From naked shoes to cloth diapers
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I'm sure you've noticed that I've been doing some product reviews and features in this blog. I don't really know where this is going. I tried to resist for a long time. I'm just blogging for fun. This blog is my freedom - "where air time is free." So I don't really know how far I can take these product reviews. Do you like them? As it is now, there is a backlog. So here I am, trying to keep up.
Shoes for naked feet
I was sent these by a former colleague from TV. It's a very interesting concept, if you can get over how ugly strange it looks. I thought it looked like ... Georgia O'Keefe's paintings, you know what I mean. Haha. There is a whole subculture of the barefoot lifestyle that has spawned an industry of, ironically, footwear for barefoot afficionados. They believe that "Barefoot is best because it’s the way nature intended us to move. With 200,000 nerve endings, 33 major muscles, 28 bones, 19 ligaments; the human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece."
Going barefoot outdoors is not something I will ever get into, specially in this country where people spit and do icky stuff every where. I'm a bit of a germophobe. But I do love going barefoot at home. We live in a wooden cottage. There's something about walking barefoot on creaky wooden floors that feels so comfortable. My kids all learned how to walk barefoot. Even now, they are always barefoot at home.
So these "shoes" are called Dopie. I'm sure there's a story behind that name. They're basically the most minimal footwear in the market. The mid-strap is removable. They say it takes 10 minutes to get used to walking with just the thong part holding your toes. So it'll feel like you're actually walking barefoot.
It took a lot of research before Terra Plana could manufacture the footwear, Terra Plana being committed to eco-friendly production.
Dopie sandals were initially made of a combination of recycled EVA and latex rubber but as demand spiked since its launch in 2007, EVA is the primary material. Its production process however uses a closed loop process, a manufacturing method that is 99% waste free. The little waste (1%) is still re-used in the next production cycle. The current construction provides the perfect balance between lightness, comfort and flexibility.
Straps are removable if you want to go totally "naked"
So am I using my Dopie sample? No. It's not for me. Like I said, it's a lifestyle... an interesting one. If you have feet and knee problems or if you're a runner, you might want to look into these. Know more about this shoe and the barefoot lifestyle here. Dopie is locally available at Barefoot SM Mall of Asia(across Kids Universe), Trinoma (across Mark's & Spencer), Alabang Town Center(near Mango) and at Terra Plana Ayala Center Cebu City.
Workout clothes
I honestly think that what makes yoga, pilates and barre3 enticing/inspiring are the clothes. When I first started doing Stott Pilates at a studio, I wore ratty old tshirts and athletic pants. My old trainer told me to try "dressing up a bit"... I know, gasp! But I knew what he meant. He is actually more maarte than me. Wearing cool workout clothes makes the ordeal more fun and inspiring. I've spent a lot on my "training" clothes. And I'm annoyed that I had to devote one shelf of my limited closet space towards athletic clothes.
Allstar brand of yoga clothes
Here's a line that does the job for 1/4 of the price. The fabric is "dri-fit" so it's good for sweating on over and over. I appreciate that the new line has absolutely no recognizable logo or mark. No one has to know that the sleek capri pant you're using in bikram is an affordable brand from SM.
Allstar Woman offers shorts, Capri pants, jog pants, jazz pants, leggings, hoodies, jackets, tees, tank tops in small to 3XL sizes. Allstar Woman is exclusively available in SM Department Stores in SM Ortigas, SM Cubao, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview and SM Pampanga.
Cloth Diapers
I am actually road-testing these cloth diapers with Stella. And I've stumbled upon some major revelations. A lot of the chic society moms are using cloth diapers - Bianca Araneta and Amanda Griffin are some. We've got a whole topic of this going on in my facebook wall since I did a shout-out to find out who's using cloth. I was surprised that quite a few of my Canadian friends use them. Bianca and Amanda are working hard to convince me to make the switch.
These cloth diapers aren't the thin diapers we all grew up with. You know, the ones that are like gauze with the giant safety pins. We all use them as burp cloth these days? These cloth diapers are a bit more sophisticated and longer-wearing. With the advance in fabric technology, there are materials that are water-proof, super absorbent, anti-bacterial etc.
