Picking the Right Pair of Shoes

Nothing is worse than your feet hurting.  What I have found is that I have aged, is that I really don't need to impress anyone by wearing sky high heels.  After 3 foot surgeries, I've completely changes my collection of shoes.  Now, keep in mind at the height of my collection, I had close to 50 pairs in almost every color you could imagine.  Nowadays, comfort is important!

Here are some hints for buying the right shoe:

From Discovery Fit & Health:
by Michael King, DPM

How to Buy the Right Shoes

 

Believe it or not, one person can have two feet that are slightly different in size and shape. And even if yours seem identically matched, they don't necessarily remain a constant size. Your feet can actually be different sizes at different times of the day. There are also more lasting changes: Most feet gradually widen with age, and sometimes women's feet "grow" (because of muscle relaxation during pregnancy) after the birth of a child.
Whatever the size of your feet (at any given time) it's important to buy the right shoes -- shoes that will fit correctly and offer your feet and ankles the support they need. The following suggestions will help you become a smart shoe shopper.
Shop for shoes in the late afternoon or evening, since that's when your feet are the biggest (they swell during the day). Have the salesperson measure both feet while you're standing up, because your feet expand under the weight of your body. Carefully consider the fit and walking comfort of each pair of shoes you try and keep in mind that "size 8" in three different styles, even from the same manufacturer, can fit your feet differently.
If you have wide feet, always ask (even if the salesperson has measured your feet) if the style you've chosen comes in a wide width. Fortunately, comfortable shoes have become popular -- even stylish -- and shoe manufacturers are waking up to the fact that not everyone has a medium-width foot. Some manufacturers make shoes as wide as triple-E (on a scale of A to E, with AA being the narrowest).
There are two other contributors to your shoe "size" as well: The shape of your foot (how the shoe's "upper" conforms to your foot) and the heel height that is best for you. Because high heels shift body weight onto the front of your feet, heavy people and people with bunions, corns, hammertoes, and the like should opt for lower heels. If you have excessively pronated ("flat") feet, Achilles tendinitis, short calf muscles, or knee problems, however, shoes with a moderate heel may be more comfortable for you, because they lessen the pull on already-overstretched tendons and muscles.
Once you know your size, you can begin to select shoes that will be more comfortable. However, give your feet a break and avoid the six foot-foiling shoe styles discussed here:

• Stiletto heels, or any other heel that is higher than three inches, redistributes your body weight so that 90 percent of it is on the front of your feet. This extraordinary pressure can create calluses on the ball of the foot and increase the pain of bunions, hammertoes, and corns. It also strains the muscles and tendons in the arch of the foot. And because these heels tend to have narrow points on the ground, they make maintaining your balance quite a challenge and add to the danger of falling or turning and spraining your ankle.
• Pointy-toe shoes squeeze the toes together, causing uncomfortable calluses and corns. Pointy shoes can also put pressure on ingrown toenails and bunions and can increase the likelihood of hammertoes.
• Flats can be a problem not just for people with arch and Achilles tendon problems, but for anyone who wears them exclusively. Over time, your foot gets used to being pronated (flattened) and you may develop arch pain and tendinitis. Flats can be the staple of your shoe wardrobe, but alternate them with shoes that have a moderate heel.
• Mules generally have a high heel, and so you're likely to have all the same problems as those mentioned above, when too much pressure is placed on the front of the foot. But what distinguishes this style from others is the lack of heel support, increasing your chances of injury if your foot turns on the heel or slips out of the shoe.
• Platform shoes, popular in the 1970s, unfortunately come back in style periodically. Like high heels, they are so unstable that you can't help but periodically turn your ankle, possibly causing muscle strain, a sprain, or even a fracture.
• Old shoes with worn-down heels or traction, flattened insoles, stretched-out uppers, or unraveling stitching can cause you to slip, can strain foot muscles, and can lead to ankle sprains.

With all this in mind, now it's time to look for a new pair of shoes. Most people think that trying on shoes is about how the shoes feel on your feet. That's true. Certainly, if they don't feel good, you don't want them. But you should evaluate shoes based on several more-specific factors:

• The toe box, or area around your toes, should be roomy enough for your toes to rest comfortably. Too much room can allow feet to slide inside shoes, causing calluses and other irritation. The more common problem is that the toe box is too tight. If you have wide feet, the toe box is probably your biggest shoe problem. There should also be room in front of the toes, at least 3/8" to 1/2" between your longest toe and the front of the shoe when you are standing. And there should be room above your toes to prevent the shoe from rubbing against them, causing corns. To test the above criteria, make sure you can wiggle your toes inside the toe box when standing.
• A shoe's "upper" -- the material on the top of it -- should conform to the shape of your foot. It should provide support but also "give" when your foot moves. Look for an upper made of a material that is nonirritating and porous, allowing air into the shoe. Leather is more likely than vinyl to have these characteristics. (Polish leather shoes frequently to help the uppers stay soft and supple.)
• The shoe should provide ample cushioning to absorb shock on foot bones and muscles each time you take a step. You need such cushioning in three key areas: the arch; the front, where the ball of the foot rests; and the heel, which normally supports 25 percent of your body weight. If the insole material is also absorbent, it will help relieve heat inside shoes and prevent rashes and the spread of infection.
• Soles should provide adequate traction to prevent slipping on any surfaces where you expect to be wearing the shoes.
• Heels should ideally provide slight elevation (between 3/4" and 1") for the foot, whether there's an actual heel or just a sole that's thicker toward the back of the shoe. The counter -- the part of the shoe that curves around the back of your heel -- should be stiff enough to prevent ankle strains and sprains. The back of your foot should fit snugly into the heel of the shoe, not slide around inside it.

