Gratitude
Some days the simplest shift — looking for one tiny thing to appreciate — changes everything. ✨ Some days we may need to look more closely to see blessings… but they’re there.
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July
With star-spangled happiness, we welcome the month of JULY–and all the energized enjoyment its arrival delivers. The heat is on, togetherness with friends + family increases, vacations are plentiful across this beautiful country, and everything just feels more vibrant. The Fourth of July brings families together to celebrate this nation’s birthday–with festive eats, fun tunes + fireworks to light the … Read More
June
Well, hello sunshine. The arrival of June is as comforting as Dad’s bear hug, right? The month of June speeds up our internal engines, we’re more energized, spirits feel a little lighter, and of course, we focus on Dad. It’s a time for celebration + steadying our steps with forward, consistent momentum. Father’s Day celebration planning ensues. Landscape beds and … Read More
May
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for more sunshine. So I need to look more closely at the beauty right before me. Sometimes when life doesn’t throw the feel-goods, sunshine + obvious warmth in our direction, it’s our purpose to seek it. I bet you can relate. Temperatures are starting to warm… and flowers are increasing in numbers. … Read More
April issue
April showers are here… and thankfully so is increasing sunshine. Whew! SPRING IS FINALLY HERE TO STAY FOR A WHILE! Yes, blooms are more abundant… daffodils are blooming, hyacinth is adding fragrance and brilliance, and tulip are nearing their colorful bursts of color. It’s such an exciting time of year. It’s time to set plans + ready ourselves to race … Read More
March issue
Well hello to the promise of March… when sunshine prevails, temp swings are big–and we don’t even mind because we know SPRING IS FINALLY JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Yes, it’s the month for bulbs to reach through the soil, we’re all universally Irish for a day, and the ‘official’ arrival of spring spreads optimism, hope + renewed energies. And isn’t … Read More
February issue
Well hello February chill and bring on the best of winter cozies…. yes, hearty soups, fluffy socks, crackling fires, and the snuggliest blankets. It’s the month of Valentine’s Day–and what an ideal time to self-reflect. To analyze. To really think about how we love and how we are loved. And to best love others, we must remember to hold awareness … Read More
December issue
Fast and furious as Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, the holidays are upon us. And we all have SO MUCH to do. So much planning. So much preparing. So much goodness. With organization and a plethora of to-do lists, we’ll get ‘er done, too. From holiday events to in-home guests, travels, buying, wrapping, cleaning, decorating, and so much more… it’s … Read More
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November issue
Along with the cooler winds of November come the cozy feel-goods of gratefulness. And it’s even better with your fave hot java in-hand. Yes, November is a month for feel-goods + introspection. For really seeing the blessings around you. It’s a time to show and immerse within gratefulness — no matter what may be swirling within your orbit. It’s when … Read More
October issue
Ah, yes. Fall fun is in full effect… fall colors, fall foods, and fall festivities… yes, please! So, join us! October offers a season of both cozy, chill-out-comfort + exhilarating outdoor activity. Crisp, cool leaf scents are reserved only for this heartwarming month – and, yes, lasting memories are made each and every October. And at InSuesShoes, we’re celebrating it … Read More
September issue
September brings us opportunity. While August is a combo of final summer vacation days followed by back-to-school busyness, and October starts a lengthy (and, yes, amazing) series of seasonal holidays, September is a month to reset. To rest. And to realign within, while feeling gratitude for each leaf a’foot, each cool breeze, and each cozy sweater we TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT. … Read More
August issue
Be present in life. Appreciate the beauty that surrounds.
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Keep believing in yourself. And Keep. on. going. You’ve got this. Learn, then leave the past behind you💙
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Focus on inner peace; rise above distractions + chaos, friends. Embrace what matters. 💙
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July issue
In July, let’s share kindness + love, while also focusing forward on our goals. And hang with us at www.insuesshoes.com. Any day. Any time. You’re welcome with us.
