Zappos Blogs

Kaizen Thumb War

William B. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:25:43 GMT

Team Kaizen, representing our fabulous Customer Loyalty department and fully inline with our mission of continuous improvement, decided we were getting a little rusty on our ninja thumb skills. So, at Krissi's suggestion, we decided to have a little Kaizen Thumb War! Needless to say, it was a vicious and bloody affair...okay, not really, but we sure got in each other's faces about it! Here is the breakdown:

Round 1 – Jasime vs. Krissi
*Jasmine moves on
Round 2- Jasmine vs. Ernie
*Ernie moves on
Round 3 – Ernie vs. Jenny
*Ernie moves on
Round 4 – Ernie vs. Holly
*Ernie moves on
Round 5 – Ernie vs. Martha
*Ernie moves on
Round 6 – Ernie vs. Will
Ernie moves on and WINS!

So, congratulations to Ernie L., the Kaizen Thumb War Champion! Disclaimer: If any of you know Ernie and have seen his hands, you will realize this was not a fair fight. Sore losers?? You bet!

At this point, Kaizen decided it would be good to further humiliate me by highlighting my gross inadequacy in the battle of the thumb, so I went on to battle Krissi...and was ignominiously defeated. As I lamented by awful skills, Rob Seifker, who couldn't help but hear our antics, strolled over and asked to have a go. In the spirit of “Will's utter humiliation”, I was chosen to battle Rob...and subsequently lost. Let's go ahead and wrap this up now, but I just want everyone to know that I will have my sweet thumb revenge!

Happy Independence Day

Brett H. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:42:43 GMT

Today we at Zappos would like to wish everyone in the United States of America a Happy Independence Day! We hope that everyone is going to spend their day with friends and family and celebrate this nation that has done so much for all of us.

We would also like to extend a THANK YOU to all members of the United States Military who are fighting all over the world. We salute those souls whose selfless acts keep the rest of us safe from harm.

Happy 4th of July, America!

Beauty Tips: Does your Makeup Bag Need a Summer Makeover?

Sabah K. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:10:37 GMT

Whether you're heading out to the summer soiree on the beach or spending the weekend shopping outdoors, you'll need to keep your skin looking great under the hot sun. Many of us make the mistake of using the same makeup season after season, but doing this means you might be putting on the wrong shade of foundation, and outdated colors of eyeshadow and lip glosses. Here are some simple ways to give your makeup bag a much-needed summer makeover:

1. Pick out some cream eye shadow. Powdered eyeshadow is great for Fall and winter when you're not going to sweat as much, but warmer months call for something with a little more stay-put power. Cream eye shadows are your best bet for the season, because they will go on smooth and give you that powder shadow look without the fuss. These tend to stay in place for longer than the standard powder shadow, so you'll be able to put it on and forget about it!

2. Replace your blush with bronzing powder. Rosy red cheeks are great for the colder months, but summertime calls for some major bronzing action. Replace your usual blush with a bronzing powder duo, and you can highlight those cheekbones like the stars.

3. Trade lipstick for lip glaze. Summer makeup looks tend to be on the lighter, carefree side, so don't load on the rich lipsticks this season. Plump up those lips with some lip glaze or gloss instead, and you'll have kissable and smooth lips all season long. Look for products that contain oleic acid, vitamins and sun protection factor for a few extra lip-smacking benefits.

4. Go for the cat eyes, not smoky eyes. Smoky eyes still work well for the evening, but summer's hottest look is the chic and simple cat-eye. Trade your palette of eyeshadows and layers of eye makeup used to create the smoky eye look for a super-skinny eye liner that will help you achieve the perfect cat-eye in a flash.

5. Get your glow on with highlighting powder. Give your skin a midday refresher with some highlighting powder, instead of applying a fresh layer of foundation. These pressed powders will moisturize and tone your skin, take away any excess oil, and keep you looking fresh and youthful.

