale amenities with old-style elegance. The hotel’s Chop House Restaurant wins praise for its steaks and chops.

SIP IN STYLE: Allred’s rustic lodge decor (crackling fire, barstools made of sticks) makes the perfect backdrop for a glass of merlot. Grab a window seat and admire the sun setting over the mountain peaks. Another option: The Bubble Lounge serves craft beers, Champagne and…oxygen. Seriously. You can choose your favorite scent from two dozen and enjoy it in a glowing beaker that would do a mad scientist proud.

FOR MORE INFO: www.telluride.com

8 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 8

1/5/12 4:03 PM

SKYRIDING: The free scenic gondola between Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village is awe-inspiring.

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 9

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 9

1/5/12 4:03 PM

DESTINATION: STOWE, VERMONT Nestled in the Green Mountains, this quintessential New England village looks like a postcard come to life. It’s got covered bridges, artists’ galleries and a charming Main Street dotted with historic buildings. Stowe is most famous as a ski town, but, come summer, it offers hiking, biking, tennis, golf, kayaking, canoeing, angling, zip lining, horseback riding, outdoor concerts and arts festivals.

ZIPPING ALONG: Thrillseekers can fly across the treetops at ArborTrek Canopy Adventures.

An American setting inside the historic Green Mountain Inn.

SUGAR FIX: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour is paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Take a tour to learn the story behind the eco-friendly company, find out how gourmet ice cream is made and—best of all—get free samples. U.S. News & World Report voted it one of the top 10 tour experiences in the U.S. Another don’t-miss: Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Located in an old Vermont barn, this working cider mill and specialty foods store is well worth a visit to watch cider being made, taste the end results and browse for country goodies like homemade jams. Check your diet at the door and try the fresh-made doughnuts.

THRILL RIDE: ArborTrek Canopy Adventures offers three hours of heartpounding, bridge-crossing, tree-skimming fun on its Zip Line Canopy Tour. Located at Smuggler’s Notch.

CHEERS: Anyone with a soft spot for The Sound of Music will want to check out the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, the 2,400acre resort created by the real Trapp family featured in the film. Johannes von Trapp recently opened his own brewery at the lodge, serving up lagers inspired by the famous brews from his ancestral Austrian home. Try the seasonal Summer Lager.

CHOW TIME: For casual dining, locals and tourists alike praise The Shed Restaurant

10 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 10

1/5/12 4:03 PM

The Trapp Family Lodge and Resort features an on-site brewery.

The Ralston boot.

for its tasty, affordable burgers and microbrews. Just ignore Bambi’s relatives’ heads on the walls. For fancier fare, head to The Cliff House at the top of Mount Mansfield for farm-fresh dishes served in a rustic, woodsy setting.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer dramatic views of Smuggler’s Notch and Mount Washington.

CHECK IN: Built in 1833, the venerable 105-room Green Mountain Inn on Main Street exudes plenty of historic charm. Book a room in the main inn, not the more modern annex. Or pamper yourself at Topnotch Resort and Lodge’s 35,000-square-foot spa and gym. Maple syrup massages, anyone? You can even take in the view from an outdoor hot tub overlooking Mount Mansfield.

FOR MORE INFO: www.gostowe.com BEARPAWSHOES.COM 11

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 11

1/5/12 4:04 PM

BAC K YA RD

Sunny skies. Warm breezes. Gardens in bloom.

Who wants to stay inside? To inspire you to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors in your own yard, here’s a roundup of BEARPAW’s latest laidback spring/summer collection…along with a platter of fun barbecue facts, grilling hints and recipes to get the party started.

12 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 12

1/5/12 4:04 PM

CHERRY CRUSH REFRESHER INGREDIENTS :

2 oz. cherry juice 2 oz. pineapple juice 2 oz. orange juice club soda Fill chimney glass with ice and then add ingredients with a splash of club soda.

Garnish with cherry.

Source: Baltimore County Department of Health

Bailee slippers in cognac and flax.

LOA F I N G A R O U N D Better than going barefoot, BEARPAW’s sheepskin-lined suede mocs will get you through the weekend in pure comfort.

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 13

1/5/12 4:05 PM

Alexis

Ivy

Ivy

Poppy

Alexis

G A R D E N PA R T Y

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 14

Tiptoe through the tulips in a floral bouquet of mommy-and-me boots and slippers.

1/5/12 4:05 PM

KIDS

Ivy

Poppy

What’s your BBQ Style?

There are four main styles of barbecue, each named after the region that took it to a culinary art form.