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June issue
Welcome to www.insuesshoes.com! I’m thrilled you visited this new, exciting site—and I’m ECSTATIC beyond m’brains that this has come to fruition. It’s been a stop-n-go journey of various traveled shoes (see what I did there?) to arrive where we stand today. A vision for more years than I care to admit, recent steps have now allowed me to stand on … Read More
May issue
Fluffy Steel + Dainty Shoes Say what? Fluffy steel? Read on, friends… May’s made for dainty shoes. Temperatures will soon soar with consistency. Sunshine will blaze. And green grass will beg for barefoot frolicking about its blades. But if you’re going to wear shoes? Dust off your fave dainty sandals. Heck, our favorite dainty sandals can ignite a mental transformation and … Read More
April issue
We will endure… join us this April. No matter the shoes you’re in, you’re welcome here.
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The arrival of spring always bring with it a sense of added energy. An alive buzz electrifying the air. But perhaps this spring, that energy will be spiked with an added shot of espresso. Over the past few years, every set of eyes reading this story endured hardship, one way or another. Whether that hardship was due to loss of a loved … Read More
Good Morning ?
Start your morning off right! This tune is energizing, happy, + it’s how we start our workday here at InSuesShoes… so, why not share with InSuesShoes friends so you, too, can have an extra pep to your step as the day begins… enjoy! Simply hover over the QR code + clink the appearing link. Then simply listen + feel a … Read More
Oct. Issue
Change is Beautiful. Even when it SUCKS. The bedroom was pink, just how I liked it. My canopy bed was draped in dainty, white linens. Just how I liked it. My parents knew how to make a little punk princess-wanna-be happy. And I liked it. Yep, as with many kids, my room was my refuge. My hangout. My personal recharge … Read More
It’s been a six-month hiatus. We’re back. Refocused. And ready to rock. Join us!
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October is the FAVORITE month for many. It’s when temps dip, leaves drop, and bonfires blaze. We prep for changing weather, we organize, and we assess improvements—within our homes and within us. We decorate with dried cornstalks, delight in pumpkin spice everything, and indulge in festive traditions of hayrides, carving pumpkins and spooky movies. And as we enjoy these moments, many … Read More
September sets in with a bit more consistency of schedules. At least, it once did. Perhaps it’s yet another detonation toward 2020’s path of changing, well, everything and all ‘normal’ routines. Right? Be that as it may, what we can control is only ourselves and proceeding with plans, as best as we can, to continually improve. To improve within, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. … Read More
August means heat, sunshine, good times, and transition. It’s a month half-comprised of vacation, summer sun ‘n relaxation—and half-comprised of a return to routines. Yet, with the pandemic shifting everything in our worlds, this August may leave us feeling more off-balance than any previous August. The routines to which we’re returning look different, vacations have been altered (or cancelled), and … Read More
It’s tough to remain focused + positive today. But here’s how you can keep pushing forward….
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Got goals? Of course you do. Let’s reach ’em in March. Deal? Deal. Yes, the fun, superstitious reputation surrounding the month of March focuses on ‘luck.’ But short of finding four-leaf clovers and pots ‘o gold at the end of a rainbows, luck doesn’t help our goals progress much. It’s just not the reality for most of us. Instead? Let’s … Read More
Aren’t Saturday mornings the BEST? We feel (likely) a little more rested than usual. Maybe we start the day with a run or quick workout–but even if not, we likely all fire up the coffeepot for a hot cuppa’ brew (or tea!). Maybe you’ll have an in-person coffee talk with your gal pals. Maybe you’ll FaceTime a girlfriend while sipping … Read More
Ah, love. ‘Tis in the air. If we’re lucky, that is. Or, is it really luck? Me’thinks not, actually. Love exists within us all. It is ours to give, if we choose. And, it’s ours to show, if we dare. And we should. Enter: kindness. Yes, love and kindness are inextricably entwined. When we love in a healthy way, we … Read More
COMIN’ AT YOU IN JANUARY Yes, yes we are. So here’s to new recipes, beauty info, books to read, plants to nurture, and cool new items in the shop. And… we’ll welcome a new beauty expert from Chicago this month. I hope you’ll help me welcome her to the team as we, at last, get this online community rockin’. Join … Read More
Don’t be shy. Join us! It’s free. It’s fun. And you belong with us. Like, any time you want to join in the fun. Once you’re in the newsletter club (totally free to sign up!), just grab a cuppa’ joe, open the monthly email from us, and enjoy. Open our newsletter knowing it’ll be a fun, positive read that just … Read More
July issue
No time epitomizes the small thrills in life quite like in the month of July. Air is warm. Fireflies illuminate dark skies. Children giggle as they draw circles with glowing sparklers. The great American flag waves in the summer breeze, family dogs swim and backyard grills are a’blazin’ with burgers, ribs and beer-can chicken. It’s the culmination of these small … Read More
Finding Joy
I saw what joy looks like.
