Monday, January 31, 2011

Super Bowl Menu Ideas

Hosting a Super Bowl party and need some inspiration as to what to serve? Just as the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are revving up their engines for this Sunday's Super Bowl, it too is time to rev up your creative juices and start planning that menu. Best advice I can give when planning a Super Bowl party is to keep it super low key. It's football for God's sake. There's no reason to make it some fancy-shmancy event. Although it's easy to get wrapped up in finding matching plates and cute cupcake toppers, keep in mind that as long as you have chips, dips and unlimited beer, your party is a smashing success.

It's also important to keep in mind that not everything has to be homemade. Major pet peeve of mine is the expectation that if you're having guests over it all has to be made from scratch. As if it qualifies us as being a better person. Get over it.

Below I've put together five different menu options that won't have you slaving for days in the kitchen;

Menu Option 1: Southern

Appetizers -
Vegetable platter with hummus dip & Ranch dressing
Pita chips with Spinach dip

Main Course -
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob

Dessert -
Texas Sheet Cake

*If this were my party, I'd buy the Veggie platter, Stacy's Pita Chips, Hummus, Spinach Dip, Pork and Corn from Costco.

Menu Option 2: Mexican

Appetizer -
Tortilla chips with 7-layer dip and Guacamole

*If it were my party, depending on the size, I'd probably have the Enchiladas and Spanish Rice catered from a local Mexican restaurant.

Menu Option #3: Italian

Appetizer -
Cheese & Cracker platter with dried fruit and nuts

Main Course -
Caesar Salad
French Bread

Dessert -

*If it were my party, I'd buy the Cheese & Cracker platter from Whole Foods, the Caesar Salad, Lasagna and French Bread from Costco.

Menu Option 4: Lightweight

Appetizer -
Shrimp platter with Cocktail Sauce
Cheese and Crackers platter

Main Course -
Sandwich Platter
Fruit Salad

Dessert-
Cupcakes

*If it were my party, I'd buy the Shrimp platter and Fruit Salad at Costco and the Cheese & Cracker platter and the Sandwich platter from Whole Foods. Or Subway for the sandwiches.

Menu Option #5: All-American

Appetizer -
Assorted chips with Cheese & Bean Dip
Buffalo Wings

Main Dish -
Green Salad

Dessert -
Apple Pie

*If it were my party, I'd have the Buffalo Wings, Chili and Cornbread catered from a local BBQ restaurant. And would order the pies from Costco.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

SWEET SUNDAY

Mmmm the thought of an ooey-gooey rice crispy treat right now sounds fabulous. Let's kick up the buttery marshmallow taste and make it even more mouth-watering with chocolate, peanut butter and butterscotch. And while we are at it - let's just forget calories for the moment. :)

~Rice Crispy Roll~

Ingredients:
10 oz. package marshmallows
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. peanut butter
5 1/2 c. Rice Krispies Cereal (generic is fine)
1 1/3 c. chocolate chips
3/4 c. butterscotch chips

Directions:
Line a 15×10 pan with wax paper, buttered.
Melt marshmallows, butter and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Stir in cereal.
Spread on top of wax paper.
Melt and stir the chocolate and butterscotch chips.
Spread melted chips over the cereal mixture, leaving about 1 inch on each of the long sides. Note: Once started, you need to be rather quick with the assembly and rolling, or it will get stiff and be difficult to roll.

Roll the cereal mixture from the long side, peeling back the wax paper as you go like a jelly roll.
Chill in the refrigerator until firm.
Once rolled, cut into 1/2-1 inch slices like you would slice bread.

Yummo!!! Hope these end your weekend on a sweet note! xo

Friday, January 28, 2011

FANCY FRIDAY

I'm not a real "pamper yourself" type of girl but I do enjoy a relaxing trip to the nail salon when I can actually break away for a little me-time. Especially when you can sip wine and buy extra massage time. I've always been a pedi girl though - never a mani. I'm a nail biter and until I can kick the habit, they just aren't worth spending money on.