Ivy

Betsy

Memphis: pulled pork-shoulder drenched in sweet tomato-based sauce North Carolina: smoked whole hog in vinegar-based sauce Kansas City: ribs cooked in a dry rub

GATES’ BAR-B-Q BELLS From the award-winning Gates Bar-B-Q Kansas City, Missouri INGREDIENTS : 2 cups cooked rice 6 medium size bell peppers 2 cloves crushed fresh garlic 2 stalks chopped celery 2 lbs. ground beef 1 bottle barbecue sauce salt and pepper

Texas: mesquite-grilled beef brisket, especially popular in the western part of the Lone Star State Source: Time magazine

Fun facts: Barbecues have been a White House tradition since Thomas Jefferson’s presidency.

Most popular barbecuing holidays: #1: July 4th #2: Memorial Day #3: Labor Day Most popular foods for grilling: #1: burgers #2: steak #3: hot dogs #4: chicken Most popular barbecue sauces: #1: hickory #2: mesquite #3: honey #4: spice/hot Source: Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association; www.hpba.org

HOT DOG! In 2009, 78 million Americans had a barbecue on July 4th.

We also ate a whopping 155 million hot dogs that day.

No wonder July is National Hot Dog Month!

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service and National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut tops off bell peppers, set aside. Clean inside of peppers, discard.

Blanch the peppers by submerging them in a wire basket into a pan of boiling water for about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside. Chop the tops of the peppers. Blanch with chopped celery. Set aside.

Lightly brown the meat in a large skillet. Add cooked rice and blanched vegetables. Add crushed garlic.

Salt and pepper to taste. Stuff peppers loosely with mixture, about 3 oz. in each. Place on cookie sheet.

Top each with 2 tablespoons of Gates and Son’s Bar-B-Q Sauce. Cook for 30-45 minutes. Serve warm.

Source: www.gatesbbq.com

15

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 15

1/5/12 4:05 PM

What’s the BBQ Capital of the USA? Veggie Grilling Tip: The secret to evenly cooked vegetable kabobs is to parboil solid or starchy vegetables before threading them onto skewers for grilling.

Kebab Tip: Dry skewers burn, so soak wood skewers in water for 30 minutes before placing them on the grill.

Meat Lovers’ Tip: Turn meat just once on the grill. Turn steaks when the juices start to bubble on the uncooked side (the clearer the juice, the more

well done the meat). Apply sauces containing honey, brown sugar or molasses during the last 10 minutes to keep the sauce from burning.

Meat Lovers’ Tip: Cook foods that take less than 30 minutes directly over the coals. Examples: Boneless chicken, steaks, fish fillets, hamburgers and hot dogs. Indirect grilling, which works more like roasting, is better for foods that take longer than 30 minutes to cook. Examples: Whole turkeys, bonein chicken, ribs and briskets.

Kansas City, according to a 2011 Travel + Leisure poll of almost 44,000 readers who chose the town as their favorite for barbecue.

T+L’s pick for the best BBQ in town? Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue on the Kansas side of Kansas City.

Source: Travel + Leisure; www.travelandleisure.com

Source: Kingsford Charcoal, www.kingsford.com/university

C LO S E K N I T For chilly evenings under the stars, snuggle up in cozy, light-as-a-cloud knit boots.

The Annalisa Knit boots.

16 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 16

1/5/12 4:05 PM

Lily

Aaliyah

BEAR FEET Flipflops and summer go together like hot dogs and the Fourth of July. A splash of color, chunky wedges and whimsical decals add sizzle to our warm-weather staples.

Lily wedges

Emma Marissa

MOONLITE’S PEANUT BUTTER PIE From the award-winning Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Owensboro, Kentucky

W E L L- D O N E Perennial favorites, these classic BEARPAW boots are at home anytime, anywhere.

INGREDIENTS : 16 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup plain peanut butter 16 oz. Cool Whip Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and peanut butter well in mixer. Stir in Cool Whip, beat until fluffy. Pour into a 9-inch graham cracker crust pie crust. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or chocolate chips. Makes three pies.

These pies can be frozen.

Abigail

Meadow

Source: The Moonlite Cookbook; www.moonlite.com

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 17

1/5/12 4:06 PM

KARINA SMIRNOFF:

10 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME Longtime BEARPAW fan and designer of her signature KS Collection, Karina Smirnoff is the reigning champion on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, with her partner J.R. Martinez. An accomplished dancer, Karina has won five U.S. National Championships, the U.S. Open, the Asian Open and the U.K. Open, and has appeared on Broadway in Burn the Floor.

As a child Karina dabbled in figure skating, dancing and piano lessons.

