How To Clean Tennis Shoes

Every time I buy new tennis shoes I promise myself they won't have any white.  Guess I'm not very good at keeping promises...

So I buy black and white shoes.  Of course the white turns black within a week, no matter how hard I try to keep it clean.  Yes, I am the person who walks around puddles and dirt in parking lots.  The one who walks all the way down the sidewalk instead of cutting though the grass.  I don't want my shoes to get dirty!

But they do.  For years I tried wetting a rag and wiping them off without much success.  Yes, it got the worst of the dirt off, but they were never truly white again.  Then I came upon arguably the best cleaning product on the market!  The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!  (p.s. - we've bought the generic brand from Walmart before and they work just as good.  A lot less expensive too!)  Here's what you need to do.

First wet and wring out the magic eraser.

If your tennis shoes are really muddy, etc. I suggest taking a paper towel or rag and wiping them off first.  Your magic eraser will last a lot longer if the worst of the dirt is off.

Now lightly scrub any white parts until they shine.  Some spots will be easier than other.

Look how beautiful!  Almost like new again!  They shine just as much as the diamonds!

DIY Bedazzled Tennis Shoes

Okay lets be honest.  When you pin a craft or a recipe or an idea on Pinterest, half the time you never make or try it.  Who has time to try 463 recipes, 248 DIY projects, and 127 home remodels?  No me!  

But when I came upon these bedazzled Nike tennis shoes I knew I had to try them!  They just caught my eye!  Look at them!  The only part I don't like...they're white.  They're gonna get super dirty and need cleaned everyday.  

Well it just so happened I was getting ready to buy a new pair of shoes.  Of course Nike!  I've tried other brands and they just don't compare.  (unfortunately, I am not affiliated with Nike in any way.  I just really like their products)  And the "check" is perfect for bedazzling!  

So I went to Hobby Lobby and bought these Clear Crystal Rhinestones. Thinking I'd be using a ton of stones, I bought three packages.  You only need one.  I didn't even use one.  Oh well...now I can bedazzle all my shoes!

As for attaching them, I used this E6000 Clear Glue.  It seems to hold them great.  I've been wearing my shoes for two years and not a single diamond has come off.  They've been rubbed against chairs, through the snow and rain, etc.  No problems whatsoever!

I recommend working in sections.  I set my shoes on it's side and laid out the diamonds first.  That way I was able to move them and get them to fit right.  Then I took two or three off at a time and glued them on.  After trial and error I've found it easiest to use a paint brush and brush the glue on the shoes.  You can try to squeeze glue on each diamond, but it's a little more difficult.  Try each method and see which one you prefer.  They both have the same outcome!

Let your shoes sit at least two days before wearing them.  Don't even touch them!  The glue needs some time to dry and harden!

How to Organize a Spice Cabinet

My mom has been on a cleaning frenzy!  From the walls and the cabinets, to the fridge and the basement storage, everything is getting organized before Christmas decorations come out.  Yes, ever since she bought this wall mop in Amish Country, she even mops our walls!   I will admit it's looking pretty nice...

In the beginning all our plates, glasses, bowls, etc. were right by the fridge.  It was nice if you were the only one in the kitchen, but when we were all in there it got a little chaotic.  We would all be in that same corner trying to grab something a plate, silverware, or something from the fridge.  My mom and I decided we needed to distribute the wealth throughout the kitchen.  

The spices got moved over by the fridge.  Changes are we won't be grabbing spices while someones in the fridge or freezer.  Plates, bowls, and glasses are in the opposite corner by the measuring cups. Silverware is by the dishwasher.  We all hate emptying the silverware basket anyway, so keeping it the closest to the dishwasher makes it a little less of a hassle.  

We just have plain shelves in our kitchen.  Since our cabinets are lacking those fancy features, my mom and I have to get creative to organize like pros.  So far our best idea is alphabetical order...creative right!  Here's a list of alphabetical (way too many) herbs and seasonings just incase you need a reference. :) I've seen some pretty cool ideas on Pinterest though...not going to lie, I'm kinda jealous. Here are my top five upgrades...