Dear Ms. Thomas – I love shoes; just can’t get enough.� I crave them!� The trouble is I can’t organize them.� Do you have any tips?� I’m desperate;� I have a lot of shoes (expensive shoes).� I would like to be able to see them but when I put them out, on display in my closet, they get dusty.� Since my appetite for shoes is not likely to be satisfied anytime soon, do you have any creative organizing ideas? – Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

Don’t despair, the� “shoe chef” is here!� (Get it?� Sounds like sous chef.)� My suggestion is to organize your shoes the gourmet way.� � Below are photos of the chic, fashionable shoe boxes I used to organize my very own shoes.� Each lavender box has a 4 x 6 frame where a photo of the shoe can be inserted.� The insides of the boxes are a deep eggplant-purple; yummy!

These boxes are a d’lish serving of sole food; sturdy, glossy, pretty and uber functional.� If photographing your shoes sounds too labor-intensive you can write a description of the shoe on a card (included with each box) and organize them that way.

Another idea is to write a description of the shoe and a list of the outfits the shoe can be worn with.

If you want more information on these boxes, let me know via email.� I’ve cooked up a deal with the creator of the boxes and have them for sale.� To contact the vendor directly go to: closetfetish.com

Like most parents, sisters Laura and Julie struggled to find a healthy balance between all of their commitments, family and ‘me’ time. Bogged down with the stress of too much to do and not enough time to do it, these two moms with six children between them sought out to simplify their lives.

From their fast-past lives, an idea was born to launch a company focused around products that make life easier for women. Product #1? The Azula, a stylish neoprene mat you place at the edge of the pool so that your bathing suit doesn’t snag when you sit poolside.

Whether you’re sporting a $20 Target special or the hottest find (splurge!) from vivre, suits with snags look unattractive. The Azula solves the snag problem for you. Plus, it’s easy to add to the pool or beach bag (sand doesn’t stick to it!), simply roll and tie it.

Visit www.myazula.com to learn more and buy.

I love new clothes. I love the feeling I have when I am wearing something new, hip, and on trend. I look at the mannequins in the windows of the stores, dressed head to toe in the latest fashions and I want it all; outfit, shoes, bag, and accessories. I watch the style shows and click on the internet links that tout their list for “must haves” for the season. I wish I could take most of last year’s clothes out and bring all new clothes into the closet. What fun! What a fantasy!

Now for the reality; I can’t afford to do that.

So, what is a girl to do? I want to look new and fresh this summer, but I want to do it to fit my budget. Here is my list of do’s and don’ts:

Do: Shop your closet first

Before you set foot in the mall or your favorite store, even before you start loading up your online shopping cart, go through your entire closet, and make sure you try on your clothes that are in question.

Keep: Those items that you truly love
Donate/Give away/Sell: The items that are good, but not right for you
Toss: Items that are truly not good for anyone

Once you have a whittled down closet, it is time for the next “Do.”

Do: Shop with a list

Truly look at what you need first. A new crisp white T-Shirt can make any outfit look new again. You don’t have to go designer, look for a good fit and quality material. Make sure you think about your lifestyle when you are making your list; what types of clothes do you really need. Often the biggest clutter offenders are impulse purchases. Sure there will be times when you need to waver from the list, but having a list is just a small insurance policy to help keep you on track.

Do: Use a budget

Some find it easier to use cash, and some can find the same restraint when using a debit/credit card. My only concrete suggestion is to know exactly what you have to spend before stepping foot in the store, and sticking to that budget! Need help? Ask a good friend to help you, and I said “GOOD” friend to “HELP” you. Your favorite shopping buddy may not have what it takes to help you show restraint!

Do: Balance out need versus want

Oh, the vast difference that lies between our desires and our needs. Often times our “wants” today will come at the cost of our “needs” for tomorrow. Shop with a plan and know the cause and effects of your purchases. Gain control over your spending and you will notice a feeling of control over your life and your future!

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Don’t: Get caught up in designer everything

The general rule of thumb is to buy inexpensive those trendy items that are just that… a trend. Buy classics that are good quality. Regardless, stick to your budget.

Don’t: Stockpile

If it’s on sale, stock up on it, right? It sounds innocent enough. You know you are going to use it eventually, so why not spend a little extra now, to save a lot down the road. Here’s the problem. I have discovered some people have turned stocking-up into an obsession. Filling cabinets, closets, attics, basements, and even entire rooms with “just in case I need it” items. Now, this is not to say that I think buying ahead of time is a bad idea, I just encourage a plan.