And not the liquid kind that squirts from a bottle.
I believe our greatest purpose is to achieve and experience joy. The real deal. The emotion intended to fuel our spirits and propel us through life. The antidote that heals hurts and eradicates negativity.
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It’s Possible to Work Yourself Stupid
When urgencies and deadlines rule your world, all else in life can float by without notice. I’ve been there. For YEARS I was there. An earthquake in Nepal? No kidding! My kid’s doctor bill is overdue? Oopsie. And, how old is my dog anyway??? I ask simply because I really don’t know. I’ve been too busy, buried within work trenches for the last decade to lift my gaze and see life passing me by.
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April issue
Splash a little. As April’s reputation promises, rain and showers are, indeed, prevalent throughout most of the country. So many puddles. And so many opportunities for new growth and adventure. In April, the forest was teeming with new life and playful, cute critters came out to play. An avid explorer I was, propelled by a purple bike, feet dry in … Read More
Monkey Cards
Warning… When ‘I’m fine!!’ befalls thine beating eardrums, here’s its translation: You’ve just agitated—although not yet entirely removed—a grenade’s detonation pin. Set it down. Walk away. Not that it’s all your fault. But, it probably is. Hubby and I quietly pride ourselves in rarely having disagreements. Fighting is not our style; it’s just not a typical practice for our personalities. … Read More
March issue
A sea of kids gathered with their bicycles, ready for the challenge. We peered over the edge. I, of course, was the only girl. And the smallest body present. My big brother took off first. On his silver Huffy, down he went, then back up and around the dirt horseshoe on the facing side of the steep hill. He landed … Read More
Coupon Kindness
I’m so NOT FINE.
Situation: Grocery shopping in a new city.
Summary: I’d rather have a root canal.
A Valentine’s Day to LOVE
It’d be easy to let holidays slip by unnoticed. But where’s the fun in that?
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February issue
Since the days as a pigtailed pipsqueak, I was a walking contradiction. Sassy, yet sweetly insecure. A sparkly girly-girl but sprinkled with a tad o’ tom-boy for good measure. Maybe you were a contradiction, too. Anything pink made my Lipsmacker’d mouth smile. Yet I’d chase anything creepy and crawly. Sparkly stuff or dainty dohickeys? Caught my attention. Yet anything rough … Read More
Slugs Are Nice
Snowflakes gently fell to the ground. Tree branches held piles of winter’s sparkly fluff. Brilliant white blanketed the grass. And yellow holes splotched what would have otherwise been a pretty winter scene. Leave it to my four-legged BFF to keep it real. Record-breaking low temps welcomed me to our new Midwestern home. Schools were cancelled, businesses were closing—and even the … Read More
January issue
Determined, fearless—and fueled with youthful naiveté, my pigtails dove in. To anything fun, messy or daring.
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Words hurt. Actions sting. For a moment…
My tiny tennies stood motionless in the grass as I faced a mass of boys exiting my house. There he was. Laughing amongst my big brothers and their friends. Then our eyes met. And he stuck his tongue out at me. Man, I hated that kid. Childhood memories aside, in the adult world actions still hurt. Words sting. And even those … Read More
Happy Streaks
Ever had one of those days? You know, when you SHOULD’VE looked in the mirror? For yours truly, that day was today. There was a time in my life when this never would have happened. Perhaps I was once more vain. Or, perhaps I just wasn’t as busy. Yes, in those days I wore high heels and perfect makeup every … Read More
Dishonesty
Let’s face it. There are dishonest people in our worlds.
