Are Flip Flops Bad For Your Feet?

There are many easy things about summer. Wearing flip flops around the house is one of them. What's more, I also see men and women walking all over Manhattan in them, but podiatrists say don't do it! 

Flip flops don't provide enough support for your arches or heels; and using them as everyday walking shoes will lead to foot problems:

(1) A lack of arch support can result in fallen arches. It leads to longer pronation - turning the foot inward to absorb shock and distribute weight as you walk, which  eventually causes deformatives such as bunions and hammer toes.

(2) And, when the heels are unstable, toes tend to grip the thong, and it can lead to tendinitis, painful heels, callaouses and corns, none of which are desirable.

While foot doctors prefer that you walk in shoes with a stable back to secure the heels of your feet, many like the Vionic Bella II.  These sandals have the American Podiatry Medical Association seal of acceptance because they provide arch support unlike standard flip flops. At 6 ounces, they are light. A flexible rubber mid sole absorbs shock, and a durable rubber outer sole has a patterned tread.

Around my apartment, I wear Crocs flip flops. Although they too have arch support, feet massaging perforations and pattern treads, they're not suitable for long walks on hard pavement either, according to podiatrists. For standing on your feet at work; going down to the laundry room; or walking in the sand on a beach, they're comfortable.

For long walks on concrete or long periods of standing, be sure to wear proper walking shoes, ones with excellent arch support and a sturdy back to stabilize your heels. Happy feet, happy you!


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Barbecue Franks And Beans

For this pot of franks and beans I soaked a half bag of dried pinto beans overnight than simmered the pot on medium-low heat for 2 hours until the beans tenderized. I used turkey franks and tossed in carrots for color and vitamin A. You can easily use canned beans to reduce your cooking time by 1 1/2 hours, which I do sometimes. The sauce thickens more as it cools. 

An old summer standby: On the 4th of July baked beans were on sale because the supermarket knows what people want to eat at a cookout. However, I returned cans of a popular brand to the grocery shelf because they contain too much sugar for my liking. Instead, I bought 5 cans of regular beans and made my own recipe of Barbecue Franks and Beans without adding any sugar. Barbecue sauce is sweet enough! And so, the dish was delicious. Here is the recipe for your next cookout:

Know that you can: Begin with a package of dried beans, but I did not think that far ahead, therefore used canned beans. Canned beans save the time of overnight soaking and are cooked and tender straight out of the can. (In other words, who the heck knew yesterday, come today I'd make baked beans?)  

Barbecue Franks And Beans
(About 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 ounce) beans (Any bean will do: navy, pink, pinto, Roman, etc.)
1 onion, diced
2 stocks of celery, sliced
2 carrots, diced (I like vegetables for oomph!)
1 large chicken bouillon (Use beef, pork, any flavor of bouillon.)
barbecue sauce to taste (I had about 1/2 cup of Kraft's hot barbecue sauce to clear out of the refrigerator. Sometimes I make my own BBQ sauce also.)

1 small can tomato sauce

1 squirt of tomato paste, if you have it (Leave out if you don't.)
Spices to taste: I used my Cajun spice mix and an extra sprinkle of dried powder garlic

1/4 teaspoon of cumin
2 - 3 franks, sliced (beef; or turkey franks. Turkey franks went into this batch. I grilled the franks with a 1/4 teaspoon of cumin in a pan 1st. When lazy I simply slice and toss them into the pot, but grilling separately adds a depth of flavor. Portions: If I use 5 cans of cooked beans or 1/2 package of dried beans I'll toss the entire package of franks into the pot and increase the amount of cumin. So eyeball how many franks to add ... to end up with the right ratio of franks to beans to barbecue sauce. Make sure you are left with some liquid in the pot.)

Photo: Frenchs

Directions:

1) On the stove top toss the beans, diced onion, celery, carrot, bouillon, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce/ paste, spices and sliced grilled franks with cumin into a pot. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until the mixture thickens. 