Don’t: Buy without trying

Just because it is in your size, does not mean that it will look good on you. Seriously, take a few moments and visit the dressing room. If you are online shopping make sure you check the return policy first. There are quite a few retailers that offer online shopping with in-store returns. I cannot even begin to tell you the tally of all the clothes with tags I have seen hanging while organizing clients’ closets.

Don’t: Don’t just shop the back of the store

Ah, yes… the back of the store, the penny pincher’s nirvana… This is the area where all the clearance items have found themselves. Now, I am not going to lie to you and say that I never step foot in the back of the store, because I do. But as I said before, if you have a plan or a list, you will be looking for something particular, not just a bargain. I have seen my share of “good deals” hanging unworn in closets, and stuffed in client’s cabinets! It is a waste of valuable real estate to store a retailer’s unwanted merchandise in your closet, regardless of the savings off of retail, if you never wear/use it!! A real eye-opener is when I tally up some of these “bargains” and clients’ see how much they spent while “bargain shopping.”

Don’t: Wishful hope purchase

Two years ago I was given the greatest pair of khaki pants. I loved looking at them in my closet, touching them, and dreaming about when I could zip them up without belly muffin top. After a few months of careful eating finally one day I took them out of the closet and they zipped, and looked brilliant, until I looked in the full length mirror. These pants that I had been holding onto for inspiration to drop 7 pounds were about 2 inches too short. I was so focused on where they didn’t fit, that I really didn’t look to see if they would ever fit in other areas. And I was one of the lucky ones; I actually got those pants to fit where they once hadn’t. I cannot even tell you how many “positive thinking” clothes I have seen in people’s closets. Only purchase clothes that actually fit, not might fit if you weren’t bloated or hadn’t gained those extra 5/10/20 pounds. Don’t purchase clothes as an incentive to reach your weight loss goal. Instead, tear a picture out of a magazine of an outfit you want to purchase once you lose the weight or better yet, buy yourself a gift card that is to be used once you hit goal. That is a much better incentive.

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Just remember, nothing feels better than contentment and joy. These new clothes make some pretty big claims; that you will be better if you look better. Clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories are just the shell. Trying to live a life that you are not (buying items that you cannot afford) will not transform you. New things, better things, are not a replacement for a happy soul. If you don’t have the money for an updated wardrobe, update your life with friends, family, and laughter.

Betsy

Five years ago, two moms, Amy and Michelle, were chatting over dinner and laughing about balancing family, friends and work while keeping their sanity intact. Michelle’s designer diaper bag had milk stains all over it and receipts and diapers were falling out all over the restaurant floor.

Wanting something that looked good and matched her personality, Michelle had purchased the bag only weeks before when her attempts to find a stylish bag that also functioned well came to a halt. “I was not willing to give up my identity and style just because I had a baby,” says Michelle.

The conversation eventually moved to baby bags and how the contents of their diaper bags were a reflection of their lives: keys, diapers, day-planner, crumpled receipts, cell phones, cracker crumbs. Their diaper bags were not only a collection of baby items, but of items typically stored in their purses.

In an effort to streamline, the women found that their diaper bags had replaced their purses and briefcases as a catch-all for everything that needed carrying.

The baby bag discussion turned towards products. Amy, a product marketer, and Michelle, a working mom, lamented that diaper bags typically fell into two categories: functional or stylish (and ne’er the twain shall meet). So, a few cocktail napkin sketches later and the design for the first Amy Michelle bag was underway: stylish, functional, and made for both baby and mom.

“The bag had to transfer from work to school to play dates to a night out because today’s mom does not have time to change her bag each time she changes where she is going, ” says Michelle. “We actually went to a purse-manufacturing factory to have our bags sewn so that they resemble purses more than diaper bags.”

Fast forward to today and the Amy Michelle product line-up consists of eight different styles (grouped into Classic Baby Bags, Chic Baby Bags and Street Baby Totes) each of which contain a section for baby and – hooray – a section for mom.

The baby section of each bag contains a washable changing pad, internal and external bottle pockets, compartments for diapers and wipes, a stroller attachment and a quick release pacifier holder. The mom section has credit card/ID slots, a large compartment for typical purse contents and an easy to find key ring.