But O.P.I's "You Don't Know Jacques" ($8.50/Planet Beauty) might have just ended my 20 year habit. To prolong my sacred time away from Chase, laundry and the computer, I had them paint my stubby fingernails. At that moment, a choir of angels belted out a loud Hallelujah! "You Don't Know Jacques" is amazing! I would seriously paint my entire body in this color. Little did I know at the time that this particular color was named one of Lucky magazine's "Top 10 Beauty Products of the Past Decade." Apparently it's that new "Greige" color everyone is raving about - a mix of grey and beige that goes with everything.

But if only I met Jacques years ago - maybe I would have been able to keep my fingers out of my mouth. I guess there's no better time than now to kick the habit. It's on. Thanks O.P.I.

**New to Hailey's Helpful Hints and wondering what is FANCY FRIDAY? I want to know what tickles your fancy; meaning tell me about something this week that made you smile. Something you liked, something you saw. Something you want or desire. It can be a new book you've started. A dinner recipe. A new pair of earrings you bought. An act of kindness. A craft project. There are no rules to what puts a smile on your face. And what makes you happy, makes me happy!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Question: How do I get rid of my dark, under-eye circles?

Last week I received an email from a reader asking if I could recommend an effective, not very expensive under-eye cream that would get rid of dark circles - preferably something she could grab in the store instead of buying online. For all you readers that suffer with bags and all you women that eventually will, this one's for you...

Before I dug into my product research, I first wanted to answer the question - are creams even effective and necessary? I would hate to have you waste your money. This is what I found -- According to the research done on consumersearch.com, under-eye circles are remarkably resistant to treatment. Plus there isn't much science behind the hundreds of claims. While you might see some lightening, no topical cream is going to get rid of dark circles completely.

I know that wasn't the answer you were looking for right?!?! No worries, I still have hope. Before I lay out some remedies that *may* work, I think it's first important to first understand WHAT is causing the problem. The following are the most common causes;

Fatigue, lack of sleep: A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin, which again allows the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear more blue or darker.
Nutrition: The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balance diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under the eyes.
Stress: A too fast-paced lifestyle, especially if you spend long hours on the computer can contribution to black bags under your eyes - perhaps mostly because you don't get enough sleep. •Heredity: Like varicose veins, dark circles under the eyes are usually an inherited trait. If you have dark circles, there is a good chance that others in your family also have them. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent your skin, also an inherited trait, the darker the circles appear.
Exposure to the sun: Even in darker skinned people, exposure to sunlight, especially during the summer months, can cause a higher-than-normal level of skin pigmentation (melanin) under the eyes. People get suntans because exposure to the sun increases the natural pigmentation of the skin and draws that pigmentation to the surface. The same principle applies to the skin under the eyes.
Allergies, Asthma and Eczema: Any condition that you have that causes your eyes to itch can contribute to darker circles under the eyes because rubbing or scratching the skin can darken the skin. Hay fever sufferers particularly will notice under-eye "smudges" during the height of the allergy season. Some food allergies can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker.
Medications: Any medications that you are taking that causes blood vessels to dilate, can cause circles under the eyes to darken. Because the skin under the eyes is very delicate, any increase blood flow shows through the skin.
Pregnancy and Menstruation: The skin can also become more pale during pregnancy and menstruation, which again allows the underlying veins under the eyes to become more visible.
Age: If you have a propensity to have dark circles under you eyes, as you grow older, they are likely to become more noticeable and permanent. Excess folds of skin under the eyes will also make dark circles more pronounced.

Natural remedies:









1) Sleep: Eight hours of sleep is a must for all of us, especially for people having dark circles under their eyes. Elevate your head with two or more pillows to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids.


2) Diet: Eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet, drink plenty of water (eight 8-ounce glasses daily), and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks. These go a long way in preventing bags, circles and wrinkles.


3) Tea Bag Treatment: Try applying a cold compress of Rosemary tea to increase circulation, which helps reduce swelling around the eyes. Soak a washcloth in the tea, ring out extra liquid and place over eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day, as needed.


4) Acupressure: Another circulation-boosting treatment is acupressure. This is an easy exercise that you can also do every day. Close your eyes and gently press your ring finger underneath one eye, moving from the inside corner to the outside corner. Do this 10 to 15 times. Then repeat on the other eye.


