On Tuesday, I had an <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/" target="_blank"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.

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My feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!

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Originally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.

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My word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/" target="_blank">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.

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Romeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He's incredibly thoughtful that way.

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I then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio's original suggestion.

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I decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn't find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn't sell boots where someone's sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.

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Yesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.

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[caption id="attachment_9149" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-9149" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />[/caption]

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I have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .

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WOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.

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Who wouldn't want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?

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Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!

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<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150" rel="attachment wp-att-9150"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>

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I think I'm almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.

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I found some great clearancsweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.

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And if I'm still cold after all that, I've got my Love to keep me warm.

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