Something Other than Uggs

My main reason to go to Australia would be for the country side. I want to go there badly. It is on my list of places to see before I go to the great shoe store in the sky. I would of course be wearing Uggs or Blundstones. What else would I be wearing? They tend to be kind of expensive but then again they are all real leather. I would be okay with that because it is all about the shoes. I would be even more happy because of the wonderful deals I would get on Sydney Hotels. Can you believe there are specials that run only $79.00 per day? That is at the Metro Inn Edgecliff. That is most economical, so I could spend a little more on shoes. Sydney can accommodate the traveler looking for a five star hotel to the student who is looking to stay at a hostel.

It is nice to know that affordable hotels are available in Sydney and in other cities all over Australia. Take the Darling Harbour Hotels. This area is one of the main tourist hangouts with lots of restaurants, exhibits and nightlife. There are bargains that start as low as Fr. AUD 130. There are lots of attactions all within walking distance of the area hotels. Some of the hotels there also offer free inclusions during your stay with them. There are even last minute deals to be had and special offers with 21 days of arrival.

North Sydney Hotels are located with the business district. There is train and bus service that can take you to the city or to and from the airport. If you choose to walk, you can be back in the city in twenty minutes and five minutes by cab. So even staying there, a little furthur out is not an inconvenience. You still have easy access to all the attractions of the city. In North Sydney the accomodations are guest houses, apartment, flats and some hostels. When staying there ask about free inclusions like parking, internet access, breakfasts and gyms. You might not even want to leave the hotel at all if the services at the lodging are very nice.

With all these deals and freebies, ther is not reason not to have a grand time in Australia. Economical and quality accomodations are just a few clicks away.

What I do is kick them in the pants with a diamond buckled shoe!
~~Aileen Mehle~~

School Shoe Drama

Im mid August my nephew was visiting and my mother too him out on a $600 shopping spree like he did not have any parents to buy him school clothes. No problem with that. But, if you do for one grandchild like that you have to do the same for the other and that was not done. When we were all out together, I suggested that she go ahead and get dirty Fila her school shoes. That request was refused. My mother said that she would get them later. Well, there is no time like the present in my book. You have the purse strings open for one grandchild, they need to be open for the other.

Well, of course later never came. She never did get her anythign for school at all and never suggested we go out to get anything for her. School is now in session. I knew that my mother would do that as my nephew is her favorite and she shows him all sorts of extra attention that she never turns to my child's way. dirty Fila felt bad. I spoke to her and told her not to worry. I would be able to get all of her school things and all the shoes she wanted as well. To begin the school year she wanted two pairs of Sperry Topsiders. I got her both. These are the ones.

She got these and all was right in the world again for her. Me? I still believe it was wrong for my mother not to do for one grandchild as she has for another.

What I do is kick them in the pants with a diamond buckled shoe!
~~Aileen Mehle~~

Nikes for the American Indian

Nike unveiled Tuesday what it said is the first shoe designed specifically for American Indians, an effort aiming at promoting physical fitness in a population with high obesity rates.

The Beaverton-based company says the Air Native N7 is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians, and has a culturally specific look. It will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost.

"Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans," said Sam McCracken, manager of Nike's Native American Business program. "We are stepping up our commitment ... to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness."

Nike designers and researchers looked at the feet of more than 200 people from more than 70 tribes nationwide and found that in general, American Indians have a much wider and taller foot than the average shoe accommodates. The average shoe width of men and women measured was three width sizes larger than the standard Nike shoe.

As a result, the Air Native is wider with a larger toe box. The shoe has fewer seams for irritation and a thicker sock liner for comfort.

What I do is kick them in the pants with a diamond buckled shoe!
~~Aileen Mehle~~

This house is now a Shoe-Free Zone (almost)

My parents have now moved into their apartment down south. I am now the sole caretaker of the house until it sells.

I want to keep the place really clean, so while I am in charge here, shoes come off at the door.

However, my parents will be back from time to time and it is still their house, so technically this is not a proper shoe-less household. I may be getting a lodger soon and I hope she will be agreeable about removing her shoes.

Of course, how many visitors I get depends on how many I invite.

I am holding an "housewarming-up party" soon. I mentioned below that I stated 'Shoes off' on the invitations.

Smelly Feet

re-post

The issue of 'smelly feet' is often raised as an argument against the Shoes-Off rule.

In Western society there seems to be a lot of paranoia about the phenomena of 'smelly feet'. I think this is simply a result of people not removing their shoes very often. Your feet will actually smell a lot less if you remove your shoes regularly. It is unfortunate that we in Britain have not yet reached the civilised heights of Finland, where it is acceptable to remove shoes in business meetings and on trains (not that people do not do so in Britain, but it is frowned upon somewhat).

Nevertheless, I think most people worry too much about this issue. People imagine their feet smell far more than they actually do. I have met very few people who let off much of an aroma after removing their shoes, and most of them were people who did not wash and change their socks regularly.

If people know in advance that they need to remove their shoes, they can make sure they wear clean socks, or even better, bring slippers with them. If they are especially worried about it, they can use some of those fancy foot deoderents.

Feet wil smell a lot less if people wear sandals. Sneakers are best avoided in favour of leather shoes.

Some people will say 'I would rather put up with a dirty floor than people's smelly feet.' Well, I guess people decide on their own priorities. However, stinking feet will leave with the guests. A dirty floor will not. Nor will the dust they brought in on their shoes, and that is very bad for your health.