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Monday Musings: Support and Shibori

Happy Monday ladies. I hope you had a lovely weekend. We worked to prepare our raised beds because they’re dumping a huge amount of dirt on our driveway today. I spotted the cutest bunny on my back patio yesterday which has me wondering just how many of my veggies he will be eating.

Here’s what else is on my mind this week:

Small Businesses

I’m worried about the small businesses that are struggling. Most of us are battening down the financial hatches because things are so uncertain. That means lots of small and female-run businesses may not survive. I’m shopping from my favorites because they’re having great sales and these are things I would pay full price for. I encourage you to only spend what you are comfortable spending but think about supporting the small businesses you love.

Slippers

Vionic Leona Faux Fur Lined Slipper

 

We have a new white carpet so we never wear shoes in the house. The problem is that wearing slippers so much of the time has worn my feet out! Who knew? Several of you, that’s who šŸ™‚ It used to be that I was anxious to get home to put my slippers on. Now I look forward to putting my sneakers on to go for a walk.Ā  I need more support than my scuff type slippers can provide so I’m taking some readers’ advice and trying ones that offer more support.

Shibori and Tie-Dye

Shibori DIY Scarf Kit

Crafting and DIY of all kinds is more popular than ever these days…including tie-dye. I tried my hand at it many years ago and the result was ugly with a capital U. I used too much dye, I used ugly combos and never wore a thing I made. At home, tie-dye kits are popping up everywhere these days. It’s perfect to try on that slightly faded or yellowing white T-shirt so if the results aren’t what you like, you haven’t lost much. To be honest, what I am most excited to try is shibori. I have 2 shibori dyed silk scarves and love them.

My knitting is going worse than anticipated so I may toss it aside and dig out another unpacked box of my stash yarn. Knitting does compete with my reading time but it’s a relaxing and meditative process that pays dividends even if I never finish what I’m working on.

Have you tried tie dye? How about Shibori?

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

 

60 Comments

  1. I canā€™t go barefoot or wear slippers without great arch support. I have a pair of Birkenstock sandals that are just for indoor wear, and they take the place of slippers. In the winter I add wool socks.

  2. - Vicki Mikola Dack says:

    I am going barefooted…stripped my toe polish off and did a complete pedicure. So technicallly “Back to Nature”? Stay Well, Healthy, and try not to drive Family Members Bonkers!

    1. Too late…I have already driven my family around the bend. Why do you think hubs is spending so much time working on these beds?:) LOL

  3. Henderson, Linda says:

    I like the bunny photo. I saw a little gray fox by my former elementary school the other evening. So neat to see.

    1. We saw a largish gray fox a few weeks ago in the neighbors back yard. He was gorgeous

  4. I havent tie dyed in years, but Iā€™m sewing and knitting a lot. I tend to knit while watching/listening to TV and read when itā€™s quiet. Good luck with your planting. It will be fun to see what flourishes and what the bunny likes.

  5. Julie Anne says:

    My indoor footwear is Romika slip on sandals, a German brand. They have a high arch and a good tread. We never wear shoes in the house.

  6. Mary McCoy says:

    I have foot problems also, neuroma and planter fasciitis. A few years ago I read an article written by a doctor who said to wear Crocs Blitzen shoes inside your home instead of slippers. Iā€™ve never been a Crocs wearer, but I bought some. I have quite narrow feet, and Crocs has one type that is a little narrower than the others. I do not remember what they are called, but it is on their website. They are a godsend. We have a lot of tile in our home, and these shoes are wonderful. The only drawback is the Blitzen has the fuzzy liner, and we live in Las Vegas with very hot summers, so these are mostly a winter shoe for me. Perhaps if I had wider feet, I could wear the regular Crocs without the liner or without socks. In the summer I wear the Clarks flip-flops in the house.

      1. Croc wearer here too!
        I have a snow white pair i wear only in-house with white anklets. Cute and comfy.

    1. I, also, wear Clarks flip-flops in the house. I just received two new pairs. One pair is black patent which I plan to wear with crops (when we are allowed to go out!). They last me about two years before they start getting flatter/harder. The price is right to replace fairly often.

  7. I too knit and itā€™s a perfect time for me to listen to a book on audible. I highly recommend it! Iā€™ve been listening while on long walks as well. Iā€™m currently listening to ā€œThe Island of Sea Womenā€ by Lisa See.

  8. Gardening sounds fun, I would consider making a wire net covering also, for both critters and bird visitors. I wear regular shoes inside with wool socks, as I have tile floors mostly. Please be careful, many of my friends have fallen in slippers, so I like the idea of indoor shoes. Iā€™m keeping busy with Netflix, reading, and lots of walking ( very far apart! ) itā€™s nice to be outside in the fresh air.

