Shoe Lifespan: How Often Should You Replace Them?

By Guest Blogger Sarah J.

Shoe Lifespan: How Often Should You Replace Them?

 

Our shoes are some of the most useful and desired possessions we own.  A good pair of running or tennis shoes is a must for every person, especially those who exercise or participate in any activity that has us on our feet for some time. When we find shoes that offer us the right support, it may be hard to say goodbye to them, but unfortunately, every pair of good shoes has a lifespan.

 

Why Replace?

 

Wearing shoes beyond their life limit can actually hurt your feet.  The lack of support is caused by the compressing of the cushioning and the shrinking of the sole from the many thousands of steps you may have taken. Shin splints and plantar fasciitis are a few of the issues that can be caused by shoes that no longer offer what you need.

 

Signs It’s Time

 

There are some obvious signs to look for if you are concerned your shoes are too worn to be used. The soles become thinner and don’t offer as much support as they once did.  The tread may be little or bare which can cause slipping hazards, and the interior of the shoe may show signs of wear, especially if you walk using one side of your foot more than the other.

 

If you look at your shoes and see wrinkles along the bottom or the sides of the sole, then it is time to replace them.  This means the support cushions have been broken down. Also, if the top of the shoe around the ankle has any wrinkles, dents, or appear to be worn, it may be time to look for a new pair as well.

 

Timeline for Shoes

 

Shoes do have a lifespan. Runners and athletes go through shoes much more quickly than the average person.  If your shoes display any of the signs of the damage mentioned above or if you run approximately four days per week, then you should consider replacing your shoes every six months.  It is also a good idea to invest in more than one pair so you can alternate them.

 

Rotating between pairs will help extend their lifespan and your wallet’s contents as well. Consider having two or more pairs ready to go.  Old shoes can also be recycled or given away if there is any life left in them. Old shoes can be used around the house as well, especially for outdoor work such as yard work.

 

Take Care of Your Shoes

 

Caring for your shoes can extend their life a bit. It is important that your shoes dry between use. Otherwise, you may get Athletes foot or a fungus. If you decide to wash them using a washing machine, let them air dry instead of using the dryer. The heat from a dryer and the constant motion can cause extra wear and a faster breakdown of the shoes.

 

If your insoles become flat or unsupportive, try using sole inserts which have different support points that can suit your needs. Keep in mind that if the exterior is too broken down, then the inserts won’t be useful at all.

 

Our beloved shoes are selected because of their comfort, size, and appearance. There are shoes for everyone, including workout gurus, athletes, avid walkers, etc. They do have a lifespan, but with some decent care and an extra pair or two, you can extend the life of your shoes.  Watch out for signs such as wrinkling or wearing of the sole and tread.  These are red flags that it may be time for a more comfortable and supportive replacement.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

Bio: Sarah writes for https://kickschoice.com. She wants to spread awareness about foot and leg health so that people can take better care of the limbs that support their whole body.

 

Is Your Home as Secure as You Think?

Is Your Home as Secure as You Think?

Keeping your home secure is important. Your home is probably where you have your kids, it’s where you keep your savings, and it’s where most of your belongings are. Not only is it important to protect the things that are dear to you, but it’s also important to protect your own life. Burglars can easily break in through a window, and smashing a door is no problem if they don’t mind making a bit of noise. After all, can you really defend against a gang of armed thieves? Most likely not.

Securing your home these days is about more than just having a gun to protect your property. If you want to ensure that your home is secure and safe from intruders, then here are a couple of questions to ask yourself.

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Is my home attractive to thieves?

First, ask yourself if your home is attractive to thieves. If you live in a neighbourhood with a watch scheme, plenty of CCTV on the streets and motion lights, then you’re most likely not an attractive home for thieves. With smart home technology, it’s possible to monitor your home from a distance and even automatically link your security with local authorities for a quick response should the thieves trigger an alarm. If your home has these types of equipment, then there’s a good chance that your home is actively deterring thieves. However, if you don’t have security systems installed and your belongings are in plain sight because of large windows, then there’s a good chance you’re attracting burglars.

Do I have the latest security systems?

Make sure you update your home security. Check resources like homesecuritysystem.co and have a look at the latest and greatest security systems. If you have something from a decade ago, then there’s a good chance that it won’t protect you from anyone. In fact, security systems are no longer as effective as they were because thieves are more than willing to smash your windows, grab the loot and run off before the authorities can reach. Instead, you want the latest security that can not only record the thieves and their getaway but potentially record their voices as well. This will ensure that you have the highest chance of catching the thieves in the future.

