Merrell Huron (Men’s) in Green Tea

Merrell Siren Tansy (Women’s) in Sweet Pea

We just returned from our trip to the Dominican Republic and I have so many things to talk about!  First, I’ll start with what kept mom and dad’s feet happy on our 6 day international adventure.

We were each sent a pair of Merrell shoes from the Summer 2010 collection (pictured above) to give a test run (or stride, in our case).

We did a lot of walking through the airport and then around the Iberostar Bavaro resort property in Punta Cana and can testify to the durability of the above pictured sandals.  We didn’t have much of a doubt that Merrell shoes would provide support and comfort but finding out first-hand was the icing on the cake.

The sandals kept us safe on the wet, stamped cement walkways of the resort.  I was able to remove the heel strap from my Siren Tansy’s and wear them in more of a “flip-flop” fashion.

What is attractive about these sandals?  Several things, actually.  Mine have an antimicrobial solution added to the footbed (non-slip, anti-odor), Q-Form® (women’s stride alignment technology), Vibram® Siren sole (stability and traction) and they’re girly, to boot.

The men’s Huron have cement construction for durability, a microfiber footbed, Merrell® air cushion in the heel and, they look pretty darn good on him.  They were perfect for our al a carte dinners at the resort where the men had to wear pants and a more “dressy” sandal.

Both of these sandals are lightweight and c-o-m-f-o-r-t-a-b-l-e.  It’s a no-brainer that we’ll be wearing these around the Walt Disney World parks this coming week and at the cabin on the lake later in the summer.

You can purchase Merrell shoes online or find a Merrell retailer near you.

PS: If you purchase from Merrell online, shipping is FREE all summer.

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I have read many reviews about the resort we’re visiting in just a few short weeks and found out that the walkway around the resort is extremely slippery.

Now, I have a very excitable little 4-1/2 year old who bounces her way around just like Tigger in an episode of Super Sleuths.  So, I went on a mission to find a pair of shoes that would help her stay on her feet but that were also “beach-worthy”.

Honestly, I didn’t have to look any further than Vincent Shoes because I know how comfortable and durable their shoes are.  I looked at Tor, a style of sandal that is perfect for the beach and slippery surfaces.  This is a lightweight sandal that offers my kid some protection from wiping out.  I’m sold.

This sandal has a clear, rubber, slip-resistant sole with a padded heel strap and Velcro closure.

Tor is perfect for the beach/pool/lake-side with its “water-friendly” uppers/foot-beds and they’re easy enough for a four year old to put on and take off.

(We received a pair of Tor sandals to check out and talk about here.)

We can attest to their ability to grip surfaces.  However, the true test will be on the walkway at the resort.  I really don’t think we will be let down.  Another noteworthy pair of beach-ready sandals are Moa.

Moa also has the clear, rubber, slip-resistant sole.  However, I opted for Tor, as they provide a little more protection around my preschooler’s feet.

Since it is that time of year…egh-eghhhm…time to hit the beach…we’ve teamed up with Vincent to offer ParentSphere readers a nice giveaway.  Leave your entry comment on this post for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Vincent’s online store.

I will choose a winner from the comment section of this post (using Random.org’s number generator) on Friday, May 21st.  You have until midnight PST  (you must be located in the continental US) to enter.

Here are all of the ways you can enter (pay close attention so you can maximize your chances at winning).

You can do any or all of these things.  That means, you have four chances to enter.

Entry chance option 1:

Head over to Vincent and check out the fashionable Spring/Summer styles and then come back here and leave a comment on this post letting us know which style you like best.

Entry chance option 2:

Tweet about this giveaway.  Then, come back here and leave a comment with the link to your Tweet and your Twitter “handle”.  I’ll make this part easy, you can copy and paste the following text for your Tweet (it fits, I checked):

I’m getting my kids ready for summer by entering to win a pair of @VincentShoes over @ParentSphere  http://bit.ly/d67L2p

(Make sure you mention @VincentShoes and @ParentSphere in your Tweet!)

Entry chance option 3:

Follow Vincent Shoes on Twitter.  Come back and leave a comment letting us know you and Vincent are Twitter buddies.

Entry chance option 4:

Become a fan of Vincent Shoes on Facebook.  Come back and leave a comment letting us know you’re a fan.

*If you plan on taking advantage of all four chances to win, make sure each of your entry comments on this post are separate.  Don’t post all of your chances in one comment.

You can do everything at once or maybe, s p r e a d out your chances a bit and stop back four different days for each of the above entry chances.  Just an idea!

Good luck!

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Our preschooler is rocking an adorable pair of shoes (style: Annie – Pink Potpourri) from the new Flex line from pediped.  We’ve been a fan of pediped for the past 3 1/2 years and are thrilled that they now offer shoes for the older kids, too.  We’re totally set for Spring with these colorful, rubber-soled Mary Janes.

Styles from the Flex line come with an extra 2MM insole, so you can make a custom fit for your kiddo.  You can read about the features and benefits of pediped Flex here.

There are so many different styles (45, as a matter of fact) in the new Flex line, you’ll have to click over to the pediped site and see for yourself.