  9. Good luck with your garden. Seeing the bunny….did you ever read the children’s book “Rabbit Hill” by Robert Lawson. An old title….but if you like to garden and you have rabbits, it is fun. I had plantar fascitiis and got hooked on Vionic shoes. I love them….the slippers and flip flops are amazing and I have no more pain. Hope you find a pair you like !

    1. I’m a big fan of Peter Rabbit but haven’t read Rabbit Hill. I’ll have to find it. I’m needing more walking so thanks for the push.

  10. My indoor shoes are crocs. They have the best support of anything Iā€™ve tried! Thank you for taking the time to do your blog.

  11. I love all the recommendations on slippers. Over the years I have worn Dearborn and isotoners but with arthritis I think I need more support, since I live in them! Your raised beds look great. Around here we have to worry about deer. I’ve figured out that they don’t like geraniums! So I plant those in my planters. Too cold here to plant yet. Hope everyone is well.

    1. Fitflops make comfy slippers with good support. You can find them online.

      1. I second this! I live in my Fitflop slippers!

  12. I solved the slipper problem – I don’t wear any. A few years ago I started going barefoot in the house; in the winter I wear those socks with little rubbery dots on the soles so I don’t slip. I was amazed at the effect going barefoot had on my plantar fasciitis (gone) and extensor tendinitis (gone). Being able to actually feel the ground beneath my feet has also helped with my balance and ability to react to obstacles or irregular terrain. I only regret that I was 70 years old before I discovered this!

  13. Paulette Levy says:

    Wood floors…..only one room has carpet. We do often remove our shoes/boots anyway. Love sketchers for indoor or just hospital socks with rubbery treads which we buy online ( in grey.). Not attractive but hey….
    Love your raised garden. Maybe next year….. Right now I have only herbs and lettuce in the ground….this is New England! Lol.
    Stay safe this week!
    Off topic but….I Need a hairdresser badly!

  14. I really need support and have found UGGS bedroom slippers to be the very best. They are expensive, but last for a long time.

    1. Victoria McKinney-Vareschi says:

      Hi Johanna!
      Have you found the quality of the UGGS to be declining? I’ve purchased them for many years, but last couple of pairs are not the same as they used to be, with rubber soles and fleece linings that don’t wear off within a couple of months. I have to size down two sizes so they aren’t too floppy.

  15. Thanks for this discussion re slippers. Like Deb I wore Finns with a custom orthotic. I would joke with my husband I was wearing a dress I got on sale , but my on my feet were $700. Currently I wear outdoor shoes with a wider toe box and a Birkenstock arch support which are a godsend. At home, in a condo, I wear my indoor laced Sketchers, with my cushioned tennis type socks and Birkenstock inserts. My feet are so happy. Also, I am more active, while waiting for the microwave, or walk around the condo especially during phone calls.

  16. I am still working some and as a caretaker for my husband,I stay pretty busy. However,for break time I am seeing masks,gardening,walking the dogs and keeping up with my personal trainer. My neighbor just gave me a Townie bike! Ordering a helmet from Amazon today!

  17. Oh I wish I could have a raised bed garden! My problem is Squirrels that get into every pot that I have planted no matter what it is. They would destroy a raised bed in hoursā˜¹ļø

    You should buy shoes that are only for inside the house! That is what I would do. Of course my eventual plan is to get rid of all of my carpet. I just can no longer stand it.

    I will look into this silk scarf. I need more scarves.
    Well, time o get to teach via Zoom! I am finding it to be quite enjoyable and my little babies I work with are loving it too!

  18. Try Skechers wash-a-wool backless ā€œcommute time-sheepishā€ style. Wool top, sneaker-type sole.
    Supportive, cozy, washable! Bought a black pair online in mid March half-size larger to accommodate thick socks. Still look and feel pristine as my daily house shoe, and just acquired second color in my regular size for wear with thin or no socks.

    1. I am a huge Skechers fan! So comfy. Thanks for the recommendation Daisy

  19. I have a suggestion for supportive slip on shoes for in-home wear. I’ve been wearing Merrell Encore Q2 Ice as my “house shoes” for many years. They are sheepskin lined and have the best support and arch support of any shoes I own. Life savers to my very high arches.

    1. The Merrells look like a great option. Do you know whether they run wide or true to size? I have narrow heels, so some Merrells have not stayed on my feet. Thank you.

