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Grandoe Introduces the Smartdogs Summer Slipper Collection

May 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

For years I have refused to wear flats.   Between being 5’2 (barely) with a boyfriend nearly 6 feet tall and feeling like I look like Frodo when I dont wear heels, I would not even look in the general direction of flats.   Not even flip flops – which of course have not only been in style for years, but are pretty much a “staple” for everyone living in Florida… except yours truly.

Then I began running.

Something about deciding to “be a runner” has not only changed my entire body shape, but also the way I think about – and take care of – my little feet.  Suddenly now those 5 inch heels look more like a torture device instead of a fashion accessory.   (and not in a 50 Shades kinda way)  Instead I have been finding myself wearing contoured flip flops and flat strappy sandals – with plenty of arch support.

When I received the new Smartdogs Uplift Womens Synergy Thong Slippers I thought first “when in the world am I ever going to wear these!?”  They don’t exactly match my wardrobe, and I am not sure I own a pair of shoes that are not leather… maybe to the beach…

But then I put them on.

Ok, let me tell you how soft and amazing these things are.  I no longer even cared if they match or not.

Inspired by a holistic approach to living? Slippers in this collection provide a unique comfort experience. Balancing flexibility, support and durability in to a unique slipper-shoe. Each style features an anti-bacterial mesh footbed, gel heel pad and an energy stimulating color chakra to enhance your comfort and well-being.

I spent the rest of the day wearing them around the house, in the yard, and even out to pick up the Tween from school.  Amazingly enough she didnt even make a comment about how they looked – she’s nearly 13, she NEVER misses an opportunity to call out a fashion faux pax – so honestly I think my opinion of how they look is all in my head.

By the time I went to bed my feet were quite happy from being “pampered” all day with the chushy mesh stuff that line the bottom of the slippers.  Also, unlike with my other flipflops, the space between my toes did not hurt – even after 5000+ steps. (according to my FitBit)

You can buy the Smartdogs Slippers from major department and specialty stores, or online at www.SmartdogsComfort.com.  Use the code SUMMER12 when checking out online for a 15% discount on all orders placed before July 31, 2012!

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Womens Syngery Thongs for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation was involved.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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Blogger Olympics Thanks to Jambu Footwear

May 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This past weekend we kicked off Brandcation with our first ever Blogger Olympics, sponsored by Jambu Footwear.  We gave our Attendees very little warning as to what all would be involved in Blogger Olympics, only assured them that there would be very little physical fitness involved.  As a “Condo Mom” I got to be the team leader and cheer my team on…. while laughing hysterically.  

The Blogger Olympics began with a Scavenger Hunt which covered the entire Portofino Property.   Let me tell you that there are few things funnier than being on the 11th floor of a condo and overlooking 4 groups of 8 women in different colored shirts – some sporting floppy hats, ladybug wings, and mustache sun glasses – scurry around between 5 towers racing to take pictures of their finds.

After the Scavenger Hunt we hit the beach for White House Sand Castle Building (I still think my team nailed it), grass skirt and coconut bra relay, float races, and a hula hoop contest… which I am proud to say my girl Denise absolutely smoked the competition on.  For a lady who has given birth to quads, she pretty much was bowed to after that performance.

Trisha, Kim, Blondie, and I were coordinating and coaching the events – which means laughing hysterically and talking smack to one another the entire time.  I even put a bounty on Blondie if someone could dunk her during the float races, but for a little thing she is hard to take down.  It was fabulous.

It was an absolute blast, and I am so proud of my Blue Team – The Beachin Bloggers – for doing such an awesome job in the competition!  Thanks again to Jambu Footwear for the sponsorship which made the Blogger Olympics 2012 possible.


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Kushyfoot Flats To Go Sandals

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

You may remember back before Christmas when I shared with you my love for Kushyfoot – massaging slip on shoes that you can carry in your purse and slip on after a day of wearing those painful – though stylish – heels.   As someone whose only “flat” shoes are her tennis shoes, Kushyfoot has been a life saver for me on more than one occasion. So I was absolutely ecstatic when I opened my mailbox the other day and found Kushyfoot SANDALS!!!

Kushyfoot Flats To Go Sandals are designed to save your tired and achy feet from heels and keep your pedi pretty!  These shoes are so light, throw them in your purse when you’re on the go and pull them out when your feet have had enough.  A padded sole built into each pair offers cushioned comfort.

