THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: CRYSTLE LAMPITT

FROM THE STUDIO TO THE SIDELINE AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN WE'VE LOVED HER GORGEOUS SMILE AND SWEET MIDWESTERN CHARM AND NOW WE GET THE CHANCE TO KNOW  CRYSTLE LAMPITT BETTER!!!

Thank you Crystle for allowing us to interview you!!!

We know you've followed the blog for a number of years.  

What you think about the blog?

I love the Booted Blog! It’s such an awesome, 
positive way to talk about women’s fashion, 
while also spotlighting the strong, successful, 
and empowered women in the media. 

Have you always been a Boot Lover?
When I moved to the States from Southeast Asia, 
I discovered boots as a necessity! At the time 
I was a kid and didn’t care much about fashion, 
but now I HAVE to have good boots to complete 
an outfit and for just plain practicality reasons.
 I love mixing it up now!

Do you always buy new Boots each fall 
when the new fashions come out?

No, sadly I love boots but can’t afford to 
buy new stuff each season. 
One day when I’m a millionaire!

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had?
What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel?

I love knee-high, stiletto-heeled boots! 
I also love little booties with a thicker heel. 
There isn’t a specific “dream boot” I’d like 
to have, but mainly just finding one 
that fits the right way (along the calves and 
everywhere else) feels like winning the lottery!

Is there any style of boots that women wear 
that you absolutely would not wear? Why?

I’m not a fan of go-go boots 
with the huge platform soles. 
Some women rock them, 
they’re just not for me. 
They look cheap and tacky on me. 

We've heard that you spent most of your childhood in Indonesia. That is so fascinating. Did you live in a big city or a smaller village? Were you on the island of Java?

I lived in a small mountain village called 
Salatiga! It was very underdeveloped at the time, 
but has since flourished. This town just got 
internet a few years ago so it’s still pretty 
behind the times, but the mountains, rice 
terraces, waterfalls, and the amazing food 
and people make it HOME for me.

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country 
in the world yet it seems like a lot of people 
in America don't know much about it. 
What can you tell us about Indonesia?

It’s breathtaking! It’s a must-see for your travel list. Bali is the most popular place for American tourists—and I would highly recommend visitors check it out if they’d like a nice dose of culture, spirituality, hospitality, and fun! It has something for everyone—hiking, yoga, nightlife, delicious food, and even dogs that run free! In Bali, dogs are sacred animals, so they are allowed to roam the streets. They are typically very peaceful dogs and the local take great care of them.

Are there good Indonesian restaurants in 
Kansas City?  Do you cook Indonesian 
food yourself?

There are no Indonesian restaurants in KC 
sadly, but my mom makes a mean Indo meal!

The Blog first met you about seven years ago 
when you were being introduced as the host of 
38 the Spot.  How did you come about getting that job?  What are some of the things 
you do with 38 the Spot?

I do a bit of everything! The job has morphed a lot over the years—it used to just be entertainment segments and commercials, then I became the Sporting Kansas City sideline reporter for a season and also contributed to the 7am and 4pm newscasts. I still do a lot with 38, including appearances on the weekends where you can find me speaking and interacting with the public to talk about our awesome contests, shows, and other local happenings. Plus, I host our live morning show, Kansas City Live on 41 Action News (38 and 41 are sister stations) on weekday mornings at 10. It is my favorite part of my job! I love meeting people in the community and sharing their stories. One of the best things about this job is getting to spotlight all the amazing people of Kansas City—especially our nonprofits that do such incredible social work. 

THANK YOU CRYSTLE FOR 
ALLOWING US TO INTERVIEW YOU!!!
IT WAS GREAT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
YOUR EXCITING AND STYLISH LIFE!!!

THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: KELLY NYBERG

HER FANTASTIC FASHION CREATED 

A BIG BUZZ THIS SEASON 

AFTER SHE BURST ON TO THE SCENE AS 

THE NEW CO-HOST OF MORNING BLEND.

NOW WE GET THE CHANCE TO KNOW

 KELLY NYBERG BETTER!!!

We know you've just become aware of the blog recently. 

What do you think of the Blog?

I find it fun to check out what other news 

personalities in the country are wearing.

It's a great way to keep up with what is 

"on trend" and to learn about other 

news markets in the U.S.

 

Are you aware that the Blog has a Hall of Fame 

and that the readers voted you in to the 

Hall of Fame in your first year of eligibility?

I am honored to be a part of the Boot Blog 

Hall of Fame in my first year! How fun!

I definitely would not have expected that, 

but it's neat to know that people 

appreciated my style and fashion choices...

especially because sometimes I take risks.