Embroidered, P1,500
Happy Heinys, P950 each
Eco Baby Boutique sent me two samples. They're similar to each other. Both are pocket type - you slip in the washable absorbent pads into the pocket of the panties. One is embroidred with snaps. The other is plain with velcro. The difference in price is pretty hefty.
Why go cloth? They're healthier, more comfortable and cleaner. And for parents, they're more economical (in the long-run), convenient (once you get the hang of it), and it makes potty-training easier. And the top-most reason moms are switching to cloth, they're better for the environment. Zero-waste.
The initial investment is a bit shocking. For a newborn, you will need at least 2 dozen, since they poop a lot. So you'll need at least 12 per day. For a toddler, around 10-12 diapers will do. You can do the math. Yikes. But before you freak out, just imagine how much you're already spending on disposable diapers per week. And these are adjustable - from newborn to toddler.
When Sophia was born in 8 years ago, I was so sure I'd be the earth mom using only cloth diapers. But remember the story? She was born 3 weeks early. We weren't ready. I had no help. I didn't know baby care at all. We used the gauze-like cloth diaper on her. She peed once. It went all over the cushion of her crib. I gave up on the spot and used disposables.
I have to admit, it takes major commitment to decide to use cloth diapers. But if North American women can do it and they don't have yayas, why can't we try? I figured I still have a year and a half of wearing diapers for Stella. So I may actually do the full switch. For now, I only have two diapers. So we use it alternately every afternoon.
I met my friend Fiona Araneta today and she just did the switch. I saw her baby's cloth diapers and they're different. Not pocket-type. They seem lighter and more breathable. So I think I'm going to have to try other brands and types before I commit. I mean, these are nice but I wonder if they're too bulky and possibly hot.
Hmmm... deep thoughts.
If you're interested to try cloth diapers, check out Eco Baby Boutique's site. They also have cloth sanitary pads, I know, please read up on it. Daphne's Diary readers get 10% off from now til April 18, 2010. Just type in the code DP10 in the comments section upon checkout.
.
I'm sure you've noticed that I've been doing some product reviews and features in this blog. I don't really know where this is going. I tried to resist for a long time. I'm just blogging for fun. This blog is my freedom - "where air time is free." So I don't really know how far I can take these product reviews. Do you like them? As it is now, there is a backlog. So here I am, trying to keep up.
Shoes for naked feet
I was sent these by a former colleague from TV. It's a very interesting concept, if you can get over how ugly strange it looks. I thought it looked like ... Georgia O'Keefe's paintings, you know what I mean. Haha. There is a whole subculture of the barefoot lifestyle that has spawned an industry of, ironically, footwear for barefoot afficionados. They believe that "Barefoot is best because it’s the way nature intended us to move. With 200,000 nerve endings, 33 major muscles, 28 bones, 19 ligaments; the human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece."
Going barefoot outdoors is not something I will ever get into, specially in this country where people spit and do icky stuff every where. I'm a bit of a germophobe. But I do love going barefoot at home. We live in a wooden cottage. There's something about walking barefoot on creaky wooden floors that feels so comfortable. My kids all learned how to walk barefoot. Even now, they are always barefoot at home.
So these "shoes" are called Dopie. I'm sure there's a story behind that name. They're basically the most minimal footwear in the market. The mid-strap is removable. They say it takes 10 minutes to get used to walking with just the thong part holding your toes. So it'll feel like you're actually walking barefoot.
It took a lot of research before Terra Plana could manufacture the footwear, Terra Plana being committed to eco-friendly production.
Dopie sandals were initially made of a combination of recycled EVA and latex rubber but as demand spiked since its launch in 2007, EVA is the primary material. Its production process however uses a closed loop process, a manufacturing method that is 99% waste free. The little waste (1%) is still re-used in the next production cycle. The current construction provides the perfect balance between lightness, comfort and flexibility.
