Things to Keep in Mind when Selecting New Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes fulfill a very important purpose. It is essential to select the right ones when looking for a new pair as it can make the different between poor and great athletic performance. Places such as  www.soleprovisions.com  have a variety of different models to choose from which is good because athletic shoes are generally intended for a specific reason. Here are a few tips which will help you make the right choice whenever you want to buy a new pair.

1. Don’t buy shoes for multitasking

As mentioned above, each type of athletic shoe is different and designed for a specific activity. Soccer shoes have cleats to give them better grip on grass; running shoes are flexible and have a big cushion; walking shoes are stiffer etc. Always select a pair of shoes based on the activity that you will be engaged in.

2. Know the shape of your foot

When it comes to selecting the right kind of shoes, the size of your feet is not all that matters. This is something that most of us know, but the shapes of our feet also tend to differ. You must know this as well if you want to be as comfortable as possible while you are wearing them.

3. Regular foot measurements

It would be wrong to think that our feet size remains the same during our adult lives. In fact, the size will change as we get older so it is important to take regular measurements in order to make sure that the new shoes you are buying are the correct size.

Whenever you are looking for top quality footwear, visit  http://www.soleprovisions.com. Here you will be able to find a large variety of different kinds of shoes for any activity or occasion so you will be able to pick out exactly what you were looking for.

DISCLAIMER:   This post is a guest post, sponsored by Sole Provisions. I was paid for re-blogging this information.

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Singup now!

The Magic Within - How to be the Princess You Were Born to be. + A FRESH AND FUN MOTION PICTURE BASED ON THE SNOW WHITE LEGEND

– Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (Immortals), MIRROR MIRROR is a visually-spectacular, fresh and funny retelling of the classic Snow White legend. This family comedy features a star-studded cast including Academy Award®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen, breakout star Lily Collins  as Snow White, Armie Hammer  as the Prince, and Golden Globe® nominee Nathan Lane as the hapless bungling servant to the Queen. The film also stars Sean Bean as the King and Mare Winningham   as Baker Margaret and showcases the stunning costumes from Academy Award®-winning designer Eiko Ishioka .

The Blu-ray includes sparkling extras including a behind-the-scenes featurette, a toe-tapping dance-along to the reworked Nina Hart song "I Believe in Love" performed by the film's Collins that plays over the end credits, interactive digital storybook, deleted scenes and much more.

MIRROR MIRROR tells the story of Snow White (Collins), a princess in exile and the evil Queen (Roberts) who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film is produced by Bernie Goldmann (300), Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter) and Brett Ratner (Rush Hour franchise). MIRROR MIRROR'S screen story was written by Melisa Wallack, and the screenplay was written by Marc Klein and Jason Keller.
 Click here to find a printable activity for Mirror Mirror - A Word Find puzzle!!! ( *.pdf ) + another which is a printable Mirror Mirror Activity MAZE !!!
MIRROR MIRROR was theatrically released by Relativity Media and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD June 26 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

MIRROR MIRROR DVD Special Features:
• Looking Through the Mirror
• Prince and Puppies

MIRROR MIRROR Blu-ray Special Features: All of the DVD Special Features, plus...
• "I Believe in Love" Dance-along
• Mirror Mirror Interactive Storybook
• Deleted Scenes
    • "Alternate Opening"
    • "So You Are From Valencia?"
    • "I Need Meat"
    • "Snow White is Dead"
    • "Thank You For Coming"
• Digital Copy of the film



 BUY Mirror Mirror-Blu-ray-DVD-Digital-Copy on Amazon for $23.88

In Mirror Mirror, Snow White gained the confidence she needed to fight for what she believed in.  We'll create a tip guide inspired by the lessons Snow White learned in the film, to help readers also discover the magic within them. From easy things like, saying please to fighting your own battles, you'll be reaping the benefits of your inner magic in no time at all!

1. Don't Let Other's Get You Down

Snow's evil stepmother was constantly trying to hold her back from being her own person and exploring the world, and kept her sheltered in her room for most of her early life. But we all know that the real reason that the Queen was so unkind to her step-daughter was due to jealousy, which is something that can occur in anyone's life - not just royalty! So when others try to hurt your feelings, or say things that are unkind, just keep your head up and know that you are a star!

2. Be Proud of What You've Got!

The seven outcast bandits that Snow meets couldn't be more different than her - or each other, for that matter! Napoleon is the romantic, Chuckles is constantly in hysterics, and Butcher is the gang's noteable "wild man", whose short fuse is only rivaled by his height. However, all of the bandits stay true to who they are, which is good advice for people of any age to  adhere to.