Have you always been a Boot Lover?

Yes! I always find it hard to put away

my boots every spring ...

and can't wait to pull them back out

again when fall hits.

Do you always buy new Boots each fall

when the new fashions come out?

Generally I buy at least one to two new pairs a year.

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had?

What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel?

I wish I had more boots in bold colors.

I love the classics - brown, tan and black ...

but I am a fan of wearing color and love 
to add a "pop" in my accessories. 

Next year - that will be my goal ... 
to get some more fun colors.

Is there any style of boots that women wear that

you absolutely would not wear? Why?

Combat boots do not look good on me. A few 

years ago they were pretty trendy and 

I did not find them flattering on me.

We read that after college you moved out to L.A.

and started working for the iconic

Entertainment Tonight television show.

I did. Right after college I moved out to LA 

for an internship with ET.

I was motivated by the fact that Mary Hart 

(who was the host at the time)

is from South Dakota and went to my college.

This is when I really formed 

my love of television hosting

After the summer internship, I was employed 
as an assistant in the wardrobe department,

which was fun. It was unlike anything 

I'd ever done before.

After Entertainment Tonight you went into 

acting, modeling, hosting, stand in work,

commercials, web shows and other endeavors 

for over 350 TV Shows/Movies? WOW!!!

Yes - my favorite experience was being a stand-in 
and body double for Selena Gomez on the 

"Wizards of Waverly Place" reunion.

I also had speaking roles on Nickelodeon's 

"iCarly" and "Sam and Cat"

and was a Cheerio cheerleader on "Glee."

I had so many amazing experiences, it can 

sometimes be tough to remember all of them.

I'm lucky I got to do many great things out there.

How old were you when you realized you 

wanted to be in front of the camera?

From a very young age my parents began 

to tell me that I am always "on stage."

I love being on camera - and being a television 

host is best...because I just get to be myself.

You are currently the Co-Host of Morning Blend 

Omaha.  Omaha is not too far from Sioux Falls. 

How great is it to be back close to your family?

Fantastic! After seven years in Los Angeles, 

it was so amazing to get back here and 

be near family. They are my best friends!

THANK YOU KELLY FOR THE INTERVIEW

AND FOR LETTING OUR READERS GET TO

KNOW MORE DETAILS FROM YOUR

FUN & FASHIONABLE LIFE!!!

THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: MELANIE ORLINS

After yesterday's interview with Amy Lutz 
The Booted Blog is BEYOND THRILLED to be able to 
bring you an interview with the other half of FOX 43's 
Morning Anchors Extraordinaire
MELANIE ORLINS!!!

Melanie, Thank you VERY MUCH 

for allowing us to interview you!!

What do you think of the Blog?  
Have you had a chance to look at it much? 
If so, have you looked to see what other women in the television industry are wearing,not only in boots, but in clothes in general?

I love the booted blog! Us ladies here at FOX43 tend to look at it
often. I find it to be a nice break to all the crime and sadness 
that we see in the news business. It's also great to see what other
women wear! Over the years, the look has drastically changed from blazers and pant suits… now to skirts and dresses. Unfortunately I have dozens and dozens of blazers in an array of colors that now spend dark days in the back of my closet, so it's always great to get new ideas.

I know most everyone on the FOX 43 Morning News  

has heard of the Blog, but have any of your 

other colleagues in the business mentioned 

the Blog to you?  

How about Friends and Family?

If so, what are their reactions to the Blog?

It's so funny because my friends sent me a link from the blog a 
couple months ago. They thought it was hilarious that I was featured on the "booted blog" and that there is a blog out there devoted to "booted news women"! So now, whenever I'm included in a post I share it with them and we all get a good laugh. I will say… the blog has made me really consider my boot collection! And I've had to make a few extra purchases this boot season so that I'm not always caught wearing the same three pairs :+) But hey, I'm not complaining!

Did you know that the Blog has a Hall of Fame 
and that you were elected in this year?
I did! I am very honored! :+)

Have you always been a Boot Lover?

I have! Thanks to the blog, my closet has expanded a bit. I grew up 
always owning boots, whether it was cowboy boots or rain boots.

Do you always buy new Boots each fall 

when the new fashions come out?

I do! However, the best pair of boots I've ever owned was a pair I bought for 20 bucks. Once I wore them out, I bought them again the next year for 10 dollars! I'd call that a win!

ED NOTE: We would call that a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN!!

Where are your favorite spots to shop for Shoes and Boots?