Eat hot. I served it with corn on the cob and my own version of Cole slaw.

Easy-breezy, no-fuss meal. "Delicious" doesn't always require lots of thought and time to pull together. BBQ beans can be cooked on the stove top or baked in the oven. Oven baked beans will require about 30 - 40 minutes depending on quantity. The stove top is faster. Both ways work! So glad I didn't settle for overly sweet, ready-made baked beans, but flavored my own.

Beans are tasty, filling and healthy. Let's eat more beans this summer! Make meat a side, or enhancer of a dish. Eating less meat is good for you, your budget and the environment.

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Madewell Summer Dresses

It's a scientistic fact: The Earth is getting warmer. New York City is expected to hit 94 degrees F today!  Madewell, a sister company of J. Crew, has summer dresses to keep you cool during any heat wave ahead. The style is casual smart. In a nutshell: Comfortable, flattering and effortless. Here are three to consider because we like looking at dresses, don't we?:

1) The Fern Silk Faux Wrap Dress above↑in spiced rose has slender straps, a v-neck and pleats with a stylish flowing bottom.

2) Lakeshore Button Back Dress - A brilliant royal blue shift dress with a V-neck back and oversized buttons make the viscose fabric dress super cute.

3) Strawberry Print Pintuck Ruffle Dress - Chic black canvas featuring strawberry prints. It's 100% cotton. A split square neck with a ruffle outline makes it fun to be a lady!

Simple ... with unexpected details, no? Stylin' in the summer heat! Do you have a favorite?


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Suitcases, Umbrellas And Travel Organizers

With summer here, many of us will hit the road. Let's do a roundup of luggage and practical organizers to make leaving home a little easier: 

Biaggi Leggero 22" Foldable Spinner Carry on suitcase (top↑) is light, holds lots of stuff and folds up when not in use to store in a small space. With interior and exterior compartments.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel 45L - Many travelers prefer duffel bags that go into an overhead bend or under a seat. Lightweight, durable, and made of water repellent material with zip pockets to organize all your things.

LL Beam Ticket Organizer - Another weightless and slender travel accessory with oodles of slots and compartments to hold your ticket, boarding pass, identification and money.

Slimline Travel Umbrella - Compact from The Container Store, toss in a purse or jacket pocket. Strong when in use.

Case Elegance Vegan Leather Travel Jewelry Organizer -  I have reservations about this recommendation because rarely would I take jewelry on a vacation. The chances of it being lost, stolen or left behind are great since you are not at home or following your usual routine. When out-of-town, I wear one pair of earrings, a watch and inexpensive everything else. But sometimes you may need to be less cautious to spruce yourself up. This jewelry case is petite and should fit into a purse while protecting and organizing your extra rings, earrings, necklaces and pendents. 

Ziploc bags to keep toiletries, snacks, shoes and odds and ends organized. I don't buy special travel bottles or pouches for these items. Take your samples (what retailers give out for free) of makeup, soap, shampoo and hair conditioners in lieu of bottles or full sizes. After the goods are eaten or used, you can toss the Ziploc bags (as well as empty sample packets) to lighten your load!

Do you have a travel organizer to recommend?


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White Vinegar: The Perfect Household Cleaner

Buy a spray bottle at Home Depot or a hardware store to keep a white vinegar-water solution to grab as needed.

Cleaning is repeditive, no matter how well we do it. If we can save on the products we buy, it really adds up over time. An even greater consideration is safety. Lately I use white vinegar and water as an all-purpose household cleaner and it works! One bottle costs about 89 cents.

I have long known that white vinegar combined with baking soda keeps drains free flowing, but recently I tossed it into the bathtub, to attack soap scum without scrubbing. (Verses Scrubbing Bubbles, $5.) I sprinkle the baking soda along the sides and bottom of the tub, then spray white vinegar and water from a spray bottle on it. The mixture fizzles and all I have to do is wipe with a damp sponge to remove the soap scum. Rinse with clean water to finish, if you wish. 