I had barely gotten into the house before I slipped these babies on my feet.    I was thrilled that these not only fit perfectly but I still felt “barefoot” because they were so light.  I ended up wearing them the rest of the day, and later that night my friend even mentioned how surprised she was to see me “in flats” – but that they were so cute she understood why.  When I showed her exactly what they were, she loved it and asked where she could get some of her own.

I also will be taking these with me to every pedicure – as they are soooo much more comfortable than those styrefoam things they try to use at the salons, and you do not have to try and curl your toes to keep them on since the Kushyfoot have a strap that goes around the back of your heel.   Plus I can not tell you how many times I have wanted to get a Pedi on a whim while out shopping, and not really been able to since I was wearing closed toed shoes.  The Kushyfoot Sandals are cute enough that I could slip them on, and have no problem continuing to shop around the mall with them on my feet.

Kushyfoot products are sold in over 16,000 retail stores and online at www.KushyFoot.com.

Disclaimer:  I received a “road test” product that is pictured above for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation was given.  All opinions and images are my own.

 


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So Long Shin Splints….

February 21, 2012 By 3 Comments

Last week after hitting a big milestone in my weightloss - my Pre-Taylor weight – I decided to reward myself with a new pair of running shoes.  I have whined about shin splints for months and have continued to try to just “run through the pain” pretty unsuccessfully.  Well… I am happy to report that my shin splints are a thing of the past!

Many times over the last few months I have been told what a huge difference the “right shoes” make when it comes to shin splints.  I have tried many different shoes – from Asics to Nike – thinking that I was doing the right thing since the label on the box said “running shoes.”

My Dad suggested early on that I head to Running Wild, a local specialty store with a focus on fitness.   Since 2000, Paul and Cherie Epstein have been professionally custom fitting runners at all levels, and have now even expanded into a complete training, injury prevention and fitness resource.   You can also find a listing of all Area Runs – most of which I didn’t even know existed!  I do not know why I resisted going – maybe out of fear that they were going to tell me I would never be a runner again – but as usual my fears were way worse than any reality and I am celebrating and singing their praises every day now.

When you go to Running Wild, one of their specially trained “analysts” will watch you walk barefoot in a straight line to measure your gait – looking in particular at your ankles, knees and hips and how they move.   I was fearful I would have to run for them – which I always feel awkward doing – so I was glad that this was an easy, no pressure test.

When I told my person that I was suffering from shin splints her first question was “how often do you wear heels?”  Well…. the only shoes I own that do NOT have heels were my current “running” shoes. After watching me walk a few times she measured my feet and asked what size shoe I normally wore.  When I told her she grinned – sweetly acknowledging that I had even gotten that part wrong.

She came out with three different pairs of shoes and helped me put each one of them on.  Immediately with the first one I could tell they fit much tighter than the others I have had.  Not uncomfortable – but more snug around the center of my foot.  The second pair felt like it came up higher on the back of my heel.  The third pair was really rounded on the bottom which reminded me of those Sketchers Tone things that feel like your own personal carnival ride.

I walked around for a few minutes in each, rocking forward and backward, jogging in place, asking different questions… and then I did what any girl would do….

I chose the pink ones.

The “pink ones” are actually Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 women’s running shoes.  Now, obviously I don’t know much about running shoes, but apparently these are pretty remarkable.  On the Brooks website the features are listed as:

This twelfth iteration of our most popular shoe is all about taking what’s great and making it even better. Adrenaline junkies can expect the same revered fit and feel with added upgrades like more mesh for breathability, a friction-resistance heel, and a crash pad that encompasses more strides.

That’s runner speak for SAY GOODBYE TO SHIN SPLINTS BABY!

I broke the shoes in just wearing them around the house for a few days, but on Sunday I put them to the ultimate test – hitting the treadmill at the gym.   I warmed up as usual – did some minor stretching and then the exercise bike.   When I climbed up on the treadmill I looked at Christy and said “Ok… here we go,” stuck my headphones in …. and RAN.

Painlessly. 

It was amazing.  I can’t even put into words how great it was to run without feeling like my legs were breaking.  I am sooo thankful that I went to Running Wild, and they took such great care of me.  My dream of being a runner again got a LOT closer this week, and I am so very excited to take on some races this year!