18 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 18

Karina pitched in to help BEARPAW donate more than 1,000 pairs of boots to Women in Need during Lady Foot Locker’s recent holiday outreach effort. The charity assists women and their families who are homeless or disadvantaged in New York.

1/5/12 4:06 PM

MY FAVORITE VACATION SPOT IS PHUKET, THAILAND.

1 I was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, to

a Greek dad and Russian mom. My favorite hometown memory is of my first dance recital. My grandma and my parents were dancing my routine on the side of the stage while watching me, not realizing that the audience could see them too!

2 My family is really small. I have

no cousins, brothers, sisters, living grandparents, aunts or uncles. It’s just my mom, my dad and our dog Randy.

3 I have two degrees from Fordham University in New York—a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Information Systems Programming.

4 My favorite guilty pleasure is dark

chocolate. I can skip dinner easily, but I’ll never pass up dark chocolate. I also love to watch Investigation on the Discovery Channel. And I get a kick out of watching Bachelor and Bachelorette.

6 My favorite vacation spot is Phuket, Thailand.

7 When I was little, I wanted to grow

up to be a criminal defense attorney.

My grandma wanted me to play piano, my dad wanted me to figure skate and my mom wanted me to dance. After trying everything at the same time, my mom won and dancing took over!

8 The best advice anyone has ever given me came from my manager: “Never let your memories be greater than your dream!”

9 My mom is my role model. She’s

one of the strongest, toughest people I know. She always told me, “Love and respect yourself, and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

Top to bottom: Karinia started dancing at an early age; her dad holding his bundle of joy; her favorite guilty pleasure: dark chocolate.

10 The place where I go to get away from it all is my closet.

Immediate escape!

5 Aside from my fear of failure, my greatest fears are of spiders, sharks and snakes.

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 19

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 19

1/5/12 4:06 PM

ON THE

RO AD

BEARPAW fans weigh in on their dream destinations, their weirdest trips and more.

Jamie Anderson

Missy Diehl Graphic Designer, Schaumberg, IL My dream vacation: A surf/yoga retreat to escape, recharge and soul search.

The BEARPAWs I’d take: My Loki IIs go wherever I go.

My favorite travel memory: November 2, 2007, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was my first time surfing and it was the BEST DAY EVER! My weirdest travel experience: Getting stranded in Houston, Texas.

When it comes to travel, everybody should: Explore a completely different culture at least once.

Amy Cardon

Account Manager for an electronics contract manufacturer, Pleasant Grove, UT

Professional snowboarder, South Lake Tahoe, CA My dream vacation: Mexico.

I’d take along: My best friend.

The BEARPAWs I’d take: My Moc IIs, because they’re awesome, and always cute and cozy.

My next vacation: Breckenridge, Colorado.

My favorite travel memory: Thailand. Good food, good people and good times!

My weirdest travel experience: Traveling to Davos, Switzerland, last winter for a snowboard event. I had to take the trains from Geneva, and I got off at the wrong stop.

When it comes to travel, everybody should: Climb a mountain and camp out under the stars at least once!

My dream vacation: A beach hut on stilts by the ocean in Fiji.

I’d take along: My boyfriend Aaron, but if Jeremy Renner were available, Aaron might get bumped.

The BEARPAWs I’d take: My Emmas to keep me warm traveling to and fro. Plus, they look sexy with a pair of shorts on the beach.

My next vacation: Detroit (brrr!) for a wedding.

My favorite travel memory: A road trip to Alberta, Canada, where we visited Waterton National Park, and I played a minor role in castrating bulls at my friend’s ranch.

My weirdest travel experience: Cancun. My brother didn’t want to dance, but he spotted a man named Sergio and told him he should ask me to dance. He did, and Sergio and I danced throughout the remainder of the trip. He’s got at least 15 years on me and he’s married, but his wife was relieved to not have to dance. Sergio and I have stayed in touch ever since.

When it comes to travel, everybody should: Live like a local.

Choose housing away from the touristy places, buy groceries and get to know the environment.

20 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 20

1/5/12 4:07 PM

Greetings From?

Recognize this vacation paradise?

Log onto our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BEARPAWshoes ) and take your best guess. Twenty winners, chosen at random, will receive a free pair of BEARPAWs. While you’re there, upload your favorite getaway photos and tell us what you loved about the places you’ve traveled. Inspire the rest of us to put it on our dream vacations list!

BEARPAWSHOES.COM 21

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 3

1/5/12 4:48 PM

4 BEARPAWSHOES.COM

bearpaw_workingGD.indd 4

1/5/12 11:09 AM