I'm a big fan of Nordstrom, although shoes can get pricy there… I always try to find a good sale. Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls… I'm always open for new spots to buy boots!

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had? 

What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel?

I envy those that have "over the knee" boots! I'd love to have a 
pair. Maybe I will consider buying them in the fall. I tend to 
gravitate toward black and brown boots, and nothing too high! 
I don't keep my balance well on stilts!

Is there any style of Boots that women wear 

that you absolutely would NOT wear? Why?

Nope! I tend to like all boots. However, some folks 
are better at pulling off certain styles than I am!

You live and work in Central Pennsylvania. 

What can you tell us about the area? 

How is it different than other places you have lived and worked?

Why do we want to come visit Central Pennsylvania?

Central Pennsylvania is amazing. I have been here for three years and love it. I came from North Dakota, where boot season is in full swing 9 out of the 12 months of the year (mostly snow boots). Before that, I was in Tallahassee, Florida where cowboy boots are a staple. In Pennsylvania, you get to experience every season and on top of that the scenery is breathtaking. I love the country. Here, you get a good mix of city, but take a 5 minute drive and you'll find green grass and rolling hills for miles.

We read that you were born and raised in Virginia "Wine Country"

What part of the state is that and what are 
some wines from there that we should seek out?

I was born in Loudoun County, Virginia… it's about a 30 minute drive from Washington D.C. and known as Virginia Wine Country. I've met some folks who say Virginia wine is better than California wine (I believe it, but I'm biased). There are dozens of wineries along the wine belt that you'll definitely want to check out if you're ever in the area. Bluemont Vineyard and Breaux Vineyard to name a couple!

For a time you worked in Grand Forks, North Dakota, 
not too far from the Blog's Minnesota headquarters.  
Did you ever fully adapt to the winter weather?

After covering a house fire with wind chills that reached negative 
60 degrees… no. And I don't think anyone there can truthfully say they do unless you're a born and bred North Dakotan/Minnesotan. However, you "adjust". I found myself rolling down the windows and turning on the AC on a 20 degree day after spending a month in negative temps. I miss it dearly, nothing is sweeter than life in the upper midwest… 
even if the weather is brutal!

Is the news business in Pennsylvania any different 

than other places you have worked?

Every place is different, yet the same.

How old were you when you knew this is what you wanted to do?

I was eight. I love to tell stories and I've always wanted to make a 
difference in people's lives, which I believe is why many of us get 
into this business. I've always been one of those people that knew 
the news business was for me!

What advice would you give a young person 
just starting out in the business? 

I would make sure they're in the business for the right reasons. 
Although the TV business may seem fabulous from the outside, working your way up to a decent shift takes a lot of sacrifice, motivation and moxie. You must have a strong backbone and a strong support system both emotionally and financially.

During your career in this business what types of 
reporting have you been most passionate about?

Anything that makes a difference in people's lives. Whether it is 
sharing a heartwarming homecoming that puts a smile on people's faces or exposing tax delinquencies and holding city leaders accountable… 
I enjoy sharing stories that make an impact for the better.

What’s the typical work day for you? 

Is part of the next day’s show planned before you leave, 
or do you only prepare the day of the show? 

My alarm goes off at 1:05am… then I quickly change, brush my teeth & hit the road! I get in at 2 and go through scripts, talking things over with our producers. We have a 3am meeting to discuss our plan for the morning… weather, traffic and what reporters are covering. After I read the 4 and 5 o'clock shows, I start to get ready (hair & makeup we do ourselves), fill up my coffee cup and hop on the desk! It's always a morning of multitasking as I have to review the scripts for the 6, 7 and 8 o'clock hours from the anchor desk. We have our morning show interviews booked in advance, but that is about it!

There's a Saturday Night Live skit where three cast members play morning show anchors shooting promos for the week. They're bright and cheery while the cameras are rolling but don't talk to each other in between takes. There's Definitely GREAT chemistry on the Fox 43 Morning News. You all seem to converse, laugh and smile easily, it doesn't appear contrived at all. Is that chemistry something that can be manufactured or does it just happen organically? And how great is it to work in an environment like that?

I am so lucky to have the job I do. Amy Lutz is one of my best 
friends, and she will be for the rest of my life. There is something about sitting next to someone who has the true values of journalism that these days, are so rare. We have a lot of fun on the morning show, which is why I think our show is so special. Things are so brutal in the world, I hope people can tune in, get their news, weather & traffic, and start their day with a smile.

I know it’s a broad term but what’s the best part of social media as it relates to your field?  Is there anything about social media that makes it more challenging to do your job?

