Walking with PowerStep - Review

Exercise trends come and go, but walking never goes out of style. In fact, it seems like walking gets more and more credit as being one of the best sources of exercise. All you need is your feet and a place to walk. Now, I'm sure there are people who go for walks barefoot, but that would not be me! I need shoes for sure and even more, I need good arch support solutions for my low arches and pronating feet. Although I have custom orthotics I got from my podiatrist, they are pricey. I'm always on the lookout for other arch support options and the most recent stop on my quest brought me to the PowerStep website and their Slenderfit 3/4 Insoles. I wanted to try insoles that would allow me to fit them into non-athletic shoes. My reality is, sometimes I need to spend time on my feet and I can't be in casual footwear. The tricky thing is that most sneakers allow you to remove the insoles. That is not always true for "nicer" shoes. These Slenderfit 3/4 inserts are thinner (about 1/4 in at the thickest point)  and don't take up the whole insole space. They go just past the arch area of the shoe. 

I tried the arch support inserts in three different shoes. My first were these Ann Klein flats. The insoles fit in easily and I was able to wear the shoes comfortably. I think the fact that the shoes are bit stretchy helped accommodate the inserts. I next tried them in these Ecco Short Boots. These boots have a removable insole that I needed to remove. And I will say it was really important that I could remove the insoles as I would not have had enough room for my foot otherwise. That said, my sports insoles absolutely would not allow my foot to fit, so this proves the benefits of thinner "dress shoe" arch support inserts. I wore both the flats and the boots for several hours over two days and was very comfortable and felt the extra support. 

Another thing I'd like to mention is that we can also be proactive in battling our flat feet. There are excercises that are useful for strengthening muscles. I like the examples shown in this Healthline article. I am fortunate to live near the beach and am able to walk barefoot on the sand. I know many people don't have regular beach or sand access, but, if you are able to, consider the information and research shared in this article from PromHealth. It's always empowering when you can be proactive about your health.

I definitely recommend these PowerStep Slenderfit 3/4 Insoles. I'm also impressed that their website offers a variety of products, including footwear. I wear flip flops and slides quite a bit and I'm interested in trying theirs next. I also want to try their clog slippers. Ordering without trying isn't something to worry about as PowerStep has a 90-day guarantee. Check them out!

I am not compensated for links in this post.

Tennis Favorites: Tennis Bracelets, Sun Sleeves & Cooling Towels

 

I’ve been playing tennis since I was very young. It’s my main sport and one of my main sources of exercise. I play a few times a week and really love it. So, I thought it would be fun to write a post about some of my favorite tennis things.

Tennis Bracelets: You know when you hear about something and you wonder to yourself: “Why is it called that?” The tennis bracelet is definitely one of those things. It’s typically a thin, simple, yet elegant diamond bracelet. Looking at it doesn’t make you think of tennis. So where did the name come from? There is actually a pivotal moment in sports history that launched the name. American tennis player, Chris Evert, whom I’ve had the opportunity to meet and is one of my favorite players of all time, was wearing her diamond bracelet while playing at the 1978 US Open. During a match, her bracelet broke and fell and she asked to stop the match to pick it up. After the match, she was asked about it during an interview and she called it her “tennis bracelet.” And with that, the diamond bracelet started to be called a tennis bracelet. I’m not really a jewelry person, but I love tennis bracelets. They are so classic and go with everything. You can wear it playing tennis and wear it for a dressy occasion. Just the perfect accessory and a great gift for someone who plays tennis!

Sun Sleeves: The reality is that in Southern California, I spend a lot of time in the sun while playing tennis. I grew up in New England playing a decent amount of indoor tennis. Indoor tennis really doesn’t exist in Southern California. So, if I’m playing, I’m outside often during the strongest sun exposure times. Wearing sunblock can be so annoying. You need to reapply it and considering it gets on your hands, doing it on the court when you are about to hold a racquet, isn’t the most ideal situation. About ten years ago, I was in a sporting goods store when I noticed  Nike UV Protection Sun Sleeves. I decided to try them out and was immediately hooked. They are lightweight and the white color reflects the sunlight, helping to keep me cooler. They fit perfectly with good stretch and stay in place. I wear them from my wrist on up to just under the beginning of my short sleeve. So, my arms are totally covered. I've tried other sleeves and the Nike ones remain my favorite. I can’t recommend these sleeves enough!

