Dancing in Fancy Flats for Women with Arthritis

I read recently in a brochure/magazine called "ARTHRITIS" about how important it is for people with arthritis to exercise. Dancing is a fun way to exercise. But dancing in high heels may be too uncomfortable. With today’s cute fashionable ballet flats adorned with sequins and sparkles dressing up to go dancing is not out of the question. Wear a look of confidence and a smile and just have fun! Check out these flats from DEB.

If your feet are sore at the end of the evening, then relax those tired stiff muscles and aching joints with a microwave heating pad. Maine Warmers’ products can be frozen and used as ice packs to reduce swelling and pain, as well as being used for heat therapy. You don’t have to invest in their foot warmers, which can be a pricey, because you can easily wrap one of their extra large Neck Warmers around your feet.  Their Alligator Neck Warmer (A.K.A. Al-The-Gator) is extra long and offers a fun way to feel better, whether it's your feet, neck, or back that are sore. No sequins on this guy -- just soft comfy fleece and about 45 minutes of soothing relaxation at the end of the day.

Balanced Shopping

I read recently that shopping in high heels caused women to spend less. The article cited a study from Brigham Young University. I am not sure just what the figures show, but the theory is that concentrating on one’s balance tricks the brain into “making more balanced decisions.”

I would tend to disagree. If I am not concentrating fully on what I am doing because my feet are in pain from wearing high heels, then I am more apt to make a poor decision, whether it’s buying a TV or any other item.

Do not be fooled by studies that may convince you that it is okay to shop in high heels. Go dancing in those stilettos if they make you feel sexy, but save the flats for shopping. The article didn’t mention the increased risk of falls when carrying objects home while wearing high heels. The cost of medical expenses or loss of work could far outweigh any savings.

If your feet are tired at the end of a day shopping, working, or playing, try a pair of Foot Warmers from Maine Warmers. Their extra large Back Warmer is also great for relaxing sore feet and is more versatile. Because the cover is washable you can feel free to use it on your feet and then on your back. Their Whale Back Warmer is also large enough to use on your feet and offers a fun way to feel better.

The Best Fashion Accessory

Want to look great in the clothes you have? Add a smile and eye contact. The smile goes with any outfit and is understood in multiple languages. The eye contact let's people know you mean it. People are generally more concerned with what they have on as opposed to what you are wearing. So, go out and have fun and don't worry so much about whether or not you have the latest fashion accessories. A smile can't be beat.

If you want to make someone else smile, give them a gift of a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad -- especially the Hot Dog (Dachshund Neck Warmer). It wraps around the neck providing soothing, lasting heat to help relax stiff muscles. Or check out the Alligator Neck Warmer and Woolly Bear Neck Warmer (among several comforting creatures that are offered at Maine Warmers).

Art, Fashion, & Fun

Finding the right combinations of clothes to wear can be daunting. But you maybe able to create the color combinations that you want by looking at master painters – especially the Impressionist painters whose focus was on light and color. The master painters knew color and the other elements of design by heart because they practiced observing and painting with them daily.

For example, if you’re looking to create a spring/summer wardrobe or add to the collection of clothing that you presently have, then Google impressionist

artists. Look at some paintings and find the ones to which you are attracted. Google the artist and you will find plenty of examples or go to the MetropolitanMuseum of Art and search for your favorite artist.

Then study the colors. For example Monet’s The Poppy Field has various shades of tan, green, blue, and a splashes of red. Think about putting colors like those together – maybe tan pants or skirt, a light blue tank top, a green blouse, and some jewelry. A hand bag, scarf, and shoes are also important parts of any outfit. Color considerations are shades, tints, prints, and plaids. Some other elements of design to consider when thinking about a wardrobe are line, shape (think hour-glass as opposed to box), texture, space, and form. It’s a lot to ponder.

Take some time to look before you buy. Like any art form, creating a wardrobe takes study, time, and a budget. Above all else, consider your comfort, because only when you are comfortable will you have the most fun.

Shopping is tiring. Give yourself time to relax and think – or not think – before making any buying decisions. Lay or sit down with a Maine Warmer and let the warmth bring soothing comfort and help clear your mind. Maine Warmers Comforting Creatures last a long time and never go out of style.

Put a little Spring into your wardrobe

Nature provides a pallet of colors that can help us choose garments that go together. Spring shows us how well bright Hyacinth pinks and Forsythia yellows go together. Soft lavenders and greens complement each other, and a light pink crab apple blossom looks great with a brown trunk. Take a walk in the spring time, outside through some gardens or in neighborhoods where there are lots of blooming shrubs and trees.

Then go walking through the clothing store, catalogs, or look online keeping in mind these colors of spring. Mix and match or find a print or plaid with the colors that imitate nature. Accessorize with inexpensive hand bags and jewelry or other accessories that can make an outfit fun. And don’t forget comfortable shoes that allow you to keep a twinkle in your eye and smile on your face which is the most attractive piece of your ensemble.

Maine Warmers provides foot warmers to help your tired aching feet and help you feel better.

Singing "Big Foot Blues" looking for shoes

I feel a little like Cinderella’s sister when I try to find on shoes that fit well and don’t look like skis. I look at all of those dainty little shoes for women and think none of them will fit me, so for the most part, I have stopped looking. I know of only one local shoe store that carries my size, and even their suppliers have cut back on providing long, narrow styles.

But, I recently came across the TOG SHOP catalog that carries 11 narrow sandals in nice looking styles. The two brand names are Soft Spots and Propét.  They are a bit pricey, but a better shoe will last longer, feel and age better, and if they are a basic color, will go with a variety of clothes. Check out these stylish, sexy sandals -- whether you have large feet or small -- without the heels, to help you manage your spring wardrobe.

Shoes can make or break an outfit, but in making a fashion statement we don’t want to break a leg wearing spiky heels.  Protecting one’s feet from the devastating, long-term effects of high heels is paramount in my mind. Women want to have fun and look good in the process.

If your feet are tired and sore after being on them all day even in flats, heat up a simple Back Warmer from Maine Warmers and place your feet on top of it. It’s an inexpensive, easy way to relax and soothe those achy feet and a fun way to feel better.

More Fun in Flats

As women grow older they don’t feel the need to wear high heels like they did when they were younger.  If their feet are not damaged badly from wearing heels at an earlier age, then they’ll enjoy being more active as they age with less responsibility of supporting families and child rearing.

Toe-crunchers –- another name for high heels (because they force the weight of the body down onto the ball of the feet and toes), can cause several kinds of foot ailments that might not show up for years. But at the end of each day the stress on the feet can cause one –- even younger women -- to be too tired to want to do anything physical.

Check out these cute flats for fall from DSW. They go well with black or gray pants, skirt, or casual black dress. An autumn colored blouse, scarf or jewelry accent can be provocative and attention grabbing.

If you have sore tired feet at the end of the day you might check out a pair of foot warmers from Maine Warmers.  If you want something less confining and less expensive, consider their extra-large Back Warmers or their traditional Back Warmers for warmth and comfort. These items will also provide soothing relaxation for sore back muscles or abdominal cramps, and the covers can easily be removed and laundered.