5) Cold compress: Close your eyes and cover them with a cold washcloth for about five minutes. Repeat several times throughout the day. That will help constrict your blood vessels, minimizing darkness, and it may help minimize tissue swelling and eliminate some of the darkness.

6) Moisturizer: To minimize the appearance of bags, plump up skin with moisturizer, one that contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage and supports collagen production; licorice (or fennel) extract, an anti-inflammatory; and stabilized oxygen, a form of hydrogen peroxide that promotes circulation.


7) Spread on the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen especially made for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but preferably 20, "all day every day," to keep the sun's rays from darkening the skin under your eyes.


8) Freeze some parsley in ice cubes. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to diminish dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.


9) Potato/Cucumber combinations are helpful.Close your eyes and cover eyelids with slices of raw potato or cucumber for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water and apply a cream.


10) Massage with Almond Oil under and around eyes at bed time daily for 2 weeks and see the improvement. Almond helps to remove dark circles, and is an excellent "skin food".

Over-the-counter products:


1) Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment (*Est. $53 for 0.5 oz./Sephora), a product that contains optical diffusers, can help to camouflage and conceal dark circles with light-diffusing pigments. This lightweight cream addresses both melanin formation and poor local micro circulation, two major causes of dark circles. The Dark Circle Targeting Complex reduces melanin and diminishes the appearance of melanin pigments.
2) Origins GinZing (*Est. $30 for 0.5 oz./Macys) is another concealing eye cream with optical diffusers. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com are slightly better than those for Shiseido's eye cream. They claim it instantly reduces dark circles, unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear. And Origins proprietary complex of Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes.


3) Olay Regenerist Touch of Concealer Eye Regenerating Cream (*Est $19 for .5 oz/Target) combines advanced hydrating amino-peptide + B3 complex to visibly lift and regenerate your look with a touch of concealer to instantly diminish the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. Light, non greasy and fragrance free makes this an affordable option for everyday use.




4) Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller Gel (*Est. $10 for 0.5 oz./Walgreens), a product that contains caffeine for rejuvenation and Vitamin B5 and glycerin for hydration, has been praised by many reviewers. My girlfriend SWEARS by this stuff and loves the metal roller-ball applicator and it's refreshing formula. Reviews at Makeupalley.com are mixed - some think that it reduces puffiness as well as dark circles, while others see no difference at all. Regardless I think this is a must try product for the price.

I hope this helps and gets you on track to diminishing the appearance of those dark circles. If you want to continue reading up on more reviews, click here and you will find a list of more expensive eye creams according to The Beauty Insiders.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hot 2011 Men's & Women's CUTS

Need more than just a new way to part your hair? Are you in desperate need to change it up entirely? In 2011 you can look forward to more layers, blunt bangs and razor cut bobs. Of course, right when I grow out my hair, the short haircut becomes the biggest trend for the new year. Oh well, you all can have it now.

Whether you are looking for something subtle or drastic, below is a list of hot cuts that are sure to make you feel like a new woman (or man):

WOMEN:

BLUNT BANGS were popular in 2010 but they are HOT in 2011. They are especially flattering for round and square face shapes and balance out high cheekbones. For a modern, sophisticated look cut the bang just over the eyebrow. What I love about the blunt bang is if you want to change it up at a moments notice you can sweep them to the side for a different look. Best to ask your stylist what bang design fits your face and personality. Bangs work with any style; short, long, curly.

SHAGGY BOBS with textured feathered layers will be big in 2011. Don't be afraid to mix lengths and add volume. Most face shapes compliment the bob nicely. It's timeless, practical and glamorous.

SHORT HAIR - super short - is in full effect. If you've always wanted to try it, now's the time. They should be effortless, youthful and messy. Either a super short edgy bang or a whispy soft bang works well with this short 'do.

MEN:

The FRINGE haircut is the dominant hair trend for gents in 2011. As opposed to 2010, there are more options than just the close-to-eyebrow length. And yes your man can have this look without looking like Justin Bieber.

2011 is all about the SLICKED BACK look. Think George Clooney decked out in Ralph Lauren. It's a look that guarantees success and sophistication.