The best part about these bags is that they combine function with style without giving up their utility as a diaper bag. Baby or not, many of the bags (and definitely Clever Parents favorite Sweet Pea in red patent pictured above) easily doubles as a chic weekender. Now that’s clever.

Learn more about the Amy Michelle line and where to find them at www.amymichellebags.com

First it was Spanx, a nylon solution created by the Sara Blakely and adored by Oprah to smooth out rear ends across the nation. Now, two fashion-savvy northern California moms have solved another fashion faux pas: the exposed derriere.

Whether it is the backpack toting teen, a bright pink thong peeking out of her low-rise jeans or the young mother bending over to pick up her toddler, most would agree that “southern exposure” is a growing problem.

Best friends Christine Meeks and Kelly DeSerpa have created a solution that has created such Internet buzz it has been dubbed “the holiday must-have and must-give” by bloggers across cysperspace.

The Salinas, California mothers are the minds behind Hip-T. I stumbled across Hip-T when surfing the web and was immediately intrigued. It seem sometimes as if clothing manufacturers don’t realize that moms need jeans that will *ahem* keep us covered when we’re swooping down to pick up a carseat or give a two year-old a hug.

As a mother and an entrepreneur, I love it when I can say I use and adore a product made my another parentrepreneur.

Similar to a tube top, the Hip-T is a snug, surprisingly stylish cotton garment worn around the hips. It covers any backside pop-ups while giving the wearer a layered look without the bulk of an additional long tank.

“There’s nothing else like this out there,” said DeSerpa, “It’s such a new concept.”

Women have been flocking to the site to buy Hip-T’s not only for themselves, but for their daughters.

Meeks and DeSerpa understand why: they have teenage daughters of their own.

“They wear them all the time,” DeSerpa said. “They’re our biggest supporters.”

It’s impossible to tell if a woman is wearing a Hip-T; the end result appears to be an extra fitted t-shirt or tank. I’m giving out Hip-T’s to my cousins and friends this year. I can’t wait for them to see the cute packaging and even cuter product.

Here’s to bending over!

You can find Hip-T’s online and in retail stores in the Bay Area. www.myhip-t.com

If you know of any great, undiscovered products by parent entrepreneurs, leave me a comment and I’ll write about it!

What: Pouchee Ultimate Purse Organizer by Day-Timers

Why: You know the deal. You decide to change up your look by switching bags, and then you realize you’ve left something important in your other bag…at home. Your cell phone, favorite tube of lipstick or perhaps your digital camera? What a pain.

Never forget the essentials again with a Pouchee Purse Organizer, basically a purse within a purse. The compact case has plenty of compartments to organize all your stuff, so instead of twenty things to move, you’ll just have one.

Price: $21.99 (in pink, black, khaki or red)

Find it: daytimer.com

Tip: While you’re at the site, make sure to check out their Pink Ribbon Collection. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Looking for a fun and stylish bag to carry your essentials, whatever they may be? Lexie Barnes has you covered. With a collection ranging from laptop bags, gym and diaper carryalls to knitting, craft and yoga totes, if you have something to carry, Lexie Barnes has a chic way to tote it. Plus, all of her bags are water resistent and easy-to-clean – a requirement for Clever Parents who are never too far from a set or two of sticky fingers.

The Superstar courier bag is great for the gym, diapers or travel and boasts loads of room with five interior organizational pockets and a hidden quick access key or phone pocket. Too big for your taste? Try the slightly smaller Darling or the Gem, which are perfectly sized for running around town with a couple of diapers, some wipes, your cell phone, wallet and keys.

If you’re on the job, you’ll make a statement with the Echo laptop case. Offered in three fabric options and sizes, your laptop will fit perfectly whether you’re carting a 12″ widescreen PC or a 17″ MacBook Pro and you’ll still have room for your peripherals and a copy of Wired.

Crafty types love the stylish knitting totes and the Betty (for straight needles) and the Kitty (for circulars) are sure to bring back knitting cool. When it’s time for a little Downward Dog, grab your Mariposa yoga bag and bend in style.