Two more general tips: If your two feet are different sizes, choose shoes that fit the bigger foot. (You can pad or add support inserts to the other shoe.) And never buy shoes that are too stiff or too tight with the expectation that you will "break them in." You're likely to suffer much longer than you expected.
Although all this means that you must be a sophisticated and patient shoe shopper, the good news is that many fashionable shoes currently on the market meet all of these qualifications, and many even resemble athletic shoes in design.
This is especially good news for the 59 percent of American women who wear high-heeled shoes every day. As consumers have become more health conscious, shoe manufacturers have given new attention to developing good-looking shoes (even with heels) that won't hurt your feet.
Selecting the right athletic shoe for the type of sport or exercise you enjoy is an even more specific task. Get some pointers on this process on the next page.
To learn more about treating and avoiding problems with your feet, visit:

• Everyday Foot Problems: Discover what causes some of the most commonly encountered foot problems, as well as how to treat or avoid them.
• Foot Injuries: Learn about common foot injuries and first aid techniques for feet -- from blisters to broken bones -- with this informative article.

Different Options for Buying

If you're on a budget or short on cash and NEED something, consider some different buying options.

Craig's List - Everything from Real Estate to clothing.  Make sure your seller is legitimate, there have been some security concerns.

Garage Sales - I have bought numerous items from garage sales ranging from books to my first laser printer.  Sometimes you can find a bargain and sometimes not so much.

Pawn Shops - Usually tools, guns, jewelry, and electronics are the best finds.  Electronics are usually checked before the pawn broker will accept them.

Ebay - Just about anything you could possibly want (except guns and alcohol) are on E-bay.  I even sell there myself.

Amazon - Like E-bay but with a set price.

Goodwill/Salvation Army stores - Great finds on clothing, books, furniture, and electronics.  Items are not checked to see if they work.

Thrift Stores - They are similar to Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, except the pricing is different.

Retail Consignment Stores - Usually clothing (designer) and furniture.  Remember, sometimes you can find a bargain, sometimes not.

It's time to look for coats!

I originally meant to post this in August, but with my move I never got around to it.

I know it's September and it is still warm in most areas.  Which is why you should be shopping for any needed coats now!  They are plentiful in supply and you can get some really good deals.

I recently bought my son and grandson coats and only spent $100 for both.  My grandson's coat is a polyfiber coat that has a vest and a jacket.  It was $39.

My son's coat is a leather jacket with a "fake" shearling (sheepskin) lining.  This coat will last him several years unless he grows out of it.  It was $59.

I bought both at Burlington Coat Factory. 

While you can get cheaper coats, this is your children or you and your health you are talking about!  It is best to spend a little more money and have a good coat in the long run.

If you have multiple children to buy for then buy one each paycheck.

Discount Programs

There are several type of discount plans that can help you save money!  We'll look at a few here:

Employer discount plans - you're company may offer them or a friend's or family member's company may offer them.

Check with you company, many offer them as part of their benefits package.  These type of plans are great for travel - especially theme park tickets.  I've checked out Disney park hopper passes and these do seem to save money.  So look for one if you can if you are planning a trip.  Not only Disney, but also Six Flags, Medieval Times, and many more.  Cell phone plans is another area which these work well.  Many offer 20+% discounts.  The downfall is that most of the time you have to show proof of employment with the company.  They are worth checking out if you have one available of a close friend or relative that does.

Online plans - several companies offer savings online.  Companies such as Kelloggs and Betty Crocker will send coupons along with recipes and other online offers.  Check your favorite company to see if they offer such a plan.

Coupons online - This is an additional way to receive coupons.  Join the site and you will be able to print them off.  The main downside is some of the coupons will print 1 per page.  Two sites are Coupons.com and Shopathome.com.

Coupon Books - Yet another way to save money locally.  Entertainment Passbooks  are general fund raisers for school.  Not only do they offer restaurant and fast food but also oil changes, dry cleaning, and local attractions.

Email alerts - Some stores such as Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret will sent out email alerts to make you aware of sales and specials.  Check with your favorite store to join their list.

Shopping Clubs  - Clubs such as Sam's, Costco, and Direct Buy offer savings if you're buying in bulk.  They do charge membership fee's but if you have the room to store food in bulk, it may be well worth the cost.  Direct Buy is for homeowner's that mainly offers furniture and home related materials.  It is well worth the cost if you are looking at remodeling your home.

Lay-a-way is not a discount plan, but it is an option for buying things that you can't necessarily pay for all at one time.  Sear's and K-Mart are the two largest retailers that offer this option.  Basically, you will put a down payment then make payments bi-weekly or monthly until it is paid off over a 2-3 month period.  You receive the merchandise once it is paid off.  The advantage is that you can pay cash rather than using a credit card.  Even with a $10 handling charge it is usually cheaper than interest on credit cards.  This is great if you are short on money for Christmas or if you find that your major appliance is going out (I can say that because my dryer is not going to last much longer).

Hope this helps and gives you some ideas!

Shopping for School Clothes for Multiple Children

So this is the way I did it when I had 3 children in school.  At one point I had one in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary.

I would buy my youngest child's school clothes in May - minimum of 5 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, underwear and socks.  I would put them in a plastic storage container with the child's name on it.  The storage container usually cost about $4.

I would usually buy my daughter's clothes in June - the same and any dresses that she may want.  Also, since she was in dance,pep squad and band, I would have to buy her uniforms the in July during the prep days.  Once again all stored until school began in August.

Finally, I would buy my oldest son's clothes in July, not only because he was easy to shop for, but in addition to his clothes, I had to buy his soccer uniforms.

I generally buy the shoes in August since I could never seem to keep them out of them.  Also, the major expense for August is school supplies.  The elementary schools are easy since most of them supply the list, but middle schools and high schools are more difficult since they don't tell the students what they need until school begins.