First Cool Shoe Tool Pick is Here! Shoe Stretchers!
December 4, 2008
My #1 Cool Shoe Tool Pick: Shoe Stretchers for Squashed Feet
I started using these shoe stretchers a year or so ago to help my aching toes. I already had duck feet before I had kids and now that I’ve been through two pregnancies, they are, alas, even wider.
Really anybody can use them, I have friends that have more average-width feet (lucky gals) and even they still sometimes can’t fit comfortably into all heels, especially pointy narrow toed ones and peep-toes.
My Shoe Stretcher
Shoe stretchers are easy to use, you just have to have a little time – for example, you can’t stretch your new gray suede pumps an hour before the party, they really need to stretch for at least 24 hours. But the nice thing is that the longer you stretch them the more roomy they get. Also, you have to be realistic – you can’t turn a size 6 into a size 8, ever. (sorry 🙁 ). But, if you’re looking for just a little more room, they are actually a really great product.
All you do is put the shoe stretcher in the shoe and expand it to fill the shoe – each shoe stretcher is different but most of them have some kind of hand crank system. Then you can expand the stretcher a little bit farther than the natural size of the shoe, and after 24 hours you may be able to crank it out a little bit more. Some of them come with “plugs” that you put into holes along the stretcher so that you can customize the stretch to accommodate corns, bunions and hammertoes.
Important Notes for Choosing a Shoe Stretcher:
· Look for a shoe stretcher that works for width and length (not all can make them longer) – this will give you the most stretch.
· They work best on natural materials – leather, suede, some fabrics
(they don’t work well on plastics and vinyl)
· Make sure you know what you are getting for the price – a lot of times they are sold as a single stretcher, not a set of two which means you can only do one shoe at once
Have fun with your happy feet!
Congrats to Our Contest Winners!
December 4, 2008
Ta-ta-da-da! And the winners of our Win a New Bedroom Contest are…
** Grand Prize of a South Shore bedroom set goes to comment #116 – Judi!
** First Prize of a goes to comment #57 – Charee!
** Second Prize of a goes to comment #73 – Fidget!
** Third Prize of a goes to comment #39 – Robin!
** Fourth Prize of a goes to comment #113 – Rochelle!
Congratulations, we will be emailing the winners today. And thanks to all of you for entering – this was our best turnout ever! Stay tuned for our next big contest on Monday December 8th!
Did Elves Build These Shelves?
December 3, 2008
Brr, it’s cold out there. Must mean it’s December! Just in time for Christmas and the Holidays, all those families, décor enthusiasts and craft trendsetters tend to break out the Holiday decorations. And really, is there anything more soothing and heartwarming than the sweet sight of a full-tilt Holiday-style shelf? Tis the season!
Shelves play a integral part of holiday decorations. Besides hanging ornaments on a tree or lights on a roof or decorations in a windowsill, placing your favorite holiday knick-knacks on a shelf is a great way to show your holiday spirit. Wall shelves are perfect for the job. In fact, wall shelves are perfect for ANY style knick-knacks! Even Seaside styled knick-knacks:
You should consider getting in on the fun! This great floating wall shelf, and others just like it, can be found from our friends at Organize-It. It is a terrific way to get all your Holiday cheer up on the wall for all to enjoy. It’s easy to install, sturdy, and totally professional looking!
In fact, almost anything goes on this great wall shelf… but make sure you draw the line at snow. Everyone is dreaming of a White Christmas, but no one wants to deal with a soggy shelf. Snow belongs outside. This great shelf belongs on your wall.