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We also have a pair of Betty’s, which unfortunately, the little lady has just grown out of.  These shoes got a lot of wear and were easily one of our favorites based on comfort and style.

Vincent is offering 50% off on ALL regular priced items through tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th.  So, I can easily purchase Betty in a bigger size and we’re all set for the Spring.  Although, there are so many ridiculously cool styles to choose from, I may go with something different, since I already know the comfort and quality craftsmanship is there.  Here is what you need to know to get your 50% off:

*Enter coupon code HOLIDEAL at checkout

As much as I want you to stay and mill around on my site, I MUST tell you to get over to Vincent Shoes online and take your pick from their many styles of babies and kids shoes.  While you’re there, check out their Closeout Cubby for up to 75% of select styles.  The pickin’s are getting slim, so don’t wait around for too long!  (Click the button below to be taken to the Cubby)

*The special 50% off deal above cannot be used with items listed in the Closetout Cubby sale.

Also, ground shipping is FREE on orders of $75 (net after promotional discount) and up.

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Our winners have been notified via email

I remember the first time I saw a kid roll by me.  I was at a store, most likely Target.  I thought, “How strange. That kid just rolled by on his heels.”  Not long after, I saw more kids rolling by me – at the mall, at the park, at restaurants.  These Heelys, well, these shoes are all the rage.

It’s interesting to me to watch the evolution of wheel-related sports and activities.  From roller skates to skateboards, to inline skates to shoes with wheels embedded in the heels.  I think it’s great for kids to have this kind of opportunity to practice balancing and possibly find a “hidden talent”.

We’re giving away TWO pairs of Heelys to TWO winners.  Winners can choose from the above pictured styles (Camo Bones, Pixie, Ivy or Ninja).  Each style is available in multiple colors and sizes.

TO ENTER: Include your favorite Heelys team member in your entry form.  (Hint: Click HERE.  Suggestion: invite your child look through the short list of Heelys teams and pick his/her favorite team member.  Then, they can look through the Tricktionary gallery to view the team member’s favorite “trick”)

Fill out the giveaway entry form below and click “SUBMIT”.  If you have successfully entered, you should get an auto email response (Check your spam folder).

*NOTE: Please have your shoe style , color and size choice ready to list in your entry form (required).

The brand new styles to choose from are: Camo Bones, Pixie, Ivy, and Ninja.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Friday, December 12, 2008 at midnight PST.  Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

–
*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

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MBT, the anti-shoe, is hosting its first-ever Chicago Scavenger Hunt.  The MBT Scavenger Hunt is a great opportunity to discover new, fun facts about Chicago, while playing a game and getting a bit of exercise too!

All participants will receive MBT prizes and the winning team will receive MBT shoes!

Socialize. Compete. Win. And have a blast! Can’t beat that!

When:
September 27, 2008

Hunt:
The Secrets of the Loop

Time:
Time: 2pm (2:30pm – 4pm hunt)

Meet:
Daley Plaza benches, near corner of Clark/Washington

Email MBT@skadaddlemedia.com to register (limited to 50 people so get in NOW !).  Email us your name, email address and phone number and we’ll get you signed up!  Make sure to specify in the subject line “Chicago Scavenger Hunt”.  Tell them, “ParentSphere.net” sent ya!  

To learn more about MBT, check out MBT30Reasons.com

*Here is a sneak peak at into the scavenger hunt from Watson Adventures’ website:

Rediscover the historic heart of Chicago on a hunt that reveals the secrets of such places and sights as the Sears Tower, the Picasso in Daley Plaza, Millennium Park, the spectacular rooms in the Chicago Cultural Center, Marshall Field’s (or Macy’s, if you insist), the Rookery, the surprising lobby of the Marquette Building, and the giant orange Flamingo in Federal Plaza. You’ll discover the answers to such questions as…

• At the Chicago Theatre, what sounds like a bird, a car, and a doorbell? Answer: The organ, as explained in the entrance.

• On Michigan Avenue, visit two giants who face off. When he’s constructed properly, what’s the profession of Juan Sam Peel? “Reconstruct” the letters of that name and you get Jaume Plensa, the artist of a plaza with a fountain here, as indicated on a sign.

• Near the Chicago Board of Trade, what Sunday had two noons? November 18, 1883, according to a sign that marks the spot where time zones were established—and on the day they went into effect, Chicago had two noons as the official time was reset.

**Please note that we haven’t included here the directions and other clues that lead you to the answers.

*ParentSphere is not affiliated with MBT or the MBT 30 Reasons to Walk campaign.  We’re just here to spread  the good word!

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I first heard of Teva flip flops when I was on my honeymoon in Hawaii. The locals called them “slippers” and said they were like pillows for your feet. They were absolutely right. Nothing beats the soft comfort of some nice Teva flip flops after a long run on the treadmill or a day of chasing the kids around the house. Get a pair of these and your feet will thank you.

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It has long been known that despite looking silly, Crocs are some of the most comfortable shoes around. Even better, though, they are now available in kid sizes. My two year old daughter is on her second pair of Crocs and I know that there will be many more.

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