  20. I have always felt that gardening was good for the soul. I especially like to plant a variety of vegetable and flower seeds. My favorite flower seeds are any of the many zinnia seeds available. It becomes a vary hardy plant that withstands the heat and drought we seem to see by August. Also, they just bloom all summer and right up until the first frost.
    My preparations for gardening are on hold until we melt this last shot of snow we just received!
    I love the tie dye look that I am seeing this spring. I may have to give it a try.
    I have been reading a lot more lately and Iā€™m finishing up a paint by number!
    Keep on ladies! Itā€™s another new week of being grateful for all the amazing health care providers! Thankyou from the bottom of my heart! ā™„ļø

  21. I suggest putting up chicken wire around your raised beds. Otherwise rabbits will get in and eat all your veggies very fast. I learned that about groundhogs/woodchucks. First year I had my garden (not raised beds), in one weekend they ate everything to the ground. Then we put a fence around the garden. (We have a large garden. We are planning out our garden now, and we cannot wait to start buying seeds and plants – we have another month to go here in New Hampshire.) I cannot wait for you to post photos as your garden grows.
    We never wear shoes in the house, just slippers or barefoot. I just bought a pair of Deerfoams, based on another blogger’s blog about slippers haha! They are so comfortable. I am missing wearing my spring shoes, since I am in slippers in the house, sneakers when I walk outside. And only wearing nice tops (for teaching and meetings via zoom) with leggings/workout bottoms.
    I have taking up knitting, again, after many years, since we have a grandson coming in June. So far, I have knitted a hat and a blanket. Next up – a few sweaters for next winter. I am looking for easy, easy patterns, since my mom, who was an unbelievable knitter, has Alzheimers, and she can no longer help me. I find knitting can be relaxing (until I make a mistake or cannot figure out a pattern).
    Stay safe!

  22. I find when youā€™re at home most/all of the time itā€™s amazing how much of it is on your feet. I buy the most comfortable shoesā€” supportive athletic shoes; sandals, flats & wedges that Iā€™d buy for a vacation where I plan to do a lot of sightseeingā€”and wear them only indoors. The shoes last a long time so itā€™s worth investing in good quality and in styles you wonā€™t grow tired of. Just like we do for work, make sure you have several pairs so you can rest them (and your feet). Happy feet=better posture=less tired šŸ™‚

  23. I forgot to mention my war on rabbits. So cute, but they can wipe out vegetables and flowers overnite. I use a deterrent spray (Bobbex Deer Repellant) for my flowers and bushes ( they were eating the very thorny shrub roses!) but I gave up growing anything edible except in pots on my second floor deck. Good luck. You may want to make some wire covers for your boxes.

  24. Why not buy shoes that never go out of the house? Youā€™ll get support, you buy whatever shoe that works for your feet and your style. Slippers- even the best- are no substitute for real shoes. I have house shoes of several styles. Even heels! I feel I look better, and my feet are grateful for the changes. Also, when I wear my outdoor shoes, thereā€™s no awkward transition.

  25. I have arthritis and can attest that the Keen Bali Sandal has great support. I originally bought them for travel because they can serve a number of purposes (slip them on on the plane, relaxing by the pool, bedroom slippers). But now theyā€™ve become my go-to shoe at home in warmer weather.

  26. Joyce Reardon says:

    I would love to have those raised beds!
    As for slippers, I donā€™t wear them, I wear a pair of Birkenstockā€™s in the house.
    Iā€™ve never heard of that type of tie dye. Iā€™ll have to try it.
    Have a great day.

  27. Vionic slippers are my favorite because they offer great arch support but are still soft and fuzzy on my feet. I wear both the Gemma clog and the Relax open toe. I use a brush and a little soap to hand wash if needed.

  28. Your garden looks like it will be lovely. It is amazing the quantity of food that you can harvest from raised beds. Our tomatoes were were so prolific that this year we are going to cut down the number of plants we put in.
    I wear Haflinger slippers in the house. They are pricey but last forever and offer wonderful support. My feet never tire in these and my back doesnā€™t get sore as it did with conventional slippers.

    1. I agree about the tomato plants. When we grew them in our old house we had way more than we could eat or give away, so we plan to stagger the plantings this year.

  29. Deb Campbell says:

    Much of my career was teaching and part of that was spent in a food lab so duty shoes were my best friend. I then would come home to slippers as well. If only I knew then what I know now. I was introduced to Finn Comfort shoes about 8 yrs ago and they have turned the situation around as best they could. And I was also told house shoes, not slippers!!!!! That was tough!!! Well then I discovered Finns make a slipper with the same support as their shoes. It has a felted top – cozy. All their shoes can be fitted with your own orthotics (I was well past that point when I started wearing them).

    1. My answer is a pr of Birkenstockā€™s, only worn in the house. I have a pr with just straps so I can wear socks with them. Lots of support, as good as my orthotics.

    2. Thanks for the tip, Deb. I will check them out. My feet are miserable.

  30. I’ve never done anything crafty but they all look like fun. I could see myself gardening now if I can keep up with tending it. The slipper thing is a challenge. I hate wearing shoes in the house but these poor feet of mine need support. I’ll check out your links. Thanks!

    1. I garden in very small ways because of my black thumb but it sure is fun to see things grow. My husband will be the one to keep these veggies alive;)

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