The CREW CUT is still going strong well into 2011. It can only work it's magic however on an oval shaped face with a normal head. It's usually aggressively short and tapered on the sides and back with a little left to play with on the top. Think David Beckham not military Drill Sargent.

2011 haircut trends are all about bringing the glam factor out in you. Don't forget to spice up your wardrobe with the latest accessories and loads of attitude. Cheers to a new glamorous/handsome YOU!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2011 TRENDS: New Year, New Hair

In need of some styling help? Wondering what's the latest hair trends? I'll speak for myself and answer YES! Since 1998, I've had super short hair. It was easy. Different. I loved it. And secretly I didn't mind the attention it brought me. I was constantly stopped by gasping comments like, "OH MY GOSH, you're hair is to die for!" Or women insisting that they could never wear such a cut, only fishing to hear, "No you totally could!!" During my long journey to get pregnant with baby #2 however, I decided that I wasn't going to cut my hair until I was pregnant. Some idea that was. Not only did I go through the emotional roller coaster of unexplained infertility, I had a mop of hair in that terribly ugly grow out stage. You can only imagine the level of self confidence I had. Yeah - none.

But I pushed through and here I sit, many months later, with a baby in my belly and long(er) hair. Although I thought I would for sure chop my hair after the pregnancy news, I grew to like the change. Although...I now stand in the mirror wondering what the heck to do with it all. Besides a quick blow dry and a little product, I haven't had to really do my hair in the last 12 years. Like most moms, I toss it back in a pony-tail more often than not - something I said I would never fall victim to. Lesson learned - never say never.

So for my own personal style boost, I decided to do a little research on the upcoming hair trends. With the help of Marie Claire magazine, here are six hair trends for 2011. I love that all these are no fuss ways for achieve a fresh look.
1) Short & straight - The hair I am rockin' now. Shoulder length hair styled with a flat iron/hair straightener is always a staple look and easy to wear and manage throughout the year. After doing a poll on Facebook, I learned that the CHI flat iron is the must-own in order to acheive this look. Just think Olivia Palermo and you're headed in the right direction.

2) Wavy - Messy. Natural. This is super easy and will remain a hot style throughout 2011. To obtain the sexy bed-head look, just spritz a few pumps of styling spray into your locks and scrunch with your hands. Wah-la, instant Heidi Klum.

3) Low bun - Instead of new heights, take your 2011 hair to a new low with this Kim Kardashian look. Sleek and polished, this up-do sits at the nape of your neck. Just knot and go.

4) Low ponytail - You can wear this sleek and simple or curly and messy like Jessica Biel. Either way, you can rock this look for a corporate dinner or playing at the park with your kids.

5) Woven locks - Loose low braids. Or tiny braids along the hairline. Either way, you want this look to be laid-back and shabby chic.

6) Side part - Severe. Extreme. And innocently cute. This is a great way to have a new look for no bucks. Just comb it over and you're on your way.

I don't know about you but I'm excited to try out these new looks. I'm lovin' the low pony, braids and side part. The loose and messy isn't my style. Although I wish it was.

Here today, GONE tomorrow!!

How ridiculous are movie prices anymore?!?! You better believe I'll be buying this Plum District deal of the day. This one will SELL OUT FAST so if you too want to buy, just click on the link and purchase your $5.00 ticket (Max 2 per person). Then book the babysitter for a night out - just you, your honey and the big screen!

http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/regal-entertainment-group-plum-steal-5-for-two-admission-tickets-to-any-regal-entertainment-group-theater

Good ONLY IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA at any Regal Entertainment Group theatre — including Regal Cinemas, United Artist Theatres, or Edwards Theatres. Regal Premiere tickets can be used for any movie at any time (excluding special events or private screenings; see Fine Print or back of ticket for details and terms of use). Best of all, Premiere tickets never expire! Visit REGmovies.com for locations and show times.

