Showing posts with label ReviewThisReviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ReviewThisReviews. Show all posts

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Joomra Barefoot Shoes for Women, Review

I got my first pair of Joomra barefoot shoes for women in April of 2024. I was looking so forward to them. I had been gradually shifting from well padded soles, curved soles, and a slew of other types of shoes from my past. Things had become gradually uncomfortable over the years, that even with wearing low based running and walking shoes as my regular shoe attire, I still longed for something that was better for my feet. Even without having a local shoe store to try any of these barefoot shoes on, it was time to take the plunge. I placed my order with Amazon.

Joomra shoes



The main difference about barefoot shoes, in general, is the wide toe box. They also usually have a soft upper fabric, so toes can stretch out and up to, without being blocked.

Another main difference is their flexibility. I can actually bend my foot from right behind my toes, without any restriction from the shoe.

flexible barefoot shoe
The other main difference is the zero heal drop. The heal is not raised, so it is like you are walking on level ground when barefoot. They also don't come with arch support, which I am fine with.

My overall impressions:

I love being able to stretch my toes in various directions while wearing my barefoot shoes. Since I work from home, I usually go barefoot or wear flipflops around the house. I thought it would be a breeze switching to wearing barefoot shoes. Overall, it was pretty easy. But new muscles were being used, adjustments in my feet were being made. New aches were beginning to show up.

For awhile, I switched back and forth between my favorite running shoes (I used them for walking.), and the barefoot shoes. That just seemed more confusing to my feet, so I decided to just wear the barefoot shoes.

I started feeling quite a bit of soreness near my big toe, especially on my right foot. I would stretch it out with my foot stretched out behind me, both with the bottom of my toes facing the floor, and then with the top of my toes facing the floor. I would do this several times a day. The stretches helped somewhat.

I did not consider going back to the old style of shoes; they were the reason I had decided to give barefoot shoes a try. So I continued with doing the stretches, and also did some massaging of my feet. My feet started improving. I ordered another pair of barefoot shoes to have another color choice.

One day, as I was scrolling through YouTube videos, I came across ones about fixing your bunion. Hmmm. I didn't really know what a bunion was. But the feet shape looked somewhat familiar. I recognized how the base knuckle of my big toes protruded more outward. Ah, so that's what they are.

Apparently bunions are caused from wearing shoes that cramp your toes. Yep, even as a kid, my toes were cramped. Narrow shoes weren't very common then, and I ended up getting shoes that were too short for my foot length so that they wouldn't be too wide. Then as I grew up, there was the wanting to wear heals. Yep, did that too. Anyway, those past behaviors had contributed to what I was now dealing with.

So low and behold, I have found out about some exercises that I found to be helpful.

The one that I have found most helpful, is wearing a somewhat wide stretchy hair tie, around both big toes at the same time. Both big toes are inside the hair tie. (My feet are elevated on the chair support while I watch some TV.)


toe exercise

When I first started doing this exercise, it was rather uncomfortable, so I place a thick sock folded in half and placed it in the space between big toes. I would wear that for 15 minutes and after a few days, for 20 minutes at a time. Then I was okay with going without the folded sock. My bunions are feeling better. I don't have to do those original toe stretches so much any more. My feet are improving! Smiles.

Other exercises that I have been doing, is squeezing all my toes under, followed by stretching them up and then spreading them out. Since I have added the above exercise, I am able to spread my toes further now. I have also heard that this particular exercise for toes, is helpful in improving circulation in the feet.

The other main thing to mention about barefoot shoes, is that they aren't as padded. I have found that if I am wearing barefoot shoes and walking across a grassy area in my yard, that they are rather comfortable on the bottom of my feet, even without extra padding. But when I am walking on hard surfaces, I usually walk on hard floors and blacktop pavement, I want some extra padding. So I am using Doctor Scholl's air pillow inner soles, no arch support, no bends, just the flat plain inner soles. And I do mean plural, I have two pair of the plain flat inner soles in my barefoot shoes, and that works pretty good.

Was it worth it?

Yes.

My feet are getting stronger. They are healing from my past habits. I'm glad I took a new step.

The local stores where I live still do not sell any barefoot shoes that I know of, but I know I can get them on Amazon.

Joomra shoes


Joomra Barefoot Shoes on Amazon


These particular shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns. I chose the Joomra brand because I like the shoe style, I resonated with a lot of the reviews, and they are reasonably priced.

I have since tried on a couple of wide rounded toe shoes in a couple of stores, and they did not provide the room and comfort that I found in the Joomra shoes.