Ask anyone on the street and they'll say "oh I saw that on Facebook or Twitter," it's very rare that people wait until the 5pm news to get their information. So much of what is going on in the world these days is learned on social media. It's often the first thing we check when waking up in the morning, so it has quickly become a popular tool that we use. We are constantly checking Facebook and twitter and posting about things that are coming up in our show or new breaking information we're learning. It has just added another element to our jobs, and it certainly keeps us on our toes, which is a good thing!

Is there anything that your viewers and fans don’t know 
about you that would really surprise them?

I'm not sure… we share a lot with the folks who watch our show! I feel like they know a lot about me! It's hard to hide that I have a massive sweet tooth and that I'm a big sports fan!
ED NOTE: We begrudgingly congratulate Melanie and all other North Dakota hockey fans for their victory in the NCAA tournament.

Last question. Not that you want to leave FOX43, but if someone offered you the choice of these four jobs,which one would you take?  

1) Host of the Today Show      

2) A reporter on 60 Minutes 

3) Cast member on Saturday Night Live 

4) Host of a Travel or Food Network Show

I'd have a hard time choosing between #1 & #2. Anchoring the news is a very high honor, but it's the people you meet and the stories you share as a reporter that makes the job rewarding.

THANK YOU Melanie, VERY VERY MUCH, 

for taking the time for this interview.

THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: AMY LUTZ

What a special privilege to be able to interview 
one of the Blog's best friends and biggest supporters, 
AMY LUTZ of Fox 43 in Central Pennsylvania!!!!
Amy is so SWEET and  SINCERE and we are all 
VERY FORTUNATE to be able to get to know her better

Amy, Thank you VERY MUCH for allowing us to interview you!! What do you think of the Blog? Have you had a chance to look at it much? If so, have you looked to see what other women in the television industry are wearing,not only in boots, but in clothes in general? 
 I think it's safe to say that my co-anchor Melanie and I look at the blog almost every day. I have never been great at fashion, so it really helps for me to be able to see what other journalists are wearing across the country. 

 I know most everyone on the FOX 43 Morning News has heard of the Blog, but have any of your other colleagues in the business 
mentioned the Blog to you? How about Friends and Family? 
If so, what are their reactions to the Blog? 
I was at a funeral (true story) when a family member asked me if I had gotten any new boots lately. They said I was "famous on the web"! I'll admit that there are mornings I'm feeling absolutely awful and seeing a photo of us with the kindest headline will change my entire mood around. There is so much negativity in this world and we are constantly criticized, so it really is nice to see positive words for a change. 

Did you know that the Blog has a Hall of Fame 
and that you were elected in last year?
I did know!  It was one of my proudest moments! haha!  
This blog is so bad for my bank account! :+)

Have you always been a Boot Lover? 
I have always loved boots, but unfortunately I couldn't wear them until 2007 because my calves were too big! I've lost around 40 lbs since then, and even though many boots still don't fit my gigantic muscles (probably from figure skating), there are a few that do! 

Do you always buy new Boots each fall when the new fashions come out? 
 I tend to keep boots for years because it's so hard for me to find ones that fit! I love to splurge on a pair or two every year but I definitely hold onto them for as long as I can. If money grew on trees, I'd probably shop for them more often! 

Where are your favorite spots to shop for Shoes and Boots? 
 I love a good bargain, so I'm always checking out stores like Marshalls and TJ MAXX. That being said, my favorite pair ever came from the Victoria Secret's catalog! Who knew!? 

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had? 
 What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel? 
Why, are you buying? :+)
 Any boot with at least a 3-4 inch heel because I'm only 5 feet tall! 

Is there any style of Boots that women wear that 
you absolutely would NOT wear? Why? 
I love booties, but do you know what doesn't look good in those? My massive calves! :+)  The taller the boots, the more coverage of my legs, so the more comfortable I am! I honestly wish I could wear boots every day of the year. 

You live and work in Central Pennsylvania. What can you tell us about the area? How is it different than other places you have lived and worked? 
Why do we want to come visit Central Pennsylvania? 
I've also worked in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina but PA is where I was born and raised, so it will always be home. You should visit Central PA for it's rich history and gorgeous scenery. Gettysburg is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places I've ever been. I'm a city gal, so I find this area to be extremely peaceful. 
I live near cornfields, how cool is that?? 

Is the news business in Pennsylvania any different 
 than other places you have worked? 
Nope. Same job, different state. News in general has drastically changed over the last 5-10 years, but I don't believe it makes a difference where you are. 

