Organizing All Those Shoes

If someone was to ask me to name some of the big differences between a house without children and a household with children, I would have to say the abundance of shoes in a family scene is a dead giveaway. I had no idea when I got into this parenting world nearly two decades ago that such a huge chunk of my time would be dedicated to managing shoes. Maybe it is partly because we live in such an affluent country and most of us have multiple pairs of shoes. I am not a big shoe freak and even I … Continue reading

What’s the Big Deal About Shoes?

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had to deal with shoe-related parenting issues in the past 18 years, I would probably be a very rich and comfortable woman. From trying to get shoes on them when they are baby (and finally giving up on that one), to trying to keep them in shoes that fit, to finding shoes they will actually wear, to picking up the shoes laid strewn about, to finding lost soccer cleats and missing shoes—whew! Should I go on? If someone would have told me that 25% of my time as a parent was … Continue reading

“But I’ve Just Gotten Them Broken In!”

My son does not like change. His personality is such that he likes to keep things simple, comfortable and predictable. He likes some surprises, but he also likes routine. He is not someone I see as going out into the world and taking on all sorts of daring adventures and risks, he tends to really value good friends and family and it has been fun watching as he grows more and more into himself. HOWEVER, the downside is that his avoidance of change means getting him to get a new pair of shoes, a new coat, or even get his … Continue reading

Hollywood Baby Business

Just in time for the holidays Hollywood celebs are swaddling their greatest gifts… babies, babies, babies. Up first, former Sopranos star Drea de Matteo is a new mom. According to her rep, the actress gave birth to a baby girl, Alabama Gypsy Rose, Wednesday night. Alabama’s daddy is de Matteo’s musician boyfriend of six years, Shooter Jennings (the son of the late country legend Waylon Jennings). The new bundle of joy is the first child for the couple. In a few months, perhaps, baby Alabama can hook up for a playdate with Lou Diamond Phillips’ new daughter. Phillips and his … Continue reading

Weight a Minute! Dress for Success at the Gym

I have no weight gain or loss to report to you. I’ve decided not to get on the scale until after boutique season is over for me – my gain after the last boutique was disheartening and I’ve decided to simply do the best I can and not worry too much about it until the beginning of December. Therefore, I have nothing to say. What I’d like to share instead are some things I’ve found to be very true about working out. The way you dress makes all the difference. 1. Wear thick enough socks. I have several pairs of … Continue reading

Shopping in the Big Apple—Food and Shoes

Life should be so simple… Food and shoes, what more could a girl ask for? (Okay… diamonds, but I’m working with a budget here.) With the holidays fast approaching the streets of New York City will soon be chock full of men, women, and children on the hunt for the perfect gift. As such, I’ve decided to list a few of my favorite Big Apple haunts. I started with this blog and am slowly adding a few more as we enter the gift-giving season. The following retailers offer two items that are essential to any woman’s life—-chocolate and shoes: Jacques … Continue reading

Shoe Saver Ideas

Want to keep your shoes and sneakers looking great? You’ll be less tempted to buy new ones before the old ones wear out if you keep them clean and attractive. These ideas work especially well for kids sneakers, since kids tend to be really hard on their footwear. Ever tried to get play dough or gum off of their shoes? Some show saver ideas involve proper maintenance. Here are some tips you can use to save those shoes. For the play dough or gum problem, or just general scuff marks, try using a tablespoon of a “soft scrub” type cleanser. … Continue reading

UTIs and Your Shoes

What makes a person susceptible to a urinary tract infection? Many times, there is no obvious reason for a UTI. A urinary passage may be partially blocked, or bacteria may spread from the lower bowel or from the vagina during intercourse. Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection, thanks to hormonal and physical changes. One other factor? Your shoes. If you wear high heels frequently, you could be putting yourself at risk for a urinary tract infection! Here’s why: wearing high heels can make your pelvis tilt forward and your back curve outwards. This can … Continue reading

Look Who’s Designing Now

I guess she needed some way to pass the time now that her days cavorting with Jude Law are over… Yes, it seems actress Sienna Miller has another day job—-fashion designer. Miller (along with her sister Savannah) has created a clothing line, which is being sold at upscale Bergdorf Goodman. Twenty8Twelve by s. miller is not just for waif-like body types, according to the willowy star. Miller says the collection caters to a variety of body types. She says the line is made up of “fashionable clothes for all different sorts of confident women.” Count her sister Savannah among the … Continue reading

So Much For The ShoeScanner

I was really rooting for this machine. As I mentioned in a previous blog I travel with a young child and had really hoped the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would be able to work out the kinks with the ShoeScanner they were testing at a Florida airport. I happen to be one of the airline passengers who had hoped to someday go through airport security without having to take my shoes off. The ShoeScanner was supposed to make that happen. For those of you who are not familiar with the security device it was supposed to work like this: Passengers … Continue reading