09-07-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Organizing my Closet: Shoes
Tags: tips | organize | home |

Shoes. Shoes Shoes.

I have too many of them!

I LOVE SHOES.

Just like most girls in the world.

(Maybe that’s also a reason I like my boyfriend Bas so much, as he owns shoe stores)



The problem is: I never get rid of a pair.

So my collection is getting to an Imelda Marcos’ size

(Imelda , First lady of Philippines from 1956 on for twenty years, was known for her huge collection of about 2500 pairs. But also for her lavish lifestyle which she paid for reportedly with public funds. That’s bad, but us girls, we work hard for our shoes!)

I need to organize my shoes!



Here are some tips:



-really, the shoes I have not worn the past 5 years, have to go.

Unless they have some emotional value to me. Then they go to my box with memorabilia, and are put away.

-Shoe boxes are genius. You can put them on top of each other ( have u tried that with shoes themselves? Quite hard!) And the shoes are protected.

-I write down on the box, what shoes are in there For example: “ Black Christian Louboutin platform High Heels” or “ Favorite Zara golden sandals”

-I might even put a picture of the shoes on the outside. So I don’t have to open them

-High heels with High Heels, sneakers with sneakers, running shoes with running shoes.

-Another suggestion: Write down exactly how much you wear a pair of shoes, That clears up whether the shoes were a hit or miss. If you were expensive shoes every day, they have been a great buy. If you never wear them, it was a bad decision.

If you want to get rid of shoes, sell them to a vintage store close to you, or bring them to one of the collection points for clothing collection, for recycling,

For instance, there are different ones in NYC, one on Saturdays and Mondays on the Union Square Greenmarket. From 8am to 6pm.

Below you see a link for nyc, and a link for worldwide shoe recycling.

And last tip: First check your closet before you go shopping!

www.runtheplanet.com/shoes/selection/recycle.asp
www.unionsquarenyc.org/calendar.cfm

07-07-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Work Out: Running!
Tags: work out | running | lonneke |

A lot of people dread it, and some just love it: Working Out.

I am one of those people who hates to work out. Can't we just stay in shape by reading a book or something? The answer is no. When i am at home, in my warm environment, it is hard to get myself to do it. In hotels there is a better chance I get seduced by the shiny new fitness equipment. But IF i have worked out, by running, jumping, cycling or any other way, and I am totally covered in sweat, a feeling of euphoria overcomes me. I am just so proud of myself i have done it again!.

For a lot of people it is hard to do that first step of going to a gym, or work out. So the first thing you need to do is find something that you like doing. I am very picky with what I like: not much. But Running is kind of O.K.. I like it when I am in a perfect condition, and can run for miles. But to get there, you actually have to run.....

So i had to break through that vicious circle, and so I bought a treadmill for my home. I looked on internet to find the best one. When i got it, i started running for a minute, and then walk for 3 minutes.(Trust me, 1 minute running back then was already a lot I thought!)

Slowly I could expand the intervals, and now, 6 months later, I can run for 30 minutes on 6mph like its nothing. I had to get good shoes, as it turned out at the specialized shoe store(where they film your feet and tell you which shoes to get) that I run with my feet inwards. I put my treadmill next to a mirror, so I can see myself run, and maybe correct. But most important is the distraction! I cannot run without a TV on, or listening to an Ipod. It makes the time pass faster!

When I got better at running, I started to run outside, of course only when the weather is not to cold, or hot. It is harder to run outside then on a treadmill. But I didn't look like a fool anymore, as I could actually run more than just back and forth in my street! Now-believe it or not- I like to run outside. Just see people, and things happening. It is fun.( Just watch the traffic!) I heard running is not so good for your knees and joints. So I do it every other day, to give my body time to rest. After trying many work outs, i do think this is the best for me to stay in shape!
www.run-down.com
www.treadmilldoctor.com/BestBuyAwards-Treadmill

27-06-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Michael Jackson, in our thoughts.
Tags: michael jackson | rip | u2 | horse | lonneke |

3 weeks ago, on the 6th of June 2009, my horse U2 became 2nd at the Dutch Championships Dressage in the class: ZZ-Zwaar! I was so happy! And what music did Mischa koot, the rider, and her boyfriend Joost Peters who is a freestyle composer, use for their freestyle? Michael Jackson. Just because his music is so unique, and it fits with top horse.



Michael's music we all love. I was planning on going to his concert on the 2nd of August.... It's too bad that he couldn't be in the spotlight one more time, with people that care for him and love his music. It wasn't meant to be. Hopefully he has it good, wherever he may be. Here, you will see our freestyle at a training session. It is now our tribute, to the man who is truly the King of Pop.