A cool way to beat the heat at Disney World (or anywhere, really)!

I don't know about you but the "Dollar Bins" by the front door at Target lure me in every trip like a moth to flame.  I find lots of great stuff in there for my Disney trips, as well as inexpensive Disney themed stuff for the kids.  During this week's shopping adventure I scored the coolest (pun intended) personal mister that has not only earned a spot in my park bag, but my pool bag as well.

This fairly small mister is about the size of a flashlight, but is a bit skinnier.  You unscrew the top and fill with water to you get to the "fill line".  Secure the top and then store in a cooler or other cool spot.  When you are ready for a little heat relief you use the bottom of the unit as a piston to pump air into the container and put the contents under pressure.  About a dozen quick pumps gets the job done.  Then you just press the button near the spray head to release a fine mist.  Fantastic!

I tested my new find out yesterday after a hot walk around the block on a muggy 90 degree day.  It worked like a charm.  The mist was very fine and with one quick spray, did not leave me wet at all.  A longer spray did allow my arms to feel a little damp - either way made me feel much cooler.

The device does not hold a lot of water, which is nice as it is not to heavy to carry around or even attach to your wrist or belt loop.  Of course that will mean that frequent refills will be necessary on long days, especially if you have a large family.  So keep an extra bottle of water handy or just fine a water fountain.

With only one day of moderately heavy use (my kids are fascinated!) my little mister seems to be holding up well.  I am hoping that the manual nature of the pump will mean a longer life, 'cause I really like this little guy!  So my verdict is head out to Target this weekend and scope out the dollar bins and see what you can find.  It was in the $2.50 section, and so far is worth every penny - even if it ultimately finks out on me sooner than I would like.  I think I am going to stock up over the weekend, so if you live in central NC consider yourself warned with a fair head start!  Viva la Target!

It's all about the feet! Part 2

In my last post, I discussed my search for the best athletic shoes.  Ever.  If you would like to catch up on click here.

Most people I know stay in the parks as long as their feet or children allow.  Hopefully, some of these quick tips that will help insure you feet outlast your kids so you can have maximum park enjoyment.  While this is certainly not one of my more glamorous posts, it is one of my most imminently practical. 

• Wear Good Shoes - If you read the previous post, you know I am giddy over my latest shoe purchase (and the label says neither Louboutin or Jimmy Choo).  Well fitting comfortable shoes are a must.  Put your fashion sense aside and focus on what really feels good on your feet.  I know that many swear by Crocs or Fit Flops, but my finicky feet need more support for longer distances.  I may slip on my sandals for dinner at the resort and Wishes, but for my commando mornings I need a big bulky not so cute sneaker.
• Break in Your Shoes - Don't wait until the last minute to purchase your park kicks.  Wear them for increasing time and distances to make sure they fit perfectly and do not cause any hot spots.
• Leave Your Old Sneaks Behind - A shoe can be too "broken in"...which is a nice way of saying old.  The support structure in sneakers wears down after about 500 miles of use.  Try buying your shoes 2-3 months before your trip to make sure they are "just right" 
• Alternate Shoes - Try to bring a second pair of shoes and wear them on alternating days or switching at your mid day break.  You will be especially glad to have a back up pair should you be soaked by an afternoon shower. 
• Be Prepared - If you follow the advice about, wearing good shoes, you will never need it... but in case someone else in your party doesn't, be sure to bring some bandages, moleskin and an anti-blister stick (such as BodyGlide).  Addressing a hot spot before it turns into a full fledged blister will save your vacation!
• Wear Good Socks - If you can read a newspaper through the threadbare heel of your socks, it is time to get a new pair.  Avoid 100% cotton socks, as they hold moisture close to your skin which is not only feels icky, but will cause blisters.  Look for a moisture-wicking synthetic blend (such as Cool Max) for maximum comfort. 
• Practice Makes Perfect - Start a daily walking routine.  It will help not only break in your shoes, but your body.   Walk until you can do several miles comfortably.  Plus, it is just plain old good for you.
• Skip the Pedicure - Yes, you heard me!  By all means get those toes polished, but do not let the technician take a pumice to your callouses.  Callouses are natures own blister protection.  Instead, save your pedi for when you get home...a little vacation from your vacation is a good thing.
• Have a Nice Soak - I am not so much a bath girl (particularly in a hotel!) but I have no problems filling up the tub, sitting on the edge and soaking my feet.  The husband and I take turns going out at night after the children are in bed.  One night he goes, the next night is my turn.  On my night in, I will grab a book and soak my tootsies while my girls fall asleep.  Once they are down for the count,  I can quietly watch tv while I rub some  Bert's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion on my feet and put them up.

There you have it... my best tips to help your feet keep up with the rest of you.  (And I REALLY am sorry about that whole pedicure thing!)

It's all about the feet! - Part 1

It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the grain of sand in your shoe. --Robert W. Service

I am sure that quote rings true for many folks who set off for their Disney vacation in a pair of ill fitting shoes! 

I have never had the best feet in the world.  Last year, I injured the ball of my foot and I still have lingering pain if I "overdo" things, or shop too many miles in my flip flops.  Knowing that I am a few months away from a week long trip to the world, I decided it was time that I heeded my Doc's advice and get a really good pair of athletic shoes.

I headed off to the local runners specialty store and I was AMAZED at what I found!  I was greeted by Emily, a great lady who more than knew her stuff...

• She watched me walk in my shoes to analyze my gait as well as examining the wear pattern of the shoes I wore into the store.  (From this she determined that one foot slightly over-pronates)
• She examined my foot.  (Apparently, the ball of my foot is a little wide, but my heel is quite narrow.  ...who knew!)   
• She actually measured my foot.  (I felt like a child a Stride Rite, when she pulled out that metal thingy-ma-bob!)  
• She asked questions about my foot injury, examined  my custom orthotics, and asked what I would be using the shoes for. 

She disappeared behind that famous shoe store curtain and came back with loads of boxes. Notice what did not happen?  She did not ask me which shoe that I liked or wanted to try on.  That is not how they work - you get the shoe that fits YOUR FOOT not the one that fits your fashion sensibility...a total change from every other shoe store that I have been in.  As I tried on the first pair, she told me exactly why she thought it would be a good match for my foot.  Once I had them on she watched me walk around the store and then put me on a tread mill with a video camera aimed at my feet.  I was able to watch my feet walk on the monitor in front of me.  How cool is that?!?

We repeated the process with close to a dozen other shoes.  This lady was not going to let me leave until I had the perfect pair.  She experimented with different ways to tie the shoe as well as small adhesive pads in the tongue to help keep my heel from slipping.  After almost an hour we settled on the best pair, which, of course, the first one she put on my foot!  (Amazing that she knew which shoe would be the best, but still had me go through the process of trying on the others.)

I know you are all thinking that I must have ended up with a pair of shoes that cost a small fortune.  Well, truth be told, I did spend  a little more than usual on these shoes than I normally do.  But I also got a shoe with  better construction, better materials,  and better support than their less expensive cousins at your regular shoe store.  I was still out the door for less than $95 and I have to say they are the best shoes that I have ever had.  My feet feel good, my knees feel good and I know that I will be able to tackle a full day at Epcot with out the "dogs barking".  I was so excited, I am sending my husband over to find his perfect pair of shoes.

Check back later this week for another post about taking care of your feet at Disney World.  In the mean time hit the yellow pages and find a specialty shoe store.  If you are any where near the Triad in NC, I highly recommend Off'n Running.

It's all about the feet - Part 2