Cooling Towel: Playing tennis in the hot sun can really take a toll on me. I’ve found that using a cooling towel, makes a big difference in how I feel. I discovered the Arctic Cool instant cooling towel a couple of years ago and really recommend it. I just soak it and take it to the court with me in a plastic container or bag. Then when I need it, I pull it out, snap it in the air and put it around the back of my neck. I feel so much cooler and refreshed. I never head to the courts without it! This is also a really practical gift for really anyone who participates in outdoor activities.

There you have it. Three of my favorite tennis things!

I am not compensated for links in this post

Currex Acepro Insoles - Review

 

My name is Elizabeth and I have flat feet. When I get out of the pool and walk along the pool deck, my kids tease me that my wet footprints look like they belong to a duck. My feet have been through a lot over the years. I’ve participated in sports my whole life, on all kids of surfaces: ice, snow, grass, dirt, clay, wood, cement. In school, I earned varsity letters in field hockey, cross country and tennis. As I got into my twenties, I started to really notice foot pain, especially in my arches. Or should I say in my non-existent arches? I went to a podiatrist who fit me for custom orthotics. I also found out that as well as having flat feet, my feet over pronate (see image). [For an overview of pronation vs supination, click here]Custom orthotics help a lot, but they are expensive and don’t fit well in every type of sports shoe. I’ve constantly kept my eye on innovations in the “sports insoles” category and was really intrigued when I was offered the opportunity to try out CURREX ACEPRO Insoles. The CURREX site is really informative and includes tools to help you figure out which of their sports insoles is best for you. Nowadays, I play a lot of tennis and I want sports insoles that are designed to help me on the court. CURREX ACEPRO Insoles were developed to handle extreme loads of force and abrupt changes in movement during sports like tennis, pickleball, and basketball. I put my order in and waited for them to arrive. Shipping is free on orders over $49.95 and my sports insoles arrived in four days.

They are sized in a range of shoe sizes so it will be likely you need to trim them down. I had to trim mine and it was really easy. Once I had them fitting perfectly in my tennis shoes, I went for a walk. The first thing I noticed was the heel cup gave me extra stability that I don’t have with my orthotics. I also appreciated that the ACEPRO Insoles aren’t as thick as my orthotics so they didn’t crowd my foot as much and allowed me to tie my shoe tighter. I felt the arch support but it wasn’t as aggressive feeling as my orthotics. Next I went to play tennis with my son. We played a set and I was very comfortable. I think one of the biggest things I felt was extra stability which I attribute to the heel cup and the overall structure of the sports insoles. Next I tried them in some of my other “sports footwear” and was especially happy that they fit in my spin shoes. My orthotics are too thick to work in my spin shoes. I have included photos of the ACEPRO Insoles and my custom orthotics (as you can see, they've gotten a lot of use) below so you can see a side by side comparison. Overall, I appreciate the versatility of this size/design of sports insoles. The biggest thing I appreciate is the price. At $59.95 for the ACEPRO Insoles as opposed to over $500 for orthotics at a podiatrist, there is no contest. I look forward to getting lots of use out of my new sports insoles! 

Because I get asked: My favorite brand of tennis shoes are K-Swiss. They make great shoes for all types of court sports. (I don't earn anything from referring to products linked in this post)

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This is a compensated post

What is a Shift Dress? One of Summer's Top Dress Trends

The notorious shift dress and where it came from

Image courtesy of Pacific Landing

From the beginning of time, women’s fashion has shifted from practicality to style. Today, women’s fashion choices are unlimited. Want to wear sweats? That’s fine. Suits are in and it is more than acceptable to sport some biker shorts and an oversized t-shirt for almost any non-professional summer occasion. But where do our choices stem from? 

• Glad you asked, because in this article we’re going to discuss: 
• The evolution of women’s dresses 
• How to wear a shift dress 
• Where to buy a shift dress 

The Evolution of Women’s Dresses 

How did we get to the popular shift dresses? 

