Let me guess -- your New Year's Resolution this year is to lose that extra weight or, possibly, to ward off junk food or forego eating dessert?? Am I in the ballpark of being right?? Thought so ... well, I have an even better resolution for 2019 that you can count on keeping as it's totally reasonable and entirely doable -- it's your Shoe Year Resolution!! Cute, right?? Yep ... but it's also a super great idea.

Shoe Year Resolution for the New Year -- 5 ideas to keep your feet happy and healthy throughout 2019 and beyond:

1. Buy shoes that actually FIT!!

Sounds pretty basic and "duh-worthy," but finding the perfect fit when it comes to shoes is easier said than done, particularly if you have not-so-normal feet (welcome to the club, folks!!). No worries on this front, though, as you can just head into Mar-Lou Shoes and get your tootsies professionally measured and fitted into shoes that are not only appropriate for your needs but that accommodate your feet in all aspects -- including fit and feel!!

Having your feet measured is a critical element in the shoe-shopping process. It's recommended that your feet be measured every 6 months or so, especially if you have experienced any major physical changes to your body, like weight loss or weight gain. We tend to believe that our feet never change -- well, tell that to a woman who's had a child and she'll tell you otherwise!! Just like every other part of your physical self, your feet grow and change over time. So, seeing how your feet stack up in terms of overall size and width BEFORE trying on shoes isn't such a bad idea. We here at Mar-Lou tend to measure your feet EVERY time you come in to shop, just to ensure we've got the right data in order to best fit you!! Yay for that!!

2. Maintain a foot-care regimen for healthy, attractive feet

Taking care of your feet is no easy feat -- ha!! It's not a walk in the park, either -- ha again!! Keeping up with proper grooming techniques and using appropriate products regularly can require quite a bit of energy ... but it's SO worth it AND it'll get you engaging in some great habits. Remember, your feet need love and care, too!!

Here are some tips:

-- Moisturize your feet daily. Moisturizing aids in reducing unsightly dry skin and makes showing off your feet that much easier when the time comes!!
-- Get a pedicure at least once a year. This practice thoroughly removes dead skin and build-up and makes you look AND feel like a million bucks.
-- Wear the shoe that's right for YOU!! Don't wear a pair of shoes just because they're "so totally adorable and the cutest ever" -- they may be terrible for your feet!!
-- Don't share foot-related items with others. Not to scare you, but it's precisely how to get un-fun and uncomfortable foot diseases and conditions. Yuck to the max!!

3. Thoroughly clean out your closet

Getting rid of shoes that no longer fit is a good thing -- but DONATING them is even better!! Why hang on to a pair of sneaks that you haven't worn in 5 years?? Such shoes are simply collecting dust and hogging valuable closet space ... so donate them!! Soles 4 Souls is a remarkable charity that accepts gently-worn shoes and boots in order to repurpose them and get them to people who really need them.

Removing old shoes from one's closet and donating them to a good cause can be a truly freeing feeling. Minimalism is very much trending now and getting rid of items you no longer regularly use is the key to the movement. Ask yourself the following 3 questions in order to determine the fate of that pair of shoes you simply haven't worn in a while:

1 -- When was the last time I wore these shoes??
2 -- Are these shoes too worn or too broken-in for me at this point??
3 -- Do these shoes fit me properly and are they even still comfortable??

If you haven't worn said pair of shoes in over 2 years, it's time to say buh-bye and farewell. If they're too broken-in (or just plain broken!!) and you know you'll never get them repaired, it's time to say au revoir. And, finally, if the shoes hurt your feet in ANY way (too big, too small, cause blisters, cause discomfort), sorry but ADIOS!! Start the year off on the right FOOT (another pun -- I know, I know, I'm just full of punny sayings today) by freeing up some closet space and donating all of your never-to-be-worn-again footwear. It's the right thing to do.

4. Choose timeless fashion ... with a twist!!

We've all got at least a couple pairs of classic, go-to shoes that just so happen to be staples in the shoe industry: ballet flats, Mary Janes, athletic shoes, high-heels, booties, and more. We're all familiar with the classic colors that typically accompany these classic shoe silhouettes ... black, white, nude, etc. But what about adding a bit of a twist to your next pair of shoes?? Think color -- think patterns -- think FUN!! Next time you're in the market for a new pair of comfortable shoes, elevate your shoe game AND your look with a pair that's a bit wackier and wilder than you're accustomed to ... after all, stepping outside of our comfort zones can be refreshing and good-for-the-soul. Take, for instance, Alegria shoes and boots -- they start with a classic, timeless shape and enhance the experience with unexpected color combinations, funky prints, and darling adornments. Not only are they super comfortable but they're SURE to make a statement when you step out on the town!! You can always stick with a traditionally-styled shoe and up the ante by choosing it in a new hue or an animal print or a playful pattern. Show off the new YOU with a new SHOE!!

5. Take good care of your shoes and they'll take good care of you!!

Shoes that are actually good for your feet and your health tend to be, well, relatively expensive -- so to NOT care for them properly would be truly silly. Do right by your shoes in the New Year and abide by the following pointers on how to best wear and care for your footwear.

1 -- Always, ALWAYS spray your shoes with a rain-and-stain-repellent spray!! Thoroughly spraying your brand new shoes will protect them AND promote their longevity, so it's literally the very FIRST thing you should do upon a new purchase. Even if the shoes or boots you've just bought are waterproof, spray away -- it will help keep them looking new and clean for many moons. Additionally, you can re-apply rain-and-stain-repellent spray every time you clean and condition your shoes -- once the shoes are clean and totally dry, re-spray them to keep them looking fine!!

2 -- Change it up when it comes to the shoes you regularly wear. Wearing the same pair of shoes day-in, day-out can be stressful to your feet and is definitely stressful to the shoes themselves -- a shoe should be allowed to "breathe" and dry out and recuperate after a full day of being worn, so alternate the shoes you wear on a day-to-day basis. This will literally extend the life of your shoes for months to years!! You'll be shocked at how much longer your shoes will remain wear-worthy when you switch it up daily.

3 -- Store your shoes properly, just as you would anything else of value. Keep your shoes stuffed -- with a shoe tree or the original tissue paper stuffing that the shoes came boxed with -- and they'll maintain their shape and fit for a long while. Don't shove your shoes in a cubby or simply toss them in your closet -- give them a home where they can rest and remain useful for many years to come. Take care of your shoes -- after all, they're the ones supporting your entire body from the ground up!!

Follow these 5 fabulous guidelines and your 2019 is sure to be a wonderful Shoe Year!!