My 30th birthday is just around the corner, and I'm in desperate need of a few things. The problem is I'm horrible at keeping up with Consumer Reports or even hunting down online reviews, and I usually end up impulse buying just to save time and effort. So I'm begging any of you to help me out with finding a new pair of athletic shoes (I left my soggy, sole-bare running shoes in a trashcan in Chicago) and a set of good quality pots and pans (that will bring out the Betty Crocker in me). Here are a few musts of each.
Shoes...
- nothing too flashy in color. i have a disease where everything must match. and i hate pink.
- wideish. i have flintstone feet.
- the bottom row on the laces must be straight across. i hate it when they V. it makes me feel lopsided.
- nike or better. i don't mind payless for my children, but not for my *intense* workouts.
- lightweight. my sister claims my last running shoes were in the same weightyness as hiking boots. THAT must be what slows me down.
Pots and pans...
- nonstick surface. i switched from Teflon to stainless awhile back and have hated all of the burn on the bottom.
- a set. i need at least 3 various size pots, 1 skillet with lid and 2 frying pans.
- the lid puller-offer doesn't burn me when i lift it.
- i would love for them to be dishwasher safe, but isn't that almost impossible when you want them to be good quality?
thanks.
...and do you think you could get my husband to read this post?
13 comments:
I recommend New Balance for Flintstone feet (I have them, too). They make wide width running shoes and I think you will find a pair that fits your other requirements.
As for the pots and pans, I have no suggestions but am interested to read what others have to say because I need some as well!
Good luck and happy b-day! Welcome to the 30s club!
I don't know anything about the pans, but I have bought a lot of running shoes! One recommendation that I have is to go to a running store. The one I go to is really great! All the salespeople really know what they are talking about and they are really committed to helping you find the best shoes for you. When I bought my last pair from there, the guy took me outside and watched me run. Once he knew how I ran, he helped me find a couple of shoes that would be the most supportive. Up until now, I have always bought Sauconys and they have all been great. My current pair is Mizuno and they are fantastic too. Most of the good shoes are around $100, but it is totally worth the investment. Good luck!
I have heard that Rachael Ray's pots and pans are really great -- I would love to get them for myself someday!
I don't know much about shoes because I always just buy whatever looks cute. I'm not a runner, but my hubby is and he loves New Balance.
As for pots and pans, we have All Clad and love them. They are expensive, but think of it as an investment because you will never have to replace them. They have both non stick and stainless surfaces. I have non stick skillets, but like the stainless for the pots because things cook more evenly.
Also, I use a large cast iron Le Creuset pot for things like chili and spaghetti sauce. This thing is incredible and is my most favorite cooking item. I would highly suggest getting one good sized pot. You will use it for everything. It can go on the stove and in the oven. Plus, they are pretty. Here is the link to the one I have.
http://www.lecreuset.com/usa/products/guide.php?product_id=91
I have a set of Belgique pots and pans and I like them. They are a mixture of non-stick and stainless, and I think the right ones are stainless and vice versa. I second any enamel cast iron for soups and such but many prefer plain castiron which is cheaper but harder to care for.
I like new balance too. Wide, made responsibly and inexpensive at Shopko. But you know I'm not really a runner or anything.
go to salt lake running company...they watch you run, then recommend the best shoe. i also have NB like sarita says b/c of wide feet.
I am also a runner and the best running shoes I have ever had were Brooks. THese are recommended by my podiatrist as well. I always have liked my Nike's but these are the best and they are not flashy. They do cost around 100 dollars. Good Luck!
Rachel Ray set on sale this week at Kohl's for $199- My inlaws have them, can't go wrong- they really are pretty great.
When it comes to running shoes, recommendations aren't very effective. There are just too many factors involved. What works for someone else isn't likely to work for you. When you get back, go see the man at Deboer's in Bountiful. He's a genius.
Hi Jessie! Thanks for the nice things you said on my blog. I didn't know you just ran a half. Good Job! That is not easy.
As far as good shoes for running, Salt Lake Running Co. and that place in Bountiful are good but I love Striders right here locally. They have a computer that analyzes your foot (arch, stride, etc.) and they recommend the shoe for you. (I have tried a lot of running shoes but I always go back to Asics - everyone is soooo different, though). Lyndsi Anderson, who just went to the Olympics for steeple chase, works there and I was talking to her - she is amazing.
However, if you are done running a lot, a good cross trainer might be cheaper for aerobic workouts - but I wouldn't run long distances with one. Good Luck!
Asics. The most amazing pair of running shoes known to mankind. I actually run now that I have them and they are SUPER LIGHT and conform to my foot well..as I have flintstone feet too..
Kinda pricey, but incredible shoes.
Another fan of Asics!!! I lucked out with wide feet too and all the other brands I've had just seem to run too narrow. I haven't met a pair or Asics that I don't like.
Yeah, like Neil said, you should check out Deboer's. I am getting a set of pots and pans from Pampered Chef for Christmas that are supposed to be amazing. I wish I had already used them so I could verify that. You could check those out.
Good luck and happy birthday.
http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/category.aspx?PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001547
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