Straps are removable if you want to go totally "naked"
So am I using my Dopie sample? No. It's not for me. Like I said, it's a lifestyle... an interesting one. If you have feet and knee problems or if you're a runner, you might want to look into these. Know more about this shoe and the barefoot lifestyle here. Dopie is locally available at Barefoot SM Mall of Asia(across Kids Universe), Trinoma (across Mark's & Spencer), Alabang Town Center(near Mango) and at Terra Plana Ayala Center Cebu City.
Workout clothes
I honestly think that what makes yoga, pilates and barre3 enticing/inspiring are the clothes. When I first started doing Stott Pilates at a studio, I wore ratty old tshirts and athletic pants. My old trainer told me to try "dressing up a bit"... I know, gasp! But I knew what he meant. He is actually more maarte than me. Wearing cool workout clothes makes the ordeal more fun and inspiring. I've spent a lot on my "training" clothes. And I'm annoyed that I had to devote one shelf of my limited closet space towards athletic clothes.
Allstar brand of yoga clothes
Here's a line that does the job for 1/4 of the price. The fabric is "dri-fit" so it's good for sweating on over and over. I appreciate that the new line has absolutely no recognizable logo or mark. No one has to know that the sleek capri pant you're using in bikram is an affordable brand from SM.
Allstar Woman offers shorts, Capri pants, jog pants, jazz pants, leggings, hoodies, jackets, tees, tank tops in small to 3XL sizes. Allstar Woman is exclusively available in SM Department Stores in SM Ortigas, SM Cubao, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview and SM Pampanga.
Cloth Diapers
I am actually road-testing these cloth diapers with Stella. And I've stumbled upon some major revelations. A lot of the chic society moms are using cloth diapers - Bianca Araneta and Amanda Griffin are some. We've got a whole topic of this going on in my facebook wall since I did a shout-out to find out who's using cloth. I was surprised that quite a few of my Canadian friends use them. Bianca and Amanda are working hard to convince me to make the switch.
These cloth diapers aren't the thin diapers we all grew up with. You know, the ones that are like gauze with the giant safety pins. We all use them as burp cloth these days? These cloth diapers are a bit more sophisticated and longer-wearing. With the advance in fabric technology, there are materials that are water-proof, super absorbent, anti-bacterial etc.
Embroidered, P1,500
Happy Heinys, P950 each
Eco Baby Boutique sent me two samples. They're similar to each other. Both are pocket type - you slip in the washable absorbent pads into the pocket of the panties. One is embroidred with snaps. The other is plain with velcro. The difference in price is pretty hefty.
Why go cloth? They're healthier, more comfortable and cleaner. And for parents, they're more economical (in the long-run), convenient (once you get the hang of it), and it makes potty-training easier. And the top-most reason moms are switching to cloth, they're better for the environment. Zero-waste.
The initial investment is a bit shocking. For a newborn, you will need at least 2 dozen, since they poop a lot. So you'll need at least 12 per day. For a toddler, around 10-12 diapers will do. You can do the math. Yikes. But before you freak out, just imagine how much you're already spending on disposable diapers per week. And these are adjustable - from newborn to toddler.
When Sophia was born in 8 years ago, I was so sure I'd be the earth mom using only cloth diapers. But remember the story? She was born 3 weeks early. We weren't ready. I had no help. I didn't know baby care at all. We used the gauze-like cloth diaper on her. She peed once. It went all over the cushion of her crib. I gave up on the spot and used disposables.
I have to admit, it takes major commitment to decide to use cloth diapers. But if North American women can do it and they don't have yayas, why can't we try? I figured I still have a year and a half of wearing diapers for Stella. So I may actually do the full switch. For now, I only have two diapers. So we use it alternately every afternoon.
I met my friend Fiona Araneta today and she just did the switch. I saw her baby's cloth diapers and they're different. Not pocket-type. They seem lighter and more breathable. So I think I'm going to have to try other brands and types before I commit. I mean, these are nice but I wonder if they're too bulky and possibly hot.
Hmmm... deep thoughts.
If you're interested to try cloth diapers, check out Eco Baby Boutique's site. They also have cloth sanitary pads, I know, please read up on it. Daphne's Diary readers get 10% off from now til April 18, 2010. Just type in the code DP10 in the comments section upon checkout.
.