Where to find comfortable, affordable, cute flats for sale
Dear Answer Angel
Ellen: I love flats — like nice ones and Chuck T’s (Chuck Taylor All-stars by Converse). Unfortunately, they can be really flat — if you know what I mean — and not comfortable for a whole day. (I have tried insoles in my Chuck T’s, but they seem to make the shoes too tight all around.) Any suggestions? Are there any actual and really comfortable flats out there, that don’t cost buckets?
— Casey
Dear Casey: Like you, I too am always on the hunt for comfortable, not-too-flat flats. NOT the kind that you can feel every pebble in the pavement through the skimpy soles — Kellie & Katie from DSW for instance. Not the ones that chew up your heels or the top of your toes after a few hours of walking (Rothy’s, rothys.com). Or, Chuck Taylors that offer no support (even though they’re pretty cute). I buy my Chucks ½ size bigger to accommodate my Pure Stride Full Length Orthotics (amazon.com, $24.55). My best bet these days are the Home Run ballet flats from Aerosoles (aerosoles.com, $89 reduced to $49) though almost all my flats require gel heel liners (amazon.com and drugstores, Dr. Scholl’s $6.99). Readers, help Casey (and me) find frugal, walk-allday flats that are cute and comfy! What are your faves?
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
It seems I always end up with more hair conditioner than shampoo. What else can hair conditioner be used for?
— Judy N.
Dear Judy: You are on to something because there are, truly, dozens of uses for all that hair conditioner taking up space in your bathroom. Where to begin? Shaving cream; makeup remover (even for waterproof makeup; do NOT get the conditioner in your eyes); shining stainless steel appliances; hand-washing delicate fabrics (don’t use much and dilute with water); removing temporary tattoos; adding sheen to houseplant leaves (use only a drop or two); shining shoes; overnight foot softening cream (wear socks while sleeping!); unsticking zippers ( just a drop on the metal teeth).
Also, cuticle cream; rub on edges of Band-aid to ease removal; removing a too-tight ring; bath moisturizer (use sparingly); fabric softener (a little on a moist washcloth in the dry cycle); leave-on for 10 minutes to detangle hair; rub a few drops on
hands then gently apply to tame hair frizzies or hair static; use sparingly on shower curtain rod to free up sticky curtain rings; remove adhesive left behind by stickers on glass.
Although not a guaranteed solution, try unshrinking clothes you accidentally washed in hot water by soaking in a sink of cold water with a tablespoon of conditioner, then flatten on a towel and gently stretch; unsqueak door hinges; sparingly polish tools to prevent rust; unstick minor drain clogs with a few globs of conditioner followed by hot water; rub on shoes to minimize or prevent salt and water stains in bad weather.
Now it’s your turn
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