It is safer to have a residue of baking soda and white vinegar

underfoot, as opposed to, unknown chemicals. (Sometimes I read stories of pets dying after licking their paws from chemicals used to clean the floors! It can't be good for humans either.)

For that reason, I began using white vinegar mixed with some water (a 3:1 ratio) to mop my floors, clean other bathroom fixtures, mirrors and the walls. Vinegar kills germs, yet is gentle on anything painted (like a toilet seat or walls), and it won't damage an expensive wool rug or wood furniture in the living room. 

Mopping the floor is a much easier process with white vinegar and water. A make-shift Whiffle mop helps with the task: I wrap 6 Bounty paper towels around a dry sponge mop. Staple at the edges to hold together. After spraying the floors with the vinegar-water mixture and mopping, tear off the dirty towels to toss in the trash. There is no real need to follow up with clean water, as vinegar dries in about a minute leaving no scent, or residue. The dirt gets lifted off and carried away by the paper towels!

There are no side effects to cleaning with white vinegar. It leaves behind no dirt, germs, contaminants, risks or allergy concerns.

Works to clean kitchen sinks, microwaves, refrigerators and counter tops also. (Coffee leaves behind one of the few tough stains, you may need a little bleach to remove. First you could try a vinegar-baking soda-hot boiling water mixture.)

Sooo. Say goodbye to separate chemical-based household cleaners. Hello one-stop smut blustering wonder: CH₃COOH (acetic acid), commonly known as vinegar. The old and new cleaning superstar!!


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A Pretty Rainbow Almond Cake

Photo: alwaysorderdessert - I'm using this image so you can see the raspberry preserves dripping between the layers of cake. Skip to the bottom for an easy-breezy way to make ganache.

When I see this cake the lyrics of "My Fair Lady" come to mind:"I feel pretty, Oh so pretty! ... I feel pretty ... and witty and bright!" Indeed. Moreover, as my long time readers know, I like the addition of nuts in a pastry to add extra oomph! Nuts are a tasty balance to the sweetness of sugar, adding a bit of protein too. 

Almond paste gives a rainbow cake a sweet nutty flavor. Although you can buy almond paste in a tin, homemade is cheaper, so let's begin with a how to recipe. Almond paste and Marzipan are similar. Here's the difference: Marzipan is equal parts almonds and confectionery sugar with a touch of corn syrup, It is often rolled out and used as fondant for cakes or shaped into candy. On the other hand, almond paste is 2 parts almonds to 1 part sugar. Almond paste can be stored in a tightly sealed (cover the top with a plastic wrap and a layer of foil) steel can in the refrigerator for about one month. Freeze it for up to 3 months.

Almond Paste

Ingredients:

Photo: Mandelin

1 1/2 cups almonds
Up to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (For a dry consistency; eyeball it.)
1 egg white
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Directions:

Toss the almonds in a food processor, pulse, follow with the rest of the ingredients. Pulse until smooth.

Now let's make our oh so pretty cake!

Rainbow Almond Cake

2 sticks butter at room temperature (1 cup)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
12 ounces almond paste (1 1/2 cups)
3 different - 1/2 teaspoon each of food coloring (red, green, yellow are traditional -- but you can use 3 different colors of your choice).
About 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves to spread in between the cake layers

3 cake pans -- line each with parchment paper if you wish. I usually simply oil and flour the pans. 

Directions:

1) In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.

Photo: Amazon

2) Next add the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between.

3) Add the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda.

4) Follow by the wet: buttermilk, lemon juice and almond extract.

5) Finally, add the almond paste. Mix until uniform and smooth.

6) After the batter is made, divide and pour it into 3 separate bowls. Add the 3 different food colorings, one to each bowl of batter.

7) Poor the batter with 3 different colors into 3 separate oiled and floured cake pans (or lined with parchment paper).

8) Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the centers are done.

