Mom Says

“It’s bad luck to leave shoes upside down.”

First of the Month Checklist

I love the first day of the month. There's just something about starting a new month that makes you feel like you can get tons and tons of stuff done. And whether that's true or not, the idea behind it makes me hopeful. Is it just me who feels that way?

The one thing I do every time this day comes around is check off my list of monthly things that need to get done. I really think that everyone should have one of these lists. How else are you supposed to stay on top of things? And if you're unsure of what types of things should be on this list, feel free to take a glance at mine.

My Monthly Checklist

1. Clear out any old food from the fridge and clean the shelves. 

2. Choose my next book to read.

3. Set a goal of how many times I expect myself to go to the gym (this varies depending on the season - I go less in the summertime since I'm outdoors more compared with the winter when I need to up my gym dosage since I spend so much time indoors, not moving as much).

4. Set a spending budget (which takes into consideration birthday gifts, holidays, etc.)

5. Clean out my car (this was, obviously, for the times when I had a car).

6. Check Barnes & Noble for any author events that I might want to go to.

7. Buy greeting cards if there are any family or friends' birthdays this month.

8. Wash the bed sheets (should I be doing this more than once a month? Hope not. That's a lot of work).

9. Clean and polish any shoes that are looking rough.

10. Go through emails and respond to anything that's ridiculously late.

That's it! Pretty good list, eh? I think so.

You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.

Shoes That Grow Five Sizes In Five Years For Kids In Developing Countries

Kenton Lee (shown above) started Because International with a few friends in 2006, a nonprofit devoted to “working with and helping those in extreme poverty.”

Lee and his team initially tried to give the idea to companies like Nike, Crocs, and Toms, but none of them expressed any interest. Eventually they found a “shoe development company” called Proof of Concept who agreed to help them with the design.

The shoe is made out of a high quality soft leather on top and "extremely durable rubber soles similar material to a tire," Lee said. They expand through a simple system of buckles, snaps, and pegs. The shoes last a minimum of five years and expand five sizes in that time. The small size will fit preschoolers through fifth graders, while the large will fit fifth through ninth graders.

The shoes cost $10 a pair, and each pair goes into a “duffle bag” that can fit 50 pairs of shoes. Once one organization’s duffle bag is full, Because International ships it to the organization that flies with them to one of seven countries.

Donors can either buy shoes to distribute themselves or buy a pair of shoes and choose one of five American nonprofit organizations to distribute them to orphanages and churches around the world. So far about 2,500 children across seven countries are wearing the shoes.

Is this not one of the most amazing ideas? I thought this was just incredible.

Spare Guest Slippers

If I ever get to meet Martha Stewart, the first thing that I'm going to ask her is if she really has a basket full of clean, unused slippers for guests to use upon arrival into her probably-beautifully warm home BECAUSE THIS IS THE KINDEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD OF.

Sidenote: I'm always annoyed when I see people wearing outdoor shoes in their own home. I used to think it was just a thing that actors did on television shows, but apparently it's RAMPANT behaviour if you live in the States. Why the hell would anyone be comfortable doing this? You're in a home that you own (or rent) and you want to walk around like you're an unwelcome stranger? How does that make any sense? Relax! Take your damn shoes off! Bask in home comfort! 

Anyway, this is the nicest idea in the world. I have a pair of (dollar store) slippers in my closet that I just bought for the next person who stays at our house, but I literally DREAM of the day when I can buy numerous pairs (in varying sizes!) of some kind of money-brand like Bed, Bath & Beyond slippers or something and display them in a beautiful basket by the front door. And chances are - you make a lot more money than me, so you should probably get on this NOW. So f-ing nice. 

(Are Bed, Bath & Beyond slippers even high quality? Probably not. How the hell would I know that, though? I'm not in the income bracket that allows you to know where to purchase lofty slips! I will be one day, though. And that's gonna be sweet as hell.)

“Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t wear heels out to dinner. Keep that in mind.”

— #lizadvice

Travel Flats

If I ever make the choice to wear heels out in public, I love the idea of having a backup shoe just incase, I don't know, I come to my senses and want to wear human footwear? If you're the type of person to ever regret your shoe choice in the middle of your evening out, you definitely should buy a pair of these to keep around.

Ikea Shoe Cabinet

I wouldn't call myself an Ikea fan. Let's get that straight. But I've never seen anything like this, have you? I'm not really sure why everyone who knows about its existence hasn't already gone to Ikea and bought one...?

It's EONS more attractive than those shoe racks that hang off the back of a door. EONS!

I'm getting this as soon as I can afford it. Just heavenly. I saw it in person the last time I was at Ikea and it's so small and slim - the person who designed it should be hugged endlessly for the rest of humanity. Here's Layla next to the one we saw at the store. 

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Layla, understanding the beauty of a shoe drawer

There are different sizes, as you can tell if you compare the top and bottom photos, so beware of that if you're thinking about getting on. Just gorgeous.

Old Navy Has a (Free) Flip Flop Vending Machine

Old Navy has these flip flop vending machines all around the New York City this summer - why? Who knows. But it's a fantastic idea for women who get sick of wearing heels over the course of a long day and want some solace. You can follow them on Twitter to find the locations - all you have to do to get a free pair is to tweet at them. Fun idea. Even when this promotion is done, can someone please get started on having machines like this available near every club and bar in the city? 

“Buy coloured shoes. Even tan shoes count as coloured.”

— #lizadvice