3. Mind your Ps and Qs

When Snow comes upon Prince Alcott and Charles Renbock caught in one of the bandit's traps, she can't help but laugh at their situation. However, she graciously offers to assist them in getting down...as long as they say please first, of course! One of the most universal signs of having good manners is always to remember to say "please" and "thank you"; those three little words can go a long way in showing others that you appreciate what they do for you.

4. Take a Trip Outside of Your Comfort Zone

At the start of Mirror Mirror, Snow was extremely sheltered, naive, and couldn't do a lot on her own for lack of her exposure to the outside world. However, with the help of Grimm, Wolf, and her other newfound friends, she transforms from a timid, quiet girl into brave and skillful fighter. This just goes to show that anything is possible - even accomplished musicians and famous athletes had to start somewhere, so don't be afraid to take that leap of faith and try something new! 

Read my Review of Mirror Mirror

Disclaimer*  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine.

Enchanting Costumes + OUR Review of Mirror Mirror - With Magical Extras and Special Features, Enjoy the Classic Tale Retold on Blu-ray and DVD June 26

– Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (Immortals), MIRROR MIRROR is a visually-spectacular, fresh and funny retelling of the classic Snow White legend. This family comedy features a star-studded cast including Academy Award®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen, breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Golden Globe® nominee Nathan Lane as the hapless bungling servant to the Queen. The film also stars Sean Bean (Game of Thrones) as the King and Mare Winningham (Brothers) as Baker Margaret and showcases the stunning costumes from Academy Award®-winning designer Eiko Ishioka (Dracula).

The Blu-ray includes sparkling extras including a behind-the-scenes featurette, a toe-tapping dance-along to the reworked Nina Hart song "I Believe in Love" performed by the film's Collins that plays over the end credits, interactive digital storybook, deleted scenes and much more.

MIRROR MIRROR tells the story of Snow White (Collins), a princess in exile and the evil Queen (Roberts) who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film is produced by Bernie Goldmann (300), Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter) and Brett Ratner (Rush Hour franchise). MIRROR MIRROR'S screen story was written by Melisa Wallack, and the screenplay was written by Marc Klein and Jason Keller.

 BUY Mirror Mirror-Blu-ray-DVD-Digital-Copy on Amazon for $23.88

Check out this Mirror Mirror Personality Quiz - are you the fairest one of all? You can take it online, or print & take to a friends house!!  ( *.pdf )

Enchanting Costumes By Eiko Ishioka

Debuted on Blu-ray and DVD June 26

One of the world’s most beloved fairy tales takes a hilarious turn in this fresh, exciting film starring Oscar® Winner Julia Roberts.  After she spends all her money, an evil enchantress queen (Roberts) schemes to marry a handsome, wealthy prince (The Social Network’s Armie Hammer). There’s just one problem – he’s in love with a beautiful princess, Snow White (Lily Collins, The Blind Side). So, the sinister queen banishes Snow White from her own kingdom! Now, joined by seven rebellious dwarves, Snow White launches an epic battle of good vs. snarky in this funny, magical movie that the whole family will love.                                          

                                                EIKO ISHIOKA

Some of the biggest characters in Mirror Mirror are the elaborate costumes created by the late costume designer Eiko Ishioka. Born in Toyko in the late 1930’s, the designer graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music before starting her career in the U.S and going on to become an Oscar award-winning costume designer. We wanted to honor the designer’s legacy by taking a closer look at her past creations in films such as The Cell, Dracula and of course, her breath-taking designs in Mirror Mirror.

MIRROR MIRROR

Ishioka’s final designs can be seen in Mirror Mirror, a modern day depiction of the classic tale of Snow White. Once again collaborating with Tarsem Singh’s imaginary vision, the designer’s final costumes are full of color and exude the grace that she was.

                                             DRACULA

Not surprisingly, Eiko Ishioka won an Oscar for her design work in 1992’s Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Ishioka’s most notable designs were Dracula’s (Gary Oldman) red body gown and Lucy’s (Sadie Frost) goth-vampire inspired wedding dress. The elaborate details in the costumes were as eerie as the characters themselves and Ishioka’s designs were deemed Oscar worthy when she took home the award for best design in a feature film that year.

                                 

THE CELL

Director Tarsem Singh made his film debut with the psychological thriller, The Cell.  The dangerous and fantasy like subconscious of a serial killer was brought to life with the help of the perfect collaboration between director Tarsem Singh’s vivid imagination and Eiko Ishioka’s incredible costume designs.