Monday, January 24, 2011

MONDAY MADNESS

Is it Monday already?? Ah. It's back to the daily grind. How many of you started today off on the wrong foot before even getting out of the house? Is this a re-occuring problem? If so, below are some solutions that I find extremely helpful in ending this morning madness:

1: Have a productive p.m -- Do as much as you can the night before. Pack your child's lunch, her backpack, pick out her clothes. Write your to-do list. Set out your work-out clothes. Iron your shirt. The more you can do the night before, the less chaotic your morning will be running around.

2: Forgo 15 minutes of sleep -- By waking up earlier than the rest of the family, you'll have a sliver of quiet time to savor a cup of coffee and get your mind right. No doubt, you'll feel less rushed and better prepared to handle the day.

3: Let routines rule -- Have your child do the required activities such as brushing teeth and getting dressed in the same order every morning, so he knows what comes next. Help him create a morning to-do list so he can check off each job without being reminded. Same goes for you. It streamlines the getting ready process which will save time and the possibility of forgetting something.

4: Don't hesitate to delegate -- Avoid arguments over who does what by assigning your kids or your spouse regular morning chores, such as feeding the pet or clearing the table.

5: Prepare for breakfast -- In addition to prepping the night before, lay out cereal boxes, bowls, and spoons on the table. Make enough pancake batter on Sunday evenings for several days.

6: Keep the TV off -- This may cause grumbling, but watching cartoons or videos definitely distracts from the tasks at hand and slows down the process.

7: Pick a pit stop -- Eliminate the mad dashes to find things by designating a special spot near the front door to put backpacks, your purse, keys, sports equipment, and other school items.

8: Lighten up -- If you're tense in the morning, your child will pick up on it. Instead of nagging her to get dressed, have a playful race to see who gets finished first.

9: Stick to a strict bedtime -- If you or your child is hard to wake up and takes a long time to get ready in the morning, get to bed earlier.

10: Learn from your mistakes -- If you have a frustrating morning, think about why it was so stressful. By examining what went wrong today, you can figure out how to do things better tomorrow.

Cheers to a productive, happy week ahead!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

SWEET SUNDAY

Can't decide between cookies, brownies or cupcakes?? Don't stress - have them all! You're either gonna love me or hate me after this post. This is a dessert devil - one where you can't eat just one. Hell, I can pound three of these without even blinking an eye. These are to. die. for. And probably one of the easiest recipes I've made in a long time. Easy for the kids to make, minimal cost, appealing presentation and mouth-watering punch. You can make them one of two ways: 1) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes or 2) Cookie Brownies. Although I love me some cupcakes, I'm a brownie girl. Here's how: You will need either a box of chocolate cake mix (preferably whatever is on sale) or two boxes of brownie mix. If you are a chocoholic, I suggest Ghirardelli. I like them chewy so a "fudge" brownie is my personal preference. You will also need a package of pre-made Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Mix the cake or brownie batter according to the directions on the box.


Depending on the mix, you will either fill 24 cupcake liners 1/2 full with cake batter or spread the brownie mix into a 13x9 pan.

For the cupcakes, you will then drop one cookie dough square into the center of the cupcake batter. Repeat for all 24.


For the brownies, you will place cookie dough squares evenly on top of the batter. No need to spread the cookie dough - just leave them as squares and space the 24 cookies over the top of the mix.
Bake per the directions on the box.

For the cupcakes, I recommend a vanilla or butter cream frosting. Chocolate doesn't taste right. And for the brownies, I recommend leaving them un-frosted. Let cool and dig in. Hope these end your weekend on a sweet note!

Friday, January 21, 2011

FANCY FRIDAY

You better brace yourself...and get out your credit cards. These will tickle your fancy. I was recently having coffee with a girlfriend, Ali Bray from Mama Manifesto - if you don't read her blog, you need to start - and she showed me her fabulous new wallet from Saltbox NYC.

How cute are these??? The Geo and Basketweave patterns - ahhhh, I'm obsessed. The colors are so fun and playful. Banana and Kiwi being my favorite. Perfect for spring. Every Saltbox product is made from heavy gauge canvas treated to be stain and water resistant which makes it great for year-round use. They have an extensive versatile product line of bags from card holders to travel totes offered in seven vibrant patterns that you'll want to get your hands on.

So there you have it - my FANCY FRIDAY pick. Your turn...

