'Bad Shoes And The Women Who Love Them'

By Eileen Casey
This May, "Sex and the City 2" will debut, and iconic high-heeled, pointy-toed shoes (that have grown to unbelievable heights in recent years) will 'carrie' women into theaters across the country. Is there anything wrong with this picture?
"Bad Shoes & The Women Who Love Them" (Seven Stories Press; Mother's Day 2010) is both a celebration of the spunk and sex appeal that can dress up a woman's feet, and a lighthearted wake-up call to women to make informed decisions when buying and wearing fashionable shoes. The book explores the desire to wear 'bad shoes,' delves into the fascinating history and psychology of them, and gives the information needed to buy pairs that are both cute and comfy. Illustrated throughout by Vanessa Davis, 'Bad Shoes' is a fun, adorable, and informative read.
Pedal in the pool
6 mai 2010
On the surface, everything appears normal. You are simply splashing about a cozy urban pool. But under the water, your legs are slaving, pedaling their way out of winter cellulite. This is no torture device. It's aqua biking.
This new sports center, specializing in aqua biking, is nested in a charming courtyard of the Cité Popincourt, under a large glass roof. What they ask of you is very easy. Put your bikini on, enter the pool, choose one of the bikes fixed to the bottom and start pedaling. All that cycling under water, for at least 45 minutes, massages your body and erases cellulite much more efficiently than any other method. The stimulating music and teacher help you focus on the exercise and forget about your escape plan.
Three words to keep in mind : lovely summer legs.
Aqua biking classes at the Maison Popincourt
4 cité Popincourt 75011 Paris, Metro St Ambroise
Tel : 00 33 1 43 38 96 84
30 € for a 45 min class, towel available on demand
25 € if you sign up for 10 classes
Feel Beautiful Outdoors In Spring
As spring rolls around, we feel the urge to go outdoors, enjoy the trees and flowers, start our workouts again, and relax in the warm weather. But after months of winter eating and hibernating, we're not always in the best shape when it's time to show our faces again. Here are some quick tips to feeling better and getting back on track for summer.
As spring rolls around, we feel the urge to go outdoors, enjoy the trees and flowers, start our workouts again, and relax in the warm weather. But after months of winter eating and hibernating, we're not always in the best shape when it's time to show our faces again. Here are some quick tips to feeling better and getting back on track for summer.
When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful.
1. Splurge on a spring wardrobe addition. I always treat myself to a new piece of clothing or an accessory that I can wear when the weather gets warmer. Be sure to keep it season-appropriate. Look forward to summer by purchasing shorts or open toe sandals.
2. Get a mani-pedi. No one knows what those toenails look like until that first day of spring rolls around and we decide to finally kick off the boots and socks. Don't forget the cracked hands and nails. When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful. Nothing puts you in a summer mood faster than a fresh coat of bright orange or pink to show off your new sandals.
3. Begin a new workout. It's only spring, so don't worry that you haven't started working on your bikini body yet. Though summer is approaching fast, you still have time to develop enthusiasm to work out. Don't start tomorrow or next week; start today! If you don't like going to the gym, find exercises you can do in your own home. Women's Health makes a great training guide that allows you to see results in two weeks. All the exercises, such as squats, sit-ups, and ab workouts, can be done in your living room. The book also contains a food guide to keep you on track - which leads me to my next point.
4. Give up bad carbs and drinks with high sugar. It's hard to go on a strict diet and not eat any of the things we love, so try just trimming a few items. Instead of sugary cereals, eat oatmeal for breakfast. Exchange the fruit juices for water or iced tea. Replace your favorite white pastas with whole wheat pasta. Little changes like these go a long way.
Opt for a spray tan or a bronzing powder.
5. Get a tan. Almost everyone would agree that people with a tan look healthier, prettier, and almost always feel better. A safer alternative to the fake-n-bake option is a spray tan or a bronzing powder. There are many products available to create the perfect summer skin tone.
6. Think of the changing season as a new beginning. Do a thorough spring cleaning of your house. Go through your old boxes, unworn clothes, piled-up mail, and just sort! The best peace of mind is having a clean and uncluttered home. Give away all unwanted clothes and unused items.
7. Last but not least, take a walk or enjoy a picnic outdoors. Nothing makes you feel better than experiencing nature. Take a break. Put aside time to feel the earth changing and nature bringing new life. Say goodbye to winter and hello to fragrant blossoms, fresh green grass, and warm spring breezes.