And dishonest people suck.
Common traits include manipulative behaviors, they’re poised as forever-victims—and when layers are peeled away, intentions are virtually always self-indulgent.
With these folks, what you see is not what you get.
Yuck.
It can be a difficult journey having these characters in your life’s periphery—and worse if within your circle. Whether a family member, co-worker or neighbor too close for comfort, it’s far too easy to expend unnecessary energy, focusing on their antics instead of staying steadfast with our own growth and positivity.
Money: Living Rich
Money and the mind are inextricably entwined.
What moves so many people? Money.
Why do most people work? Money.
What allows for freedom? Money.
What provides anything you’d want? Money.
Or so people think. But there’s just so much emptiness in this outlook.
Sure, if we all had more than enough money, perhaps we would have fewer worries. We’d not lack for material items. Perhaps we’d even quit our jobs.
But that’s not likely what would happen.
Consider tweaking your perception of money—then consequently, the perception of the bigger picture (that is your life). Doing so may just improve your world exponentially.
Money moves people. Indeed, it does. Physically, anyways. It can move us to accept a position, to get out of bed each morning, to produce for others so we may receive a paycheck, right? We’re moved to action, but that is not motivation. Motivation holds deeper purpose. Motivation is fueled by desire, by passion. Be motivated, not simply moved.
People work for money. Of course! We work to pay our bills. But then what? Paying bills is a completion of a necessary task. Yes, that’s good. But instead of the mindset to work for money, work for purpose. We offer most of life’s waking hours toward a job. Wouldn’t life be so much richer if we worked for purpose (and paid the bills)?
Money allows for freedom, we think. Perhaps. But then what? Move to an isolated island to exist Jimmy Buffet-style with margaritas and sunshine? Sure, sign me up. For a while. Then reality would set. For most of us this will never happen, but even if so, it’d be a temporary relief—but not a sustainable solution. Therefore, it’s not freedom. Fulfillment is a necessity. Freedom and fulfillment? They’re like peaches and cream; they just go together.
So how do we get there?
Give your perceptions an honest review. Seek out passion in your work. Create opportunities to explore more areas of interest—at work and outside of work. Make time to expand your world. Doing so, you’ll give back and grow at exponential rates—where it matters most. Within you.
Happiness truly is NOT linked to an abundance of money. Happiness is derived from what’s on your daily to-do lists. And it’s those you allow into your world.
Yes, bills exist. Mortgages must be paid. Bank accounts should grow. But in the big picture of life? It’s your personal well-being and individual growth that brings fulfillment—and a wealthy, healthy life.
That, friends, is living rich.
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Difficult People
They’re just darn difficult. You know the type. He complains incessantly, then asks for direction or advice. You provide. He does the opposite of your suggestion—then comes back for more advice. It’s great to be a caring ear and voice of logic—but when the cycle is a repeated ritual of time invested, wisdom shared and then ignored, it’s tremendously deflating. Right?
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Life Balance? Get real.
There’s just so damn much to do, isn’t there? How is it even possible to stay energized? To maintain motivation? To keep on keepin’ on with enthusiasm? It’s tough. And it’s a challenge for every soul who traipses about this planet with hopes of any personal direction or aspiration. The whole premise of www.insuesshoes.com was based upon the inevitable imbalance … Read More
The Truth about Happy: It grows and glues
Happiness. As holidays jingle into life, a time intended for joy often morphs into flashbacks of disappointment and hurt for many. What a shame so many relationships suffer this time of year. Nerves are shot. Irritation levels soar. People everywhere disappoint. So what does it take to be happy? What does it look like? Sure, we envision a smiling couple … Read More
Welcome to www.insuesshoes.com!
I’m so happy you stopped by!
So, what the heck is InSuesShoes?
It’s a vision that took nearly three years to bring to fruition… and I couldn’t be happier to be right here, right now to share it with YOU.
So, here we are, ready to rock. Ready to provide for YOU a place of dependable positivity, smiles, encouragement—and dare we say FUN.