                                                  

                                                MILES DAVIS – TUTU ALBUM

Eiko Ishioka showed her designing talents in other art forms, including graphic designing. She won a Grammy for her design work on the cover of Miles Davis’ album “Tutu” and she also directed Bjork’s music video for “Cocoon.” Ishioka never swayed too far from her first love, designing costumes, and she couldn’t resist doing the entire costume work for Cirque de Soleil’s production of Verakai.

                                              THE FALL

Singh and Ishioka worked on the film, The Fall, which takes place in the imagination of a 1920’s woman. The designer created fantasy inspired designs.

IMMORTALS     

Some of Ishioka’s final creations can be seen in Singh’s action Greek Mythology film Immortals. Ishioka was inspired wanting to create her own vision of greek mythology.

If you like this Mirror Mirror compilation (above) read another here: The magic within: How to be Princess you were born to be.

 OUR REVIEW:

All costumes aside.. the movie was breathtakingly written & directed. It is a brilliant masterpiece. I knew upon previews I didn't want to miss. This movie doesn't fall short of the previews either as some nowadays tend to. The movie is also appropriate for children, as my seven year old thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved the fight scenes in it too, and I normally do not like any action-y fight scenes in movies at all. Usually they tend to be fake and over dramatic. I love that the bad guy ( Julia Roberts) is the narrator as that was truly unexpected. This movie is full of twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. I was truly enchanted by the costumes as well. They look so elegant, especially in the ballroom scenes. Julia Roberts is masterful as the wicked witch.

By the end of the movie, it's hard to not fall in love with Snow White yourself as her goodness is so aplenty, as she should be. 

 I was impressed by the movies storytelling and the Prince is oh-so charming and handsome.

I recommend adding this movie to your must-see and watch soon list, if you haven't already seen it.  I'd be curious to read the comments of those who have seen it's & read their opinions on this post. So tell me, have you seen it?  What did you think?  We loved it! 

 BUY Mirror Mirror-Blu-ray-DVD-Digital-Copy on Amazon for $23.88

Disclaimer*  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine.

How can a parent speak to their kids about drug abuse?

How can a parent speak to their kids about drug abuse without using scare tactics or feeling like they are “preaching”?

There is nothing more important to you as a parent than your child’s well-being. Knowing the extent of the drug problem in our society, you naturally want to protect your child from the destruction drugs can cause to them physically, mentally and emotionally. But when you talk to them about drugs, how do you know they’re even listening?

Give them the truth about drugs and they will listen. It has been conclusively found that when young people are given the facts about drugs and their harmful effects, they decide on their own not to take them. So, how do you educate them before a dealer gets to them?

That’s where The Foundation for a Drug-Free World  can help.

Our program provides factual information and real-life stories that get through to young people, causing them to
actually change their mindset about using drugs.

The information in these materials could save your child’s life or the life of someone you know.

The Truth About Drugs kit includes:

    The Truth About Drugs booklet, the centerpiece of the 13-booklet The Truth About Drugs series

    Creating A Drug-Free World DVD, with award-winning PSAs and a preview of The Truth About Drugs documentary; (ADDY Award - Gold Award for Public Service).

    The Truth About Drugs Activities Manual.


The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug free.

No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place. Additionally our Truth About Drugs campaign consists of activities that they can join which popularize drug-free living. These activities are simple, effective and can involve people of all ages.

*Disclaimer*  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine.

What it means to be gluten intolerant and how to go gluten-free

Information courtesy of Isabel De Los Rios, www.BeyondDiet.com

Recently, Miley Cyrus has received criticism for looking too thin; but the young actress and singer confessed that she’s allergic to gluten - the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye – causing her to go gluten-free.  For those with a serious intolerance to gluten (celiac disease), a gluten-free diet is an essential way of life.  However for many, going “g-free” has become a choice for some people who want to cut carbs and drop a few pounds.  May is also National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, the ideal time to talk about gluten-free eating. 

Isabel De Los Rios, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Exercise Specialist & Co-Founder of BeyondDiet.com explains what it means to be gluten intolerant and how to go gluten-free:

“If you suspect that you may be intolerant to gluten, I encourage you to eliminate gluten from your diet for at least 4–6 weeks to determine whether your symptoms are alleviated. Because most individuals who are intolerant to gluten also are intolerant to dairy, lactose, or both, I encourage you to also eliminate dairy and dairy-containing products while you’re on a gluten-free diet.”

Which Foods Contain Gluten? Some gluten-containing foods and ingredients to avoid include the following:

§  Beer

§  Breads (bagels, biscuits, English muffins, rolls, tortillas)

§  Cakes and cookies

§  Cold cereals (some – read ingredient lists)

§  Condiments like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salad dressings

§  Couscous

§  Gravies

§  Oats (Oats do not contain gluten, but have the risk of cross-contact during harvesting or processing.)