**New to Hailey's Helpful Hints and wondering what is FANCY FRIDAY? I want to know what tickles your fancy; meaning tell me about something this week that made you smile. Something you liked, something you saw. Something you want or desire. It can be a new book you've started. A dinner recipe. A new pair of earrings you bought. An act of kindness. A art project from your son. There are no rules to what puts a smile on your face. And what makes you happy, makes me happy!

WEEKEND WARRIOR CHALLENGE: Shoe solution

You may remember Pig Pen, Charlie Brown’s friend who always had a dust cloud around him that swirled even when he was still. Despite his uncleanliness, everyone loved Pig Pen. Why? Because he's relatable. We all seem to have our own little invisible (or not so invisible) dust cloud. And somehow it never fails that our home organization efforts are thwarted because of this lingering nuisance.

Where are places in your home where the dust cloud hovers? For me - it was my shoes. I always had good intentions of keeping them nicely lined up on the floor but in a hurry I would kick a pair here, there and everywhere. Somehow my shoes never seemed to make it back to the closet. They were in the entry way. Next to the couch. Outside on the porch. One under the bed, the other inside my gym bag. Or if by some fat chance they were all together, it was a disastrous pile of mismatched chaos. Nine times out of ten my tardiness could be blamed on my inability to find find a match.

Being that I am 1) a perfectionist and 2) hate being late, I needed to get rid of this dust cloud. Through trial and error, I found the shoe solution that works wonders for me - clear plastic boxes with a drop front opening. I've tried boxes with lids but un-stacking them every time I needed to open a box was annoying and time consuming. I was thrilled to find the drop front at the Container Store.

If you're in dire need of finding a shoe solution that works for you, here are some recommendations depending on the amount of space you have. And no a basket is NOT an option. Although throwing boots, flip flops, heels and sneakers into one big bin gets them cleaned off the floor, it doesn't solve the problem of the keeping pairs visible and together.
18 or 30 pair Shoe Wheels/$42 or $65. Holds men's and women's shoes. How cool are these?? If I had a big walk-in closet, I am almost positive I'd have a shoe wheel. The shoes are inserted into the pockets through elastic bands that secure them into place. The 1/2 wheel (Shoe Pod) holds 18 pairs and sizes up to 14+. The full circle wheel (Shoe Wheel) holds 30 pairs.


Couture Shoeboxes/$29.99 per box. Holds women's shoes only. With a solid box, it is imperative to display a picture on the front. These couture boxes have a 4x6 frame on the outside of the box to make this possible. A genius idea but a little pricey for my taste.

12-pair Under Bed Shoe Organizer /$19.99. Holds men's & women's shoes. If space is an issue, under the bed - the most under utilized space in the home - is an excellent option. But this doesn't just have to be used for shoes. Think outside the box - you could organize winter scarves and hosiery nicely in something like this. For tennis shoes or larger men's shoes, you'll have to put one shoe per pocket allowing it to only hold 6 pairs. 12-pair Shoe Organizer /$37.99. Holds men's & women's shoes. The only downside I see, is that it's made for sandals or low-heeled shoes. Unfortunately if you rock the high stilettos, I'm afraid they won't lay right. And for larger men's shoes or athletic shoes, it is best to put one shoe per opening. Not ideal. What I do like is that if you have a free compartment, you can store small handbags.
12-pair Canvas/Bamboo Over the Door Shoe Organizer/$19.99. Holds men's or women's shoes. Love the idea of utilizing the back of the door if you are limited on space but I personally can not stand seeing the hardware exposed on the front of the closed door. Pockets are very functional for belts, scarves and accessories.


MY PERSONAL FAVORITE - Drop Front Shoe Boxes/$7.99 per box for women; $9.99 for men. I love the transparency of knowing what is inside each box and the drop front opening so I don't have to unstack. Only downside - the women's box only will hold up to size 9 and the men's caps out at size 10.

If none of these work for you, I encourage you to check out Target's wide selection here. There are a million ways to organize. Pick one and stick with it. And before you organize, make sure you have the heart to heart with each pair. Ask yourself - when's the last time I wore them? Are they even still in style? No need to spend the time organizing shoes you'll never touch again.