Pick your favorite bag and fabric and shop away at www.lexiebarnes.com

Step 1: Be careful about Stockpiling –

If it’s on sale, stock up on it, right? It sounds innocent enough. You know you are going to use it eventually, so why not spend a little extra now, to save a lot down the road. Here’s the problem. I have discovered some people have turned stocking-up into an obsession. Filling cabinets, closets, attics, basements, and even entire rooms with “just in case I need it” items. Now, this is not to say that I think buying ahead of time is a bad idea, I just encourage a plan. If you want to stock up on pantry items, make sure you have an area to place these items and that you alternate the expiration dates so that the items that will expire the quickest are placed in front.

Are you an early Christmas/Birthday/Holiday shopper? This is fine, just create a list of who you need to buy for and keep it in your purse/wallet. If you see a great deal, pull out your list and figure out who would like it. It is reasonable to keep a few extra gifts for different occasions, but try and keep track of what you have purchased and who you need to purchase for, so you don’t end up with a room that looks like the stockroom from your favorite store! If you have a serious problem with stockpiling, you may want to go cold turkey by only buying when you are out of a particular item. The world will not come to a crashing halt if you are out of your favorite window cleaner for 2 days!

Step 2: Shop with a list-

I suggest writing a list and having a plan whether you are headed to the grocery store, pharmacy, or mall. Often the biggest clutter offenders are impulse purchases. Sure there will be times when you need to waver from the list, but having a list is just a small insurance policy to help keep you on track. While creating your list be sure that you don’t already have the item that you think you need! It is best to shop your home first!

Step 3: Don’t buy stuff to simply store stuff-

If you want to organize a space, the first step should not be to go to your favorite department store or boxes & container supplier. I would highly suggest you purge first and then figure out exactly what needs to be stored. Often times I see clients who purchase a storage container first and then try to make it work for them. De-clutter first, and then decide what organizing item needs to be utilized. Also, get creative and try to use items that you already have!

Step 4: Try it before you buy it-

Just because it is in your size, does not mean that it will look good on you. Seriously, take a few moments and visit the dressing room. If you are online shopping make sure you check the return policy first. There are quite a few retailers that offer online shopping with in-store returns. I cannot even begin to tell you the tally of all the clothes with tags I have seen hanging while organizing clients’ closets simply because they did not try it on first.

Step 5: Don’t just shop the back of the store-

Ah, yes… the back of the store, the penny pincher’s nirvana… This is the area where all the clearance items have found themselves. Now, I am not going to lie to you and say that I never step foot in the back of the store, because I do. But as I said before, if you have a plan or a list, you will be looking for something particular, not just a bargain. I have seen my share of “good deals” hanging unworn in closets, and stuffed in client’s cabinets! It is a waste of valuable real estate to store a retailer’s unwanted merchandise in your closet, regardless of the savings off of retail, if you never wear/use it!! A real eye-opener is when I tally up some of these “bargains” and clients’ see how much they spent while “bargain shopping.”

Step 6: Use a budget-

Some find it easier to use cash, and some can find the same restraint when using a debit/credit card. My only concrete suggestion is to know exactly what you have to spend before stepping foot in the store, and sticking to that budget! Need help? Ask a good friend to help you, and I said “GOOD” friend to “HELP” you. Your favorite shopping buddy may not have what it takes to help you show restraint!

Step 7: Balance out need versus want

Oh, the vast difference that lies between our desires and our needs. Often times our “wants” today will come at the cost of our “needs” for tomorrow. Shop with a plan and know the cause and effects of your purchases. Gain control over your spending and you will notice a feeling of control over your life and your future!

Betsy

Calling all hot mamas: It’s still scorching hot outside, but what a better way to dream of cooler days than by picking up a few essential items for your own wardrobe for fall?

Maybe you’ve had your eye on a cropped jacket, a flattering wrap top or dress, a pair of skinny pants or a fun and flirty skirt and haven’t had time to do any shopping for yourself. It’s time.

A couple of years ago a girlfriend of mine turned me on to Etcetera – a women’s clothing line that offers a good mix of casually elegant mix and match pieces that you can dress up or down – that really does make it easy to look great.

I generally pick up a few pieces each season by shopping a home show by appointment. The clothing doesn’t come cheap, so I usually go for items that I think stand out — a fun print skirt, a beautiful jacket, an elegant suit — and pick up the basics elsewhere. The only bummer? The Etcetera website is pretty limited and I never get a true sense of the line until I see the clothes first hand.