9) Now the fun part: Stack the 3 colored layers of cake. Spread the raspberry jam in between each layer.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

Traditionally, a rainbow almond cake is toped with chocolate ganache. I never buy heavy cream and like to keep baking simple, therefore I use what I usually have in my cupboard, canned condensed milk (But if you have neither at home, feel free to buy heavy cream):

Ingredients:

Photo: myrecipes

15 ounce can condensed milk
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1) Heat your milk (or heavy cream if you buy it) in a saucepan on the stove top. Bring to a boil.

2) Turn off the heat and add the chocolate chips. Melt and stir. This should be all you need to do, but if not thick enough, you can turn the heat back on and whisk for a few minutes.

3) Pour over the cake and spread down the sides.

Makes a lovely birthday or anytime cake. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk!🎉🎈🎁


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How To Stop Robocalls And Telephone Scams

Photo: Dreamtime

So, it's getting to be too much. I get more robo/scam/telemarketing calls these days than personal calls; and, it's beginning to disrupt my home life. I've stepped out of the shower; paused an activity that needs my full attention; and interrupted food preparation to go answer a robocall. All for nothing!

What I mind the most about all these pesky calls is I've gone from being open, accessible and trusting to someone who feels hounded, a person who is now reluctant to answer the phone in my own home! And I no longer automatically pick up if I don't recognize the number calling. I resent the intrusion! It also makes my life more hurried, or frantic then it needs to be. It's time to fight back!

Silver Stars Communications

Today I called the Federal Trade Commission to ask what is the best way to stop these unwanted, in bad-faith callers from calling me.

1) The FTC said it's best not to answer the calls. Answering tells robocallers they have reached a target, and encourages them to keep calling.

2) Put your phone number on the Do Not Call List (which I did years ago so that businesses I don't do business with can't use me for telemarketing or solicitation purposes).

3) Next file a complaint with the FTC to report callers who ignore the Do Not Call List. Collect the information on your caller ID, such as telephone number, name and/or company, as well as, the date and time of the call, plus other helpful details like the number of times you are contacted per day by the party (i.e., telephone number) you are reporting.

The fastest way to file a complaint is online here (fill in the form). Another way is to call 888-382-1222 (and follow the prompts). The more of us who file complaints, the better the FTC can track and rid us of these nuisance and/or dishonest callers. Once again I'd like to know peace and joyful anticipation when my telephone rings.

Extra tips:

(1) Be careful not to give out any personal information should you happen to answer a robocall: "Is this Mrs. Johnson?" Avoid saying the word "yes," and hang up ASAP. Fraudulent callers record the word "yes" in order to scam people for long distance charges. How they can get away with the fraud is puzzling, but who needs the hassle of untangling a deception? 

(2) Don't answer mystery numbers with digits close to yours. Called neighbor spoofing, scammers acquire local area digits to trick you. 

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Keeping Your Dog Off Your Furniture

Photo of Dude by Rebecca Winters Keegan - Dude began life by having to stay off the bed.

If you're thinking about getting a family dog and wonder if there are products to keep him off your furniture ... yes, they exist. But. My advice is to forget about it! Your dog likes resting on your couch and sleeping in your bed as much as you do. Perhaps, more! If you can't share, forget about having a family pet. 

Save yourself and your animal the stress, the grief and ultimately, the futility of training him to stay off the couch, or sleeping on top of an unoccupied bed. He's too smart for that! He'll just wait until you leave home and jump up on them anyway.

Telling him to stay off the bed is an utter waste of your and your pet's time. Years ago our family dog was not allowed on a brand new couch, but at 7 am, when the alarm clock rang, the next sounds we heard were his feet hitting the living room floor ... that is unless he was sleeping at the foot of our bed. I mean, what are you going to do, lie awake all night? Trust me: After potty training, better to accept the arrangement. Your butt is tired. His butt is tired. At the end of the day, your dog will win this one!

