What I’m Loving This Spring

From time to time I like to recommend products I can enthusiastically endorse. I am not an affiliate with any of these brands, so my recommendations come with no financial incentive. I’m simply sharing because I love ya! With apologies to the fellas, today’s post is primarily for the ladies. Without further ado, then, here’s what I’m loving right now.

Happy Feet

Y’all, shoes have been a real challenge for me lately. I’ve got something going on with the joints in my toes…some type of arthritis that I’m trying to get under control. The upshot is that I have painful nodes on several toes, particularly on the outside of the foot, making my feet wider in that area. If this keeps up, I’m going to have platypus feet soon!

In the meantime, I’ve searched the world over for shoes with a wide toe box. Believe me, they are scarce. I finally hit the jackpot with Altra Running shoes. Altra has numerous models with various features, but they all have a wide toe box and either a zero or low drop. I’ve tried zero drop and prefer the low drop. Personal preference.

I bought the Wild Experience 2 trail running/hiking shoe. It’s lightweight, has a 4mm drop, and high cushion. I swear I hear an audible sigh from my feet when I slip these on, and I can wear them all day without pain or fatigue. They come in many colors, so I can be boring or wild to suit my fancy. Check them out.

Now, for sandals, I bought these Reef platform sandals last year when I was shopping with my daughter, and I cannot believe how much I love them. I know what you’re thinking. “Aren’t you a little old for that style?” And yes, I probably am, but I’m also old enough not to care. As I mentioned, I was shopping with my daughter, and I just wanted to be cool like her. Okay?

I fully expected to have buyer’s remorse, but oh, I love these sandals. The slip-on straps do not rub my arthritic toes, and something about the cork sole gives just the right amount of cushion. My foot has plenty of support, but it’s gentle support. There’s such a thing as too much cushion, you know? For example, I love the cushy feel of Oofos sandals, but all that cushion comes at the cost of support. My Reef sandals are just right.

(I would post a photo of my own actual sandals, on my own actual feet, but see aforementioned platypus foot syndrome.)

I do have to mention one caution. I have a friend who bought these and managed to fall off the platform, breaking a bone in her foot. If you have balance problems or are accident prone, the height of these bad boys might be too much. Buyer beware.

Summer Easy Wear

Folks, I do not like to be hot and sweaty. And I live in Missouri, which makes that a problem. I’ve tried lots of lightweight performance wear in the athleisure category, but you know what? I suspect some of those performance fabrics might be made out of recycled milk cartons. Nothing natural about them, and they give me the ick when they get sweaty.

Give me natural fibers or give me death! Fortunately, the good folks at Athleta heard my cry and answered with the Retreat Linen Pant and the Favorite Classic Cotton Tee.

The linen pants are available in 10 colors, in either wide leg or barrel leg, and three different lengths. They must have increased the standard length, because the ones I bought this year are longer than the ones I bought last season. Standard length is perfect for me (even a little long with flat sandals), and I’m 5’9″. I now own these pants in four colors, and that’s all you’re going to see me in this summer.

I had begun to believe the perfect white cotton tee did not exist, and then I found it. Athleta’s Favorite Classic Cotton Tee is substantial enough to not be see-through, and the cut is perfectly proportioned for the mature woman. The neck band doesn’t roll or stretch, it comes in 13 colors, and it’s reasonably priced. Jackpot!

Feeling Artsy

I don’t recall how I found Emily Lex, but her little watercolor paint books are such a delight! For someone who can’t even draw a decent stick figure, these books are just my level and make me feel like I might have latent artistic talent.

Each simple design shows the completed picture on one side, with a pencil sketch for your own masterpiece on the other side. Emily gives you the paint palette for each design, and she posts short video tutorials online. I’ve done these with my grandchildren and girlfriends, and it’s always a good time! Making art is good therapy for all ages in our hurried, digital world. And watercolor is very forgiving, great news for the amateur artist.

There are 18 different themed workbooks, some seasonal and all adorable. My grandchildren love the ones with birds and animals.

Here Comes the Bride

It’s wedding season, and you know what that means. Time to stress out about the gift! Of course towels and sheets are practical and can be checked off a registry, but what if you want to give something more sentimental? Something the lovebirds would not buy for themselves. Something they will use forever and always remember the occasion. Oh, do I have a gift recommendation for you!

Let me introduce you to Cornet Barcelona. For years now, I’ve been gifting my brides a set of these stunning hand-crafted wine glasses and watching them gasp with awe when they open the box. So much fun! And if your loved one is not into wine, choose drinking glasses or a pitcher instead.

The Sagrada Collection is my favorite. As you can see, the colors mimic the stained glass windows of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona. Each glass is hand blown and hand painted, a true piece of art. Simply stunning.

Because they are hand crafted and take time to produce, sadly the Sagrada line is often sold out. I wasn’t able to purchase them for my niece’s wedding, but I fell in love with the new Picasso line. How fun are these?? A whole different vibe from the elegant Sagrada line, but equally unique and colorful. I think my niece will love them!

Mothers and Grads and More

While we’re talking about gifts, I couldn’t miss this opportunity to plug my favorite boutique, Bought Beautifully. Located in scenic Sheridan, Wyoming, this non-profit shop purchases hand-crafted goods made by women around the world, providing them with dignified work. The Bought Beautifully team travels often to meet with their artisans, thus building meaningful relationships.

For more details, check out my earlier blog post here. The store features colorful displays for each artisan, telling their inspirational stories. With clothing, jewelry, home goods, leather products, beauty goods, and more, the diverse product line has something for everyone. A gift from Bought Beautifully is truly unique and never fails to make the recipient feel valued and loved.

Peruse their website and see for yourself. Shipping is fast and their customer service is stellar. Oh, how I love giving with purpose!

If you try any of my recommendations, let me know what you think. And please, please, hit me up with your own recommendations!

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