Spring Cleaning-Shoe Organization

It is purge time at our house as it probably is in many houses.  I love Spring Cleaning time.  It is out with the old and bring on the new.  Well not exactly but something like that.  My husband does not agree with me about bringing in the new.

How is your shoe game?  I have so many pairs of shoes.  Let me show you how many pairs of heels

I have on my floor.  Yes, my floor.  Like the songs says, kick off your shoes and relax your feet...

Organizing my shoes is on my list for this Spring cleaning.  Here are some tips that helped me:

1)  Check your shoes.  I had not realize how many shoes I had that were in such bad condition.  I remember having a pair of shoes I said I was going to get repaired and guess what?  They stayed in the same bag for ever. 

2)  Out with the old.  If they are not in good condition, let them go.  If they are repairable, do it within the same week.  If not toss them.  Donate.  There are several organizations that will take your donations.  Donations are tax-deductible.

3)  Organize.  After you have checked your inventory, gotten rid of the old, now it is time to organize.  I have a cool rack in my closet.  I like to stack my shoes but I have to keep them in their original boxes.  When the shoes are kept in the box, it is harder to know exactly what shoe is in there sometimes.  If you take them out of the box, not all of my shoes fit. 

Find a solution that works with your space. 

Thanks to Shoe Slotz for sending me a sample of their product for review. 

Shoe Slotz storage units will help double your space.  You can see the shoes you are looking for.  They fit any size and type of shoe (even my husband's).  They also work in different spaces.  This is our other shoe rack.  I told you, I have a lot of shoes.

I like that I do not have to keep the boxes anymore.  I like that each pair of shoes is visible.  Now I can find the shoes I want to wear easily.  I will be picking up more of the Shoe Slotz. 

Shoe Slotz are available in a 6-piece set for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

For more information, go to www.shoeslotz.com.

Fitness Friday-Running Shoes

So before I became very involved with running, I always looked at running as an athlete sport only for those in shape.  i.e. not me!!  So when the thought of me running was brought up, I laughed.  Really hard.  But when I did it I felt great!  Accomplished.

Then I started to love it.  I ran as much as I could.  I started slow, small mileage, and many days of rest in between.  But soon I found out that running like any sport will need to be done with the proper shoes.  If you do not have the proper shoes you will not be ready.  I found out fast that I needed real running shoes in order to keep up with as much running as I was doing.  So what do to:

Every runner should go to a shoe store where they can be fitted for the correct running shoes for them.  Why?

Because if you are wearing the wrong shoes, you can-

-get black toe nails
-nails break and crack
-blisters all over feet
-numbness
-make you want to stop running from all of the above and you could hurt yourself...

I suffered from blistered right at the beginning.  I tried switching shoes.  My feet would get numb while running.  My toe nails would hurt alot.  I needed to get some kind of relief if I was going to continue...

I went to a store that actually has a treadmill with a camera attached to it.  You run with your current shoes and they watch you.  They showed me the video of my running.  I actually do not run correctly and need shoes that help correct that.  Also, I was running in the wrong size shoe.  I was normally a size 6.5 but when they measured my feet, they suggested a 7.5.  See when you run, especially long distances your feet swell.  They need room to expand.  Running shoes are not like everyday shoes but that is what I was treating them like.  They selected different shoes for me to try and I ran around the store and on the treadmill.  They showed me the difference and the video said it all.  I bought those shoes and I have no complaints now.  Other than, I wish I was faster...lol.  Also,

Shoes wear out, so replace your shoes often if you are consistently running in them.

Your feet are your tools for running.  The shoes are protection they need to work properly.  Your feet will thank you.  Take care of your feet, they are yours for life!

***CLOSED***Pediped Giveaway

So I did not remember having this much trouble finding shoes to fit my son.  My daughter's feet are chunky.  She is also learning to walk.  I have been looking for shoes that will help her, support her, and last her. 

Hazel Chocolate Brown Grip ‘n’ Go™


Baby, it’s cold outside! Hazel is the perfect boot for chilly weather. Your little one’s feet will stay warm and comfy in these luxurious brown suede boots. •Suede upper

•All natural rubber sole

•Comfortable boot style with Velcro strap

•Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development
Technology

G2 Technology™ includes a specialized soft rubber sole, rounded edges that mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot, heel stability, and a soft toe box that allows toes to curl and grip the floor.

Children’s feet need to last them a lifetime, so it’s important to start taking care of them from birth. That’s why pediped® designed the pediped® footwear system to protect your child’s feet—all the way from crawling to those first amazing steps and into childhood.

My thoughts-My daughter loves her boots.  They are super comfortable.  They are soft.  Check out the bottoms with the Grip & Go.  They snap on.  They are not heavy.  They are perfect for this weather.  They are great on her feet and they do not slip off like others we have tried.

Do you want some Pediped shoes for your kiddos?  Check out these specials:

I have a giveaway.  1 lucky reader will win a pair of Pediped

How to enter:

1)  Go to Pediped and tell me which pair you like and why? (mandatory-1 entry)
2)  Be a follower.  (mandatory-1 entry)
3)  Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share/per day)
4)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Enter to #win @pedipedfootwear @independentmami #giveaway ends 12/28 http://tinyurl.com/b2ukeuz


This giveaway ends 12/28/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  You MUST leave your email in your comment or comment will not count.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-My daughter received this boots to review.  Pediped has been Lil Bit tested and Independentmami approved.  These are our honest opinions.