You’ve probably heard the same remarks: “It’s just a step-up from Payless,” or “I’ve never seen so many shoes in my life.” It was Jocelyn’s recent comment that really got us curious: “It’s a fabulous place in which I can spend hours trying on all kinds of shoes,” she wrote. Hours? Really?

So we got all sleuth-like and did some investigating of DSW (1132 E. Fort Union Blvd.) on our own—because, to be fair, Payless has been coming up with some pretty good stuff as of late and Jocelyn has pretty great shopping sense.

Here’s what we found on the website: “Typical DSW stores have over 30,000 pairs of shoes in more than 2,000 styles displayed on the selling floor. Our vast selection assures customers that they are highly likely to find styles they are seeking in the size they need. Our self service format allows customers to view, touch, and try on the product to their heart’s content. And, with weekly deliveries of new styles, there’s always something to discover.”

And we liked what we found in store, too: We saw red patent-leather skimmers from Steve Madden, pointy and patterned slides by Mia, as well as styles ranging from not-so-pricey to more-like-designer from Dollhouse, Hype, Nina, Mia, BCBG, Charles David, Enzo Angiolini, and Ann Klein, to name a few.

Be prepared to look—maybe even for a few hours—but one is likely to be rewarded for logging in hours at DSW.

Perhaps your resolution was to make 2007 the year to get serious about you. To begin investing some of your time and energy (and yes, probably some cash) in developing your one-of-a-kind talents or oddball skills that need fine-tuning. It’s the year to try your hand at pottery. To start staining glass. To pick up belly dancing or the accordion or both. To start doing whatever tickles your creative fancy. It’s all about you, in 2007.

The New Year means registration is open for many a Continuing Ed course. The class we will (hopefully) be heading back to the classroom for is “Toy Cameras” offered by the University of Utah. We’ve been crazy about Holgas ever since this guy who shot both of our weddings used one. Ali liked its effects so much, she opted to insert a Holga print with her wedding invitations.

For $65 (and the purchase of a Holga) you can “free yourself from your dependence on technology, precision, and sharpness as you learn to embrace the imperfections of the toy camera.” Plus, you’ll get to be a rebel: “This class will be an exercise in rule breaking and will give you a new perspective on your own photography. Learn to lose control and see the world in a whole new light!”

Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? Learn more about the Holga here.