Am I making it easy for thieves?

Ask yourself if you’re making it easy for the thieves. If your belongings are in plain sight, then they’re easy targets for thieves. Do you have no motion lights around your home? Then it will make it easy for the thieves to move around at night. This article from ledwatcher.com shows that not only are motion lights good at deterring thieves, but it also makes it hard for them to sneak around undetected. They won’t be able to hide their faces for long, and it will be easy to spot them. You’ll also want to cut down any shrubs or cover that thieves can use to approach your home. In short, make sure you’re not making it easy for thieves by giving them cover, objects to climb on or an easy entrance into your property.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Don’t Wait For Bad Weather To Reach You – Have A Plan Ahead Of Problems

Don’t Wait For Bad Weather To Reach You – Have A Plan Ahead Of Problems

There have been so many heartbreaking stories in the news lately of people losing their homes, their possessions, and their livelihoods because of terrible weather. It certainly makes us all pause for thought as we wonder how we would cope if it happened to us. Where would your kids sleep, and how would you make repairs to your property? Would you know who to call and where to go for help?

Most of us have an emergency plan in place should we be caught in a house fire. We practice our exit route and make sure the fire alarms are working. But what do you do after the fire is out? The same applies to flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Few of us have a plan of action should our home be uninhabitable. Here’s how to make sure you and your family are cared for if disaster strikes:

Phone

Not everybody knows their own number. It’s important that you do this because if you need to leave it behind, you need a replacement quickly. Most of our data, like the contact details of loved ones, are stored in the cloud. Even if your phone is destroyed, you can retrieve the data and get hold of the people best suited to help you. Memorize passwords to social media accounts like Facebook. This will be the first place loved ones will look for you. Most of us have instant alerts to activity on these accounts too.

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Insurance

Lots of us have got into the habit of shopping around for our insurance every year to make sure we have the best deal. The problem with this is we can forget who our current insurer is! Make sure you always have a photo of the document or an emailed copy of any insurance policy. These will also be in the cloud waiting for you to log in from your new device. You can then contact your insurer to make a claim.

When it comes to building insurance, some companies won’t pay out for ‘Acts of God’. However, they’re not all heartless! Most insurance companies will provide immediate help and sort out a hotel and other provisions should you become homeless. Double-check your coverage next time you take out a policy.

Now, as for your vehicle, car insurance policies may cover specific damages. This is worth looking into if, for example, you reside in an area that often gets hit with bouts of extreme weather, such as hailstorms. In cases such as this, it would be worth taking out insurance with a reputable company such as Hail Specialists who will be able to help you with the claims process and have your car looking practically brand new and back on the road again in no time!

Cash

If your bank cards and cash are lost, you need to know how to get hold of your bank to give you quick access to money. You might need to pay for a hotel or buy your family a couple of meals. You might even need clothes and footwear. Fortunately, Twitter can help here. Search for your bank, and chances are you’ll find a live operator ready to tweet back a phone number you can call to get help. Never give your account details or full name on Twitter.

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Shelter

When there has been a huge-scale disaster like the ones we’ve seen on the news lately, you need to find shelter. If there is time, pack the essentials like clothes, medicines, weatherproofs, food, and water. The emergency response teams will direct you to a local shelter and may assist you with getting there.

Of course, if you are already packed to go, you can get out quicker. Why not keep a packed wheelie case or backpack with photocopies of your most important documents? You can add a fresh set of clothes for each member of the family, a couple of days of your meds, and some other essentials for an emergency. Wrap them all up in a plastic bag inside in case you need to wade through floodwater.

Return

When you have the OK to go back, you need to start finding the best people to tackle the damage. Start with insurance-approved companies like ServiceMaster that can get rid of all the hazardous materials in your home. Repairs can take time, so you need to assess if any part of your home is safe enough to be habitable. If not, hire a caravan or book a long-term hotel.

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You might have secured some of your property during the course of the year. Summer and winter maintenance checks help you keep your house in good condition. When you look after your property routinely, you can help minimize the damage that might occur during a storm. Clearing gutters, vents, and drains can help prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

We all hope nothing bad ever happens. But if you have a clear and concise plan in place, you’ll be able to cope should the worst happen. Take care.

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on TwitterTikTok, or Instagram.