US Trivia

Melissa L. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:44:57 GMT

America's Independence Day is Saturday, and us at the Blog Team at Zappos.com thought it would be a grand idea to walk around the office asking random US Trivia questions (nothing too hard, just the basics) to see how many people could get them right.

Happy 4th of July!

Quicksilver at the Rideshop Expo

Melissa L. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:24:39 GMT

Quicksilver made their way to the Zappos.com Rideshop Expo to show off their new line of 2009 Summer kicks.

Day 794

Dr. Vik — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:07:24 GMT

Holidays...

Are made for us to Celebrate.

With our friends, our families and co-workers.

It is our time to relish what really matters in our life, when the clock is stopped with regard to our daily routines and tasks.

So let's all celebrate, as we are meant to do on this rare Saturday holiday commemorating the day of our Independence.

Independence Day represents more than we all could hope for, in more ways than one.

Yours in "Celebration" - Coach

Workout Tip of the Week: Say Goodbye to Your Inner Commitment-Phobe

Sabah K. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:48:20 GMT

Getting into the exercise habit is one of the biggest challenges of modern living. After all, how many of us can make time for regular workouts when we're juggling family schedules, keeping up with work deadlines and squeezing in just enough hours of R&R each week to enjoy it all?

The reality is that your workout won't really be effective until you keep up with some sort of schedule. And, scheduling = commitment, a scary word for some who would rather avoid the responsibility. So how do you get over this personal challenge? Here are some easy ways to say goodbye to your inner commitment-phobe, and start getting some results with your workout routine:

1. Write it down. Make yourself a personal contract and stick it on the refrigerator/hallway wall/inside of the front door so you can't miss it. Seeing your signature on a contract may be enough to prompt you to keep on keeping on.

2. Pack your bags. Don't give yourself the excuse to skip a workout because you don't have the gear. Pack your gym bag each night before your scheduled day so you can just grab it and go.

3. Meet up with friends. Having someone else hold you accountable for your 'gym appointment' can help you get over your fear of commitment, and increase the chances of future trips. Plan to meet someone you know and feel comfortable working out with at the gym, or even at a local park, so you can keep each other motivated.

4. Set a short-term goal. Some people clutch onto a fear of commitment because they think they might fail in the long run. When it comes to fitness, you can set achievable, short-term goals so that you can "see the light at the end of the tunnel" and work towards getting there. Short-term goals will eventually add up to long-term goals, so set some realistic goals and celebrate your milestones.

5. Set yourself up for a reward. Did you make it to the gym all three times this week? Reward yourself with a new outfit or a trip to the spa so you can celebrate your achievement. Incentives can help you overcome your fears and strengthen your commitment.

Celebrity Gossip: Babies and Bang-ups

Rebecca White-Glanders — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:36:57 GMT

Well, it's finally happened, and no one is surprised - Jon and Kate Gosselin of Jon & Kate Plus 8 are divorcing. Although the divorce filing was discovered by paparazzi early Monday, the actual announcement wasn't made until the "special" one hour show Monday evening. Kate, who filed for divorce, claims that Jon left her 'no choice'. The cold-hearted cheater and father of eight simply said he's "looking forward to a new chapter in (his) life". Worse still, Jon says the show will feature segments featuring Jon and the kids, and Kate and the kids, separately. In the meantime, TLC has wisely halted production of the show. If they're smart, they'll can it. If not, it should be almost physically painful to watch.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker have finally welcomed their twin girls, which were born via a surrogate. The couple, who are parents to James Wilkie, 5, resorted to a surrogate when they were unable to have another child without assistance.

Actor and beach bum Matthew McConaughey is set to be a father - again! McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves are already parents to little Levi, 11 months, who will be a big brother later this year. Congratulations to this adorable little family.