Alt text: A picture of the painting “Birth of Venus” 

Caption: The history of women’s fashion generated from the birth of florals and silk. 

B.C. 

The femme fatale archetype, Egyptian queen Cleopatra was not only influential to the development of Roman politics, but greatly coerced the development of women’s clothing. Linen and sheer clothing covered in gold and stones were what her main outfits consisted of. Soft, flowy designs were taken advantage of in ancient Greece where clothing was designed for the blistering heat and smoldering temperatures. Silk and linen sheet-like dresses served as a feathery, light fashion statement. 

15th-19th centuries Europe 

Clothing started to show off wealth in the thirteenth century. Heavy fabric was layered in medieval times, velvet as the main material utilized. Square necklines and high-waisted silhouettes emphasized the chest and the waste and showcased any jewelry worn. Women’s fashion altered in later times, highlighting the airy designs like in Greece. High necklines and ruffles complimented the light layers. Full skirts and ruffled sleeves with large floral embroidery became popularized for a more conservative look. Corsets and ruffles showcased a woman’s waist. 

Twentieth century 

In the early twentieth century, Hemlines rose as fabric became heavier. Then, the 1920s flowy and fun flapper dress made sleeveless gowns flourish. After the Great Depression, women’s dresses loosened in fabric and structure, became less formal, often paired with a belt and buttons up the front. Accessories became the forefront of plain dresses, fitted to silhouettes but relaxed with fabric. The sheath dress (aka the shift dress), became widely popularized when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis styled her high hemlined, silhouette with tight-fitting sleeveless shift dresses in the 60s. 

How to Wear a Shift Dress 

What works best with a shift dress? 

Alt text: Jackie Kennedy wears a magenta sheath 

Caption: Jackie Kennedy showcases her pink shift dress at a public function. 

Jackie Kennedy increased the popularity of this liberated, relaxed dress. This versatile, knee length, boxy dress is normally made from soft, casual fabrics like cotton. Usually styled sleeveless and short, these dresses are great for a warm weather day with a touch of professional nature. To achieve a 60s look, accessories look great with this neutral dress. Scarves, hats, gloves and belts can be styled with this dress. 

Shift dresses work great with heels or platform shoes to give a boost of height to complete the high-hemline leggy look. For an elegant fall look, pair an autumn shift dress with a collar and a belt. 

For a sleek summer look, pairing a brightly colored, vibrant shift dress with light silver or gold jewelry. Paired with sandals and a light jacket, this can be a great summer barbeque outfit. 

Why “Shift Dress?” 

How did the shift dress get its name? 

The shift dress got its name originally from the Middle Eastern word “schift” which means to move or change direction. This loose, boxy dress moved to the shape of your body, making it ideal for any semi-professional occasion. 

My grandma, a young woman during the 60s, said she and her girlfriends used to call the notorious dress simply a “shift” normally wearing them to work with high heels. 

These flapper-like dresses were created in the 1920s by designers like Chanel to create a loose-fitting but stylish box dress but ushered into the look we know today by 60s icons like Jackie O. 

Where Can I Buy a Shift Dress? 

What is the best 

Alt text: three 1960s women sport shift dresses in different patterns 

Caption: Shift dresses are available in all different patterns to wear for any event. 

Shopbop 

Shopbop sells shift dresses in multiple patterns, colors, textures and lengths as perfect summer wedding dresses. 

Tweed Shift Dress

Alt text: a pink and black plaid tweed shift dress is worn by a model 

Caption: Best for colder autumn and winter, this look can be styled with black tights, heels or boots, and a long sleeve turtleneck. Image courtesy of Shopbop. 

Made with non-stretch tweed fabric and frayed edges, this look is timeless and retro. Made of cotton and polyester, this is a more fragile material worn for specific more professional events. 

Night Shifter Dress 

Alt text: A model wears a bedazzled floral multi-colored black shift dress 

Caption: Made with non-stretch cotton, this dress is best worn in the fall or autumn. 

Image courtesy of Shopbop. 