Confidence Is Key: Addressing Your Causes Of Low Self-Esteem

Confidence Is Key: Addressing Your Causes Of Low Self-Esteem

Sadly, I encounter too many girls that grow up with low self-esteem issues. This doesn’t mean they hate everything about themselves and wish they looked entirely different. It can mean there are a couple of things that really get them down and they pray they can change. When you think like this, you lose confidence in yourself. It can make you not want to go out as much as you don’t like the way you look.

Confidence is the key to living a happy and fulfilling life, so it’s time you got yours back! I’ve listed some of the main causes of low self-esteem, with some tips on how to address them for good.

(Photo source: http://bit.ly/2kkEjOM)

Your Eyebrows

I remember the days when almost nobody cared about their eyebrows. Nowadays, they’re a crucial part of everyone’s look. If you’re born with really light eyebrows, it can be torture for you as it looks like you have none. Likewise, some people have really bushy eyebrows or ones in bad shape – there are loads of possibilities. Fixing an eyebrow issue can vary depending on how bad it is. For poorly shaped ones, it’s just a case of plucking and adjusting the style. You can draw on eyebrows if they’re too light, or get a permanent eyebrow tattoo. If you have a little click here, you can see a whole article I wrote about one type of eyebrow treatment called a Brow Lift. Check it out if you’re conscious of your brows and want to improve the way they look.

(Image from: http://bit.ly/2xTeich)

Your Body

This is a very vague point because there are so many elements of your body that cause self-esteem issues. Some people wish they weren’t so heavy, and think they’re fat. Others want to have a bigger bum or more toned legs. There are plenty of girls that want bigger breasts or slimmer arms. Most of, if not all, of these problems, can be solved with a healthy diet and exercise. Plus, as seen on Top9Rated, you can get natural breast enhancement products too. Whatever your body problems may be, there’s always a way to fix them and make you feel more confident when you’re stood naked in front of a mirror.

(Picture link: http://bit.ly/2fQ5eQY)

Your Hair

Your hair is another part of you that causes most low self-esteem issues. We want a thick head of healthy hair, but sometimes that’s not what we have. Thankfully, dealing with this issue is very easy. There are lots of natural hair treatments you can try, such as using coconut oil to condition your hair. You could also take vitamins like biotin to help strengthen your hair and make it look better too.

No matter what issues you have with the way you look, there are always ways to address them. Stop being so negative about your appearance, focus on the things you like about yourself, and improve the things you dislike. This will make you more confident, and you’ll feel so great for once. You’ll walk down the street with this newfound confidence, and it makes you feel elated.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

To Build Or Not To Build

To Build Or Not To Build

When buying a new home, you have to go through the decision of whether to buy a new builds or an older one with tons of character. There are pros and cons of both. With new build, it’s a fresh home that you can make your own. Everything will be brand new, and it’ll most likely be a home to last you a lifetime. But you have to wait for them to be built, and they’re usually rather pricey. An older house has so much to offer, you can usually get more for your money, and they have a lot of character. But with that comes wear and tear issues, and there is almost always renovation needed. Another option, is it completely build yourself it yourself. Well, hire a contractor too. It might be slightly cheaper, and you can custom make everything yourself.

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Pros

One of the biggest pros is you’re in charge. Everything that happens has to go through your say so. You can custom design every part of the house. It will literally be your dream home. You can also do it in your own time. As long as you have the money, there’s no rush to get in there, meaning planning can be done to perfection. You can also choose your perfect location. As long as you get a planning permit, you could either be deep into the woods, or right on the ocean’s door step. There’s no limitations when it’s your own build. You can also customise things such as your garden, whether or not to have a garage, a pool etc. There are so many different companies to help with the whole build. There are ones specifically there to set the carpentry up, people to install the electricity wiring, and also companies such as Armstrong Steel Incorporated who can build you a personalised garage or outhouse. There’s just so many pros of being your own boss with this.

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Cons

It is scary and confusing. Most of you reading this wouldn’t have a clue where to begin. There’s going to be a lot of advice needed, and even then, the majority of the time will be spent questioning whether you made the right decision. Deciding what to include is awfully hard. When you’re building your own home everything has to be perfect. Once the structure is up, there’s no turning back unless you want to lose a lot of money. Money is also another big worrying factor. It’s going to be likely that along the way you’ll have obstacles to overcome. Things won’t go your way, and you’ll need money injected to solve any issues. So many of these things can occur, the job might take longer than anticipated, so the labourers will need covering. Little issues like that always pop up. To avoid any serious issues, put some extra money aside in the beginning to cover any hiccups.

So considering to build yourself is such a viable options. Just like with the other two choices, it does have its downfalls. It’s up to you whether it’s worth it!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

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