How old were you when you knew this is what you wanted to do? 
When I was little I wanted to be Connie Chung in the worst way. However it wasn't until after my freshman year that my father suggested I pursue journalism because I had always excelled in writing and English. I studied print and radio in college and I probably would not have believed you if you had told me back then that I would end up doing TV news. I'm so grateful my dad was able to steer me in the right direction! 

What advice would you give a young person 
just starting out in the business? 
 Never give up and always believe in yourself. Be flexible, open to constructive criticism, work extremely hard and be willing to take the small market jobs right out of school. The experience you will gain there, will prove to be invaluable in your career. 

During your career in this business what types of reporting 
have you been most passionate about? 
 I sit on the executive boards of 2 non-profits that that deal with abuse. Children and Youth Advocacy Board, and Turning Point, a place where adults can learn to heal from childhood sexual abuse. This topic sits near and dear to my heart, and I believe telling the stories of these brave survivors help to educate the public about abuse. 

What ís the typical work day for you? Is part of the next day's show planned before you leave, or do you only prepare the day of the show? 
 My alarm goes off at 12:50am and I try to be at work by 1:45am. I hate being rushed, so I try to get in a little early so I can take my time getting my hair and makeup done. (it's not easy looking somewhat put together at that crazy hour of the morning!) Then we go through our shows and edit scripts before having our morning meeting at 3:15 to discuss the morning's events. Before you know it, it's 4 am- and we are on the air until 9 am! We tape some promos after the show and then get to go home around 10. I then get to spend all day with my little 2 year old girl, and we both go to sleep around 6:30! 

There's a Saturday Night Live skit where three cast members play morning show anchors shooting promos for the week. They're bright and cheery while the cameras are rolling but don't talk to each other in between takes. There's Definitely GREAT chemistry on the Fox 43 Morning News. You all seem to converse, laugh and smile easily, it doesn't appear contrived at all. Is that chemistry something that can be manufactured or does it just happen organically? And how great is it to work in an environment like that? 
Many people will disagree with me, but I believe that chemistry can absolutely be faked. It's definitely not easy, and not everyone is capable of it, but it's very possible. I LIVED that Saturday Night Live skit at one point in my career, and it was not fun. Everyone thought we were the best of friends, which sadly was far from the case. Situations like that make you appreciate great co-workers even more. I literally thank God every day for my co-anchor Melanie. We have such solid mutual respect for each other's journalistic capabilities and we always have each other's back. Having a team you love and admire makes this thing called life, so much easier!!!! (Because let's face it, we see our co-workers way more than our own family members!) 

We saw a video from this past winter of you and Traffic Anchor Chris Garrett singing a duet of the song "Baby, it's cold outside". Was that REALLY you two singing? OMG, it was terrific!! Do either of you sing professionally? Have you thought of doing so?    

Oh man, you're hilarious! I come from a family of musicians, so music has always been a huge part of my life. I also married a broadway actor who legitimately has the best voice I've ever heard, so I leave the professional singing to him. I did grow up in the theater world, (I actually met my husband at theater camp when I was 13) but now I typically keep my mediocre singing to the shower. 

We have read that you are very involved in the community. What charities are you involved with and why should someone who is reading this, become involved in volunteering in their community? 
 I've been involved with a ton of charities over the years, but naming them is not as important as this message: Giving feels better than getting. I've been extremely blessed in life, so I try to do as much as I possibly can to give back. Gratitude helps encourage me to find new and better ways to use my job to make other people's lives better.

We know it ís a broad term but what ís the best part of social media as it relates to your field? Is there anything about social media that makes it more challenging to do your job? 
Facebook has made it much easier for people to tell you what they hate about you. That was definitely difficult to get used to and still is never really fun. The best part of social media is the ability to connect to our viewers on a much more personal level that we can't do during our broadcasts. It helps give us a better feel of the community as well, to really get a pulse of what's important to our viewers. 

Is there anything that your viewers and fans 
don't know about you that would really surprise them? 
I think when viewers meet me in person they are 
surprised at how little I am. I'm only 5 feet tall. 

Last question. Not that you want to leave FOX43, but if someone offered you the choice of these four jobs,which one would you take? 
 1) Host of the Today Show 
 2) A reporter on 60 Minutes 
 3) Cast member on Saturday Night Live 
 4) Host of a Travel or Food Network Show 
Hmmm. I'm honestly not sure I would want any of those jobs! I've always been a realist, so I've never really had any crazy dreams of being a national superstar journalist. I've only ever wanted to do what I love for as long as I can, wherever that may be! 

THANK YOU Amy, VERY VERY MUCH, for taking the time for this interview.