My faves this season include a beautiful winter white cropped coat, a fun green and black zig-zag striped skirt and a casual dark grey / brown jacket with fabulous buttons that’s perfect for throwing on with a pair of jeans for an instant style update.

If you’re in Raleigh, NC the show is going on now through Tuesday (September 4). Contact Etcetera rep Lee-Ashley Bonfield at lash (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com to set up an appointment. Not in Raleigh, but you’d like to check it out? Visit www.etceteranyc.com and click Contact Etcetera to view the current collection with a consultant near you.

No time to shop this week, but you’d like to learn more? Get on the mailing list and you’ll be the first in line for the next show – the holiday line is available for order in a few short weeks.

It’s back-to-school time. We’ll share with you a great video to help prepare your kids for their first day at kindergarten, a magazine for kids you should know about and some very clever lunch bags. Plus, tips for easing August school jitters and, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Clever Parents t-shirts are now on sale!

See the vidcast!

• Visit the Kindergarten Countdown site at www.kindergartencountdown.com
• Visit the Tessy & Tab site at www.tessyandtab.com
• Cool lunchbags for kids at www.lunchology.com
• Read the Lunchology parentrepreneur feature on Clever Parents.
• School is Coming! Ease those August school jitters with family fun.
• We know you’re clever. Now everyone else can know, too. Clever Parents t-shirts now on sale.
• See vidcast #29 on Clever Parents TV.

One of the things I constantly stress during my group coaching sessions with moms is the importance of taking care of yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of your family’s needs. This simple analogy demonstrates my point, when you are on an airplane the flight attendant says “in the event of a loss of air pressure place an airbag over your mouth and nose, then secure the airbag over your child’s mouth and nose.”

In one of my groups a mom noted, “There are basically two kinds of moms, a mom that takes care of herself, dresses cute, wears makeup, and the frumpy mom who wears baggy sweats, no makeup, and rarely takes the time to do anything with her hair.” She admitted that she found herself turning into a “frumpy mom” because with the weight gain of having her baby, she didn’t fit into her cute clothes. Because she no longer fit into her cute clothes, she didn’t feel good about herself and stopped taking the time to put on makeup and do her hair.

This “frumpy mom” cycle is all too common. The result of not taking care of yourself can lead to depression, isolation and low self-esteem. The solution to reclaiming your self to feel beautiful and sexy again is really simple and doesn’t require a complete overhaul, in fact it starts by doing small things you did prior to having your baby. Let’s call them baby steps to a beautiful you.

Begin by dressing pretty underneath by wearing attractive lingerie. Take a few extra minutes to put on clothes that fit you right (there has to be something in your closet that you can wear!) and comb your hair and put on a little makeup. Next make an appointment to get a haircut or get a manicure and or pedicure—you deserve this! When you do things to take care of yourself, you are telling your subconscious that you are valuable! Most importantly, find a network of support, like a playgroup, or better yet an exercise group such as a stroller workout class so you get double the benefits of losing weight and connecting with other women.

Once you stop the “frumpy mom cycle” and feel good about yourself you will have more passion in your relationship with your husband or partner. You will also notice an increase in your energy, an improvement in your mood, more patience with your children, and deeper connection with those you love most.

So Stop the “frumpy mom cycle”, start today…don’t delay! You are valuable, and you deserve to take care of YOU!

Sara Holliday, MFT, CPT, is a licensed marriage-family therapist, life and
fitness coach, holistic health practitioner, and mother of two. As an expert in pre- and
postnatal health and fitness Sara has appeared on numerous radio and TV
shows including Oprah & Friends Radio, Martha Stewart Living Radio, KABC,
NBC, and KTLA.

Fit by Sara, Inc. Copyright 2007

If you can’t take baby with you when you leave home, think about wearing his picture in one of photographer Monica Rich Kosann’s lockets.

The professional photographer, best known for her black and white family portraits, launched her vintage inspired line of sterling silver and 18-carat gold image case jewelry and lockets that has since become a favorite of Hollywood’s most elite.

Katie Holmes has been spotted repeatedly wearing her Monica Rich Kosann Double Image Case Locket necklace in both 18-carat gold and sterling silver (pictured here). Britney Spears and Madonna have also been spotted wearing photos of their kids close to their hearts.

You can purchase Kosann’s creations at upscale retail stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neimun Marcus and Barney’s New York, or you can check out the extensive selection at TheFineArtofFamily.com.