Teach him manners. Give him chew toys and enough exercise, so he isn't bored and naughty in the house. Bath him once a week to get rid of those doggy smells. Brush him if he sheds. Vacuuming helps. Buying the right color and type of furniture helps too. Your big furball is worth it!

Think of it this way, dogs and cats are like family. Treat them as such. They are meant to be indoors and treated like members of the household.

Good training with flexibility, including sharing a couch, is a win-win. Your dog is happy, and you get snuggles, cuddles and love!


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The Gemstone Chrome Diopside

Le Vian designed for Macy's

Ever hear of Chrome diopside? Me either ... until recently. It's a beautiful deep forest green color that rivals an emerald. The color comes from traces of the element chromium. Before a large mineable deposit of the gem was discovered in Siberia in 1988, the supply was far too limited to be brought to market. Chrome diopside forms at the entry of diamond mines. Before the discovery, mainly jewel collectors owned it. Unlike many other stones, such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the color of chrome diopside is natural without the standard (and acceptable) industry practice of heat treatment to make the stores transparent. The deep green color, along with its clarity give the stone its value.

Photo: Ebay - Russian Diopside Sterling Silver Necklace

Why would you buy chrome diopside in lieu of emeralds if drawn to the rich green hue? Because they are as beautiful as emeralds and cheaper since the demand is not yet as high. Some jewelers expect the price for chrome diopside to rise as soon as the public becomes more aware of them. One jewelry expert said, "and as soon as they are renamed!"🙂

Photo: Overstock - Miadora Chrome Diopside with diamonds

Chrome diopsides (a 5.5-6.5 on Moh's scale of hardness) will scratch easier than diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as they are softer. For that reason, a neckless is a more practical setting for the stones, than pieces that take a beating, such as a ring or bracelet. Like pearls (a 3-4 on Moh's scale), these green sparklers are delicate and need to be treated with care.

Nonetheless, if looking for natural, untreated green gems, now is the time to consider chrome diopsides while they are less expensive than emeralds.

Photo: Wikepedia

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Happy Father's Day Sunday

Photo: Bigstock

Well, here we are ... another Father's Day to remember a man who is dearly missed!

A real family man, I recall his calm, steady presence. He made every situation better by being a part of it. Always had our backs, while giving us the freedom to figure out things for ourselves. He provided plenty of guidance and boundaries, but didn't sweat the small stuff.

Dad's favorite saying was, "Learn from other people's mistakes. Life is too short to make them all yourself."

Photo: Compassion

When I was a teenager still living at home, I passed a widow to see my sedulous Father petering around in the backyard ... fully engaged in figuring out creative ways of whipping into manicured shape the grass; our magnolia tree; and the tomato and green pepper plants he set out. Sometimes he planted cucumber, curled parsley (in a flower pot) and several rows of chives also.

Just a little garden: A small rectangle section of the yard was roped off with cotton string and long poles inserted into the ground to support the growing steams of the vegetables. Dad then cut pieces of aluminum foil, hanging them on the twine. The Sun's reflection on the sheets of foil was his trick in scaring hungry, forager birds away from his tomatoes and green peppers. He claimed it blinded them.🌞 Certainly, my Dad was in his element in our backyard.

My Father occupied a similar role in our family. He was a solid, knowing, protective force, making us feel safe just by being there.

The year he died, my Mom wanted to keep up the backyard,

even setting out some tomato plants in early May. Dad made it look so easy, and although Mom worked hard doing everything she saw him do, she just didn't have the knack. Weeds escaped her; she didn't know how to trim next to a sidewalk; and she produced no tomatoes. One day I entered the backyard on a visit home. I was struck by my Mom's defeated face as she turned around to quietly say, "Grass, I hate it." Her sad tone was a painful reminder to both of us: The gardener was gone forever.😢💙

We would carry on as the living must ... yet in a different form.

In a myriad of ways, my Father was the right man for our family. We miss so many things about him, treasuring our memories and evoking how he was the best Dad ever!

Photo: The Indian Express

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