§  Pasta

What to Watch for on a Label if You a Have Gluten Intolerance

§  Grains like wheat, barley, rye, spelt, semolina, kamut, wheat germ, bulgur, farina

§  Hydrolyzed vegetable protein

§  Starch and vegetable starch

§  Brown rice syrup

§  Artificial colors

§  Malt (extract, syrup, flavoring)

§  Thickeners

Alternative gluten-free foods (eat this, not that).  Wheat and all-purpose flours should be avoided on a gluten-free diet. Instead, use almond flour, coconut flour, garbanzo bean flour, brown rice flour, millet flour, or quinoa flour.  Allowable gluten-free foods and ingredients include the following:

§  Amaranth

§  Arrowroot

§  Bean flours (e.g., garbanzo, sorghum)

§  Buckwheat

§  Corn

§  Millet

§  Quinoa

§  Rice

Gluten-Free Recipes

It’s important to remember that gluten-free flours cannot be directly substituted for wheat flour. In baking, gluten-free flours tend to work best when combined with other gluten-free flours. Also, because gluten is a protein, it can help to add protein (like eggs) when using gluten-free flours in place of wheat flour.

Cosmetic Procedures while pregnant?

 Information courtesy of Dr. Brian Glatt, www.DrBrianGlatt.com.

Most mothers-to-be already know the basic do’s and don'ts of pregnancy: Get plenty of rest, no smoking and no drinking — but what about cosmetic procedures like Botox?  While you’re pregnant, a trip to the spa can be an opportunity for much-needed pampering.  However, some treatments such as microdermabrasion and laser treatments may be harmful to you and/or your baby, so it is important to do your homework so you know which ones to avoid.

“The decision to undergo any cosmetic treatment while pregnant should always be made by your doctor, who must determine if the benefits outweigh any potential risks,” advises Dr. Brian Glatt, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey.  Below are some common—and vital—questions that moms-to-be have asked Dr. Glatt many times over during his tenure as a plastic surgeon. 

Can I Get a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels involve the application of different types of acids to the surface of the skin to exfoliate the top layers and freshen up the tone and texture of the skin.  Superficial peels such as lactic and glycolic acid are very safe, but should not be done during pregnancy secondary to unknown risks regarding absorption of chemical products into the bloodstream and potential exposure to the baby.

Can I Get BOTOX?

BOTOX are extremely safe and involves very localized injections into specific targeted areas.  BOTOX does not spread to distant sites and is not located in the bloodstream.  Regardless, the effects on potential pregnancies are not known.  General consensus is to stay away from Botox while pregnant. 

Can I Get Fillers?

Restylane and Juvederm are localized injections of a natural hyaluronic acid fillers to smooth out deeper lines and furrows.  These are likely safe during pregnancy, but usually unnecessary as the face typically plumps up on its own while pregnant!  Best to stay away from any injections during pregnancy as the safety has not been proven.

Can I Get Laser treatments for brown spots and blood vessels (such as Fraxel)?

Although melasma (brown discoloration of the skin) is a common occurrence during pregnancy, it is a generally recommended that one should wait until after having your baby to have any kind of laser treatment.

Can I Get a Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation in which tiny spherical crystals are whisked over the skin and vacuumed away. This procedure is perfectly safe during pregnancy. 

In general, any “non-essential” treatment should not be performed during pregnancy.  There is very little information about safety information regarding the developing child and how any of these treatments may affect the baby while the mother is pregnant.  Best to hold off until after your baby is born! 

Jamie Lynn Spears received a ton of backlash years ago, accused of doing risky things while pregnant.

About Dr. Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS www.drbrianglatt.com

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS is a premier, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon serving the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan Area. In addition to a loyal following of patients in the tri-state region, people often travel from other parts of the country to see Dr. Glatt.  His reputation as a stellar surgeon who takes immense pride in his ability to combine the highest level of technical expertise with exceptional artistic vision and a keen aesthetic sense in order to produce outstanding, yet natural looking results has gained him national acclaim.  Dr. Glatt’s Morristown, New Jersey locale allows patients to receive optimal treatment in a discrete setting.

Dr. Glatt graduated magna cum laude and with honors from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He then completed the prestigious Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Following his residency, Dr. Glatt completed a specialized fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, focusing on state of the art, advanced microsurgical and reconstructive techniques, particularly of the breast. Dr. Glatt is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).  He is licensed to practice plastic and reconstructive surgery in New Jersey and New York.