I’m a shoe addict, but like most folks, originally I wasn’t jumping up and down at the thought of shopping for shoes online. What if they don’t fit? What if they look better online and look awful on my feet? And besides, part of the fun of shopping for shoes is being able to try them on in the stores (especially the ones that are way out of my budget).

But after trying it a few times, I’ve converted. Before I drive to the mall to shop for a new pair of shoes, I go online. Why? Because I can always find the latest styles in my size without having to drive around town, I don’t have to stand in line, and it’s SO easy. (Ever shop for a pair of Uggs around the holidays? Good luck!)

So here are some tips for buying shoes online, from one shoe lover to another:

1. Know your size. Keep track of your shoe size whenever you try on a pair at a shoe store.

2. Read the reviews. Most shoe sites like Zappos.com and Onlineshoes.com have customer reviews about the shoes they sell. If you’re unsure about how a shoe is going to fit, read what others have to say about it. For example, 87% of the customers who purchased the new Ugg Mar Espadrilles from Zappos (pictured here) reported that they “Felt true to width”—good info to have if you’re concerned about them being too narrow for your wide feet.

3. Take advantage of the shipping and return policies. The online shoe world is a buyer’s market, and shoe sites want your business. Zappos.com, Onlineshoes.com, Piperlime.com and Shoes.com offer free shipping both ways and also offer price guarantees. Find the same shoe for a lower price at another site? They’ll refund you the difference. Shoes don’t fit or decide you hate them? Return or exchange them for free.

4. And of course, check out SheFindsMom for Deal Alerts and coupon codes especially for our readers. If you’ve read this far, use coupon code APRILOFFER and receive $8 off purchases over $80 at Shoes.com.

Celebrity Baby Blog’s Danielle first introduced me to wraps when my daughter was already 6-months. I was an immediate convert and fell in love with the Moby Wrap. Yes it is a bit difficult to figure out how to tie it at first, but once you have done it a few times you become an expert at it. Also, since the wrap is stretchy and has a slight give, you can keep it tied all day long and pop baby in and out of it.

The Moby Wrap is currently available is 10 vibrant colors – black, navy, forest, indigo, red, moss, natural, lilac, sienna and chocolate. They also recently released the Moby D, a high-end wrap with a center panel that is made from fleece, handwoven cotton or Asian brocade.

The very first Moby exercise DVD that is a collaboration with yogi Anna Getty was also recently released. Moby is represented in a section on doing yoga with your baby.

Brooke Shields is a fan of the Moby Wrap and has been quoted as saying that “the Moby Wrap is perfect and so comfortable. Rowan loves it and Mom’s back is not as twisted.” She was also photographed in In Touch magazine wearing Grier in a natural Moby Wrap.

If you are new to babywearing or if you are considering adding another carrier to your collection, you can find out more about the Moby Wrap at mobywrap.com.

It’s Friday and that means… more great stories from the top parent blogs on the web.

• Boston Mamas: Intimacy S.O.S.
  Exhausted parents can’t help but be prone to losing their bedroom mojo; Esther Perel’s “Mating in Captivity” can help you right the intimacy ship.
• Celebrity Moms: The Scoop on Tori Spelling’s Modern Nursery
  Tori Spelling creates a nursery to fit her modern, funky style
• Classy Mommy: Fairy Princess Designs Tooth Fairy Pillows
  What a keepsake gift! Fabulous girl and boy patterns – think Princess or Pirate!
• Coochicoos: Say I Love You with a Bumbi Doll
  Remind your kids you’re never far away with a customized Bumbi Doll
• 
  Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Splitting Up?
  Is Marc Anthony “suffocating” J-Lo?



• Mommies with Style: Baby Jogger’s City Series Double
  Upgrading to a double couldn’t be easier.
• One Chic Mama: Fat Girl Slim
  A great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes.
• SheFindsMom: Baby Shoe Buying Guide
  The most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too.
• Swanky Moms: Jayneoni Moore & Renae Plant’s fashion show at BCLA
  2 Fashion Shows at BCLA
• The Stylish Child: Containing Diaper Change Clutter
  The stylish Sara Bear Baskets create changing basket envy
• Babyfaces – Photo of the Week
  A Little Angel Smiles…

The waves of spring and summer catalogs have been coming into my mailbox with promises to make me look the best in this year’s fashions. It is so reassuring to see a fashion that I don’t have to worry about sucking in to wear, or drop 10 pounds! I live in the northeast and just this week I got to wear my sandals for the first time this season, so these catalogs have made a very welcome appearance. Shoes have always brought me such joy…so how can I NOT buy just a few pairs of new shoes this season?

