If you’ve had a chance to take take a peek at our Core Values, toured our Offices or Warehouse , or seen any of our Videos , you already know Zappos is unlike any other company. We filmed this video to show to our New Hire groups when Tony, Fred and Alfred are out of the office. Although I wish it was used more, I’m happy to say that Alfred, Tony and Fred have yet to miss an opportunity to talk to a new hire class since the video was made more than 6 months ago!

I am safe back in the office after a week in the big city, helping to re-launch the Rockport DresSports during the New York City Marathon. It was a great week, and below is a recap through the eye of my trusty Flip video. Thanks again to Rockport, and there is a lot more footage to come of our Grand Central Event! Also, CLICK HERE to enter the Run Rockport Run Sweepstakes!

Take it away….um…video!

Falling into this season with the top boot trends for 2009. Featuring top brands such as KORS Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson and Stuart Weitzman. So get your boot-ie on, take that paycheck, and fill up your shopping cart at www.Zappos.com.
Xoxo
Alana and Jenn (aka BABS)

When it comes to Customer Loyalty, Jeanne Bliss knows when it’s being done right, or even done wrong. Her new book “I Love You More Than My Dog“ is all about companies that use Customer Service as a tool to gain and retain customers. Tony tells Jeanne how the Zappos Core Values came about, and how they have helped to drive and amplify the Zappos culture.

Our Blogger Brett H. just got back from the great city of New York after spending a week with the good people from Rockport. Friday morning, they officially relaunched the DresSport, their dress shoe that is truly as light and comfortable as an athletic shoe. To prove their point, they had 8 people running in the NYC Marathon on Sunday wearing the DresSports! Also, CLICK HERE to enter the Run Rockport Run Sweepstakes!

Below is more video from our Rockport/Zappos event on Thursday in Grand Central:

What could be more comforting in the fall than stew? Also, what could be more affordable? A large batch of stew can be served for a couple days and the leftovers can be frozen for a quick meal a couple weeks later. While it may be tempting to grab a can of stew at the grocery store, homemade stews are far superior and much more affordable. This week, let’s save some money by making a big batch of stew.

First of all, if you haven’t already got a large soup pot , now’s the time to invest in one. Large soup pots are great for pasta, soup, dumplings, and so much more. During the cold winter months you’ll find yourself using a soup pot quite often.

Another great purchase is a slow cooker. Slow cookers are perfect for small batches of stews. More importantly, slow cookers allow you to cook your stew all day so that it’s ready when you get home.

Last, but not least, go on the hunt for delicious recipes. There are cookbooks devoted to soups and stews, but free recipes are easily found online. You can even join online groups to find even more recipes. Of course, you know that I can’t write this blog without giving you a delicious recipe to start out with.

Easy and Lean Beef Stew

Serves 6 – 8

8 cups low sodium beef stock

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 pounds sirloin beef tips, trimmed of fat

1 pound of baby carrots, cleaned

1 pound of baby Dutch potatoes, cleaned

2 large onions, chopped

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoon cornstarch

Water

Fill a four quart slow cooker with the beef stock and tomato paste. Stir long enough to dissolve the tomato paste.

Add the beef and vegetables.

Season with pepper and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with enough water to create a slurry and add to the stew.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until the stew thickens.

Serve with crusty French bread and a side salad.

We’re Sorry Heaven, Thank you for being such a good sport :)

It’s our favorite time of the year, Halloween costume contest season!
Which Costume is your favorite?