Update:

It's been approximately two months since I wrote this blog, and I recently noticed that I'm not even noticing any pains that I had in my feet before. I maybe do some toe stretches from time to time when I think of it, but other than that, I have just been doing the same thing. I'm wearing Joomra barefoot shoes when I go out, other than my flat boots if there is snow on the ground, and flat slippers when I'm home; and my feet have continued to improve.

Cheryl Paton


If you want to find another use for the wide stretchy hair ties, check out my blog on Alternative Toys for Cats, Review.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, March 25, 2023

Book Review of 'Ashley Bell' by Dean Koontz

 

Ashley Bell novel book cover

Plot Synopsis


Ashley Bell book cover
Bibi Blair, a funny, clever and fierce young woman – a writer by trade – is a girl who said 'no' to death.  When her doctor told her she had one year to live, Bibi replied “We'll see!”

And, suddenly, she is completely free of the rare, and fatal, brain cancer she has been diagnosed with. Bibi astounds medical science.

After returning home from the hospital, Bibi meets a mysterious woman who convinces her that she escaped death so she can save someone else; someone named Ashley Bell

Who is Ashley Bell, where is she, and why does Bibi Blair have to find ~ and save ~ her?

Bibi now finds herself on the run from threats that are both mystical and ordinary. It all appears to stem from a rich and very strange cult leader who has terrifying ambitions. One of his aims is to kill Ashley Bell. 


Summary


Bibi Blair is a delightful character whose story is told in sections. There is the present time when she is 22, on the verge of becoming a successful writer, and engaged to Pax, a Navy Seal, plus her friendship with her childhood surfing friend, Pogo. And there is the past when she is first 6-years-old, and we learn all about her special friendship with The Captain, who rents the garage apartment at her parent's home. And later at age 10 when 'Olaf' the Golden Retriever suddenly appears one afternoon and becomes Bibi's faithful companion. 

Bibi also has been writing stories since she was a child and this fact becomes very important as the plot unfolds. The story flips back and forth between 'young' Bibi and present-day Bibi. 

This is a fast-paced story with a fascinating heroine who has a good heart and a troubling gift we learn about in a twisting plot filled with many surprises. A suspenseful thriller with a mystery to solve.

Ashley Bell was published in 2015 (and somehow missed by me until now). It is listed by Amazon as Book 1 of 1 in the Ashley Bell series. I just discovered that Koontz also wrote a Trilogy entitled Darkest Desires: The Makani Trilogy, which leads into the Ashley Bell series. Darkest Desires is available in Audible Book form. 


For more Book Reviews on ReviewThisReviews
Check out ReviewThisBooks.com 


Links to other Reviews of books by Dean Koontz:



*Book Review of Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz written by Wednesday Elf.

 

Ashley Bell book cover
Available on Amazon
in four different formats





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Reading, The Gift that is Helping Many Through "Covid" Times

Through these last few months many friends have taken up reading to get them through lock-downs and the inability to be with others!

Reading books can take you away from where you are, just let the words sink into your mind.  You could be travelling to India, Switzerland, Russia, the Historical Midwest or a thousand other places.

It is all possible within the covers of a good book!  But where, oh where do you find all those GOOD BOOKS?  Let me help you with that!



stack of books


Review This Reviews.com has always had a wonderful group of writers that are willing and able to  share their reading preferences with you.  Everyone loves a good novel, autobiography, the latest How To, and so much more.

Sometimes we are drawn to a book because it has spent some time on the Best Sellers Lists of several Newspapers, The New York Times for example.  Other times we are drawn to a book because other literary giants are endorsing this new Title or Author.  Or if we are Amazon people,  they also rate their books too!

the greatest gift quote

There are several ways to find out what's trending in reading materials and also several places to find totally new authors and titles.  

If you are a member of GOODREADS, you can sign up for their newsletters and see what others are reading.  If you don't know about GOODREADS, then you can sign up here! You can also recommend books to friends who are also members of this reading community.  I love Goodreads, because it helps me keep on  track to reading a certain number of books a year.  It's also a great place to leave a review and even follow an author. 

Why would you want to follow an author?  Well I can think of a few reasons.  If you really like a book they have written and you are following them, you might be one of the first to know when a new title is coming out.  You can sometimes join an authors night and hear what this person has to say about their own books, giving you insights that may not have come across at first reading.  But most importantly you are part of the group of people who encourage an author to continue honing their skills in telling a story. 
 
if it involves books and pajamas banner



There are two more places that I love to find my next book to read.  These are two places where you can get Advanced Readers Copies (ARC).  These books have not yet been published, but are made available to avid readers.  Their only conditions are that you leave a review for the author!   Netgalley is one and Voracious Readers is the other!