So, how does one justify one more pair of shoes, when there is a mound of them in the closet already? How do you know what to get rid of and what to keep? Why not just keep them all… you might need them someday…right?

Following is a step by step instruction for how to handle your own shoes blues:

#1: Take out every shoe you own and line up on the floor. You may want to do this while you are alone so not to shock your spouse!

#2: Immediately toss the shoes that are beyond repair. I know it can be difficult to discard a pair of shoes that were so good to you. I’m giving you permission to let go, they have done their job and done it well (as everyone can tell when they look at your feet).

#3: Donate, sell, or give away any shoes that hurt, are the wrong size, don’t fit your style, were given to you but yet you don’t like them, etc. etc.

#4: Too much of a good thing is sometimes NOT. Do you have too many shoes the same style and you always seem to grab one of them over the other? (Example: 4 pair of black pumps all the same style). Give a few of them away. It’s okay to do this and someone else can benefit from your generosity!

#5: Look for true needs in your shoe wardrobe. Write down what shoes you truly need and put this list in your wallet. When you are shopping pull this list out and stick to it!

#6: Don’t just buy shoes because they are cute or because they are on sale. You need to buy shoes that you really need because they work with your wardrobe; and that just so happen to be cute as well!

#7: Less is more! Purchase good quality shoes that feel good. Take care of your feet… they lug you around all day!! It is better to have a few pair of shoes that make you feel amazing than having a closet full of nothing special.

#8: Be true to your budget. Buy only what you really can afford. Don’t trade your long term wants for you wants right now.

#9: Store your shoes properly. Keep your shoes clean and kept neatly in your closet. Take good care of them and they will last longer.

Have fun organizing your shoes this week!!

Betsy

Editor’s Note: You can find the shoes pictured above on www.shoes.com – $44.99 from Bongo here while they last.

What: Susanne Maddux Cosmo Tote

Why: Are you a modern mom juggling family, work and a new baby? Then invest in the Cosmo Tote by Susanne Maddux—the hard-working diaper bag that moonlights as a work bag. The clean lines and modern color combinations make it polished enough for the office, but pair it with some jeans and you’ll look effortlessly chic at the playground.

You’ll find plenty of pockets to organize baby’s things from yours, and the best part is that it’s roomy enough for a laptop. Smart and beautiful—just the way we like it.

Price: $175

Find it: susannemaddux.com

Working Mom Must-Haves: We asked Susanne Maddux to name a few baby essentials she can’t live without besides her fabulous totes. She said she’d “be in deep trouble” without her Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller and Advent Bottle Microwave Sterilizer

Recently, we at Lena’s Notebook (with much help) completed a project which was truly wonderful and exciting! We put together a “baby shower in a box” for a few military families. The mothers in these families have recently had babies while the fathers are deployed in Iraq for a year. The fathers have not yet been able to hold the babies and the mothers and babies are certainly missing their husbands and fathers. We can only imagine how hard this must be!

We decided to do something to let the families know that we appreciate the sacrifices they are making while our country is at war and that we care and believe their babies are blessings to be celebrated. And, celebrate we did! With the help of many friends and four wonderful companies (sofiabean.com; tinysprouts.com; karinalexis.com and citysprouts.com), we sent a custom “baby shower-in-a-box” (see example, lined in pink and yellow tissue paper, above right) to four deserving mothers and their new baby girls. We hope they love the surprise!

We thought we would share with you some of the terrific items included in the boxes. Perhaps this will give you some ideas for your next baby shower gifts (in or out of a box).

Herer are the wonderful items donated by four of our favorite companies — with our special thanks :

Click here to see some equally wonderful items donated by some very generous and kind persons:

Aveda Calmant and Energizer Revlon ColorStay -Wild	Hand and Feet Kit	Carter’s Blankets
The Lollipop Tree – American Songs for Little Children sung by Carol Kaplan-Lyss	Diaper Duck dispenser	Fishy Fascination Baby Bath Turtles

Our next goal is to partner with Clever Parents to host a unit-wide baby shower in North Carolina. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in helping us celebrate these women and families!