Much-hated celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has recently proved himself a big baby - and a hypocrite. Hilton and Black-Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am recently got in a face-to-face confrontation over Hilton's negative coverage of bandmate Fergie. The argument got pretty heated, but it appeared things were going to stay verbal - until Perez verbally attacked Will.i.am. Perez immediately got what he deserved with a big punch to the face, and then immediately complained about it on his Twitter account. While it's still up for debate who actually hit Hilton, GLADD is furious with him for using the offensive slur. But Perez isn't sorry, he's mad at GLADD, saying he is "saddened GLADD chose to victimize me further".

Television Shows with an Outdoor Setting: Gilligan's Island

Steve B. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:05:54 GMT

In many ways, "Gilligan's Island" was the prototype for the popular reality show "Survivor." During this now-classic 1960's sitcom, seven people from different backgrounds were stranded together on an island during a terrible storm and, like the reality show, they had to work together in order to survive.

After spending 14 years in almost total seclusion before finally making it back home, however, some things just didn't add up:

Practically every week, Gilligan messed up an opportunity for the castaways to leave the island for good. After about a dozen foul-ups, in real life, one of his shipmates would probably tied up Gilligan in his sleep so he couldn't cause more mischief.

Bob Denver, who played the title role in the series, made an appearance in the 1987 movie "Back to the Beach." In character as Gilligan, Denver lamented the fact that he spent years on an island with a guy who could make a nuclear reactor out of two coconut shells and a piece of string, but he couldn't fix a two-foot hole in a boat.

Though Skipper *Jonas Grumby*'s first love was his boat, the Minnow, Gilligan and Professor Roy Hinkley were young, single guys. How come, in 14 years, neither one of them married Ginger Grant or Mary Ann Summers?

Despite the fact that most of the Minnow's passengers overpacked for a "three-hour tour", after 14 years of salt-water washings, even the sturdiest fabrics are going to fade and fall apart. When they were finally rescued, though, Gilligan and the Skipper were wearing fresh-looking clothes.

What exactly did the castaways use for toilet paper, toothpaste and other hygiene products?

Despite the lack of logic, "Gilligan's Island" remains one of the funniest outdoor television shows ever made. Even 45 years after its debut, it still is fun to lace up a pair of deck shoes and watch one of the episodes on satellite.

Building a Wardrobe: Maternity Wardrobe Tips

Eisla Sebastian — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:51:48 GMT

If you are expecting a baby or if you are trying to get pregnant then you need to think about building a maternity wardrobe. This wardrobe will need to take you through the physical changes that your body will undergo during your pregnancy, as well as provide you with clothes to wear while you regain your figure after you deliver your baby. The clothing items that you select for your maternity wardrobe will also need to help you deal with some of the comfort issues that pregnant women have.

Footwear
While footwear may seem like a strange place to start when building a maternity wardrobe it is actually one of the first wardrobe items that will need to be updated when you get pregnant. When you are pregnant your feet swell and spread. It is because of this that you will want to buy footwear that will stretch and breathe as your feet expand.

Clogs, flipflops and slip on shoes all work well as pregnancy shoes, however, you will also want a good pair of walking shoes as well. In addition to selecting comfortable and expandable shoes you will also want to pick up high quality socks. Thick running socks will help keep your feet dry and cushioned, protecting them from pain that some pregnant women experience as their weight increases.

Bottoms
The wardrobe items for the bottom half of your body need to be stretchy and they need to include an extra-stretchy front panel to accommodate your expanding belly. When selecting bottoms for your maternity wardrobe you will want to look for natural fibers, material that has a solid color and cuts that will fit your height. You will most likely need to buy several sizes to accommodate you at the various stages of your pregnancy. Select neutral colors for your bottoms.

Tops
Maternity tops will be where you can have fun with colors and patterns. Remember to select tops that fit you at your shoulders and that then flare outward. During the early part of your pregnancy you will be able to wear normal tops, however, as your pregnancy enters the second trimester you will most likely need to buy maternity tops. Try to select tops that are not too trendy, so that you can use the tops during future pregnancies.