This iridescent sequined floral dress is made with satin lining and polyester. Paired with neutral accessories and jewelry, this look can be worn for a night out in the summer or spring months. 

Luca Shift Dress 

Alt text: a model wears a short white and yellow beachy shift dress 

Caption: Shift dresses have evolved into more shapes and sizes for all events and people 

For a beachy look, this shift dress is lightweight, light colored, and easy to throw over a suit while in the sand. The v-neck and quarter length sleeves add a touch of chicness for a relaxed summer event.

Banana Republic 

For a classy look, Banana Republic sells a basic sleeveless thigh-length shift dress. With a slightly professional feel, this dress comes in a “trailblazing” orange, black, or flax tan. 

Nordstrom Rack 

Nordstrom Rack sells a flowy shift dress that can easily contort to your body with a brief button hole opening at the back of the neck. Available in red, navy, peach, and more, this is a great outfit to pair with some flat sandals for a relaxing–and now comfortable– summer dinner party night. 

JCPenny 

JCPenney provides a plethora of summery designs and different styles of shift dresses for the warm months such as babydoll, long sleeve, and layered. 

The Last Stitch 

The evolution of women’s fashion has gone through amazing changes, from the most extravagant floral layered linen designs to the most ethereal, flowy simple white dresses. Perfect for any semi-formal summer event, shift dresses are the perfect combination of professional, classy, and flirty.

Wordless Wednesday–The Moon, Cross & American Flag

I stepped out on my front porch at 1 am and saw this ethereal story

It’s a Tradition: New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm

The holidays are a time for family traditions. To be honest, our family traditions are rather ordinary: buying the tree, decorating the tree, putting up the decorations, the outdoor lights. The Elf on the Shelf. Y’know, the things everyone does. I always take notice of the traditions in other families that seem to stand out as being different. I have wanted to have a tradition that is a bit different. It turns out our family does have a tradition that is out of the ordinary: We go to Knott’s on New Year’s Eve! We have gone the past two years and we are going again this year. Three years in a row meets the requirement of a “tradition” in my book. And it can be your tradition too!

Knott’s solves the problem of finding a New Year’s celebration that is suitable for the whole family. I love Knott’s on New Year’s because it just feels like a celebration in every section of the park. All the rides and attractions are open and there is live entertainment such as salsa dancing in Fiesta Plaza, a dance party in Calico Square, a bluegrass band in The Birdcage Theater and comedy in Wagon Camp. The park is all decked out with holiday decorations and we always arrive in the evening when everything is perfectly lit up. Having grown up in New England, New Year’s feels more real to me when it’s cold out. The past two years have been chilly enough that we have actually needed to bundle up a bit! You will be fine with light jackets, fleece and maybe some gloves/mittens. There are lots of opportunities to go inside to warm up for a bit.

For dining options, the restaurants in the park are open. You just may have to wait to be seated so plan accordingly. At peak times it can be as much as a 45 minute wait. There is a New Year’s Eve Buffet in Spurs Restaurant from 4:00-9:00pm with prices of $26.99+tax for adults and $14.99+tax for kids ages 3-11. We haven’t done the buffet but maybe we will this year. If you want to maximize your time going on rides and participating in the live entertainment offerings, you might consider eating before you get to the park. This could also be a good plan with younger kids who may not be able to stay up late into the evening.There are plenty of places to get snacks and refreshments to keep you going through the night.  As our kids have gotten older we have been able to stay later, but we have yet to make it to midnight! If you do make it to midnight (the park is open until 1:00am) there is an awesome countdown with the Sky Cabin ride going up the K Tower with a special lighting effects show. When it reaches the top at the stroke of midnight, there is a big fireworks show.

For more information visit Ring In The New Year at Knott’s. On New Year’s Eve, Knott’s is open from 10:00am to 1:00am with the New Year’s Eve Celebration included with the regular daytime admission.

Disclosure: My family has received admission to Knott’s New Year’s Eve for my event coverage. All content and social media shares are original and my own opinions.

Making My Way Back

I am on my way back!

Thank you for your patience while I've been on hiatus. There is much to say and I shall be saying it here soon.