Each of these sites are geared to new authors and new titles!  You can sign up with them and they will want an indication of your preferences.  Simple to do!  Then just watch your email "inbox".  It is that simple and that easy to do.

You will need an electronic book, Kindle or iPad to download the books.  These are electronic books you will be receiving.  Once you download them, you are free to start reading and enjoying a new author!

Facebook also has a page I love to find new books on.  My Book Tribe  has about 12,000 plus members.  Quite often new authors and established ones will have book give aways that you might be interested in.   If not, it's still a great place to find new titles and new authors.

Of course right here on Review This Reviews you can find lots of great books that have "our" stamp of approval. Just clicking on the Tab at the top for Books and a whole list will drop down for you!  Read a review and then get your book, it's that simple.

Just remember, that reading can take you to places, when you have no where to go!

hold the book banner


 
 






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, August 17, 2019

Stellar Resume Writing by Gregory Austin – Book Review

Collage of resume writing words
Source: Pixabay Image enhanced by Fotojet
Secrets from a Corporate Recruiter on How to Land Interviews

Have you been sending out your resume in search of a job and never hear anything back? Have you wondered why, even though you feel you are qualified for the position, you seldom get a call for an interview or even that initial phone interview? Perhaps it is not your skill set or your experience, but your resume giving off the wrong impression. 

You may have all the  'right stuff' a recruiter is looking for in a particular job, but your resume does not impress them. Why is that? If it is not your qualifications that are lacking, then what about your resume doesn't say what hiring managers are really looking for and what they really want to see?

If you are a beginner at writing a resume, getting back into the job market after a long career, or a seasoned resume writer looking for some higher-level tips, you can find value in this book. 


Stellar Resume Writing


Stellar Resume Writing by Gregory Austin – Book Cover
Available on Amazon

In Stellar Resume Writing, Secrets from a Corporate Recruiter: How to Land Interviews, Gregory Austin covers some very good 'best practices' and some things you absolutely must do. He explains what a personal brand is and how your resume can represent this and who you are. Even if you are applying for an entry-level position, making a good impression immediately with an outstanding resume can mark the beginning of what could become a wonderful career. 


Shotgun vs. Targeted Job Search



Sign saying "How to Find a Job"
Source: Pixabay

Gregory explains the two ways to go about a job search. Each has its pros and cons and the author explains the differences. 

  1. The Shotgun Method is quicker and may be fine for just “any” job. 
  2. The Targeted Job Search Method is the best approach if you are seeking a job in a more specialized field that will utilize your skills and experience and give you job satisfaction in the long run. 

Each of these methods requires a particular type of resume, and this book will go into the details you need to write a resume that gets the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager.

Recruiters and hiring managers read hundreds of resumes looking for quality candidates for their companies. They 'key in' on particular points. For instance, some resumes may be from a well qualified candidate, but lack any contact information. This may seem unbelievable, but it happens more often than you would think. There is a circular file near the desk of these recruiters for such resumes, as you can imagine.  A recruiter spends hours upon hours reading resumes. Therefore, when writing your resume you need to be aware of a few “Must Do” points to include.


Author Gregory Austin


Author Gregory Austin
Gregory Austin
Gregory has been a recruiter for over 10 years, starting as an agency recruiter finding candidates who would be an excellent fit for a variety of organizations. 

Today he is a corporate recruiter finding quality candidates for the company he works for. After reading thousands of resumes over the years, he has nailed it down to the essential elements you need in your resume to really get noticed. 

During his career he has always found the most pleasure in helping candidates. Even if he cannot hire them at a particular time, he recognizes their potential and is passionate about helping them gain more confidence in their own job search and in giving them more tools to be successful. Thus, he wrote this book for that purpose, and is in the process of writing other helpful books aimed toward how to handle yourself in an interview and on counseling the job seeker.  


Summary


If you are looking for some excellent tips on how to create a resume from scratch or a needed tune-up to sharpen your resume, Stellar Resume Writing is for you. It is a short book that reads more like a workbook or a how-to document to give you some tangible and tactical knowledge to include in your resume and help you get noticed by a desirable employer. This edition also contains two valuable bonuses ~ a complimentary resume template and a social platform networking boost!


Discover How To Write Your Resume 
So Recruiters And Hiring Managers Will Call You!

Steller Resume Writing book cover
Available in Paperback and on Kindle



For More Book Reviews, see ReviewThisBookon ReviewThisReviews.com



(c) Wednesday Elf. 8/17/2019





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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